In a troubling case of online fraud, a Pune-based Army doctor has been scammed out of Rs 1.2 crore by cyber criminals.
The doctor was added to a WhatsApp group through a link sent to him.
The group’s admins promised substantial returns on stock market investments, leading him to download a trading app they recommended.
In a troubling case of online fraud, a Pune-based Army doctor has been scammed out of Rs 1.2 crore by cyber criminals. This scam, which began with a WhatsApp group invitation, highlights the increasing sophistication of online financial fraud and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance.
The incident unfolded between mid-July and the end of August when the doctor, who is in his 30s and serves at a defence establishment in Pune, was added to a WhatsApp group through a link sent to him. The group’s administrators promised substantial returns on stock market investments, leading him to download a trading application they recommended, reports Indian Express.
Once the doctor logged into the app, he was encouraged to transfer money into various bank accounts, which were purportedly showing as his investments. Over the course of 40 days, he made around 35 transactions, totaling Rs 1.22 crore. The app falsely showed these transfers as investments and displayed impressive gains of Rs 10.26 crore. This led the doctor to believe he was making substantial profits.
Also read: Mumbai woman loses Rs 1.55 cr after trusting an Instagram ad: Here’s what happened
However, when he attempted to withdraw his supposed earnings, he was informed that he needed to pay five percent of the profits, amounting to over Rs 45 lakh, to release his funds. Sceptical, the doctor asked the group admins for the company’s registered address. The address they provided, located in New Delhi, turned out to be non-existent, which led him to realise that he had been deceived.
He reported the incident to the Cyber crime Helpline, and a First Information Report (FIR) was filed at the Cyber Police Station in Pune.
Also read: Ghaziabad couple loses Rs 3 crore in Facebook-linked investment scam: Tips to stay safe
To protect yourself from such scams, consider the following tips:
- Verify sources: Always confirm the legitimacy of any investment opportunity through trusted and verified sources before committing any money.
- Beware of unknown links: Avoid clicking on links from unknown or unsolicited messages, particularly those promoting high returns on investments.
- Avoid sharing personal information: Be cautious about sharing personal and financial information online, especially in group chats or with unknown individuals.
- Educate yourself about common scams: Stay informed about common types of scams and fraud tactics. Awareness can help you recognise suspicious behaviour and avoid falling for fraudulent schemes.
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Ayushi Jain
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