A medical professional from Kolkata has become the latest victim of a sophisticated online investment scam, losing a staggering sum of Rs 33.7 lakh after being lured through Instagram. The elaborate fraud, which unfolded over several days in October, has prompted a police investigation and a renewed warning from authorities to the public.
The Anatomy of the Instagram Scam
According to the official complaint, the doctor, a resident of a condominium in Anandapur, was first contacted on Instagram by an individual posing as a credible investment advisor. The fraudster built a rapport and presented a compelling opportunity for high returns. He successfully convinced the doctor to invest funds through a website named www.wynnpalacetainp.com.
Swayed by promises of lucrative profits, the victim proceeded to transfer money in multiple instalments. The transactions occurred between October 20 and October 29. The total amount siphoned off was Rs 33,70,460. The funds were routed to various bank accounts held under entities including a tech firm, an individual named Aditya Sunil Jadhav, Rekha Enterprises, and Devanshi Traders.
The Realisation and Police Action
The doctor realised he had been defrauded only when the promised substantial returns failed to materialise. After this discovery, he approached the Kolkata Police to file a formal complaint. The police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which encompass charges for cheating and criminal conspiracy.
An investigation is now underway. Law enforcement officials are actively working to trace the accused and any accomplices involved in this network. A key focus of the probe is tracking the digital money trail to identify the recipients of the illicit funds.
Kolkata Police's Safety Advisory
In light of this and similar incidents, the Kolkata Police has issued a comprehensive 15-point guideline for citizens to guard against financial fraud. The advisory emphasises critical precautionary steps, primarily stressing the verification of the identity and credentials of anyone offering financial or investment services.
The police urge the public to always check and confirm the official IDs, licence numbers, and registration status of financial agents before engaging in any transactions. This case serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with unsolicited investment offers on social media platforms.
Authorities continue to caution citizens to be extremely vigilant, conduct independent research, and avoid transferring large sums based on promises of unusually high returns from unverified sources.
