In a shocking incident of cyber fraud, a 71-year-old man from Harihar town in Davanagere district was duped of Rs 75.4 lakh after being lured with false promises of high returns on investments. The fraudsters contacted the elderly victim on WhatsApp, posing as investment advisors from a reputed firm.
How the Fraud Unfolded
According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed by the victim, two individuals identified as Mala Todarwala and Suresh Shukla reached out to him on WhatsApp. They claimed to be investment advisors representing SBI Securities Limited and convinced him to invest in a scheme that would double his money. Gradually gaining his trust, they persuaded him to invest larger sums over time.
Believing their false assurances, the victim transferred a total of Rs 75.4 lakh in multiple instalments over a period. The fraud came to light when neither the invested amount nor the promised returns were received by the victim. As suspicion grew, he attempted to contact Mala Todarwala and Suresh Shukla on WhatsApp, but the calls failed to connect, and the fraudsters became unreachable.
Police Investigation Underway
Realising he had been cheated, the victim approached the cybercrime police and filed a complaint. The Davanagere CEN police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act. An investigation has been launched to trace the fraudsters and recover the lost money.
This incident highlights the growing menace of cybercriminals exploiting trust through messaging platforms like WhatsApp. Despite repeated awareness campaigns by the Davanagere district police warning the public about online investment scams, such frauds continue to occur.
Precautions for the Public
Authorities urge citizens to remain vigilant and avoid falling prey to unsolicited investment offers on social media or messaging apps. They advise verifying the credentials of any financial advisor before transferring money and never sharing personal or banking details with unknown individuals. In case of any suspicious activity, people should immediately report it to the cybercrime helpline or the nearest police station.
