Ahmedabad Mobile Repair Shop Owner Allegedly Defrauded of Rs 5.56 Lakh in Cryptocurrency Investment Scheme
A 34-year-old mobile phone repair shop owner from the Bopal area of Ahmedabad has come forward with allegations of being cheated out of a substantial sum of Rs 5.56 lakh. The victim was reportedly lured into a fraudulent cryptocurrency investment scheme that promised unrealistically high returns. A formal complaint detailing the incident was officially registered at the Bopal police station earlier this week, marking another case in the rising tide of digital financial fraud.
WhatsApp Message Initiates the Fraudulent Scheme
The complainant, identified as Shaktisinh Thakor, provided a detailed account to the police. According to his statement, the entire ordeal began on August 9, 2025, when he received an unsolicited WhatsApp message. The message originated from an international phone number, and the sender introduced herself as Maya Sharma. This individual, whose identity remains under investigation, skillfully persuaded Thakor to invest in cryptocurrency, making grand promises of exceptionally high and quick financial returns.
Step-by-Step Deception and Financial Drain
Trusting the enticing offer, Thakor followed the instructions provided. He was directed to register on a website named "MexcCrypto" through a specific link sent to him. The first financial demand was a registration fee of Rs 9,500, which Thakor transferred on September 28, 2025. This initial payment opened the door to further demands.
Over the subsequent two months, from September 30 to November 22, 2025, the fraudsters allegedly prompted Thakor to deposit additional funds under the guise of required trading capital. In a series of transactions, he transferred a total amount of Rs 5.56 lakh to the specified accounts. Throughout this period, the online platform displayed notional profits in US dollars, creating a false sense of a successful investment.
The Realization of Fraud and Police Action
The scam unraveled when Thakor attempted to withdraw his supposed earnings. He found himself unable to access any funds. The final red flag appeared when he was asked to pay an additional Rs 5.29 lakh, described as a "tax" payment necessary to release a larger sum of Rs 12 lakh. At this point, he realized he had fallen victim to an elaborate fraud.
Thakor immediately alerted the national cybercrime helpline, 1930, and subsequently filed a formal complaint with the Bopal police. The local authorities have confirmed that an investigation is currently underway. They are examining the digital trail, including the WhatsApp communications and the transactions linked to the "MexcCrypto" website, to identify the perpetrators.
This case highlights the sophisticated methods used by cybercriminals to exploit individuals seeking investment opportunities in volatile markets like cryptocurrency. Police advise the public to exercise extreme caution with unsolicited investment offers, especially those received via messaging platforms, and to verify the legitimacy of any financial platform before transferring funds.
