Army Officer Falls Victim to Rs 4.8 Lakh WhatsApp Investment Scam in Lucknow
An Army officer stationed in Lucknow has reportedly lost a substantial sum of money in a sophisticated online investment fraud. The officer was allegedly duped of Rs 4.8 lakh after being added to a WhatsApp group that promised lucrative returns from the stock market.
Police Register FIR Under IT Act
Following the incident, the cantonment police station in Lucknow has lodged a First Information Report. Authorities filed the case under Section 66D of the Information Technology Act. This legal action marks the beginning of an official investigation into the fraudulent scheme.
How the Scam Operated
According to the FIR, the complainant is Major Pooja Yadav, a resident of the cantonment area in Lucknow. She stated that unknown individuals added her to a WhatsApp group named '532 DBS stock profit growth wealth group.'
Group members received regular trading tips from individuals who presented themselves as market experts. These administrators encouraged participants to invest more money by showing them initial profits.
The Gradual Build-Up of Trust
Major Yadav explained that she started with a smaller investment. For approximately 28 days, the group administrators showed her returns on her investment. This consistent display of profits built her confidence in the scheme.
Encouraged by these early results, she began investing larger amounts over time. She transferred money repeatedly based on assurances of higher profits from the group administrators.
The Sudden Demand and Cut-Off
The situation changed dramatically when Major Yadav attempted to withdraw her money. The group administrators allegedly demanded an additional payment of around Rs 2.8 lakh. They cited this amount as a necessary processing fee for the withdrawal.
When she refused to pay this extra fee, the administrators reportedly removed her from the WhatsApp group. All communication from the alleged fraudsters stopped abruptly at that point.
Police Investigation Underway
After being cut off from the group, Major Yadav approached the police with a written complaint. Cantt Station House Officer Gurmeet Kaur confirmed that investigators are working to trace the mobile numbers used in the scam.
Police are also attempting to identify the bank accounts and digital footprints linked to the fraudulent WhatsApp group. Their efforts focus on uncovering the identities of those behind this elaborate investment scheme.
This case highlights the growing problem of online investment scams targeting individuals through social media platforms. Authorities remind citizens to exercise extreme caution when approached with unsolicited investment opportunities, especially those promising unusually high returns with minimal risk.
