A 43-year-old software engineer in Bengaluru fell victim to a sophisticated investment fraud after connecting with a woman on a dating app, losing nearly Rs 89 lakh. The scam, which unfolded over several months, involved fake trading platforms and emotional manipulation.
The Deceptive Beginning
The victim, identified as Surya (name changed), a resident of BTM Layout, matched with a woman named Sakshi Shetty on the Bumble dating app on February 14. After exchanging messages on the app, they moved their conversation to WhatsApp and email, using the address sakshishetty1702@gmail.com. Sakshi's profile later disappeared from Bumble.
Between February 15 and May 9, the two communicated regularly through chats, voice and video calls, audio recordings, and photos. Sakshi allegedly built trust by discussing marriage, future plans, and a shared life. Despite never meeting in person, Surya believed her after weeks of emotional bonding.
The Investment Lure
Sakshi introduced Surya to an online investment platform called 'Pu Prime CS' and a Telegram channel named 'BSYTNYDGS 2'. She claimed that substantial profits could be earned through forex, oil, cryptocurrency, metal, and contract for difference (CFD) trading. She convinced him that these investments would help secure their future together.
Bank account details for deposits and withdrawals were shared via Telegram ID '@PuP_Pu_Prime_CS'. Initially, small returns were credited to Surya's account to build confidence. On March 10, he received Rs 8,500 from a merchant account named 'Vishal R'. On March 21, Rs 59,500 was transferred from 'Hiral Pa', and on March 31, Rs 5.4 lakh came from 'Navjeevan Traders'.
Escalating Losses
Encouraged by the apparent profits, Surya invested larger sums over time. However, when he attempted to withdraw funds, the fraudsters demanded more money for reasons such as income tax and processing fees. In total, Surya transferred Rs 88,76,975 before realizing he had been cheated.
A case has been registered under the Information Technology Act and BNS Sections 318 (cheating) and 319 (cheating by impersonation) at the southeast cybercrime police station. An officer stated that efforts are underway to freeze the fraudsters' bank accounts. This case highlights an organized fraud using dating platforms and fake emotional relationships to lure victims.
Similar Case: Another Victim Loses Rs 1.6 Crore
In a related incident, a 32-year-old private firm employee from Electronics City, Bengaluru, lost over Rs 1.6 crore in a similar scam. The victim, Gourav (name changed), connected with a woman named 'Riya Agarwal' on the TanTan dating app on February 15. She gained his trust within three days through frequent emails, social media interactions, and video calls, promising to become his life partner.
She persuaded him to invest in an online trading platform called 'Global Prime', claiming it would generate huge profits through forex and digital trading. Gourav was directed to websites 'globalprimeus.com' and 'm.globalprimejp.cc' and introduced to 'trading advisers'. He transferred over Rs 1.6 crore in 27 transactions between February 20 and May 7 via RTGS, IMPS, NEFT, and digital payment apps to various bank accounts across India.
When Gourav tried to withdraw his profits and invested amount, the fraudsters stopped responding on Telegram and WhatsApp.
