Bhopal Cyber Fraud Cases: Software Engineer and Youth Duped of Lakhs in Separate Online Scams
Bhopal police have registered two separate cases of cyber fraud in the city's Kolar and Ashoka Garden areas, where two men were duped of significant amounts through sophisticated online scams involving fake investment schemes and fraudulent banking assistance.
Software Engineer Loses Rs 3.22 Lakh in Investment Fraud
In the first incident, Kolar police on Monday registered a cheating case against unidentified fraudsters following a complaint filed by Sunil Parkhe, a 59-year-old software engineer residing in Beemakunj on Kolar Road. Parkhe, who works for a private company, fell victim to what appeared to be a legitimate share market investment opportunity.
The fraud began when Parkhe was lured by promises of easy profits through an online investment platform. Initially investing Rs 1.5 lakh, he soon saw his account balance reflect Rs 1.9 lakh, creating an illusion of quick returns. However, when he attempted to withdraw his funds, the scammers presented him with demands for GST and professional tax payments.
"The fraudsters systematically collected a total of Rs 3.22 lakh from him under various fabricated charges," police officials stated. After Parkhe made these additional payments, he was abruptly removed from the investment group, realizing he had been targeted in an elaborate cyber fraud scheme.
Youth Loses Rs 97,000 Through Fake Banking Assistance Scam
In a separate but equally concerning incident, Ashoka Garden police registered another cyber fraud case after 21-year-old Ashwini Narware reported unauthorized transactions totaling Rs 97,000 from his bank account.
The trouble began in December 2025 when Narware noticed an unexpected debit of Rs 590 from his account. Concerned about this unauthorized transaction, he searched for his bank's helpline number online, unknowingly falling into a trap set by cyber criminals posing as legitimate banking representatives.
During the ensuing communication, the fraudster asked Narware to join a video call and share screenshots of his mobile screen. The scammer then requested details of another online payment wallet account from the victim under the guise of resolving the banking issue.
Shortly after this interaction, Narware's phone became completely unresponsive. When the device eventually started functioning again, he discovered that a total of Rs 97,000 had been withdrawn from his account without his authorization or knowledge.
Police Investigations Underway
Both police stations have launched comprehensive investigations into these cyber fraud cases. Authorities are examining digital footprints, transaction records, and communication patterns to identify the perpetrators behind these sophisticated online scams.
"These cases highlight the increasing sophistication of cyber criminals who exploit both investment aspirations and banking concerns to defraud innocent citizens," a senior police official commented. "We urge citizens to exercise extreme caution when dealing with unsolicited investment opportunities and to always verify banking helpline numbers through official channels."
The police have advised residents to:
- Never share sensitive banking information or screen access with unknown callers
- Verify investment platforms through registered financial authorities
- Use only official banking channels for customer service queries
- Report suspicious financial activities immediately to cyber crime cells
These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the evolving threats in the digital landscape and the importance of cybersecurity awareness among all internet users.
