Bhopal Professor Defrauded of Lakhs in Elaborate Cybercrime Scam
In a distressing incident highlighting the growing threat of online financial fraud, a private university professor from the Kokta area of Bilkhiria in Bhopal has reportedly been duped of several lakh rupees through a sophisticated cybercrime scam. The Bilkhiria police have officially registered a case regarding this fake stock market investment scheme, which was aggressively promoted on social media platforms.
How the Elaborate Scam Unfolded
The victim, identified as 36-year-old Dilip Kumar, who teaches at a private university in Kokta, recounted the sequence of events that led to his substantial financial loss. According to his statement to the authorities, the ordeal began in November 2025 when he encountered a compelling advertisement on Facebook. The post promised exceptionally high returns from stock market investments, catching his attention with its alluring claims.
Initial Contact and First Investment
Curious about the potential opportunity, Professor Dilip Kumar clicked on the provided link. Immediately after this action, he was automatically added to a WhatsApp group without his explicit consent. Within this group, fraudsters posing as legitimate investment advisors shared fabricated success stories, claiming that numerous investors were earning substantial profits through their recommended stock trading strategies.
Initially skeptical but tempted by the promised returns, Dilip decided to test the waters with a modest investment. He transferred Rs 10,000 via the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) to the account provided by the scammers. To his apparent relief, the very next day, Rs 11,385 was credited back to his account, seemingly validating the scheme's legitimacy and encouraging further participation.
The Trap Springs Shut
Bolstered by this initial positive experience, the professor proceeded to invest a significantly larger amount of Rs 3 lakh, hoping to multiply his earnings. The fraudsters then presented him with a fabricated account statement showing an impressive balance of Rs 23 lakh, further convincing him of the scheme's profitability.
The Final Demand and Realization
When Dilip Kumar attempted to withdraw this substantial amount, the scammers introduced a new obstacle. They informed him that the funds were "fixed" and could not be released without paying an additional Rs 3.95 lakh as Goods and Services Tax (GST). This sudden and unreasonable demand served as the crucial red flag that finally alerted the professor to the reality of the situation. He realized that he had fallen victim to an elaborate financial fraud.
Police Investigation Underway
The Bilkhiria police have taken cognizance of the matter and registered a formal case based on the professor's complaint. This incident underscores several critical warnings for the public:
- Exercise extreme caution when encountering investment opportunities promoted on social media.
- Verify the authenticity of any financial scheme through official channels before transferring funds.
- Be wary of unsolicited WhatsApp groups and high-pressure tactics promising guaranteed returns.
- Report any suspicious financial activities to cybercrime authorities immediately.
This case adds to the growing number of cyber fraud incidents targeting educated professionals in India, emphasizing the need for heightened digital literacy and vigilance in the face of increasingly sophisticated online scams.
