A couple residing in the Garkheda area of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar has fallen victim to a sophisticated stock market investment fraud, losing a staggering Rs 4.5 crore. The incident came to light after the woman filed a complaint with the Pundalik Nagar police station.
Modus Operandi of the Fraud
According to police officials, the fraudsters lured the couple through a fraudulent online trading platform, promising exceptionally high returns on investments. The conmen operated via a WhatsApp group, where they posed as administrators and other members to build trust and convince the victims to invest large sums of money.
Details of the Complaint
The complainant, a 45-year-old healthcare professional, stated in her police report that she and her husband were systematically defrauded over a period of time. The fraudulent portal appeared legitimate, and the WhatsApp group interactions gave them a false sense of security. Gradually, they transferred a total of Rs 4.5 crore to accounts controlled by the scammers.
Police Action and Investigation
The Pundalik Nagar police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the matter. Additionally, the couple has lodged a complaint with the National Cyber Crime Helpline to ensure a broader probe into the cyber fraud network. Authorities are working to trace the money trail and identify the perpetrators behind this elaborate scam.
Precautionary Measures for Investors
This incident serves as a stark reminder for investors to exercise caution when dealing with online trading platforms. Police advise verifying the authenticity of any investment portal, avoiding unsolicited offers on social media or messaging apps, and never sharing personal financial details with unknown entities. Investors should also report any suspicious activities to the cyber crime helpline immediately.
