In a stark reminder of the growing threat of digital deception, a human resources manager from Navi Mumbai was defrauded of a massive ₹36.74 lakh in a sophisticated online investment scam. The Navi Mumbai police confirmed the incident on Sunday, highlighting the persistent danger posed by cybercriminals.
How the Elaborate WhatsApp Scam Unfolded
The victim, an HR executive, was initially contacted by a woman who presented herself as a representative of a firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). Lured by the promise of substantial profits from share trading, the man was added to a dedicated WhatsApp group. To build trust, the fraudsters showed him an initial 'profit' of ₹50,000.
This tactic of offering a small, early gain is a classic ploy used by scammers to lower the victim's guard, explained officials. Subsequently, the accused sent him a link to download an application. Between August and September 2025, convinced of the scheme's legitimacy, the executive invested a total of ₹36.74 lakh. The realization of being cheated dawned only when he found himself unable to withdraw any of the promised returns.
A National Epidemic of Cyber Fraud
This case is not isolated but part of a terrifying national trend. According to data from the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal cited in a report, Indians have suffered catastrophic financial losses over the past six years.
Official figures reveal that a staggering sum exceeding ₹52,976 crore has been wiped out due to various cyber frauds and cheating cases. The data for 2025 alone is chilling: approximately ₹19,812.96 crore was lost, with over 21.77 lakh complaints related to cheating and fraud registered.
The breakdown of these 2025 losses shows a clear pattern:
- Investment Schemes: The largest chunk, 77% of the total, was stolen through fake investment traps.
- Digital Arrest: Accounted for 8% of the losses.
- Credit Card Fraud: Made up 7%.
- Other methods like sextortion, e-commerce fraud, and malware-based scams constituted the remaining 8%.
Legal Action and Regional Impact
Following the complaint, the Nerul police station has taken formal action. Inspector Bramhanand Naikwadi confirmed that a case has been registered against unidentified persons. The charges include criminal breach of trust and other relevant offences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act.
Geographically, Maharashtra stands as the most affected state in the country. In the last year, it recorded the highest monetary losses in cheating-related offences, with a devastating ₹3,203 crore lost and over 28.33 lakh complaints. Karnataka and Tamil Nadu follow closely behind on this grim list, underscoring the pan-India nature of the cybercrime wave.
The relentless rise in financial crimes—encompassing investment traps, digital arrests, online scams, banking frauds, and phishing—demands heightened public vigilance. Authorities continue to advise citizens to verify the credentials of any unsolicited investment opportunity, avoid clicking on unknown links, and report suspicious activity immediately.
