Indore Trader Defrauded of Rs 65.57 Lakh in Elaborate Online Trading Scam
A trader based in Indore has fallen victim to a sophisticated online trading fraud, losing a staggering Rs 65.57 lakh after being enticed by a social media advertisement that promised exceptionally high returns. The Aerodrome police have officially registered a First Information Report (FIR) against unidentified accused individuals and have launched a comprehensive investigation, utilizing four mobile phone numbers as key evidence in the case.
How the Scam Unfolded: A Month-Long Deception
The complainant, Deepak Chandore, a resident of Mahesh Avenue on Chhota Bangarda Road in Indore, reported to the police that in December 2025, he encountered a trading link while watching reels on a popular social media platform. Upon clicking the link, he was automatically added to a WhatsApp group named "A69 ABCL Wealth Navigator Club". This group appeared highly active, with members regularly posting screenshots of purported profits, sharing trading tutorial videos, and conducting online lectures to build credibility.
Chandore monitored the group's activities for nearly a full month, observing the consistent display of successful trades and financial gains. This prolonged exposure gradually eroded his skepticism and built a false sense of security. After expressing interest in participating, he was contacted privately on WhatsApp by a woman identifying herself as Diya Mehra, who presented herself as a financial guide.
The Investment Process and Escalating Losses
Diya Mehra meticulously guided Chandore through an account-opening procedure. He was first sent a link to a website impersonating a well-known, reputable company and instructed to complete an online registration form. Subsequently, he was directed to download a specific mobile application from the Google Play Store, which was designated as the sole platform for all his trading transactions.
To test the waters, Chandore made an initial investment of Rs 5,000. The application promptly displayed returns on this amount, which successfully boosted his confidence in the scheme's legitimacy. Encouraged by this apparent success, beginning on January 29, 2026, he started transferring significantly larger sums of money as per the advice given within the group and by his guide.
By February 20, 2026, the fraudulent application allegedly showed an astonishing profit of nearly Rs 4 crore on his total cumulative investment. However, when Chandore attempted to withdraw these funds, he was informed of persistent technical issues preventing the transaction. He was then persuaded to invest additional capital into a new Initial Public Offering (IPO) to supposedly resolve the withdrawal problems.
The Harsh Reality and Police Action
After repeated failed attempts to recover any money, Chandore finally realized he had been defrauded. The total loss amounted to Rs 65.57 lakh. He subsequently filed a formal complaint with the cyber crime cell, leading to the registration of the FIR.
Tarun Bhati, the in-charge of Aerodrome police station, confirmed, "A case has been registered under relevant sections, and a detailed investigation is currently underway. We are pursuing all leads, including the mobile numbers provided." He further revealed a distressing detail: the complainant had borrowed over Rs 25 lakh to fund these investments, having been completely convinced by the fabricated profits displayed on the application interface.
This incident serves as a stark warning about the dangers of online investment schemes promoted through social media. Authorities urge the public to exercise extreme caution, verify the authenticity of trading platforms through official channels, and avoid transferring large sums based on unsolicited offers or too-good-to-be-true promises of high returns.
