A 23-year-old resident of Hooghly has reportedly fallen victim to a sophisticated investment scam, losing a staggering Rs 11.3 lakh through social media platforms and Telegram channels, according to police reports filed on Friday. The incident highlights the growing threat of online financial fraud targeting young investors in urban areas.
How the Elaborate Scam Unfolded
The victim, identified as Avijit Pandit, informed authorities that the fraudulent scheme commenced on November 9 last year. Pandit encountered an enticing advertisement on Instagram that promised substantial investment returns within an astonishingly short timeframe of just 45 minutes. This advertisement served as the initial hook in what would become a devastating financial deception.
From Instagram to Telegram: The Digital Trap
Upon clicking the promotional link, Pandit was redirected to a Telegram channel where he encountered an individual posing as a legitimate investment trader. This imposter employed persuasive tactics to gain Pandit's trust, ultimately convincing him to transfer an initial amount of Rs 50,000 on November 10 to a specified bank account.
When the promised returns failed to materialize as advertised, the accused offered various excuses, primarily citing technical glitches within their system. This created a false sense of legitimacy while simultaneously stringing the victim along with promises of imminent resolution.
The Escalating Financial Drain
In what appears to be a classic confidence-building maneuver, the fraudster initially returned Rs 1 lakh to Pandit, creating an illusion of credibility and encouraging further financial commitment. This partial refund served as bait for larger subsequent transfers.
Following this calculated gesture, the accused began demanding additional payments under various pretexts. Pandit complied with these requests, transferring increasingly substantial amounts until the total loss reached Rs 11.3 lakh.
The Sudden Disappearance
After securing what would become the final transfer, the perpetrator executed the final phase of the scam by abruptly deleting the Telegram account used for communication. This digital disappearance was accompanied by a complete cessation of all responses, leaving Pandit without recourse through the established channels of communication.
Local police have registered the case and initiated investigations into what they describe as a well-organized cyber fraud operation. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the sophisticated methods employed by online scammers who exploit social media platforms and encrypted messaging services to target unsuspecting individuals.
Authorities are urging citizens to exercise extreme caution when encountering investment opportunities on social media, particularly those promising unrealistically quick returns. They recommend verifying the legitimacy of investment platforms through official regulatory channels before committing any funds.
