Police in Kolkata are investigating two major cases of online investment fraud where victims collectively lost close to Rs 50 lakh. The scams, originating from Anandapur and Hastings areas, exploited WhatsApp groups, social media advertisements, and fake trading applications to lure investors with promises of high returns.
The Anandapur Case: A Trap Named "Maverlck"
A resident of Urbana in Anandapur approached the police after suffering a massive financial loss. The victim was added to a WhatsApp group that was promoting a trading application called "Maverlck". The group, which had approximately 400 members, was managed by several administrators. A person identified as Aranabh Thakur conducted sessions on how to identify stocks for profitable trades, and the group frequently displayed screenshots of successful transactions to build credibility.
The victim initially deposited Rs 50,000. After being shown apparent profits on the platform, he was encouraged to transfer an additional Rs 4 lakh. Subsequently, he was moved to a smaller, more exclusive WhatsApp group that provided daily stock tips. The app continued to show growing profits, further gaining his trust.
The fraudsters then persuaded him to apply for an IPO, assuring him that 10% of the amount would be allotted and the rest would reflect as credit in his app account. Acting on this, the victim made three large payments: Rs 11 lakh on December 12, Rs 12.3 lakh on December 14, and Rs 10.1 lakh on December 15 last year. When he finally attempted to withdraw his funds, his request was rejected. The total loss in this case amounts to a staggering Rs 37.3 lakh.
The Hastings Scam: Facebook Ad Leads to Ruin
In a separate incident from Hastings, a 40-year-old man living in Turf View fell prey to a scam that began on Facebook. On October 28, he clicked on an advertisement which redirected him to a WhatsApp group named "Value Discovery M-53". A group member, who called herself Klara Sterdle, promised him daily returns of 10% and even helped him create a demat account to appear legitimate.
Convinced by the promises, the victim started investing money. By November 25, he had transferred a total of Rs 13,35,700 to various accounts provided by the fraudsters. His ordeal reached a climax when he tried to withdraw his money. Instead of processing his withdrawal, the operators demanded a hefty commission of Rs 7,28,975. Realizing he was being scammed, he immediately alerted the cyber crime police.
Investigation and Public Warning
The Kolkata Police's cyber cell is actively probing both complaints. These cases highlight a dangerous trend of sophisticated online investment fraud operating through popular platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook. The modus operandi typically involves:
- Luring victims through social media ads or unsolicited WhatsApp group invites.
- Using fake trading apps and demo accounts to show fraudulent profits.
- Employing a network of fake administrators and "successful" group members to build trust.
- Pressuring victims to invest larger sums for "exclusive" opportunities like IPOs.
- Finally, blocking withdrawals or demanding exorbitant fees to release the trapped funds.
Authorities urge the public to exercise extreme caution. Citizens should be wary of unsolicited investment offers, especially those guaranteeing high or fixed returns with little risk. Verifying the authenticity of trading platforms and brokers through official regulatory bodies like SEBI is crucial before transferring any money.
