Kolkata Senior Loses Rs 51.7 Lakh in Online Investment Scam, Seeks Rs 4.8 Crore Recovery
A 78-year-old resident of Salt Lake's HA Block in Kolkata has come forward with a distressing allegation of a significant financial fraud, claiming he lost a substantial sum of money in an elaborate online investment scam. The incident, which unfolded between October 31, 2025, and January 2026, has prompted a thorough investigation by the Bidhannagar City Police's cyber cell.
Details of the Alleged Fraud
According to the victim's written complaint, the fraudulent scheme began on October 31, 2025, when he was contacted by a woman who introduced him to an online trading platform known as "Naka Solutions". She directed him to the platform's website and instructed him to make an initial deposit of Rs 16,000. Following this, the victim was connected to individuals posing as financial advisers, who communicated with him using both Indian and United Kingdom phone numbers.
The victim reported that he was provided with a specific "code" for trading activities and was persistently persuaded to increase his investments. The accused allegedly demanded additional payments under various pretexts, escalating the financial demands over time. When the elderly man attempted to withdraw his funds, the fraudsters insisted on further payments, which he ultimately refused to provide.
Police Investigation and FIR
The Bidhannagar City Police confirmed that a written complaint was formally received on February 10, 2026, leading to the registration of a case. While the First Information Report (FIR) documents a loss of Rs 51.7 lakh, the victim, in his complaint, has explicitly requested the police to recover a staggering Rs 4.8 crore. He asserts that this amount represents what he should "rightfully get back" from the fraudulent scheme.
Prior to approaching the local authorities, the victim had already lodged a grievance on the national cybercrime reporting portal, highlighting the severity and cross-jurisdictional nature of the scam. The cyber cell of the Bidhannagar Police is now actively probing the case, focusing on the online platform and the communication channels used by the accused.
Broader Implications and Public Awareness
This case underscores the growing threat of online investment frauds targeting vulnerable individuals, including senior citizens. Key aspects to note include:
- The use of sophisticated tactics, such as fake financial advisers and international phone numbers, to gain trust.
- The escalation of demands when victims attempt to withdraw funds, a common red flag in such scams.
- The importance of reporting such incidents through official channels like the national cybercrime portal.
Authorities urge the public to exercise caution when engaging with unsolicited investment opportunities and to verify the legitimacy of online platforms thoroughly. The investigation remains ongoing as police work to trace the perpetrators and recover the lost funds.
