Nagpur Business Lawyer Defrauded of ₹50 Lakh in Sophisticated WhatsApp Stock Market Scam
In a distressing case of cyber fraud, a 47-year-old business lawyer from Godhani, Nagpur, has been cheated of a staggering ₹50 lakh in an elaborate online stock market scam. The victim, identified as Subodh Patil, fell prey to fraudsters who operated through a WhatsApp group and posed as representatives of a well-known financial institution.
The Deceptive Approach: WhatsApp Group and False Promises
The scam began when Patil was unexpectedly added to a WhatsApp group named '22 VIP Service Group' by an unknown number (8050366467). The group members, presenting themselves as stock market experts operating under the name 'Sundaram AMC', aggressively promoted investment opportunities with guaranteed returns of 10-15%. This promise of high, risk-free profits served as the primary lure for the victim.
Building Trust Through Forged Documents and Chats
To establish credibility and overcome any skepticism, the scammers employed a calculated strategy. They shared what appeared to be legitimate financial chats and forged official documents that mimicked authentic investment portfolios and transaction records. This convincing evidence successfully manipulated Patil into believing the operation was genuine.
Over a period, acting on the instructions provided in the group, Patil transferred large sums of money—totaling ₹50 lakh—to multiple bank accounts provided by the accused. The transactions were made with the expectation of receiving the promised substantial returns.
The Unraveling: Avoidance and Communication Blackout
The fraud came to light when Patil, after making the investments, began to demand the returns that had been assured. In response, the accused individuals started avoiding his calls and messages. Eventually, they ceased all communication entirely, leaving Patil with no recourse and realizing he had been systematically duped.
Police Investigation and Wider Implications
Based on Subodh Patil's detailed complaint, the Nagpur Cyber Police have officially registered a case. Preliminary investigations reveal that several WhatsApp numbers were involved in this coordinated racket. Authorities suspect that this is not an isolated incident and that victims across India may have lost crores of rupees to the same fraudulent scheme.
No arrests have been made so far, as the investigation is ongoing. The police are analyzing the digital footprints and bank transactions to identify the perpetrators, who are believed to be part of a larger, organized cybercrime network targeting unsuspecting investors.
This case serves as a stark warning about the dangers of unsolicited investment offers on messaging platforms and highlights the increasing sophistication of financial cyber fraud in the digital age.
