Noida Man Loses Rs 65 Lakh in Sophisticated Telegram Forex Trading Scam
In a distressing case of online financial fraud, a 56-year-old man from Noida has been allegedly cheated of a staggering Rs 65 lakh through an elaborate investment scam centered on a fake forex trading platform and the messaging app Telegram. The incident highlights the growing risks associated with digital investment schemes and the sophisticated tactics employed by cybercriminals.
How the Scam Unfolded: From WhatsApp to Fake Platform
The victim, identified as Vikash Kumar Goyal, was first approached in early November 2025 via a WhatsApp message that promoted a lucrative forex trading opportunity. Shortly after, he was contacted by a woman who introduced herself as Aashie Agarwal, claiming to be an experienced trader with a proven track record. She allegedly assured Goyal of high returns through short-term trades, enticing him with promises of quick profits.
Between November 26, 2025, and February 11, 2026, Goyal transferred a total of Rs 64,59,125 in over 65 transactions to various bank accounts. Police investigations revealed that the beneficiary details were shared exclusively through Telegram, with a new account provided for each transfer to obscure the trail. To maintain the illusion of legitimacy, the scammers displayed inflated profits on the platform's dashboard, encouraging Goyal to invest further by showing apparent growth in his investments.
The Red Flags and Realization of Fraud
When Goyal eventually sought to withdraw his funds, he was allegedly asked to deposit an additional amount exceeding Rs 10 lakh as a mandatory condition for release. Despite continuous pressure to invest more and verbal assurances about the safety of the transactions, this demand raised suspicions. It was at this point that Goyal realized the trading platform was entirely fraudulent and the profits shown were fictitious, designed solely to lure him into deeper financial entanglement.
Based on his detailed complaint, the Noida police have registered a case against an unknown person under sections 318(4) for cheating and 319(2) for cheating by personation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to trace the perpetrators and recover the lost funds.
Broader Implications and Public Awareness
This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by online investment scams, particularly those involving unregulated platforms and encrypted messaging apps like Telegram. Experts advise the public to exercise extreme caution when approached with unsolicited investment opportunities, verify the legitimacy of trading platforms through official channels, and avoid transferring large sums to unknown accounts. As digital fraud becomes more prevalent, such incidents underscore the need for heightened vigilance and robust cybersecurity measures to protect individuals from financial exploitation.
