Pune Businessman Defrauded of Rs 21.6 Lakh in Elaborate Facebook Cryptocurrency Scam
In a distressing case of cyber fraud, a 66-year-old businessman from Pune has been allegedly cheated of a staggering Rs 21.6 lakh by an individual he befriended on Facebook. The scam, which unfolded over several weeks, involved promises of lucrative returns from cryptocurrency investments, ultimately leaving the victim financially devastated.
How the Scam Unfolded: From Facebook Friend to Financial Fraud
The victim, a resident of Kothrud, Pune, first encountered the scammer on December 30, 2025, when he received a friend request on Facebook from a person identifying herself as "Ananya alias Lavanya". She presented herself as an interior designer from Bengaluru and expressed keen interest in collaborating with the victim on business ventures.
Over the following days, their communication intensified, with daily conversations about business prospects and plans to meet in person in March 2026. To build trust, Ananya shared photographs with family members and engaged in WhatsApp audio and video calls, creating an illusion of authenticity.
The Cryptocurrency Trap: Initial Investments and False Returns
The turning point came on January 7, 2026, during a WhatsApp call where Ananya persuaded the victim to invest in cryptocurrency, assuring him of substantial profits. Initially hesitant, the victim agreed to a modest investment of Rs 10,000 after persistent encouragement.
Following Ananya's instructions, the victim downloaded the "Binance App" from the Play Store and registered via a forwarded link. He made two payments of Rs 10,000 on January 7 and 8, after which the app displayed a credit of 200 USDT, a cryptocurrency stablecoin. Shortly after, the victim received Rs 60,000 in his bank account by following procedures on the app, which bolstered his confidence in the scheme.
Escalation of the Fraud: Larger Investments and a WhatsApp Group
Encouraged by the apparent returns, the victim decided to invest more heavily. Ananya then added him to a WhatsApp group where another individual provided guidance on further investments. From January 7 to January 14, the victim transferred approximately Rs 21.63 lakh through multiple online transactions.
The fraudulent app showed accumulated returns of around Rs 98 lakh, creating a false sense of success. However, the scam took a sinister turn when the victim was asked to transfer an additional Rs 29 lakh to claim his profits, prompting him to suspect foul play.
Police Action and Legal Proceedings
Realizing he had been duped, the victim filed a complaint at the Cyber police station in Pune on January 18, 2026. After thorough verification, an FIR was officially lodged at Kothrud police station on February 5, 2026.
Police have booked unidentified online fraudsters under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections 318 (4) and 319 (2), along with relevant sections of the Information Technology (IT) Act. Authorities are actively investigating the phone numbers, Facebook account, and bank accounts used in the crime to trace the perpetrators.
Key Takeaways and Warnings
This case highlights the sophisticated methods employed by cybercriminals to exploit trust and lure victims into financial traps. Key red flags included:
- Unsolicited friend requests from strangers on social media.
- Pressure to invest in high-return schemes with minimal initial commitments.
- Use of unofficial apps and links for financial transactions.
- Requests for additional funds to access purported profits.
Police urge the public to exercise extreme caution when engaging in online investments, especially with unknown individuals, and to verify the legitimacy of platforms before transferring money.
