Pune Homemaker Defrauded of Rs 61.65 Lakh in Elaborate Online Trading Scam
A 50-year-old homemaker from Chinchwad in Pune has become the latest victim of a sophisticated online fraud, losing a staggering Rs 61.65 lakh to cybercriminals who lured her with promises of lucrative returns through share trading. The incident, which unfolded between January and October of last year, has prompted a formal police investigation after the victim filed a complaint last week.
How the Scam Unfolded: From Messaging Group to Massive Losses
The victim, whose complaint was officially registered at the Chinchwad police station on Friday, recounted that her phone number was added to a group on a popular messaging application. In this group, members frequently discussed and boasted about substantial profits they were earning through online share trading. Impressed by these consistent messages of financial success, the homemaker decided to take action and contacted the group's administrator for more information.
According to police officials, the administrator then provided her with a link to download a mobile application specifically designed for online share trading. Trusting the recommendations, the woman installed the app and began her foray into trading, initially dealing with low-value shares. The process seemed legitimate and user-friendly, which further bolstered her confidence in the scheme.
The Escalation: High-Value Investments and False Promises
As the victim grew more comfortable with the platform, the accused individuals escalated their tactics. They encouraged her to move beyond small trades and invest in high-value shares and initial public offerings (IPOs), even offering to assist her with the investment process. To facilitate these larger transactions, the suspects shared details of five different bank accounts.
The homemaker proceeded to transfer a total of Rs 61.65 lakh to these accounts over several months, believing she was building a profitable portfolio. The mobile application displayed impressive profits on her investments, creating an illusion of success and encouraging further financial commitment.
The Realization and Police Intervention
The turning point came when the woman attempted to sell some of her shares and withdraw the apparent profits. At this stage, the suspects blocked her attempts, refusing to allow any withdrawals. It was then that the victim realized she had been systematically cheated, with the entire operation being a well-orchestrated scam designed to siphon off her savings.
An officer from the Chinchwad police stated, "The mobile application displayed significant profits on her investments. The woman then attempted to sell some of her shares and withdraw the profits, but the suspects did not allow her to do so. The victim then realized that she was cheated and approached the police."
The Pimpri Chinchwad police have taken up the case and are conducting a thorough investigation into the matter. This incident highlights the growing threat of online financial frauds targeting unsuspecting individuals through sophisticated digital means.
