Chikkamagaluru Woman Defrauded of Rs 2.5 Crore in Sophisticated WhatsApp Trading Scam
In a shocking case of digital deception, a woman from Chikkamagaluru has allegedly been swindled out of a staggering Rs 2.5 crore in an online trading investment fraud that began with a single WhatsApp call. The Chikkamagaluru CEN police have registered a case and launched a comprehensive investigation into this sophisticated cybercrime, which highlights the growing risks of unsolicited financial offers on messaging platforms.
Decade of Trading Experience No Match for Elaborate Con
According to police reports, the victim was not a novice in the world of online trading. She had some knowledge of online trading and had been exploring various trading websites for approximately 10 years. This background makes the case particularly alarming, demonstrating that even individuals with financial experience can fall prey to well-orchestrated scams.
The Fateful WhatsApp Call That Started It All
The fraudulent scheme was set in motion on December 21, 2025, when the woman received a WhatsApp call from an unknown individual. The caller inquired whether she was interested in online trading opportunities. Capitalizing on her existing interest, the caller then persuaded her to open a virtual trading account, presenting it as part of an exclusive offer.
The scammer claimed this was a special opportunity available to only 1,000 selected people, promising that it would enable participants to earn significantly higher profits than conventional trading platforms. Lured by the prospect of better returns, the woman began transferring money to the newly created account.
Escalating Transfers and Commission Demands
Over time, the victim deposited substantial sums into the account. However, the fraud took a more sinister turn when she attempted to withdraw her invested funds. The accused individuals demanded additional payments as commission for every withdrawal attempt.
A police officer involved in the investigation revealed that the fraudsters demanded a 20% commission on each withdrawal, calculated not just on the principal investment but also on the profits displayed in the virtual account. The victim, expecting her funds to be released, paid this commission multiple times, further escalating her financial losses.
The Devastating Realization and Police Response
The woman only realized she had been cheated when, despite making numerous commission payments, she still could not access any of her money. In total, she had transferred Rs 2.5 crore, including both her initial investments and the repeated commission payments.
The Chikkamagaluru CEN police have registered a formal case and are conducting a thorough investigation. Their probe focuses on several critical areas:
- Identifying the caller who initiated the WhatsApp contact
- Tracing the bank accounts used to receive the fraudulent transfers
- Analyzing the digital trail associated with the virtual trading platform
Police Warning to the Public
In light of this case, police authorities have issued a stern warning to the public. They urge citizens to exercise extreme caution when receiving unsolicited investment calls or messages, particularly those promising unusually high returns. This case serves as a stark reminder that if an investment opportunity seems too good to be true, it probably is.
The investigation continues as authorities work to unravel the complex network behind this multi-crore fraud and bring the perpetrators to justice.
