A 62-year-old retired textile trader from Surat has become the latest victim of a sophisticated online investment fraud, losing a staggering sum of Rs 42.28 lakh to cybercriminals. The Surat cybercrime police have registered a case and made swift arrests following a complaint lodged on Saturday.
The Lure of High Returns and a WhatsApp Trap
The victim, identified as Mukesh Vakhariya, was initially drawn into the scam through promises of exceptionally high returns on share market and IPO investments. The fraudsters, posing as representatives of the reputable Bajaj Financial Securities Ltd, added him to a WhatsApp group on June 2. Within this group, they shared seemingly legitimate investment tips and advice to build his trust over time.
To formalize the process, the accused sent Vakhariya a link to register and open a trading ID. Following this, they instructed him to open a demat account and begin transferring funds for investment. In a classic move to establish credibility, the scammers allowed him to withdraw a small profit of Rs 5,200 after his initial investment of Rs 1 lakh. This successful withdrawal solidified his confidence in the scheme, leading him to invest a much larger amount.
The Sting: A Fake ED Letter and Blocked Withdrawals
After Vakhariya transferred the massive sum of Rs 42.28 lakh, the situation changed dramatically. The fraudsters abruptly blocked all withdrawal options. When Vakhariya attempted to access his money on July 5, he was presented with a shocking justification.
The accused sent him a letter, purportedly issued by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). This fake document claimed that his funds had been flagged for use in criminal activities. To add a layer of manipulation, the fraudsters told him he could withdraw Rs 18 lakh after obtaining approval from the ED. Sensing that something was amiss, Vakhariya wisely consulted his chartered accountant, who immediately identified the ED letter as a complete forgery.
Police Action and Key Arrests
Upon realizing the extent of the deception, Mukesh Vakhariya filed a formal complaint with the Surat cybercrime police. Acting on his complaint, the police have arrested three individuals believed to be directly involved in facilitating the fraud. The arrested accused are Keval Diyora, Meet Seliya, and Deepak Nayak.
Investigations reveal that their primary role was to provide the bank accounts used to receive and layer the illicit funds obtained from Vakhariya. The police are continuing their probe to identify and apprehend the masterminds behind this elaborate investment scam.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the sophisticated tactics employed by cybercriminals. They exploit the trust in well-known brand names and use fabricated official documents to intimidate and confuse victims. Authorities urge the public to exercise extreme caution with unsolicited investment offers on messaging platforms and to always verify the authenticity of any financial platform independently.
