Dombivli Businessman Defrauded of Rs 77.1 Lakh in WhatsApp Investment Scam
A businessman from Dombivli in Thane district has been defrauded of a staggering Rs 77.1 lakh in a sophisticated WhatsApp-based share trading scheme, according to police officials. The incident, which highlights the growing menace of digital financial fraud, was reported to the Manpada police station.
Details of the Fraudulent Scheme
The victim, identified as Prashant Prabhu (43), was lured into the scam with promises of exceptionally high returns on his investments. Between November 17, 2025, and January 8, 2026, Prabhu transferred the substantial sum, trusting the fraudulent assurances made by the accused individuals operating the scheme.
As detailed by a police official from the Manpada station, the complainant neither received the promised profits nor a refund of his principal amount. After the initial interactions, the accused abruptly ceased all communication, leaving Prabhu in a significant financial predicament.
Police Action and Investigation
Following Prabhu's complaint, the Manpada police have taken swift action. An FIR has been registered under the relevant sections of the Information Technology (IT) Act. The investigation is currently focused on two primary objectives:
- Tracing the complex digital money trail to identify where the funds were transferred.
- Locating and apprehending the individuals responsible for orchestrating this elaborate scam.
This case serves as a stark reminder for investors to exercise extreme caution when approached with unsolicited, high-return investment opportunities, especially those initiated through messaging platforms like WhatsApp. Authorities urge the public to verify the legitimacy of any financial scheme through official channels before committing funds.
