A private tutor from Rajkot has become the latest victim of a sophisticated online investment scam, losing a staggering sum of Rs 32.85 lakh to cyber fraudsters. The 49-year-old, who runs tuition classes, has filed a formal complaint with the Cybercrime police station of the Border Range in Bhuj, detailing a deceptive scheme that began on WhatsApp.
The Lure of High Returns on WhatsApp
The incident traces back to November 4, 2025, when the complainant, Hitesh Soni, was added to a WhatsApp group from an unknown number. This group actively shared tips related to stock market investments and boasted an exceptionally high success rate in Initial Public Offering (IPO) allotments. Intrigued by the promises of lucrative returns, Soni engaged with an individual from an unknown WhatsApp number who approached him regarding these investment opportunities.
After expressing interest, he was sent a link and instructed to install a specific mobile application. Following the installation, Soni submitted his personal and financial details as required by the app, setting the stage for the fraud.
The Trap Springs: 13 Transactions Lead to Massive Loss
Between December 3 and December 23, 2025, Soni transferred funds on 13 separate occasions, following instructions to deposit money into different bank accounts. The cumulative amount of these transactions reached Rs 32.85 lakh. The application's interface showed the transferred amount reflected in a digital wallet linked to Soni's account, giving a false sense of legitimacy and growing investment.
The scam unraveled when Soni, facing a financial need, attempted to withdraw money from the application's wallet to his personal bank account. The transaction failed. Instead of facilitating the withdrawal, the fraudsters allegedly asked him to deposit even more money. It was at this point that Soni realized he had been cheated.
Police Investigation Uncovers Multiple Accounts
Upon registering the complaint, the Cybercrime police initiated a preliminary investigation. Their findings revealed that the fraudsters had used at least five different bank accounts to receive the illicit funds. This case highlights the organized nature of such cybercrimes, where perpetrators use multiple accounts to obscure the money trail and complicate recovery efforts.
This incident serves as a stark warning for individuals exploring online investment avenues, especially through unsolicited messages on platforms like WhatsApp. Experts urge the public to verify the authenticity of investment platforms, avoid sharing sensitive financial details on unverified apps, and report any suspicious offers immediately to authorities.
