Noida:
Cyber criminals have cheated a retired woman professor in Noida of ₹78.60 lakh by luring her into a fake stock market investment scheme through a WhatsApp group. The fraudsters promised high and assured returns, persuaded the victim to make multiple transfers, and later severed all contact when she demanded her money back. Following a complaint by the victim, the Cyber Crime Police Station has registered a case and launched an investigation.
According to police officials, the victim, a retired professor residing in Noida, was approached online by unknown individuals who claimed to be investment experts associated with the stock market. The accused added her to a WhatsApp group where regular messages were posted showing purported profits, successful trades, and testimonials from other members, creating an impression of a genuine and profitable investment platform.
Lured Through WhatsApp Group
Investigators said the fraudsters gradually gained the victim’s trust by sharing market tips, screenshots of alleged earnings, and daily updates suggesting steady profits. The group members, many of whom were later suspected to be fake or controlled by the scammers, frequently discussed profits and encouraged others to invest larger amounts to earn higher returns.
Convinced by these claims, the woman was persuaded to begin investing. Over a period of time, she transferred a total of ₹78.60 lakh in 23 separate transactions to bank accounts provided by the accused. Police said the transactions were spread out deliberately to avoid suspicion and to keep the victim engaged in the scheme.
Promises of High Returns
The accused assured the victim that her money was being invested in the stock market and that she would receive substantial profits within a short time. Initially, she was shown digital statements and messages indicating notional gains, which further reinforced her belief that the investments were genuine.
However, when the victim later asked to withdraw her funds along with the promised returns, the accused began delaying the process on various pretexts. She was reportedly told that additional payments were required for “processing fees,” “tax clearance,” or “account upgrades” to release the profits.
Contact Cut After Demand for Refund
When the woman insisted on getting her money back and refused to make any further payments, the fraudsters stopped responding to her calls and messages. Soon after, the WhatsApp group became inactive, and the phone numbers used by the accused were either switched off or blocked.
Realizing that she had been cheated, the victim approached the Cyber Crime Police Station in Noida and lodged a formal complaint, detailing the sequence of events, transaction records, and communication exchanged with the accused.
Police Register Case, Probe Underway
Based on the complaint, police registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act related to cheating and cyber fraud. Officials said that a detailed investigation is underway to trace the accused and recover the defrauded amount.
A senior police officer said bank accounts used in the transactions are being scrutinized, and efforts are being made to identify the individuals behind the scam with the help of cyber forensics and financial trail analysis. “We are examining the digital evidence, including WhatsApp chats, phone numbers, IP details, and bank accounts. Teams are also coordinating with banks to freeze suspected accounts,” the officer said.
Rise in Online Investment Frauds
Police officials noted that cases involving fake online investment schemes have been on the rise, with cyber criminals increasingly targeting senior citizens and retired professionals. Fraudsters often exploit their savings and limited familiarity with online trading platforms by offering unrealistic returns and presenting themselves as trusted financial advisors.
The police urged citizens to remain cautious while dealing with unsolicited investment offers, especially those received through social media platforms or messaging apps. “No legitimate investment scheme guarantees fixed or unusually high returns. People should verify credentials, avoid sharing personal or banking details, and consult authorized financial institutions before investing,” the officer added.
Advisory to the Public
The cyber crime unit has advised residents to report suspicious calls, messages, or online investment groups immediately. Authorities emphasized that early reporting increases the chances of tracing funds and apprehending the accused.
Meanwhile, the victim has appealed to authorities to take strict action against the culprits and recover her hard-earned savings. Police said the investigation is ongoing and assured that all possible efforts are being made to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The case once again highlights the growing threat of cyber fraud and the need for increased awareness and vigilance to prevent financial crimes in the digital space.
