A couple from Indirapuram, Ghaziabad, has fallen victim to a cyber scam incurring a financial loss of Rs 3 crore. Nabanita Mishra filed a complaint with the local police, alleging that she and her husband were lured into a fake investment opportunity through a Facebook advertisement.
What exactly happened
According to the FIR, Nabanita Mishra and her husband Mrinal Mishra made 22 transactions amounting to Rs 3.1 crore to various bank accounts between July and August, 2024.
The couple claims to have been lured into the scam through a Facebook advertisement. They were subsequently added to a WhatsApp group purportedly run by a popular investment platform. The group administrator encouraged members to participate in a competition called GTC, promising substantial returns.
The couple claimed to have initially paid a monthly subscription of Rs 2,000 for investment advice. Subsequently, they were convinced to make multiple transactions for shares and IPO investments, with details provided by the company. The couple was also shown what appeared to be authentic SEBI registration details, adding credibility to the scam.
The scammers operated through a WhatsApp group, where they shared details of transactions and apparent profits. The couple was even coerced into taking a loan of Rs 80 lakh, which they allegedly had to repay to the company to access their purported investments.
Later, although she could view her investment details and profits in the company’s app, she was unable to withdraw her money and was asked to pay taxes instead. Her suspicions grew when she tried to invest in IPOs through other platforms but was unable to do so. After investigating potential cyber fraud, she uncovered troubling information about the company. She attempted to contact all the numbers in the WhatsApp group, including those of other investors, but found them unreachable. The phone numbers were traced to Rajasthan.
A case was registered under Section 66(D) of the IT Act and Section 318(4) (cheating) of BNS.
Tips to stay safe from online investment scam
– Ignore unsolicited investment advice: Scammers often reach out through emails, social media, or phone calls.
– Verify the source: If you’re contacted by an unknown person or company, independently verify their credentials.
– Check for registration: Ensure the investment firm or advisor is registered with the appropriate regulatory authorities.
– Understand the investment: Make sure you fully comprehend the investment product before committing.
– Avoid sharing personal details: Be cautious about sharing sensitive information like your social security number, bank account details, or passwords.
– High-pressure tactics: If you feel pressured to invest immediately, it’s likely a scam.
– Guaranteed returns: Be skeptical of promises of guaranteed high returns.
What exactly happened
According to the FIR, Nabanita Mishra and her husband Mrinal Mishra made 22 transactions amounting to Rs 3.1 crore to various bank accounts between July and August, 2024.
The couple claims to have been lured into the scam through a Facebook advertisement. They were subsequently added to a WhatsApp group purportedly run by a popular investment platform. The group administrator encouraged members to participate in a competition called GTC, promising substantial returns.
The couple claimed to have initially paid a monthly subscription of Rs 2,000 for investment advice. Subsequently, they were convinced to make multiple transactions for shares and IPO investments, with details provided by the company. The couple was also shown what appeared to be authentic SEBI registration details, adding credibility to the scam.
The scammers operated through a WhatsApp group, where they shared details of transactions and apparent profits. The couple was even coerced into taking a loan of Rs 80 lakh, which they allegedly had to repay to the company to access their purported investments.
Later, although she could view her investment details and profits in the company’s app, she was unable to withdraw her money and was asked to pay taxes instead. Her suspicions grew when she tried to invest in IPOs through other platforms but was unable to do so. After investigating potential cyber fraud, she uncovered troubling information about the company. She attempted to contact all the numbers in the WhatsApp group, including those of other investors, but found them unreachable. The phone numbers were traced to Rajasthan.
A case was registered under Section 66(D) of the IT Act and Section 318(4) (cheating) of BNS.
Tips to stay safe from online investment scam
– Ignore unsolicited investment advice: Scammers often reach out through emails, social media, or phone calls.
– Verify the source: If you’re contacted by an unknown person or company, independently verify their credentials.
– Check for registration: Ensure the investment firm or advisor is registered with the appropriate regulatory authorities.
– Understand the investment: Make sure you fully comprehend the investment product before committing.
– Avoid sharing personal details: Be cautious about sharing sensitive information like your social security number, bank account details, or passwords.
– High-pressure tactics: If you feel pressured to invest immediately, it’s likely a scam.
– Guaranteed returns: Be skeptical of promises of guaranteed high returns.
