Pune Contractor Duped of Rs 3.25 Crore in Elaborate Cyber Scam
PUNE: A contractor from Wakad has fallen victim to a sophisticated cyber scam, losing a staggering Rs 3.25 crore after cybercriminals masquerading as representatives of a reputable online share brokerage firm lured him in with false promises of substantial returns from two upcoming IPOs.
The victim, preferring to remain anonymous, noticed the fraudulent scheme while searching online for investment opportunities. Attracted by a seemingly legitimate website, he reached out via the listed phone number, where he was connected with a woman posing as a financial consultant.
Playing the role of a trustworthy advisor, the scammer convinced the victim to invest an initial Rs 10 lakh. Following her instructions, he transferred the funds to a designated account and downloaded a fake app that displayed an enticing, albeit deceitful, portfolio of his investments.
Over the next few weeks, emboldened by the app’s inflated returns, the victim made a staggering 15 additional transfers amounting to Rs 3.15 crore. The app continuously showed a fake balance, falsely indicating that his investment had grown to an astonishing Rs 8 crore.
The reality of the scam set in when the victim attempted to withdraw his funds, only to discover that the app had locked him out and the consultant was unreachable. Realizing he had been duped, he promptly reported the incident to the Wakad police.
Authorities have since uncovered that the money was distributed to various bank accounts across multiple states, indicating a well-organized cybercrime syndicate. The Wakad police are intensifying their investigation and are urging the public to exercise caution and verify any investment platforms thoroughly before committing funds. They have assured the victim that justice will be pursued vigorously.