Cyber Fraud Strikes Ghaziabad: Two Victims Lose ₹54.50 Lakh
In a troubling incident from Ghaziabad, cybercriminals have duped two individuals out of ₹54.50 lakh, using two sophisticated scams that highlight the increasing complexity of online fraud. One scheme involved a fake stock trading app, while the other revolved around an elaborate online task-review program. The victims have promptly reported these scams to the Cyber Crime Police, prompting an investigation.
The Evolution of Cybercrime
According to the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) for Crime, these incidents illustrate the urgent need for public awareness regarding the ever-evolving landscape of cyber fraud. Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using advanced technology and psychological manipulation to execute their schemes.
Project Manager Falls for the Trading App Scam
The first victim is Manish Dubey, a project manager who recently returned from Saudi Arabia. Dubey was lured into a fraudulent scheme through a WhatsApp group named “Learning Highway,” where he was introduced to an alleged investment expert named Professor Vellayan Subbiah. This individual claimed to run an exclusive “13th Joint Investment Programme” that promised extraordinary returns on investments.
Dubey was told that the program was backed by Chola Investment Company and operated in major cities like Mumbai and Chennai. The scam promised returns ranging from 10% to an audacious 300% weekly, enticing him to invest in “foundational stocks” and other high-return opportunities.
Starting on October 6, Dubey’s initial investment of ₹1 lakh quickly escalated as he was pressured to increase his stake. Over time, he transferred a staggering total of ₹30.50 lakh across various bank accounts, often borrowing money from friends and family under the belief that he was set to gain substantial profits.
However, when Dubey attempted to withdraw his earnings, the scammers continually stalled him with requests for additional investments. Recognizing the deception, he decided to report the scam to the Cyber Crime Police, resulting in an official filing.
Businessman Duped by the Task-Review Scheme
The second victim, Jatin Daing, is a businessman residing in Indirapuram. He was ensnared by a different online scheme that promised income through task completion. An unidentified caller initially convinced Daing to join a Telegram group where he was given simple tasks to build trust. After successfully completing these tasks, he was rewarded with ₹55,000, reinforcing his belief in the platform’s legitimacy.
However, beginning in October, the scenario shifted dramatically. Daing was coaxed into taking on prepaid tasks as the scammers required advance payments. On November 1, under the pretext of a “company anniversary special event,” he was pressured into purchasing a “50,000-rupee slot” to continue accessing these opportunities.
As tasks piled up, his digital wallet falsely displayed a balance of ₹14.36 lakh. When he sought to cash out, the fraudsters hit him with a demand for a 50% processing fee, leading him to transfer nearly ₹7 lakh to finalize the withdrawal.
Manipulating him further, they claimed that his “credit score” had dropped and asserted that he needed to assist a “junior affiliate.” This prolonged psychological manipulation ultimately resulted in a loss of ₹24 lakh.
When Daing discovered delays and excuses, he realized he had been duped and promptly lodged a complaint.
Ongoing Investigations
The ADCP has confirmed that both cases are under active investigation with technical teams working to uncover the identities and methods of these fraudsters.
“Cyber fraudsters have cheated both victims of a combined ₹54.50 lakh. FIRs have been registered, and a technical investigation is currently in progress,” he stated. The ADCP urged citizens to exercise caution, avoid suspicious links or unverified investment schemes, and remain vigilant in navigating the digital landscape.
This alarming trend serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with online transactions and the necessity of safeguarding personal and financial information in an increasingly connected world.
