Patna: A young man in Patna has lost Rs 6.92 lakh after being lured into a fraudulent cryptocurrency trading scheme, as cybercrime cases continue to rise in the Bihar capital.
Police said the victim received a call from an unknown number in which the caller, posing as an investment adviser, promised high daily returns from cryptocurrency trading. The fraudsters reportedly referred to the recent boom in digital assets to gain his confidence.
According to investigators, the man was persuaded to download a mobile application that displayed fabricated graphs and steadily rising returns. Convinced by the apparent profits reflected in the app’s dashboard, he began transferring money in instalments to bank accounts provided by the callers.
The scam came to light when he attempted to withdraw his investment. He was allegedly told that he needed to pay a 30% “membership fee” before any funds could be released. The fraudsters also demanded an additional Rs 5 lakh, claiming it was necessary to process the withdrawal.
Suspecting foul play, the victim attempted to contact the callers, but their phones were switched off and the app stopped functioning. He subsequently filed a complaint at the cyber police station in Patna.
Police said seven other people in the city were also targeted through different methods. In one case, a fraudster posed as an electricity company official and tricked a resident under the pretext of updating billing details. In another, a victim was persuaded to share a one-time password on the promise of updating credit card information.
Across the eight cases, approximately Rs 15 lakh was siphoned off, officials said. Investigators noted that cybercriminals are increasingly using sophisticated tactics, including impersonation and fake digital platforms, to exploit unsuspecting individuals.
The cyber police have registered cases and begun examining bank transactions and call records linked to the complaints. Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious of unsolicited calls, suspicious links and investment offers that promise unusually high returns.
People who suspect fraud have been advised to contact the national cybercrime helpline on 1930 or report the matter at the nearest cyber police station.
