Patna: A Patna youth has allegedly lost Rs 11.97 lakh in an online trading scam after cyber fraudsters lured him with promises of high returns and gradually convinced him to invest larger amounts.
According to the complaint submitted to the Patna Cyber Police Station, the fraudsters initially contacted the victim through a WhatsApp group and promised substantial profits from online trading. The victim was subsequently asked to transfer money into different bank accounts.
After the victim attempted to withdraw the money displayed in his online account, the fraudsters allegedly demanded another Rs 30 lakh in the name of fees and other charges.
14 Transactions Used to Collect Rs 11.97 Lakh
According to the victim’s complaint, the fraudsters initially persuaded him to invest smaller amounts.
After allegedly showing profits on the online trading account, they encouraged him to deposit more money. The victim continued transferring funds after being led to believe that his investment was generating substantial returns.
Between August 21 and September 11, 2026, the victim allegedly made 14 separate transactions, transferring a total of Rs 11,97,360 to different bank accounts.
The increasing balance shown in the online account allegedly reinforced his belief that the investment was generating genuine profits.
Withdrawal Attempt Triggers Fresh Demand
The fraud came to light when the victim tried to withdraw the money shown in his online account.
The fraudsters allegedly told him that additional payments were required before the funds could be released. They subsequently demanded around Rs 30 lakh more.
The demand for such a large additional payment raised suspicion and led the victim to realise that he could have been targeted in a cyber fraud.
Victim Seeks Probe Into WhatsApp, Telegram Accounts
The victim has approached the Patna Cyber Police Station, seeking action against those allegedly involved in the fraud and recovery of the money.
He has requested police to investigate the mobile numbers, WhatsApp accounts and Telegram accounts allegedly used by the fraudsters.
The victim has also sought the freezing of the bank accounts into which the money was transferred and recovery of the allegedly defrauded amount.
Chat Screenshots and Transaction Details Submitted
Along with his complaint, the victim reportedly provided police with screenshots of conversations with the suspected fraudsters and details of the bank transactions.
These records are expected to assist investigators in tracing the accounts and communication channels allegedly used in the fraud.
Cyber police are investigating the complaint and working to establish the identities of those involved and trace the transferred funds.
How the Alleged Trading Scam Worked
The complaint indicates a pattern in which the victim was initially encouraged to invest a smaller amount, followed by repeated requests for larger deposits after profits were allegedly displayed on the online platform.
When the victim attempted to withdraw the accumulated amount, an additional demand for money was allegedly made.
Cybercrime investigators will now examine the bank accounts, digital communications and transaction trail to determine the full extent of the alleged fraud.
