Patna: A Kankarbagh resident has allegedly been duped of Rs 62.49 lakh in a cyber fraud linked to a fake share-trading platform.
According to the complaint, the fraudsters allegedly showed the victim a fictitious profit of Rs 4.73 crore on a fake trading app and later demanded 75 per cent of the purported profit as a commission when the victim tried to withdraw the money.
The victim subsequently approached the cyber police and filed a complaint.
Fraud Allegedly Began Through WhatsApp Groups
According to the complaint, the alleged fraud began on June 20, when the victim was added to a WhatsApp group named ‘GL397 NAM Grow Beyond Limits’.
On June 26, the victim was reportedly added to another group called ‘OP Circle-27’.
A woman identified as Meera Iyer and a man identified as Ashish allegedly contacted the victim through these groups and encouraged him to invest in the stock market, promising substantial returns.
Fake App Displayed Rs 4.73 Crore Profit
The alleged fraudsters reportedly persuaded the victim to download a purported trading application called ‘NAM AMC HNW’.
During registration, the app allegedly collected details including the victim’s Aadhaar number, mobile number and bank account information.
The victim’s Punjab National Bank savings account was subsequently linked to the application.
As the application displayed increasing profits, the victim allegedly became convinced that the investments were generating substantial returns.
Rs 62.49 Lakh Transferred in 25 Transactions
According to the complaint, between August 4 and September 20, the victim transferred money from accounts held with IDBI Bank and Punjab National Bank to various accounts allegedly provided by the fraudsters.
A total of 25 transactions were reportedly made, involving Rs 62.49 lakh.
During this period, the fake application continued to display an alleged profit of Rs 4.73 crore.
75% Commission Demanded for Withdrawal
The alleged fraud came to light when the victim attempted to withdraw the money.
The fraudsters reportedly demanded that the victim deposit 75 per cent of the displayed profit as commission before the funds could be withdrawn.
The victim reportedly declined to pay the additional amount and instead asked for the return of the original investment.
However, the accused allegedly continued to delay the withdrawal and demanded additional payments.
Cyber Police Begin Investigation
After realising that the investment platform was allegedly fraudulent, the victim filed a written complaint with the cyber police.
Investigators are expected to examine the bank transactions, WhatsApp groups, phone numbers, accounts used to receive the money and the fake trading application as part of the probe.
The case highlights the risks associated with online investment platforms that promise unusually high returns and use fabricated account balances or profits to persuade victims to transfer more money.
