Kolkata doctor duped of Rs 36 lakh, report says he clicked on a Facebook advertisement
Investment-based scams are on the rise in India. A Kolkata-based doctor has reportedly become the latest victim of such a cyber scam, losing Rs 36 lakh. The victim was lured into a fake investment opportunity after clicking on an advertisement on Facebook. He was duped over a period of two months after being enticed by an investment scheme advertised on the platform.advertisementAccording to a report by The Telegraph, the doctor, who is a resident of Barasat, came across an advertisement on Facebook promoting what appeared to be a legitimate financial investment platform. Thinking he might receive some financial advice and earn extra money, he clicked on the ad. The ad redirected him to a WhatsApp group that posed as a forum for stock market guidance and financial tips. The doctor was later added to the group by its admins. In the group, he encountered persuasive messages from other members, which convinced him that the platform was genuine. The scammers also directly persuaded him, and he began investing his money in phases—making ten separate transactions that ultimately totalled Rs 36 lakh.
It was only when the doctor attempted to withdraw his supposed returns and found himself locked out of the investment account. Realising he has been scammed, the doctor then approached the authorities and filed a complaint.advertisementFollowing this, the state CID reportedly launched an investigation. During the enquiry, officials arrested Prosenjit Ranjan Nath, a 34-year-old film producer and entrepreneur, from his apartment near Madurdaha, Anandapur. According to police, Nath is the key beneficiary of the syphoned funds. The investigation revealed that Rs 18 lakh of the stolen amount had been funnelled into a company operated by Nath, named The Local Brand Shop. While Nath is currently in custody, police are continuing to investigate the full extent of the scam and identify other individuals who may have been involved. Meanwhile, authorities have urged internet users to remain vigilant and not fall for misleading ads on social media. Paid advertisements on platforms like Facebook can be promoted by anyone willing to pay, making them a common tool for scammers to target unsuspecting individuals.How to stay safe from online investment scams– Do not click on any advertisement unless you are certain about its authenticity. In particular, be wary of social media ads that promise high returns or quick profits.– Always cross-check the credentials of any investment platform via official government or regulatory websites such as SEBI.– Avoid joining investment-related groups on WhatsApp or Telegram unless they are officially recognised by trusted institutions.advertisement– Never share sensitive banking or personal information through informal channels.– If you are interested in investment tips, consult certified financial professionals.- Ends
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