Fraudsters mirror firm's portal, senior loses 54L to fake shares
Mumbai: A 64-year-old Andheri resident was conned of Rs 53.6 lakh after fraudsters posing as representatives of a leading financial services company induced him into investing in a fake stock market investment scheme over six weeks.
On March 25, the man received a WhatsApp message from a number promoting stock market investments. The message contained a link to a website mimicking the official portal of the financial services company. Trusting the offer, the man clicked on the link and was added to a WhatsApp group administered by many individuals.
"The group members called and messaged the victim and convinced him to provide his PAN card, set up an investment password and connect his bank accounts to a trading app," said an official of west region cyber police, who lodged an FIR.
Over the course of multiple transactions, the man transferred Rs 53.6 lakh to various bank accounts controlled by the group, believing that he was investing in the stock market and earning significant returns. The app showed him huge profits virtually.
He realised he was being scammed only on May 6 when he tried to withdraw his profit. He was told that his "credit score" had decreased and he would have to purchase additional shares to release the funds. Suspecting foul play, he refused further payments, at which point the fraudsters threatened him with the loss of his entire investment. He then approached police.
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