Latest news with #ProsenjitRanjanNath
India Today
11 hours ago
- Business
- India Today
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 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 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 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 Never share sensitive banking or personal information through informal channels.– If you are interested in investment tips, consult certified financial professionals.- Ends
India Today
15 hours ago
- India Today
Bengal police arrests film producer in fake investment app scam
The West Bengal police has arrested Bengali film producer Prosenjit Ranjan Nath in connection with a Rs 36 lakh investment fraud case. According to CID officials, Nath, who was previously a software engineer, received nearly half of the defrauded amount in his personal bank account, establishing his direct involvement in the scam.'Arrested accused Prosenjit Ranjan Nath received around Rs 18 lakh among the total scammed amount into his own bank account, which showed his direct link with the fraud and that led to his arrest,' a West Bengal CID source told India fraud reportedly began a few years ago through a replica mobile application of a popular investment platform. The complainant came across the app via a Facebook advertisement and was later added to a WhatsApp group, where members lured him with promises of high returns through stock market investments. The group shared multiple fabricated stories of supposed beneficiaries, convincing the victim to invest. The complainant downloaded the app and gradually invested Rs 36 lakh over several months. 'From the beginning, his high-earning profits started reflecting in his app virtually, which insisted him to invest more,' a source said. His suspicion grew only when he attempted to withdraw his earnings and failed he had been duped, the victim filed a complaint at a cyber police station in North 24 Parganas. The Kolkata High Court later transferred the probe to the CID for a more thorough the inquiry, CID officials traced approximately Rs 18 lakh of the stolen funds directly to Nath's bank account. 'While scrutinising the mobile app under scanner, scientific evidence and analysis also suggest the direct involvement of the accused into the scam,' a CID source confirmation of his location, CID officials arrested Nath from the Alipore area in Kolkata on Wednesday. Investigators are also probing the roles of other individuals connected to the case. Raids are underway to apprehend additional Ranjan Nath, a resident of Madurdaha in East Kolkata, is also facing an ongoing domestic violence case filed by his wife.- Ends IN THIS STORY#West Bengal
