A cybersecurity expert from Pune lost approximately ₹73.69 lakh due to an online investment fraud. The fraudsters enticed them to invest in a fake trading app, promising high returns, and then transferred the money to various accounts. The police have initiated an investigation into the matter.
Online Investment Fraud: An incident has come to light where a cybersecurity expert from Pune lost ₹73.69 lakh under the guise of online investment. This incident occurred in August 2025 when the victim received a WhatsApp message from an international number and was added to a fake trading group. The fraudsters repeatedly urged them to invest, offering "expert guidance." When the victim attempted to withdraw ₹2.33 crore from their account, they were asked to pay a 10% tax. It was then that they realized they had fallen victim to a major online investment fraud. Police are investigating the case and have warned people to be cautious of such frauds.
Cybersecurity Expert Also Falls Victim to Online Investment Fraud
A cybersecurity expert from Pune lost approximately ₹73.69 lakh through an online investment fraud. It is surprising that the victim, despite being a cybersecurity expert themselves, fell prey to this incident. According to the report, the fraudsters trapped them by promising large profits through a fake trading app.
This fraud began in the month of August. At that time, the victim received a WhatsApp message from an international number containing a link. Upon clicking this link, they joined a group chat where several users shared screenshots of earning large sums from the stock market. Gradually, the victim was led to believe that this was a legitimate trading platform.
The Full Extent of the Fraud Through a Fake Trading App
The group admin instructed the victim to register on a specific trading app and begin investing. Under the guise of "expert guidance," they were repeatedly urged to transfer money. Between August 8 and September 1, they transferred a total of ₹73.69 lakh through 55 different transactions. The fraudsters transferred this money to bank accounts located in cities such as Chennai, Bhadrak, Firozpur, Ulhasnagar, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and Gurugram.
When an attempt was made to withdraw the ₹2.33 crore visible in the app, the fraudsters demanded a 10% tax. It was then that the victim suspected they had become a victim of fraud. They immediately filed a complaint with the Pune Cybercrime Police.
Shocking Facts Revealed in Police Investigation
Police investigations have revealed that this fake investment fraud is widespread across the country and is being promoted through WhatsApp and Telegram groups. Fraudsters are trapping users by posing as SEBI-registered advisors or foreign investors. Since the interfaces of these fake trading apps resemble genuine apps, people are investing without thorough due diligence.
Police have warned that such investment fraudsters are now targeting not only common people but also cybersecurity experts. In such situations, the money is spread across various accounts throughout the country, making it difficult to trace.
