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A retired superintendent of the Government of India’s indirect tax department, Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST), has been cheated of ₹9.70 lakh in a cyber fraud after being lured with promises of high returns from share trading. The incident took place in Mumbai, where the victim resides with his family in Vikhroli (East). According to the police, the fraudsters contacted him through WhatsApp, added him to a fake trading group, and siphoned off money from his bank accounts after persuading him to download a suspicious mobile application.
Police officials said the 61-year-old victim retired from the CGST department in July 2024 after serving as a superintendent. On November 25, 2025, he received a WhatsApp call from an unknown number. The caller claimed to be associated with a reputed brokerage firm and assured him of “safe investments” and “fixed profits” in the stock market. Soon after, the victim was added to a WhatsApp group named ‘Limited CLUB-60’.
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‘Trading tips’ and manufactured trust
According to the complaint, the WhatsApp group regularly shared stock-buying and selling tips, alleged analyst recommendations, and screenshots claiming consistent profits. Messages from other purported group members praised the accuracy of the tips and highlighted financial gains, creating an impression of credibility. Within a few days, the victim began to trust the group and its administrators.
Subsequently, the group’s ‘admin’ sent the victim a link, claiming that downloading a special application was necessary for faster and more efficient trading. Acting on the instructions, the victim clicked on the link and installed an app named ‘VSLNHW’ on his mobile phone. Police said that through this application, the fraudsters managed to obtain remote access to his device.
Money siphoned off from bank accounts
Once the fraudsters gained control of the victim’s phone, they accessed his bank accounts and digital payment applications. The complaint states that through multiple transactions, a total of ₹9.70 lakh was withdrawn from his accounts. Initially, the victim believed the money was being invested in share trading as promised. However, when no profits were reflected and his bank balance began to drop sharply, he realised that he had been cheated.
When the victim attempted to contact the WhatsApp group admin and the number from which he had received the initial call, all the numbers were found to be switched off. He was also removed from the WhatsApp group, confirming his suspicion of fraud.
Police probe and experts’ warning
After realising the fraud, the victim approached the local police and the cyber cell. A case has been registered against unknown persons under relevant sections of the Information Technology Act and cheating-related provisions of the Indian Penal Code. Police officials said they are analysing the details of the bank accounts to which the money was transferred, along with the mobile numbers and IP addresses involved in the transactions.
Commenting on the growing number of such cases, Future Crime Research Foundation (FCRF) has flagged a worrying trend. Experts associated with the foundation said organised cybercrime syndicates increasingly use WhatsApp groups, fake investment advice and unauthorised apps to first gain victims’ trust and then take control of their mobile phones, making it easier to drain bank accounts.
Former IPS officer and noted cybercrime expert Triveni Singh said such frauds rely more on human psychology than technology. “Fraudsters exploit greed and social pressure within groups to push victims into hurried decisions. Clicking on unknown links or downloading unverified apps is extremely dangerous, as it can give criminals complete control over a person’s mobile phone,” he said.
Advisory to citizens
Police and cyber experts have urged citizens not to trust unsolicited calls, WhatsApp groups or online investment advice. They have advised against downloading any application without proper verification and warned people never to grant remote access to their mobile phones. In case of any suspicious activity, citizens have been asked to immediately approach the nearest police station or contact the cybercrime helpline.
Officials stressed that timely caution and accurate information remain the most effective safeguards against such cyber frauds.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
