Bareilly, September 1 — In a disturbing development highlighting the reach of online fraud, Manoj Kumar Rai, an employee at a military hospital in North India, fell victim to a sophisticated cyber scam. Over several weeks, he transferred Rs 12.40 lakh to a fraudulent trading platform, believing he was investing in “Global Trading,” an alleged high-return scheme. According to police, Rai was initially approached via a WhatsApp group, where fraudsters painted a picture of easy profits and consistent returns.
“The promise of significant gains from modest investments made the scheme seem legitimate,” said a senior investigating officer. Rai’s initial investment of just Rs 2,000 gradually escalated over a few days, culminating in the massive financial loss by August 21.
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Psychological Manipulation and Strategic Deception
Authorities revealed that the fraudsters employed both psychological pressure and staged returns to lure Rai deeper into the scheme. Early profits were deliberately shown to build trust, after which larger sums were requested. When Rai attempted to withdraw funds, he was asked to pay a “tax,” a common tactic in such scams to extract additional money before the victim realizes the fraud.
Experts note that this method is no longer confined to urban investors. “Scammers are combining technical jargon with the illusion of investment legitimacy, effectively manipulating victims into self-sabotage,” said former IPS officer and cybercrime expert Professor Triveni Singh.
A Pattern Emerging Across the Country
This case mirrors other high-profile cyber frauds in India. In Rudki, a retired vice-chancellor lost Rs 1.47 crore to a similar “digital arrest” scheme, while in Delhi and Bareilly, individuals were tricked by imposters posing as bank officials or government officers. Authorities warn that cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting social trust and financial ambition.
The Human Cost and Call for Awareness
Police stress that many victims remain silent due to social stigma, making it harder to track cybercriminals. “Delay in reporting allows fraudsters to operate with impunity,” a senior officer noted.
The Bareilly case serves as a stark reminder: digital scams in India are no longer just technical crimes but socio-economic crises, preying on trust, greed, and digital illiteracy. Citizens are urged to verify investment platforms independently and report suspicious activity immediately.