Pune- A senior telecom executive in Pune fell victim to a Facebook scam orchestrated by a fake fashion designer and agents of a Seychelles-based crypto exchange, losing ₹51 lakh. Police investigations revealed that the complainant received multiple friend requests from different Facebook profiles with the same name, yet accepted one of them.
According to the investigation, a woman posing as a fashion designer from Bangalore contacted the executive on Facebook, claiming to have solutions for financial problems through investments. She lured the victim into investing in Tether (USDT), a cryptocurrency pegged to the US dollar, with promises of high returns. During this time, the scammers also claimed to represent a Seychelles-based crypto exchange.
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The victim carried out more than 30 transactions in May 2025, totaling ₹51.89 lakh. Investigators found that the woman further tried to gain his trust by sharing details of her supposed fashion designing firm, including a visiting card. She also sent company documents and website information to create a convincing professional image.
An FIR was registered at Kalewadi Police Station, where the complainant provided a detailed account of all the events.
Expert View
Cybercrime experts described the case as a classic example of social engineering, where perpetrators exploit trust and greed. They noted, “On platforms like Facebook, people often unknowingly accept friend requests, opening the door for fraud. Cases of cryptocurrency-based scams are rising because they are difficult to trace and cause immediate financial loss to victims.”
Experts further warned, “Individuals must understand that promises of high returns always come with risks. Before investing on any digital platform, it is crucial to verify information through authenticated and reliable sources. If any Facebook profile or social media account seems suspicious, one should consult the police or cybercrime experts before engaging.”
Police have advised the public to exercise caution on social media and avoid engaging with any suspicious financial or investment offers.
