Hyderabad: A 35-year-old man from Nagole was duped of ₹36.30 lakh in an online stock trading scam in which fraudsters lured him with a fake profit projection of nearly ₹7 crore. The victim was added to a WhatsApp group posing as an investment forum and was persuaded to invest through a bogus trading platform. The fraud came to light when the accused demanded a “processing fee” for withdrawal of the displayed profits.
According to the complaint, the victim was added on January 30, 2026 to a WhatsApp group titled “Barclays” while searching for trading opportunities. Group administrators regularly shared trading tips, screenshots of high returns and purported SEBI registration certificates to build credibility. He was then contacted by a woman claiming to be an official trader, who used multiple mobile numbers and guided him to register on a trading website.
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The victim initially invested ₹50,000. The platform immediately reflected profits, boosting his confidence. He was encouraged to invest in so-called “institutional stocks” and IPO opportunities. Within a week, he transferred a total of ₹36,35,010 in multiple instalments. His online account showed an inflated profit figure of around ₹7 crore, prompting him to consider further investment.
However, when he attempted to withdraw the funds, the accused demanded two per cent of the profit as a processing charge. This raised suspicion and he approached the police. Investigation revealed that he had received only ₹5,000 in return, resulting in a net loss of ₹36,30,010.
The Malkajgiri Cyber Crime Police registered a case and initiated an investigation. Preliminary findings indicate that the fraud was executed using a fake trading website, a WhatsApp group and multiple mobile numbers. The accused used the name of an international bank, forged documents and fabricated profit data to gain the victim’s trust.
Cybercrime experts say this modus operandi has become increasingly common. Victims are first shown fake gains on small investments to build confidence and are then induced to invest larger amounts. When they attempt withdrawal, fraudsters demand payments under the pretext of taxes, processing fees or security charges, but the funds are never released.
Police have advised investors not to rely on trading tips circulated through WhatsApp or Telegram groups and to invest only through SEBI-registered brokers and authorised platforms. Citizens have been urged to avoid downloading unknown apps or clicking suspicious links. In case of cyber fraud, victims should immediately report the incident on the national helpline 1930 or the official portal so that the funds can be frozen promptly.
Treating the case as part of an organised cyber investment racket, investigators are analysing digital trails, bank accounts and mobile numbers to identify the wider network and trace other possible victims.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
