A shocking case of cyber fraud has surfaced in which a doctor was duped of over ₹1 crore in the name of online trading. Cyber criminals allegedly befriended him through a matrimonial website, gained his trust, and later lured him into investing in foreign currency and gold trading schemes with promises of high returns. The victim has filed a complaint at the Cyber Crime Police Station, and an investigation is underway.
According to police, Mahesh Kumar, originally from Kerala and currently working at a private hospital in the city, came into contact with a woman through a matrimonial website in 2025. During their conversations, the woman claimed to have expertise in investment and online trading and assured him of substantial profits in a short period.
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Scam Operated Via Telegram
In March 2025, the woman allegedly sent the doctor a link to a trading website and persuaded him to open an account and start investing. Later, trading activities were shifted to another link.
She reportedly used Telegram to send “buy value” and “sell value” instructions, directing him to invest in currency and gold trades. Initially, profits were reflected in the trading account to build his confidence. Gradually, the doctor transferred funds from his HDFC Bank account through 23 separate transactions into different bank accounts, amounting to a total of ₹1,00,31,269.
Truth Revealed After Withdrawal Failure
When the doctor attempted to withdraw the invested amount, the website did not allow any withdrawal. He was then asked to deposit additional charges and taxes in the name of processing the withdrawal. Upon growing suspicious, he tried contacting the woman, but all communication had ceased. Realizing he had been defrauded, he approached the cyber police and filed a complaint.
Cyber Police Investigation Underway
Cyber Crime Police are now examining bank accounts, mobile numbers, IP addresses, and transaction details linked to the case. Authorities suspect the involvement of an inter-state or possibly international cyber fraud syndicate.
Police have urged citizens to remain cautious while investing online and to avoid clicking on suspicious links or trusting unknown individuals offering lucrative returns.
Experts note that cases of “romance scams” and “investment fraud” through matrimonial and social media platforms are on the rise, where emotional trust is first established before financial exploitation takes place.
The investigation is ongoing, and efforts are being made to trace and arrest the accused.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
