In yet another case highlighting the growing menace of cyber fraud, a retired Army captain has allegedly been duped of ₹13.97 lakh by cyber criminals who lured him with promises of high returns on investment. The victim has lodged a complaint at the Cyber Crime Police Station, and an investigation has been initiated.
According to police sources, the victim, Shashikant Mishra, is a resident of Sulem Sarai in the Dhoomanganj area of Prayagraj. He retired from the Indian Army in 2023 with the rank of Captain and is currently working on an outsourcing basis at a local hospital. Officials said Mishra received a suspicious link on his mobile phone under the name “New Berry Group.”
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Link Click Led to Contact with Fraudsters
After clicking on the link, Mishra was reportedly contacted by two individuals identifying themselves as Rajesh Modi and Meena Joshi. The duo claimed to be associated with an investment firm and assured him of lucrative returns through a structured investment plan. They allegedly presented themselves as experienced financial advisors and shared details of supposed profit-making schemes to gain his trust.
Initially, the fraudsters are said to have shown fabricated data and testimonials to convince the retired officer of the legitimacy of their operations. They reportedly guided him step-by-step on how to transfer funds, claiming that the investment opportunity was time-sensitive and highly profitable.
Funds Transferred in Multiple Transactions
Believing their claims, Mishra transferred approximately ₹13,97,000 into various bank accounts provided by the accused. Police sources indicated that the transactions were carried out in multiple installments over a short span of time. The fraudsters allegedly assured him that the invested amount would yield substantial returns within weeks.
However, after the money was transferred, communication from the accused gradually reduced. When Mishra attempted to inquire about the promised returns or withdrawal of his funds, his calls and messages reportedly went unanswered. Eventually, all contact with the accused persons ceased.
Realization and Complaint
Upon realizing that he had been cheated, Mishra approached the Cyber Crime Police Station in Prayagraj and filed a formal complaint. Authorities have registered the case and begun a detailed investigation into the bank accounts and mobile numbers used in the fraud.
Cyber police officials stated that efforts are underway to trace the accused through digital footprints, transaction records, and IP address tracking. The bank accounts into which the money was transferred are also being scrutinized to identify the beneficiaries and freeze any remaining funds, if possible.
Rising Trend of Investment Frauds
Police officials noted that cyber criminals are increasingly targeting retired personnel and senior citizens by offering attractive investment schemes promising unusually high returns. Fraudsters often create fake company names, websites, and social media profiles to appear legitimate. They exploit trust and financial aspirations, especially among individuals seeking better returns on savings.
Authorities have once again advised citizens to exercise extreme caution while dealing with online investment offers. They have urged people not to click on unknown links received via SMS, WhatsApp, or social media platforms and to verify the authenticity of investment firms before transferring any funds.
Victims of cyber fraud are encouraged to immediately report incidents on the national cyber helpline number 1930 or file complaints through the official cyber crime reporting portal to increase the chances of fund recovery.
The investigation into the ₹13.97 lakh fraud case is ongoing, and police are hopeful of identifying the culprits soon.
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.
