INDORE: An Indore trader says he lost ₹65.57 lakh in an alleged online trading scam after being drawn into a social media investment group that promised extraordinary returns. Police say the victim was persuaded to transfer increasing sums of money over several weeks while an app displayed fictitious profits nearing ₹4 crore.
A Social Media Link That Promised Wealth
A city-based trader has reported losing ₹65.57 lakh in an alleged online trading fraud after being lured by a social media advertisement that promised unusually high investment returns.
According to police officials, the complaint was filed by Deepak Chandore, a resident of Mahesh Avenue on Chhota Bangarda Road. Chandore told investigators that he first encountered the investment opportunity in December 2025 while watching short video reels on social media. The advertisement contained a trading link which directed him to a group titled “A69 ABCL Wealth Navigator Club.”
Members of the group regularly posted screenshots of profits, trading videos and online lectures, presenting what appeared to be a structured investment community. Chandore observed the activity in the group for nearly a month before deciding to invest, police said. Officials say the case has been registered at Aerodrome police station and an investigation is currently underway.
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WhatsApp Guidance and a Mobile Application
After expressing interest in the investment opportunity, Chandore said he was contacted on WhatsApp by a woman identifying herself as Diya Mehra. According to the complaint, she guided him through what was described as an account-opening process.
Chandore told police that he was first sent a link associated with what appeared to be a well-known company and was instructed to fill out an online form. Following this step, he was directed to download a mobile application from the Google Play Store through which all trading transactions were to be conducted.
Initially, Chandore invested ₹5,000 through the application. The app reportedly displayed returns on the investment, which investigators say increased his confidence in the platform and encouraged him to continue investing.
Rising Investments and Apparent Profits
Police officials said the complainant gradually began transferring larger amounts of money as instructed by individuals associated with the investment group.
From January 29, 2026 onward, Chandore started depositing larger sums through the application. According to the complaint, the app interface displayed steadily increasing profits on his account balance.
By February 20, the application allegedly showed returns approaching ₹4 crore on his total investment. Believing the profits to be genuine, Chandore continued following instructions provided by the group administrators and contacts associated with the platform.
Withdrawal Attempts and Discovery of Fraud
Difficulties arose when Chandore attempted to withdraw the funds displayed on the application. According to police, he was informed that there were “technical issues” preventing the withdrawal. Shortly afterward, he was persuaded to invest additional money in what was described as a new initial public offering (IPO) opportunity on the same platform.
Repeated attempts to recover the funds were unsuccessful. Chandore later realized that the money he had transferred could not be retrieved and approached authorities with a complaint Investigators say the total loss reported by the complainant amounts to ₹65.57 lakh, some of which he had borrowed to invest.
“A case has been registered and further investigation is underway,” said Tarun Bhati, the officer in charge of Aerodrome police station.
Police have registered a First Information Report against unidentified individuals based on four mobile phone numbers linked to the communication with the victim. Authorities said efforts are underway to trace the suspects and examine the financial transaction trail connected to the alleged fraud.
