Varanasi | In a disturbing case of cyber fraud, a young man in Varanasi fell victim to online scammers who posed as friends on Facebook and lured him into a gold investment scheme, ultimately swindling around ₹26 lakh. The victim, Praveen Kumar, a resident of Ghohatta in the Luxa police jurisdiction, has lodged a formal complaint with the Cyber Crime Police.
According to Praveen, in July 2024, he accepted a friend request on Facebook from a woman named Roshni Rai, reportedly based in Pune. She provided her WhatsApp number and claimed that investing in gold would yield substantial profits. Roshni then shared a link to facilitate online trading, which Praveen began using.
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Initially, Praveen made small transactions, gradually gaining confidence in the woman’s guidance. He first transferred ₹1 lakh to her designated accounts. Over time, the amount in the account appeared to grow due to online trading activity. During this period, he also withdrew two small sums of ₹8,000 each. Encouraged by these transactions, on October 3, 2024, he transferred ₹5 lakh into her company account.
Soon, the account showed a balance of nearly ₹32 lakh. When Praveen attempted to withdraw the funds, he was told to deposit 40 percent as “risk margin money,” totaling ₹12.10 lakh. Later, under the pretext of clearing a 30 percent tax, he deposited an additional ₹9,12,585. Attempts to access the funds were repeatedly blocked, making it evident that he had been defrauded.
Despite multiple complaints to the cyber cell, no FIR was initially registered. The Cyber Crime Police have now officially filed an FIR and begun a full investigation into the case.
Officials at the Cyber Crime Police described the case as a textbook example of digital fraud. The scammers exploited social media and WhatsApp links to gain the victim’s trust, systematically extracting large sums through repeated small payments.
Experts warn that victims often fall for the allure of “online profit schemes.” Criminals first establish credibility before gradually siphoning off larger amounts. They advise extreme caution when dealing with unknown social media friend requests or unfamiliar online links before investing.
The incident serves as a warning for Varanasi residents that digital transactions require heightened vigilance. Using verified banking channels and official platforms is essential to prevent fraud.
The Cyber Crime Police investigation is ongoing. Authorities said efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the perpetrators. Meanwhile, the victim has been advised to remain alert regarding his accounts and any future investments.
This case highlights the growing trend of digital fraud and the vulnerabilities of social media users. Experts emphasize that awareness, digital safety training, and prompt reporting of suspicious activity are crucial to curb such scams.
