Hyderabad: A seemingly harmless social media friendship turned into a massive financial fraud in Hyderabad, where a software engineer from Kondapur was duped of ₹2.36 crore in an online trading scam. The fraud was executed through Facebook interaction, fake identities, and a malicious mobile application designed to mimic a genuine trading platform.
According to police, the incident began in August 2025 when the victim received a friend request on Facebook from a woman identifying herself as “Kora.” She claimed to be a Singapore resident working in Mumbai. Over time, regular conversations built trust between the two, laying the foundation for the scam.
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Trust built through ‘Facebook Store’ group
Soon after establishing contact, the fraudster added the victim to a group named “Facebook Store.” The group allegedly included several members who frequently posted screenshots and messages claiming high profits from online trading. This created an illusion of legitimacy and convinced the victim that the platform was genuine.
The fraudster then encouraged the victim to invest in trading. Initially, small amounts were invested to build confidence, but gradually, he was persuaded to invest larger sums.
Fake app installed via APK file
Once the victim was fully convinced, he was sent an APK file and instructed to install a mobile application. The app closely resembled a real trading platform and even mimicked the interface of Facebook, making it difficult to detect as fraudulent.
During this phase, the victim was also introduced to another woman named “Bella,” who claimed to be a Germany-based trading expert. Following instructions from both individuals, the victim continued investing, believing he was trading in legitimate products.
Over ₹2.3 crore transferred in three months
Investigators revealed that between September 1 and December 12, 2025, the victim transferred approximately ₹2.3 crore through multiple transactions. The app continuously displayed increasing profits, reinforcing the belief that his investments were yielding high returns.
However, when the victim attempted to withdraw his money, he was repeatedly blocked with excuses such as technical issues and additional charges. Eventually, when no funds were returned, he realised he had fallen victim to fraud.
Case registered after complaint
After discovering the scam, the victim approached the cybercrime police, following which a case was registered. The suspects have been booked under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including cheating, impersonation, forgery, and use of forged electronic records.
Authorities are now investigating whether the fraud network operates domestically or has international links. Initial findings suggest the involvement of an organized cybercrime syndicate using advanced social engineering tactics.
Expert warning on rising social engineering threats
Commenting on such cases, renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said that modern cybercriminals rely more on psychological manipulation than technology.
“Today’s cybercriminals exploit human emotions and trust. Virtual identities created on social media are becoming increasingly dangerous tools for fraud,” he noted.
He warned that investing based on advice from unknown individuals, especially involving APK-based app downloads, poses significant risks.
Vigilance remains the strongest defence
This case highlights how cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated, targeting individuals with well-planned strategies. Experts emphasize the importance of verifying the authenticity of investment platforms and avoiding downloads from unknown sources.
The Hyderabad incident is not just an isolated fraud but a stark warning about the growing threat of cybercrime, underscoring the need for awareness, caution, and digital vigilance to safeguard financial assets.
