Hyderabad. A 47-year-old software engineer from Tellapur has allegedly lost more than ₹3.2 crore after being drawn into a fake stock trading investment scam operated through a WhatsApp group and a fraudulent mobile application. Police said the victim was lured with promises of stock tips, IPO gains and assured returns before being persuaded to transfer large sums into multiple bank accounts.
WhatsApp Group Used to Build Trust
According to the complaint, the victim received a WhatsApp message on October 31, 2025, inviting him to join an online stock tips group named “Stocko Traders Hub A663.” The group administrators allegedly promoted investment opportunities and claimed that participants could earn high returns through stock trading and IPO-related investments.
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Investigators said the accused shared fake profit screenshots and staged withdrawal proofs to make the platform appear genuine. The victim was later directed to download a trading application and transfer funds into bank accounts controlled by the fraudsters.
Between December 2025 and January 2026, the victim reportedly transferred over ₹3.36 crore. Police said he was allowed to withdraw ₹10 lakh initially, allegedly to maintain his confidence in the platform and convince him that the investment system was legitimate.
Withdrawal Blocked, App Later Becomes Inaccessible
The fraud came to light after the victim attempted to withdraw the remaining funds. The accused allegedly blocked his withdrawal requests and demanded additional payments in the name of service charges. Soon after, communication with the operators stopped.
By March 2026, the application became inaccessible and all contact with the people running the platform was lost. The victim then approached the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau, which registered a case under provisions of the IT Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Police said preliminary findings point to a structured cyber fraud network using social media messaging, fake trading dashboards and coordinated financial mule accounts across multiple states. Investigators are now examining bank account mapping, digital transaction records and the wider financial trail linked to the case.
Experts Warn Against Fake Trading Platforms
Cybercrime experts have warned that fraudsters are increasingly exploiting investment aspirations by creating convincing digital ecosystems, including fake dashboards, fabricated profit records and impersonation-based marketing campaigns.
Cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Professor Triveni Singh said fraudsters are using highly convincing digital platforms to manipulate trust. He said strict due diligence and better verification awareness are essential to prevent large-scale financial losses.
Authorities urged citizens to verify all investment-related communications and avoid downloading unknown applications shared through messaging platforms. Officials stressed that legitimate financial platforms do not guarantee fixed returns and do not rely on unsolicited WhatsApp groups for investment schemes.
Investigators expect further progress as the case develops, including possible arrests and asset tracing. Police are focusing on identifying the key handlers behind the fake trading ecosystem, while also urging citizens to report suspicious investment schemes immediately through cybercrime helplines.
