Pune: Cases of cyber-enabled investment frauds promising unusually high returns are continuing to rise in Maharashtra’s Pune city.
In one such case, a 50-year-old woman from the Loni Kalbhor area was allegedly cheated of around ₹16 lakh in the name of investment through a firm identified as “World Trading Company.” Investigators say the accused initially gained the confidence of the victim and her family by paying regular returns before eventually refusing to return the invested amount. The incident has once again raised concerns over fake online trading platforms, unregulated investment schemes, and social media-driven financial frauds.
Phased Payouts and Deceptive Principal Accrual
According to police officials, the complainant is a resident of Pimpri and has registered a case at the Loni Kalbhor police station. In her complaint, she alleged that the accused introduced themselves as investment advisors and promised unusually high profits on investments. The fraudsters reportedly convinced the woman and her husband to invest nearly ₹20 lakh into a bank account linked to the scheme. Initially, the investment appeared genuine, and the family allegedly received regular monthly returns.
During the investigation, it emerged that for the first four months, the accused transferred around ₹1 lakh every month as returns, thereby strengthening the victims’ trust in the scheme. Encouraged by the consistent payouts, the family believed the investment was safe and profitable. However, after some time, the accused gradually reduced communication and later allegedly refused to return the principal amount. It was only then that the victims realized they had been duped. Police have registered a case against two accused persons and initiated a probe into the financial transactions and linked bank accounts.
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Telegram Channel Interception and Task-Based Scams
In another cyber fraud reported from Pune, a 44-year-old woman from the Chatushrungi area allegedly lost ₹4.20 lakh in a scam involving a Telegram ID, stock market investment tips, and online task-based earning schemes. According to investigators, the fraudsters approached the victim through social media and messaging platforms, promising quick earnings through share trading and digital tasks. Initially, a few transactions appeared successful in order to build confidence and encourage larger investments.
Cyber investigators say such scams typically follow a calculated pattern. Fraudsters often return small amounts in the beginning to gain the victim’s trust. Once the target becomes confident in the scheme, they are persuaded to invest larger sums. After collecting substantial money, the accused abruptly cut off communication and disappear. Authorities have observed a sharp rise in frauds involving Telegram channels, WhatsApp groups, fake trading apps, and counterfeit investment websites in recent months.
Organized Social Engineering and Dashboard Fabrication
Renowned cyber crime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said cyber criminals are now targeting people in a highly organized manner under the guise of investment and trading opportunities. According to him, “Fake trading dashboards, fabricated profit reports, aggressive social media promotion, and promises of exceptionally high returns are being used to lure victims. In many cases, fraudsters deliberately return a small amount initially to create trust before carrying out large-scale financial fraud.”
He advised people to remain cautious while dealing with unknown investment platforms, Telegram groups, or schemes promising unrealistic returns. He further emphasized that no investment should be made without verifying the legitimacy of the company, its registration details, licenses, and banking trail. Experts also warn users against downloading unverified trading applications or sharing financial details with unknown online entities.
Transaction Trailing and Multi-State Network Audits
At present, Pune Police and cyber investigation teams are examining the linked bank accounts, digital records, and suspected networks connected to the fraud. Investigators suspect that the operation may not be limited to a local scam and could be part of a larger organized financial fraud network operating across multiple states.
