A woman in Mangaluru has allegedly been cheated of nearly ₹29.2 lakh in a fake online investment scheme, with fraudsters reportedly using promises of unusually high returns, fake dashboards and repeated digital transactions to draw her into the trap.
According to preliminary information, the victim was first contacted through online platforms and introduced to what appeared to be a genuine investment opportunity. The accused allegedly posed as financial advisors or representatives of investment firms and built trust by showing fabricated profit statements and early returns on small investments.
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Fake Returns Used to Build Trust
Investigators said the victim was gradually persuaded to invest larger amounts after being shown small profits in the initial stages. Over time, she transferred ₹29.2 lakh in multiple instalments through different bank accounts and digital transaction channels.
Police suspect that the layered transfer method was used to obscure the money trail and delay detection. The fraudsters allegedly used fake investment applications, WhatsApp groups and call-based communication systems to make the operation appear credible.
Officials said victims in such schemes are often shown artificial gains on fake dashboards. Once large amounts are deposited, withdrawals are blocked, excuses are offered or communication is cut off.
Digital Wallets and Bank Accounts Under Probe
The fraud came to light after the woman reportedly tried to withdraw her funds and faced repeated delays and evasive responses. The scammers later disconnected contact, prompting her to file a formal complaint with the police.
Cybercrime officials are now examining bank accounts, digital wallets and transaction records linked to the case. Technical teams are also analysing call detail records, IP addresses and device fingerprints to trace the origin of the network.
Authorities suspect the fraud may be linked to a wider cybercrime setup using fake identities and digital infrastructure. Investigators are trying to determine whether the case connects to similar investment frauds reported from other locations.
Police Warn Against High-Return Schemes
Cybersecurity experts said high-return investment frauds have become increasingly common, with fraudsters relying on trust-building and pressure tactics to push victims into repeated deposits. Initial payouts are often used to make victims believe the platform is genuine.
Cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said such frauds are driven by behavioural manipulation, where victims are first shown staged profits and then pressured to invest larger sums under the promise of guaranteed returns.
Police have advised citizens to avoid unknown investment platforms and unverified applications. Users have also been warned not to share OTPs, banking credentials or personal financial details with unknown individuals or entities while the investigation continues.
