Noida. Cyber fraudsters allegedly cheated people of more than ₹90 lakh in four separate cases by promising high returns through share trading and investments via Telegram and WhatsApp groups. The fraudsters allegedly added victims to investment-related groups and assured them of substantial profits from IPOs, pre-IPO shares and trading within a short period. They were then asked to deposit money through investment applications. In some cases, when the victims tried to withdraw their funds, they were allegedly asked to pay additional amounts, after which their accounts were locked. The Cyber Crime Police Station has registered cases against the accused and initiated investigations.
A Noida resident told police that he was added to a WhatsApp group called “IIFL Wealth Appreciation Club.” Members of the group allegedly claimed that investing in IPOs and pre-IPO shares could generate significant profits. He was subsequently asked to invest through an AI-based application. According to the complaint, he initially paid ₹6 lakh for 8,000 pre-IPO shares. Later, the application allegedly showed additional shares in his account, following which he was asked to deposit another ₹18 lakh. After the money was deposited, the accused allegedly stopped responding to him. The complainant said he neither received his investment back nor could he contact the people involved.
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In another case, a Greater Noida resident was allegedly added to a Telegram group without his permission. According to the complaint, screenshots showing huge profits from trading and other investment-related information were regularly shared in the group. The victim subsequently registered on the “Varsha Capital” application. During July and August 2026, he allegedly deposited a total of ₹61,88,100 into different bank accounts. Initially, profits were shown in the account, but when he applied to withdraw the money, he was allegedly asked to deposit an additional 12 percent of the amount. Suspecting something was wrong, he refused to make any further payment. The application account was subsequently allegedly locked and the people who had contacted him stopped responding.
In the third case, a woman was allegedly cheated of ₹8.40 lakh on the pretext of investment. Police have registered a case based on her complaint and begun an investigation. Investigators are examining how she was approached, who contacted her and the bank accounts into which the money was transferred.
In another case, a Sector 22 resident filed a complaint against three people. He alleged that ₹14,47,500 was transferred to the account of SK Steel Trader, based in New Delhi. A dispute subsequently arose over the money. The complainant has sought action against the people named in his complaint. Police are examining the transaction records, bank account details and other documents related to the payment.
Cyber police officials said the cases highlight the manner in which fraudsters use Telegram and WhatsApp groups to attract potential victims with investment offers. Such groups often display screenshots of alleged profits, rising share prices and claims of successful investments to create a sense of credibility. Victims are then directed to register on a particular application or website and deposit money into specified bank accounts. In several such frauds, the application continues to display fictitious profits, while withdrawal requests trigger demands for additional money in the name of taxes, fees or further investment.
Cyber police officials said FIRs have been registered in all the cases and investigations are underway. Investigators are examining bank accounts, digital transactions, mobile numbers, WhatsApp and Telegram groups and the applications allegedly used in the transactions. Police are also checking whether the bank accounts and digital platforms used in the separate cases are connected and whether they form part of a larger network.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
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