Four Ahmedabad residents allegedly lost a combined ₹26.30 lakh in separate cyber fraud cases involving fake stock market investments, a malicious APK file, call forwarding and unauthorised SIM deactivation. Cyber Crime Police have registered separate cases and are tracing the digital and financial trails linked to the frauds.
How Did a Fake Stock Market Scheme Cost ₹7.67 Lakh?
Harshadkumar Ambalal Parekh, 48, a grocery businessman living in an LIG housing colony behind the Odhav police outpost, allegedly lost ₹7.67 lakh after responding to a Facebook advertisement promising 100% returns on share market investments.
According to his complaint, Parekh clicked on the advertisement and was subsequently added to a WhatsApp group called “SAMCO Investor Education Community”.
Two individuals identified as Sunil Yadav and Ameya allegedly claimed to represent a SEBI-registered company. Parekh was asked to sign up through a fraudulent link and was shown virtual profits of 200% to 300% on the application against the money he invested.
Believing the displayed returns, Parekh allegedly transferred a total of ₹7.67 lakh to different UPI IDs and bank accounts. When he attempted to withdraw the money, the accused allegedly refused to release it and demanded further payments in the name of a 20% commission and penalty charges.
How Did a Fake Traffic Fine Message Lead to ₹5 Lakh Loss?
Sameer Ratilal Rami, 45, who lives at Shrisadan Flats near Vasna Bhathagam Crossroads and runs a flower shop near the Vasna bus stand, allegedly lost ₹5 lakh after receiving a message about an outstanding traffic fine.
The message, received from a virtual number, claimed that a ₹1,000 traffic violation fine was pending against his vehicle and instructed him to download an APK file named “NextGen mParivahan(3).apk”.
After the file was downloaded, the accused allegedly gained access to his mobile phone and activated call forwarding to an unknown number.
The fraudsters subsequently allegedly carried out transactions totalling ₹5 lakh using his RBL Bank credit card on Flipkart and other online platforms without his knowledge.
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How Was ₹6.97 Lakh Taken After a SIM Stopped Working?
Jagdish Shankarlal Parmar, 49, a textile trader living at Gelabnari ni Vadi opposite Gheekanta Metro Station, allegedly lost ₹6.97 lakh after his mobile services suddenly stopped working.
According to the complaint, both incoming and outgoing services on his mobile number stopped. Parmar later discovered that an unknown person had allegedly logged into his MyJio account, changed the alternate mobile number and submitted a request to deactivate his SIM.
While the SIM remained inactive, transaction OTPs reportedly did not reach Parmar.
The accused allegedly gained access to his ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank net banking accounts, liquidated fixed deposits and transferred ₹6.97 lakh to a Kalyan Jewellers UPI ID.
How Did Call Forwarding Lead to a ₹6.66 Lakh Fraud?
In another case, 73-year-old retiree Shyamal Bankim Bhattacharya of Maitri Avenue Bungalows in Motera allegedly lost ₹6.66 lakh after clicking on a suspicious link sent in connection with a purported vehicle-related court case.
Bhattacharya allegedly received a text message warning of legal action over a court case linked to vehicle number GJ01NT7298. After he clicked on an “mparivahan” link in the message, his phone was allegedly compromised.
Incoming text messages were subsequently forwarded to another mobile number without his knowledge.
Using the alleged access, the accused siphoned ₹6.66 lakh from Bhattacharya’s ICICI Bank account through four separate transactions carried out at night.
The 73-year-old reportedly became aware of the withdrawals only after receiving a call from the bank’s call centre.
What Methods Were Used in the Four Frauds?
The four complaints point to different methods allegedly used by cyber fraudsters to obtain access to victims’ money and financial information.
The reported techniques included fake investment advertisements, malicious APK files, call forwarding and unauthorised SIM deactivation. In the investment case, the victim was allegedly shown inflated virtual profits before being prevented from withdrawing his money.
In other cases, access to mobile services, messages or devices allegedly enabled unauthorised banking and credit-card transactions.
What Are Police Investigating?
The Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Police have registered separate cases based on complaints from the four victims.
Investigators are examining mobile numbers, bank accounts, UPI IDs and other digital trails allegedly involved in the transactions as they seek to identify those behind the frauds.
What This Means for Users
Cyber fraud can begin with an investment advertisement, traffic fine message or sudden SIM deactivation. Users should avoid unknown APK files and investment links, and immediately contact their bank if their SIM unexpectedly stops working or calls and messages are being forwarded.
The420 Takeaway
The four Ahmedabad cases show that fraudsters do not rely on one method. A suspicious APK, fake investment platform, call-forwarding request or unexplained SIM shutdown can give criminals access to money and banking communications.
About the author — Ayesha Aayat writes on cybercrime, digital safety, and emerging online threats. Her work focuses on public awareness, legal clarity, and technology-driven risks.
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