A 24-year-old private firm employee in Bengaluru has once again fallen prey to cyber fraud, losing ₹72.6 lakh in an online investment trap barely eight months after being defrauded of a similar amount. The case, registered by the Central Division Cyber Crime police, underscores the persistent vulnerability of victims even after prior experiences with online scams.
Second Blow After Earlier Trading Scam
According to investigators, the victim, a resident of S.R. Nagar, had earlier been cheated of ₹71.9 lakh in April this year through an online trading scam. Following court intervention, a partial recovery of ₹9.8 lakh was made after tracing the funds to multiple accounts.
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However, the respite proved short-lived. Beginning July 1, the victim began receiving calls from an unknown person on social media and WhatsApp. Police said the caller allegedly threatened to implicate him in multiple criminal cases unless large sums of money were transferred immediately. Over a span of two months, from July to September 11, the victim reportedly transferred more than ₹72 lakh to accounts specified by the fraudsters.
Police Probe Underway
Authorities have registered a fresh FIR under the Information Technology Act and section 308 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with extortion. Officials are now analyzing transaction records and digital footprints to verify the complaint and track the accused.
Cybercrime officers note that repeat victimisation is not uncommon, as fraudsters often target individuals who have already fallen into traps once, using psychological pressure and prior vulnerabilities against them. The use of intimidation and legal threats in this case marks a departure from the more common investment fraud models.
The case has reignited discussions within law enforcement about the growing sophistication of cyber scams in Bengaluru, a city with a high density of young professionals vulnerable to online financial fraud. Investigators say coordination with banks and digital platforms will be crucial in tracing the funds and preventing further losses.