Two Hyderabad residents have lost more than Rs 1.26 crore in separate online trading scams after being drawn into fraudulent investment schemes through social media advertisements and WhatsApp groups that promised high returns and fabricated profits.
Software Employee Allegedly Duped of Over Rs 77 Lakh
One of the cases involves a 48 year old software employee from Pragathinagar who was allegedly cheated of more than Rs 77 lakh between February 15 and April 13. She first came across online trading promotions that claimed to offer significant profits and was then directed to join a WhatsApp group where the fraud deepened.
The scammers allegedly presented themselves as representatives of a well known securities firm and used its branding along with regulatory details to appear credible. To build trust, they shared fake profit screenshots and repeated updates. The woman was then persuaded to transfer money on various pretexts, including investment plans, premium trading channels and transaction related charges.
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As the amounts increased, the fraudsters allegedly intensified the pressure, insisting that her returns could be released only after more payments were made. They used multiple identities, including people posing as fellow investors and even someone claiming to be a police official, while continuing to send fabricated documents and unverifiable transaction details.
Second Victim Lost Rs 49.85 Lakh in Stock Scheme
In a separate case, a 35 year old resident of KPHB allegedly lost Rs 49.85 lakh after being trapped by a fake stock investment scheme. He encountered a social media advertisement promoting stock market opportunities and was redirected to a discussion group that appeared to function like a professional trading forum.
Members of the group allegedly claimed to be market experts and regularly shared stock tips, strategies and screenshots showing high returns. The man initially saw small profits or simulated gains, which increased his confidence in the platform. Encouraged by those apparent results, he began investing larger amounts after being told about exclusive trading opportunities. The fraudsters are said to have used psychological pressure within the group and constant assurances of guaranteed profits, while also adding charges such as membership fees, trading commissions and withdrawal processing costs. When he tried to withdraw his money, he was repeatedly told to make further payments to unlock his earnings, but no returns were ever paid and communication eventually stopped.
Cyberabad Police Issue Public Warning
Cyberabad cybercrime officials have urged people to remain cautious while dealing with online investment offers, especially those promising assured returns. The police have advised the public to verify trading platforms through official regulatory channels and to avoid unsolicited investment schemes circulated through social media or messaging applications.
The two cases, taken together, underline the growing pattern of online trading fraud in which victims are first lured with persuasive promotions and then kept engaged through false profits, staged credibility and escalating payment demands until substantial sums have been lost.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
