Fraudsters used a cloned trading app that mimicked a legitimate platform; victims lured with visible profits for three months before access was blocked.
Kanpur – In a high-value cybercrime case, three doctors in Kanpur have collectively lost ₹5.50 crore after falling prey to a sophisticated online investment scam. The fraud was executed through a fake trading application designed to look identical to a reputed global stock trading platform, complete with live charts, analytical tools, and simulated trading activity.
According to the Cyber Crime Cell, the victims were trapped after fraudsters first contacted a city-based pathologist, claiming to represent a licensed trading agency. The accused sent a link that installed a bogus app capable of showing manipulated trading data and fabricated profit entries.
Officials believe the fraud may be part of a much larger interstate—possibly cross-border—cyber network. Initial indications suggest that several other medical professionals and business owners may also have been targeted using similar tactics.
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Fraud Began With a Link and Digital KYC
The scam surfaced in August 2025, when the first victim— a pathologist residing in Swaroop Nagar—received a message containing a link related to stock market investments. On tapping the link, a trading app automatically downloaded onto his device. The interface closely resembled regulated platforms used by retail investors.
To activate the account, the platform requested Aadhaar, email verification, and bank details under the pretext of completing KYC compliance. Once verified, the app started displaying real-time stock tables, candlestick movement, and portfolio graphs—creating an illusion of authenticity.
Within days, small trial investments placed by the doctor allegedly showed rapid gains, increasing confidence in the app.
More Doctors Join After Seeing “Profits”
As profits continued to show up, the pathologist discussed the platform with two fellow doctors. After confirming the initial returns and reviewing the app’s interface, both also downloaded the link and started investing.
Over the next three months, the trio repeatedly bought and sold equity packages on the platform. With each transaction, the app dashboard updated the balance automatically, showing substantial growth in their portfolios. Encouraged by the consistent upward movement, the three professionals collectively transferred large amounts to the scam account.
Investigators confirm that the amount deposited in total crossed ₹5.50 crore.
Sudden Access Blocked, App Disappears
In the second week of November, the victims were abruptly unable to log in. Attempts to reset the password failed, and soon the app stopped functioning altogether. The helpline numbers displayed on the platform also went inactive.
Suspecting foul play, one of the victims contacted the original registered brokerage company—whose name the app was copying. The company officials categorically denied any association, confirming the application was fraudulent.
FIR Filed; More Victims Suspected
The three victims have lodged separate FIRs at the Cyber Crime Police Station. Investigators believe the criminals had access to a pre-selected database, as the fraudulent link first reached one doctor and then circulated within his network.
Police also suspect that the same group may have approached other doctors or high-income professionals in the city. The case has been forwarded to the Medical Association for wider alert circulation.
IMA Issues Advisory
Dr. Shalini Mohan, Secretary of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Kanpur, expressed concern:
“Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting educated professionals through manipulated financial platforms. No investment should be made through unverified apps, links or websites. We urge authorities to intensify legal action and awareness drives.”
Police Advisory: Verify Before Investing
The Cyber Crime Cell has issued a public advisory urging citizens to use only RBI-and SEBI-approved investment platforms and avoid responding to unsolicited digital links.
Anyone encountering or falling victim to such scams has been advised to immediately contact the national cyber helpline 1930 or file a report on the Cyber Crime Portal.
