Kestopour resident, 38-year-old Arghya Kusum Majumder, fell victim to an online financial fraud after joining two WhatsApp groups claiming to offer stock trading opportunities.
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How the Fraud Unfolded
According to the FIR filed at Bidhannagar Cyber Crime Police Station on Friday, Majumder runs an Instagram account where he discovered posts promising lucrative stock market gains. On July 22, he was added to a group named “333 BOB Caps-group”, which he believed to be legitimate. Following instructions from the group, he made several transfers via IMPS and RTGS.
Later, on July 28, he joined another group called “Trustline Strategy Circle 103”, purportedly linked to the first. When attempting to withdraw the supposed profits, the fraudsters demanded further payments under the guise of tax formalities.
Complaint Filed and Legal Action
Upon realizing the fraud, Majumder reported the incident on the National Cyber Reporting Platform and lodged an FIR citing sections under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act, 2023. Authorities have begun investigating the online groups and are urging vigilance among online investors.
Cyber Safety Advisory
Cybercrime experts caution individuals to verify the authenticity of online trading platforms before investing. Sharing financial information or making large transfers via WhatsApp or unverified social media channels increases vulnerability to scams. Investors are encouraged to cross-check credentials, consult regulatory lists, and report suspicious activities immediately.
This incident highlights the growing sophistication of online financial frauds and the need for increased awareness among digital investors.