Patna. Cybercriminals in Patna allegedly cheated a paint dealer from Phulwarisharif of ₹27.26 lakh by promising substantial returns from stock market investments within a short period. The fraudsters reportedly contacted the businessman through WhatsApp and later sent him an investment link via Telegram, persuading him to transfer money in multiple instalments. When he attempted to withdraw his principal and the purported profits, the accused allegedly demanded an additional ₹4 lakh to process the withdrawal. Suspecting fraud, the victim approached the cyber police and lodged a complaint.
According to the complaint, the paint dealer received a call from an unknown number on WhatsApp in December 2025. The caller introduced himself as an expert associated with a reputed company that offered stock market investment services. He allegedly assured the businessman that investing through the company could generate substantial profits within a short period.
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Convinced by the promises of attractive returns, the businessman agreed to invest. The caller subsequently sent him an investment link through Telegram and instructed him to transfer money through the platform. Trusting the offer, the victim began making online payments in instalments. Over time, he transferred a total of ₹27.26 lakh.
The fraud allegedly came to light when the businessman tried to withdraw his invested money and the profits he believed he had earned. Instead of allowing the withdrawal, the fraudsters demanded another ₹4 lakh, claiming that the additional payment was necessary to release the funds. The demand raised suspicions, and the businessman realised that he might have been cheated.
He subsequently contacted the cyber police and filed a complaint. Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation. Investigators are examining the mobile numbers, Telegram contacts and online transactions allegedly used in the fraud to identify those involved and trace the money transferred by the victim.
Social Media Friendship Allegedly Leads to ₹12.70 Lakh Fraud
In another case reported in Patna, a resident of Shanti Bihar Colony near Jagdev Path allegedly lost ₹12.70 lakh after coming into contact with a woman identifying herself as Meera Agarwal on social media.
The woman claimed to be living in Malaysia and allegedly promised the victim an opportunity to earn substantial money through online gaming. She reportedly sent him a link and encouraged him to complete online tasks, presenting the activity as a way to generate income.
After establishing contact and gaining the victim’s confidence, the woman allegedly persuaded him to invest money to earn higher returns. Believing the assurances, the victim transferred ₹12.70 lakh through multiple transactions.
He later realised that he might have been trapped in an online fraud and approached the police. Investigators are now attempting to trace the accounts that received the money and establish the identity of the person who contacted him through social media.
Facebook Friendship Ends in Alleged ₹6.69 Lakh Investment Scam
A third case involves a resident of Siwan who currently lives in the Ram Krishna Nagar area of Patna. The victim reportedly became friends on Facebook with a woman identifying herself as Sanjana Patel, who claimed to be an American citizen of Indian origin.
The woman allegedly encouraged him to invest in an online business, promising substantial profits. Trusting her claims, the victim transferred ₹6.69 lakh through online transactions.
When the promised returns did not materialise and suspicions arose about the investment offer, the victim approached the police. The cyber police have registered a case and started investigating the alleged fraud.
Investigators are examining the digital communications and financial transactions associated with the case to determine where the money was transferred and identify those responsible.
Three Cases, ₹46.65 Lakh in Alleged Losses
According to the complaints received by the police, the three cases together involve alleged cyber fraud amounting to ₹46.65 lakh. The accused reportedly used different methods to gain the victims’ trust, including promises of stock market profits, online gaming income and lucrative business investments.
In the first case, the fraudsters allegedly used WhatsApp and Telegram to lure a businessman into transferring money. In the other two cases, social media friendships were allegedly used to persuade victims to invest in online activities and businesses.
The police investigation is expected to focus on the mobile numbers, social media accounts, Telegram links and bank accounts associated with the transactions. Investigators are also examining whether the three cases involve separate groups or share connections with a common fraud network.
The incidents highlight the risks associated with investment offers circulated through messaging applications and social media. Fraudsters may use attractive profit promises, fabricated investment opportunities and personal relationships to convince victims to transfer money.
Investors should independently verify the credentials and registration of any company offering investment services before transferring funds. Unsolicited investment links and promises of unusually high returns within a short period should be treated with caution. Demands for additional payments to release supposedly earned profits or recover an investment are also a serious warning sign.
Anyone who suspects cyber fraud should promptly report the incident to the police and preserve transaction receipts, messages, phone numbers and other digital evidence that may assist investigators in tracing the money and identifying the alleged perpetrators.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
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