The Puducherry Cyber Crime Wing has dismantled an elaborate online investment scam that lured people with promises of huge returns through fake trading platforms and investment schemes. Victims were targeted via emails, social media advertisements, and fake websites.
People were asked to invest money in what appeared to be legitimate businesses, including cryptocurrency trades and online financial services. Once the money was deposited, the fraudsters vanished, cutting off all contact and disabling the websites.
The scam’s digital trail stretched beyond Puducherry, with activities traced to Bengaluru, Tamil Nadu, and even international servers.
How Police Tracked the Scam’s Network
After multiple complaints were filed by cheated victims who lost their savings, the Puducherry cybercrime team launched an intensive investigation. They carefully followed digital footprints — including money transfers, call records, and social media ads — which revealed a well-planned operation.
It took several weeks for police teams to track the money trail, which flowed through dozens of bank accounts. Advanced digital forensics tools and coordinated raids were used to identify and locate those behind the scam.
Five individuals were arrested, with two from Puducherry and others from neighboring states. Several others involved in the racket are still on the run.
₹56 Crore Fraud, Luxury Cars and Fake Call Centers Seized
During the raids, police seized luxury cars, expensive properties, fake call-center equipment, debit and credit cards, and numerous laptops and mobile devices used in the scam. Investigators estimate the scam handled over ₹56 crore through 64 different bank accounts.
Officials also found evidence of fake customer service centers that were set up to convince investors of the scheme’s legitimacy, with scripted calls and foreign numbers used to avoid suspicion.
Initial evidence suggests the racket was active since 2014, with over 150,000 people likely cheated across India.
Ongoing Hunt for Suspects and Public Awareness Drive
Police are continuing their investigation to capture the remaining suspects and recover the stolen funds. The cybercrime department has urged people to be cautious about online investment offers and avoid transferring to unknown platforms promising quick profits.
Authorities have also started public awareness campaigns through local media and social platforms to educate people about digital scams and phishing schemes.