Udham Singh Nagar | Cybercriminals continue to target investors in Uttarakhand as cases of online financial fraud rise sharply. In the latest incident, a Kashipur resident was duped of ₹64.72 lakh after fraudsters posed as senior officials of “India Nivesh”, a firm claiming expertise in stock market investment and broking services. Acting on the victim’s complaint, the Cyber Police Station has registered a case against unidentified accused under cheating and IT Act provisions.
It Started with a WhatsApp Group: Small Profits, Bigger Trap
According to the police, the complainant — Gaurav, a resident of Kashipur — has been actively investing in the stock market. On October 6, he was added to a WhatsApp group named “Bull Stock Charger” by an unknown number. The group frequently shared stock trading recommendations. Encouraged by early returns from a few trades, Gaurav’s confidence in the group and its handlers grew.
Soon, he received an audio call from a woman identifying herself as Vanya Gill, who claimed to be a manager at India Nivesh. She assured him of high-return investment plans, professional guidance and risk-free financial services. Persuaded by her credentials and the initial success, he began transferring money to accounts provided by the group’s operators.
Fraudsters Open Demat Account Using Personal IDs
Investigations revealed that after gaining the victim’s confidence, the gang asked him to share his Aadhaar and PAN cards — supposedly to streamline formal investment procedures. Using these documents, they opened a demat account in his name.
To further reinforce the illusion of legitimacy, the fraudsters first transferred ₹20,000 into his bank account. After that, they made him move money into several bank accounts in multiple instalments. Over time, the total amount transferred reached ₹64.72 lakh.
The fraud came to light when promised profits failed to materialise, and the accused gradually severed contact.
Cyber Police Begin Probe, Technical Trail Under Scanner
Cyber Station In-Charge confirmed that a case has been registered and investigation is underway.
“We are analysing the transaction trail and call records linked to the accounts. The network could be operating from outside the state, or even from abroad,”
Police Inspector, Cyber Station (quoted by police officials)
Officials added that bank accounts used in the crime have been flagged, and details regarding the demat account operation are being closely examined.
Investment Scams on the Rise — Experts Urge Caution
With the growing adoption of digital trading platforms and app-based investment channels, scams disguised as financial advisory groups are on the rise nationwide. Cyber experts warn that scamsters commonly target retail investors — especially those lured by:
- Assured high returns with no risk
- VIP trading tips
- Fake credentials/SEBI registration claims
- Minimal or zero-commission brokerage promises
Safety Checklist for Investors:
- Avoid joining unknown WhatsApp/Telegram trading groups
- Verify SEBI registration of any investment firm
- Do not share personal KYC documents without due verification
- Report any suspicious activity at Helpline 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in
Criminals Exploit Trust and Greed
Police believe the accused capitalised on the victim’s trust and the desire for quick profits — two common vulnerabilities exploited in online trading frauds.
Notably, within the last year, multiple cases of high-return investment scams have been reported across various districts of Uttarakhand, signalling a worrying trend targeting both new and experienced investors.
A Wider Warning
This case reinforces the fact that cybercrime has moved far beyond simple OTP frauds. Scammers today deploy psychological manipulation, corporate impersonation, and sophisticated digital tools to drain large sums.
Authorities stress that investors must adopt vigilance as their first line of defence and thoroughly investigate any investment scheme, however lucrative it may appear.
