Greater Noida Woman Falls Victim to ₹64 Lakh WhatsApp Investment Scam

Cyber Fraud Targeting Entrepreneurs

A woman entrepreneur from Greater Noida West has become a victim of a significant cyber fraud, losing ₹64.4 lakh due to an ATM-based investment scam initiated through a WhatsApp group.

The incident began on July 29, 2023, when Shahina Parveen received an invitation to join a WhatsApp group called 'C-77'. This group was allegedly managed by a company named Asset India Pvt. Ltd., which encouraged her to download a mobile application designed for stock and share investments.

Initially, Shahina was prompted to invest small amounts for registration purposes. The scammers manipulated the app to display fake returns, gradually increasing her trust. Convinced by these fabricated profits, she made 16 transactions totaling ₹64.4 lakh.

However, the situation turned dire when Shahina attempted to withdraw her earnings. She discovered that the app was a complete fraud, as it showed profits but did not allow any actual withdrawals. Upon questioning the scammers, they severed all communication and vanished.

Realizing she had been scammed, Shahina reported the incident to the Cyber Crime police on June 19 and also filed a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP).

Authorities have confirmed that the case is under active investigation. They are currently analyzing digital footprints and transaction records, indicating that the suspects will likely be identified and apprehended soon.

This incident serves as a crucial reminder of the risks associated with WhatsApp groups and unregulated high-return investment applications. The government has urged citizens to be cautious and avoid financial dealings with unverified entities, especially those approached via social media or messaging platforms.