Retired Government Officer Loses ₹94.30 Lakh in Online Share Market Scam
Cyber Crime Police Act on ₹50 Lakh Freeze; Victim Targeted via WhatsApp
In a disturbing incident of cyber fraud, a retired government employee from Rajasthan has fallen victim to an intricate online share market scam, resulting in a loss of ₹94.30 lakh. This case, which originated in the Sidhbari region of Dharamshala, Kangra district, raises alarms about the increasing susceptibility of educated individuals, including former officials, to digital scams.
Reports indicate that the victim, currently staying at his in-laws' home in Dharamshala, was approached by scammers through a WhatsApp message that promised lucrative investment opportunities in the stock market. Initially, the fraudsters enticed him with a fabricated profit of ₹2 lakh, creating a false sense of security.
Encouraged by this initial gain, the retired officer proceeded to transfer funds in 9 to 10 separate transactions, ultimately depositing ₹94.30 lakh into various accounts specified by the scammers. They had promised a total return of ₹3 crore, but the officer never received any funds.
Upon realizing he had been scammed, the victim filed a complaint with the Cyber Crime Police Station in North Zone, Dharamshala. Following the complaint, cyber crime officials launched an investigation and have begun freezing the bank accounts linked to the fraud.
ASP Praveen Dhiman from the Cyber Crime Police Station confirmed that a formal complaint has been registered. He stated, "Based on the retired officer's report, we have initiated an investigation into the scam. We are currently working to freeze around ₹50 lakh of the scammed funds."
ASP Dhiman also issued a warning to the public, advising them to be cautious of online investment schemes, particularly those promoted through unofficial platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram. He emphasized, "Cyber criminals are employing advanced tactics to target even educated and retired professionals. It is crucial for individuals to be extremely careful before transferring money online."
This incident underscores a troubling trend where not only the uneducated or rural populations but also retired officials and professionals are becoming victims of online fraud due to the allure of high returns and a lack of awareness regarding digital financial risks. It serves as a vital reminder that financial literacy and cyber vigilance are essential in today's digital landscape.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the network of fraudsters involved, with further updates anticipated in the near future.