WhatsApp Investment Fraud: Thane Doctor Duped Of ₹3.47 Crore In Bogus Trading App Scam

A 50-year-old doctor lost Rs3.47 crore after falling prey to scammers, who promised short-term profits ranging from 10% to 50% on shares investment.

According to the police, the complainant is a resident of Dombivli and runs her own nursing home. In November 2024, the complainant's contact number had been added to a WhatsApp group, which comprised 39 members and focused on information and tips regarding share market investment.

The investment 'expert' in the group promised 10% to 50 % short-term profit (returns from selling assets held for one year or less), said the doctor, adding that the scammers later made her download a trading app.

The complainant made some initial investments and could see profit on her trading app, which later turned out to be bogus, said the police. Assuming that she was investing through a genuine platform, the doctor followed the instructions of the scammers and transferred Rs3.47 crore in multiple transactions.

However, when she asked for her profit, the frauds gave her evasive replies and sought more money as taxes and charges. The woman then raised a complaint on the cyber crime portal after which a case was registered by the Thane police.