A shocking incident of online fraud has occurred involving a manager from IIM Ahmedabad. The fraudster managed to cheat the manager out of ₹50 lakhs under the guise of stock market investments. This incident highlights the growing concerns over cybercrime in the region.
The complaint was registered with the Cyber Cell on Monday. The victim, who has worked as a manager at IIM Ahmedabad for the last 26 years, was lured into the fraud through a message from an unknown WhatsApp number. The message contained a link that, when opened, added the victim to a WhatsApp group filled with fraudulent individuals.
These fraudsters promised the victim access to cheap Initial Public Offerings (IPOs). They convinced him to download their application and enter personal details. Initially, the victim invested ₹8,000, which the fraudsters returned, gaining his trust. After this initial success, they tricked him into investing more money.
The victim, identified as Revendra Dahyabhai Vaghela, reported the incident. He stated that the fraudsters, operating under names like Bharat Shah and Priya Sharma, managed to cheat him out of ₹49,75,047. He was persuaded to invest in stocks that were supposedly available at lower prices.
After a series of transactions, the fraudsters returned a small amount, ₹8,800, claiming it was profit from his investment. This gesture built further trust, leading Vaghela to invest ₹48 lakhs more. When he expressed his inability to provide such a large sum, the fraudsters convinced him to borrow ₹20 lakhs, which he did, trusting their false promises.
The incident raises serious questions about online security and the need for more awareness around investment scams. Authorities are urging individuals to be cautious about sharing personal information and to verify the authenticity of investment opportunities.
As technology advances, so do the tactics of cybercriminals. It is essential for everyone to remain vigilant and informed about the risks associated with online investments. The police are currently investigating the case and have advised the public to report any suspicious activity immediately.
This incident serves as a reminder that even educated and experienced professionals can fall victim to scams. It is crucial to approach online investments with caution and to seek advice from trusted financial advisors before making any significant financial decisions.
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