Hyderabad: Cyber criminals cheated three city residents of ₹3.26 crore by luring them with fake online job offers and fraudulent stock market investment schemes. These incidents highlight the increasing risk posed by cyber fraud scams.
Accordingly, the Cyberabad Cybercrime Police registered separate cases and launched investigations. The incidents surfaced from different parts of Hyderabad, adding to the rising concerns regarding cyber fraud scams.
Police said the fraudsters mainly used Telegram, WhatsApp and Facebook advertisements. In particular, they promised quick and guaranteed returns to trap victims.
In the first case, cyber fraudsters duped a retired defence department employee from Miyapur of ₹91.03 lakh. Initially, they offered him a fake work-from-home job.
The victim received messages on Telegram promising easy income for a few minutes of daily work. To gain trust, the fraudsters credited small commissions. For instance, they paid ₹8,000 for posting online reviews linked to a fake real estate project.
Encouraged by these payments, the victim transferred larger sums over time. However, when he tried to withdraw money, the fraudsters blocked the transaction.
Subsequently, they sent fake notices in the name of the finance department. These notices claimed withdrawal limits and demanded a 50% “security deposit.”
Three victims lose ₹3.26 crore in online job, trading scams
Between early December and January 12, the victim transferred ₹91.03 lakh. Yet, he managed to withdraw only ₹47,000. Later, he realised the app used for transactions was fake and approached the police.
In another incident, a homemaker from Dundigal lost ₹1.09 crore. In this case, fraudsters added her to a WhatsApp group posing as a “VIP exclusive stock club.”
There, group members regularly shared screenshots of claimed profits. Moreover, they assured participants of guaranteed gains. After seeing returns on small investments of ₹20,000 and ₹49,000, she transferred larger amounts. Sadly, she became another victim of cyber fraud scams operating through social media platforms.
When the group denied access to withdrawals, she realised the fraud. Therefore, she filed a complaint with the police.
In the third case, a former IT employee from Madinaguda lost ₹1.26 crore. He clicked on a Facebook advertisement related to trading skills.
As a result, the link led him to a WhatsApp group. Members posed as trading experts and guided investments. After initial profits, he transferred money in phases. This serves as another example of how cyber fraud scams target unsuspecting individuals.
Eventually, returns stopped and communication ceased. Consequently, he lodged a complaint with the police.
Meanwhile, the Cyberabad Cybercrime Police once again warned the public. They cautioned citizens against unsolicited job offers, investment tips and social media ads promising assured returns.
Finally, police advised people to verify platforms carefully. They also urged citizens to report suspicious activity immediately to prevent financial losses.