Two duped of Rs 3.27 crore by cybercriminals

In a shocking case of cyber fraud, a businessman and another individual here were duped of a total of Rs 3.27 crore by cybercriminals who contacted them through social media under the pretext of investing in the stock market.

Both the victims have filed FIRs with the Cyber Crime Cell and Aliganj Police Station. Police have launched an investigation, officials confirmed here on Saturday.

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Pragya Kumar Singh, a resident of Vardan Khand in Gomtinagar and a local businessman, came in contact with a woman named Farha Arora on social media in July. Claiming to be an expert in the stock market, Farha promised high returns on investments and persuaded Singh to download a trading app through a link she provided.

Between July 14 and October 4, Singh invested a staggering Rs 2.94 crore through the app. However, when he tried to withdraw the so-called profits, his account was blocked, and all communication ceased.

In a similar incident, Rameshwar Dayal Gupta, a resident of Sector E, Aliganj, was also lured through a similar link and encouraged to invest in the stock market. He deposited Rs 3.49 lakh before realizing he had been scammed. Gupta has lodged a complaint at the Aliganj Police Station.

According to police officials, a technical investigation is underway. Authorities are examining the shared links, phone numbers, and bank accounts used by the fraudsters. The police assured that the accused will be identified and arrested soon.