A 61-year-old government official from Shahdara fell victim to an elaborate and meticulously planned investment scam, losing a staggering Rs 1.2 crore to fraudsters who posed as representatives of a fake UK-based online shopping platform. The scammers lured her into their trap by promising exceptionally high returns, gradually convincing her to invest more and more of her savings over a period of 78 days. The fraud, which began through a fake social media profile, seemed authentic to the woman, who was unaware of the malicious intentions behind it. According to The Times of India, the case has now been reported to the police, who have launched an investigation.
The fraud began in October last year when the official connected with an individual on social media who posed as a "friend." The scammer claimed to be a highly successful seller on the online shopping platform and assured the woman that she, too, could earn huge profits. To build credibility, the scammer told her that they had been making consistent earnings for the past two years. Trusting their claims, the woman was persuaded to download and register on the app, which was presented as a legitimate online marketplace. Initially, she was asked to make small investments, and to gain her trust, the fraudsters ensured that she saw returns in the early stages. Encouraged by this, she proceeded to invest more.
As the conversation shifted from social media to WhatsApp, the scammers provided step-by-step instructions on how she could deposit money and fulfill fake "orders" on behalf of the platform. Over time, she executed 56 transactions worth nearly $1.28 lakh (approximately Rs 1 crore). The platform displayed an increasing balance, showing large profits accumulating in her account. However, trouble arose when she attempted to withdraw her earnings.
At this stage, the scammers introduced a series of fabricated obstacles. They claimed that she had failed to complete certain orders on time, which supposedly damaged her "credit score" on the app. To rectify the issue and enable her withdrawal, they demanded an additional deposit of Rs 35 lakh. Desperate to recover her supposed earnings, the woman complied, transferring the requested sum. However, the withdrawal process remained stalled. The scammers then insisted that she make yet another payment—this time Rs 34.5 lakh—to "activate" the withdrawal function.
In her bid to recover her previous investments, the woman found herself trapped in a vicious cycle. She took out loans against her provident fund and exhausted all her financial resources, believing that these final payments would allow her to get her money back. Despite making the additional deposits, her withdrawal requests continued to be blocked with various excuses, leaving her in deep financial distress.
"I had no option but to deposit the amount. Once I deposited the money, my credit score was reinstated, and the customer service team told me I could withdraw my wallet funds," she recounted, still in shock over the ordeal.
It was only after confiding in a cousin residing in the UK that the reality of the situation came to light. Her cousin investigated the so-called online shopping platform and discovered that it was a completely fraudulent operation with no legitimate business presence. By the time the woman realized she had been scammed, she had already lost her entire investment. She has since filed a formal complaint with the police, who are currently investigating the matter to track down the perpetrators.
This case serves as a grim reminder of the growing menace of online scams, particularly those targeting individuals seeking investment opportunities. Such scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making it crucial for people to exercise extreme caution when engaging with unfamiliar online platforms or individuals promising unusually high returns.
Experts emphasize the importance of verifying the legitimacy of any investment opportunity before committing funds. Conducting thorough background research, checking for authentic reviews, and seeking professional financial advice are essential steps to avoid falling prey to such scams. Furthermore, individuals should remain wary of unknown contacts on social media who offer financial guidance, as they often use emotional manipulation and false assurances to exploit their victims.
Financial experts also warn against schemes that pressure investors into making urgent payments, as this is a common tactic used by fraudsters. Additionally, any platform that restricts withdrawals or introduces new payment conditions at the last moment should be treated as highly suspicious. Regulatory authorities have repeatedly urged citizens to report such scams immediately to prevent others from becoming victims.
While the Shahdara woman’s financial loss is devastating, her case highlights the urgent need for stronger consumer awareness and stricter regulations to combat online financial fraud. By staying vigilant and educating themselves on potential risks, individuals can better protect their hard-earned money from falling into the hands of cybercriminals.
