Daljit Singh, a businessman residing in Noida’s Sector 36 and owner of a Delhi-based company, has become the latest victim of a sophisticated cyber fraud, losing ₹6.5 crore to an online scam orchestrated through a dating app. In his complaint filed with the Cyber Crime Police on Wednesday, Singh alleged that a woman he met on the platform manipulated him into investing in an online trading platform that promised substantial profits with minimal risk and no prior experience.
According to Singh, the woman gradually gained his trust over multiple interactions, presenting herself as an expert in online trading. She convinced him that her recommended trading platform was legitimate and that he could earn massive returns with little effort. Enticed by the possibility of quick wealth, Singh transferred a total of ₹6.52 crore into several bank accounts linked to the trading scheme. A significant portion of the funds he invested came from loans, further compounding his financial distress.
The deception unraveled when Singh attempted to withdraw his earnings from the trading platforms, SpreadMKT and Sprecdex.cc. Instead of processing his request, the platform demanded an additional 30% security fee along with an exchange service fee of ₹61 lakh. At this point, Singh realized he had been duped and immediately approached the authorities.
Beyond the financial setback, Singh is also deeply concerned about the safety of himself and his mother. He reported that his bank accounts had been compromised, fearing that his personal and financial details might have fallen into the hands of cybercriminals. This has raised alarms about the potential misuse of his sensitive data, possibly leading to further financial fraud or identity theft.
Following his complaint, the Cyber Crime Police registered a case and launched an extensive investigation. Authorities are currently tracking the bank accounts where the funds were transferred and working with cyber forensic experts to analyze the digital footprint of the fraudsters. Law enforcement officials suspect that the perpetrators could be part of a larger organized cybercrime network that preys on unsuspecting victims through dating apps, exploiting emotions to orchestrate elaborate financial scams.
Cybersecurity experts warn that such frauds have become increasingly prevalent, with criminals using psychological manipulation to lure individuals into fraudulent investment schemes. They urge people to exercise caution when engaging with strangers online, especially when financial transactions are involved. Authorities have also advised victims of similar scams to report such incidents immediately to prevent further losses and to assist in tracking down cybercriminals.
As the investigation continues, Singh hopes that law enforcement agencies will be able to trace the culprits and recover at least a portion of his lost funds. Meanwhile, this incident serves as yet another stark reminder of the growing dangers of online financial scams and the need for vigilance in an increasingly digital world.
