The latest example of how the desire to earn quick money can be overwhelming has come to light in Pune. Here a 75 year old doctor became a victim of cyber fraud and had to suffer a loss of Rs 12.31 crore. The swindlers had lured him to double his money in just 11 days. The doctor initially received a message from an unknown number. In which it was claimed to earn huge profits through investment in the stock market. Falling for the hoax, he showed interest, after which he was added to a WhatsApp group named ‘VIP Stock 24’. Here he was continuously shown such plans in which higher returns were promised in less time.

According to the police, the thugs asked the doctor to download a fake trading app. The app looked like that of a big international company, which increased trust. The amount sent by the doctor was shown as investment in the app and fake profits were also shown on it, so that they do not get suspicious.

Fraud worth crores in 8 transactions

Between March 7 and March 18, the doctor transferred a total of Rs 12.31 crore to eight different bank accounts. Every time he was assured that his money was growing rapidly. When he showed hesitation in sending more money, the thugs even threatened him with confiscation of his property. For about three months, the doctor kept sending money at the behest of the fraudsters and kept waiting for the profits, but when neither the money nor the profits were received back, he realized that he was a fraud. After this he immediately contacted the police.

An FIR has been registered in the cyber police station in the matter and investigation has been started. The police is now busy searching for the accused and is investigating the entire chain of money transactions. People are also being appealed to beware of any such greedy investment offers.