Scam of investing in stock market, cyber thugs stole lakhs of rupees
Noida: Cybercriminals defrauded two Noida residents of approximately ₹29 lakh by luring them with the promise of substantial profits by investing in the stock market. The fraudsters first added the victims to a WhatsApp group and assured them of substantial returns. They then gradually transferred large sums of money to various bank accounts. When the victims attempted to withdraw their money and alleged profits, the accused demanded more money in the name of taxes and other fees. When they refused to pay, the fraudsters disconnected.
In both cases, a case has been registered at the Cyber Crime Police Station, and an investigation has been initiated. Police are investigating bank accounts, mobile numbers, and digital transactions to identify the accused.
First Case: ₹15 lakh Fraud
Vijay Singh, a resident of Greater Noida West, stated in his complaint to the police that he works in a private company and is interested in investing in the stock market. On August 11, 2025, he communicated with women named Ahana Gill and Catherine Black via WhatsApp. Both men claimed to be experts in investing and promised to earn substantial profits from home by investing in the stock market.
The accused lured Vijay Singh into a WhatsApp investment group. Messages, screenshots, and success stories of alleged profits from investments were regularly shared in the group. Initially, they promised profits by investing small amounts, which led the victim to trust the fraudsters.
Vijay Singh then transferred approximately ₹15 lakh (approximately $1.5 million) to various bank accounts in installments until September 12, 2025. When he attempted to withdraw his investment and profits, the accused demanded more money, threatening to pay taxes and freeze his account. Suspicious, he refused to pay any more, after which the accused stopped communicating with him.
Second Case: Retired Employee Duped of ₹1.4 million
In another case, Pradeep Kumar, a retired central government employee from Noida, told the police that on April 30, he spoke with two individuals named Shivani and Roop Boothra. Both men claimed to be employees of the Anand Rathi Group and promised good returns by investing in the stock market.
The accused also added Pradeep Kumar to a WhatsApp investment group. Initially, they won his trust by promising profits. He subsequently deposited approximately ₹1.4 million (approximately $1.4 million) in 14 installments into the fraudsters’ bank accounts by June 3rd.
When Pradeep Kumar requested his money back, the accused insisted on paying taxes and other fees. After refusing to pay the additional money, the fraudsters disconnected.
Police Launch Investigation
Both victims have filed complaints with the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) and the Cyber Crime Police Station. DCP Cyber Security Shaivya Goyal stated that a case has been registered in both cases.
She stated that police teams are investigating bank accounts, mobile numbers, WhatsApp groups, and digital transactions. Efforts are underway to identify and arrest the accused based on technical evidence.
The police have urged people to thoroughly investigate before trusting online offers, WhatsApp groups, or claims made by unknown individuals purporting to invest in the stock market. Do not give in to any temptation to share your bank details or transfer large sums of money online.
