Cyber fraudsters posing as financial analysts lure victims with promises of high returns
Anantapur: A doctor working at the Government General Hospital (GGH) in Anantapur has reportedly lost Rs 98.24 lakh in an elaborate online trading scam, highlighting the growing threat of cyber fraud targeting professionals, including those in the healthcare sector.
Fraud began with voice message from ‘analyst’
According to reports, the doctor received a voice message on December 15 from a woman who claimed to be a trading and financial analyst associated with Goldman Sachs. She allegedly persuaded the doctor to invest in an online trading platform by promising lucrative returns.
Money transferred in multiple phases
Over the next two months, the doctor reportedly transferred money in several instalments from his bank accounts to the platform. In total, he is said to have invested Rs 98.24 lakh.
Fake wallet balance showed huge profits
The online wallet linked to the platform later displayed a balance of around Rs 2.20 crore, giving the impression of significant profits. However, when the doctor attempted to withdraw the amount, there was no response from the platform operators.
Complaint filed with police
Realising that he had been cheated, the doctor approached the Two Town police station and filed a complaint. Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation into the fraud.
Engineer also duped in similar scam
In another incident in Anantapur, a Panchayat Raj engineer reportedly lost Rs 88.36 lakh in a similar online trading scam. The engineer had joined a WhatsApp group connected to the website Stock.corapro.com, where members shared investment tips promising high returns.
Police warn public about rising cyber fraud
Anantapur Superintendent of Police P. Jagadish has urged the public to remain cautious about such fraudulent schemes. He noted that similar scams have targeted professionals across sectors.
Earlier cases of doctors losing crores reported
Authorities pointed out that such scams are becoming increasingly common. In previous incidents, a Rayadurg-based software engineer reportedly lost nearly Rs 1 crore in an online trading fraud, while doctors in Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam have also been cheated of large sums after being lured with promises of high stock market returns.
