Cybercriminals Used Fake Profits and WhatsApp Manipulation to Trap Doctors in High-Return Investment Fraud
In a shocking case of cyber fraud, two doctors from Hyderabad were allegedly cheated of more than Rs 2 crore in separate online investment scams operated through fake trading platforms, according to police officials.
The fraudsters reportedly lured the victims by promising exceptionally high returns on investments and later blocked withdrawals after displaying fake profits on their accounts.
Hyderabad Doctor Loses Rs 1.76 Crore in Instagram Investment Scam
According to officials, one of the victims, a doctor from AC Guards in Nampally, was targeted after he came across an investment advertisement on Instagram promoting online trading opportunities with assured returns.
After clicking on the advertisement link, the doctor was allegedly contacted by a woman through WhatsApp, who convinced him to invest through a trading platform created by the fraudsters.
Believing the claims and seeing apparent profits on the platform, the doctor allegedly invested more than Rs 1.76 crore.
Police said the fake platform later displayed profits of nearly Rs 14 crore in his account. However, when the doctor attempted to withdraw the amount, the fraudsters allegedly demanded additional payments and prevented him from accessing the funds.
Realising that he had been cheated, the victim approached the Hyderabad Cybercrime Police and filed a complaint.
Another Doctor Cheated of Rs 28.54 Lakh
In another similar case, a doctor from Asifnagar was allegedly duped of Rs 28.54 lakh by the same woman and her associates.
Officials said the fraudulent trading platform in this case also showed fake profits amounting to Rs 73.92 lakh. However, when the victim attempted to withdraw the money, access was denied and he was repeatedly pressured to deposit more funds.
The Hyderabad Cybercrime Police have registered separate cases and launched investigations into both incidents.
Cybercriminals Using Psychological Manipulation Tactics
Cybercrime officials stated that fraudsters are increasingly using sophisticated psychological manipulation methods to target investors online.
According to investigators, scammers first gain the victim’s trust by displaying fake profits and creating a sense of urgency for further investments. Once large amounts are deposited, withdrawals are blocked using technical excuses, tax demands or verification charges.
Officials warned that such online investment scams are rapidly increasing across India, especially through fake trading applications, cryptocurrency schemes and social media advertisements.
Rise in Cyber Fraud Cases Targeting Doctors
The latest incidents come amid a growing number of cyber fraud cases involving medical professionals and high-income individuals.
Earlier, a prominent doctor from Guntur reportedly lost nearly Rs 13 crore in a massive cryptocurrency investment scam operated through fake online trading platforms.
Cybercrime authorities have advised citizens to verify investment platforms carefully, avoid schemes promising guaranteed returns and report suspicious financial activities immediately.
