Cyber Fraudsters Target Doctors With Fake Profits, Block Withdrawals After Huge Investments
In a shocking case of cyber fraud, two doctors from Hyderabad were allegedly cheated in separate online investment scams after fraudsters lured them with promises of massive returns through fake trading platforms, according to police officials.
The incidents have once again highlighted the growing threat of sophisticated online investment scams targeting professionals across India through social media advertisements and messaging apps.
Hyderabad Doctor Loses Rs 1.76 Crore in Fake Trading Platform Scam
According to officials, one of the victims, a doctor residing in AC Guards area of Nampally, was reportedly targeted after he came across an online investment advertisement on Instagram promising assured profits through trading activities.
After clicking on the advertisement link, the doctor was allegedly contacted by a woman through WhatsApp, who convinced him to invest money on a trading platform created by the fraudsters.
Believing the claims of high returns, the doctor reportedly invested more than Rs 1.76 crore into the fraudulent platform.
To gain the victim’s confidence, the scammers allegedly displayed fake profits of nearly Rs 14 crore in his online account dashboard. However, when the doctor attempted to withdraw the amount, the fraudsters reportedly demanded additional payments and repeatedly blocked the withdrawal process under various pretexts.
Realising he had been duped, the victim later approached the Hyderabad Cybercrime Police and filed a formal complaint.
Another Hyderabad Doctor Cheated of Rs 28.54 Lakh
In another similar incident, a doctor from Asifnagar was allegedly cheated of Rs 28.54 lakh by the same woman involved in the scam.
Police said the fraudulent platform in this case also showed fictitious profits worth Rs 73.92 lakh in the victim’s account to create an illusion of successful investments.
However, when the doctor attempted to withdraw the profits, he too was denied access to the funds and was allegedly pressured to deposit more money.
The Hyderabad Cybercrime Police have registered separate cases in both incidents and initiated an investigation.
Fraudsters Using Psychological Manipulation Techniques
Cybercrime officials said such scams are becoming increasingly common across the country, with fraudsters using highly structured psychological manipulation tactics to trap victims.
According to officials, scammers often create fake investment platforms that initially display massive profits to build trust. Victims are then encouraged to invest larger sums before eventually being denied withdrawals.
Fraudsters also create urgency by claiming technical issues, taxes, verification charges, or additional deposits are needed before releasing the funds.
Rise in Investment and Cryptocurrency Fraud Cases
The latest incidents come amid a surge in cyber fraud and online investment scam 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 repeatedly advised people not to trust investment schemes promising guaranteed or unusually high returns and urged citizens to verify trading platforms before transferring money online.
How to Stay Safe From Online Investment Scams
Cybercrime experts recommend the following precautions to avoid falling victim to such frauds:
- Avoid clicking on investment advertisements on social media platforms.
- Verify whether trading platforms are registered with regulatory authorities.
- Be cautious of guaranteed profit claims.
- Never transfer money based solely on WhatsApp or Telegram conversations.
- Avoid depositing additional money when withdrawals are blocked.
- Immediately report suspicious activity to cybercrime authorities.
Citizens can report cyber fraud incidents through the national cybercrime helpline 1930 or the official cybercrime reporting portal.
