In Short:
- The victim clicked on a YouTube ad offering stock market guidance.
- He was redirected to a WhatsApp group through the advertisement.
- Scammers in the group convinced him to invest in a fake online platform.
Chennai: India is seeing a sharp rise in online investment scams, where scammers lure victims with promises of quick profits. In a recent case, a Tamil Nadu government doctor lost Rs 76.5 lakh after clicking on a YouTube ad promoting stock market guidance. The ad led him to a WhatsApp group where scammers, posing as investors, shared fake trading tips and profit screenshots.
The doctor, trusting the group, was convinced to open an account on a fraudulent trading platform. Over three weeks, he transferred Rs 76.5 lakh, believing his money was invested in high-return stocks. When he attempted to withdraw Rs 50 lakh, the platform demanded an additional Rs 50 lakh to process the transaction, revealing the scam.
Authorities urge the public to be cautious, avoid unsolicited links, and consult certified financial advisors, emphasizing that offers with high returns are often scams.
