Pune: A 75-year-old doctor from Pune was defrauded of Rs 12.31 crore in an elaborate online share trading scam, police said.
The incident began in the last week of January when the victim received a message from an unknown number containing a list of “recommended” stocks and a link. After clicking the link, he was added to a WhatsApp group where administrators posed as senior executives of a global financial management firm, with one claiming to be an author on stock market dynamics.
Police said the group created a false sense of credibility, as members are suspected to be part of the scam, sharing messages showing large profits. The doctor was then directed to download a fraudulent trading application resembling a reputed international firm and asked to provide personal and financial details.
Between March 7 and March 18, he made eight transactions totalling Rs 12.31 crore to multiple bank accounts, with the fake platform displaying fabricated investments and profits. When he hesitated to invest further, the accused allegedly threatened to seize his property.
The app later showed returns of Rs 54 crore, but when he attempted to withdraw funds, he was threatened again, leading him to realise the fraud.
An FIR has been registered at the cyber police station, and an investigation is underway.
