Palghar, Maharashtra: The Cyber Police Station of the Mira-Bhayandar, Vasai-Virar Police Commissionerate has successfully recovered and returned a total of ₹3,73,500 to a complainant who was defrauded in an online share trading scam.
The victim, identified as Mr. Yadav, a resident within the Vasai Police Station's jurisdiction, received a link for share trading via Instagram. Upon clicking the unknown link, his mobile number was added to an unfamiliar WhatsApp group. Following instructions from individuals in this group, the complainant invested money in the share market through a fraudulent application.
However, when the complainant attempted to withdraw his invested amount, he found himself unable to do so. Furthermore, he was asked to deposit additional funds to facilitate the withdrawal, at which point he realized he was being defrauded.
The complainant promptly submitted a grievance application to the Cyber Police Station. The application was immediately registered, and a record was also created on the online NCCRP Portal.
Due to the timely registration of the complaint on the NCCRP Portal, the defrauded amount was successfully frozen in the suspicious bank accounts. The complainant was then advised to file a petition in the Hon'ble Court to reclaim his frozen funds. The Cyber Police Station submitted a detailed report to the court and obtained the necessary orders.
Through persistent follow-up with the bank and the Hon'ble Court, the Cyber Police Station successfully ensured that the entire defrauded amount of ₹3,73,500 was returned to the complainant's original bank account. A symbolic cheque was presented to the complainant to mark the recovery of his funds.
Precautions to Avoid Fraud:
The Mira-Bhayandar, Vasai-Virar Police Commissionerate urges citizens to take the following precautions to prevent financial fraud:
Verify Apps: Do not invest in any Share Market Trading Online App without proper verification of its authenticity.
Consult Financial Advisors: Before investing in Crypto Investment or Mutual Funds, always consult with your financial advisor.
Beware of Promotional Ads: Do not trust promotional advertisements on Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, or Telegram channels that promise unusually high returns. These are often schemes designed for financial fraud.
Avoid Unverified Downloads: Do not download or invest through any app without proper verification.
Recognize Common Tactics: Be aware that in such frauds, scammers often add victims to Telegram channels or WhatsApp groups, showing fake screenshots and messages of others benefiting to induce investment. They may also present counterfeit SEBI certificates to gain trust. Once trust is established, they promise high and guaranteed returns. Such investments carry a high risk of financial fraud.
High Returns are a Red Flag: Do not trust any trading app that promises excessively high returns. Always verify the credibility of a trading app before investing.
Immediate Action: If you fall victim to online fraud, contact your bank immediately.
The Mira-Bhayandar, Vasai-Virar Police Commissionerate appeals to all citizens that committing such fraud is a crime punishable by law. If you experience such an incident, immediately contact your nearest police station or report it on the helpline numbers 1930 / 1945 or through the website www.cybercrime.gov.in.
