Beware of scammers in fake online trading groups – see how this bank manager lost Rs 21 lakh

An assistant bank manager fell victim to an online investment scam after being convinced by fraudsters to invest in the online trading market for guaranteed profits and suffered a huge loss of Rs 21 lakh.

Nishi Verma, Assistant Bank Manager, works at the Sitapur district branch of Union Bank of India, reports Times of India. Verma was on official leave at the time of the incident. The woman was reportedly looking to start investing in online trading markets and later on December 1, 2023, the scammers added her to a group on Facebook.

Her husband Dilip Verma said, “After joining, the group members shared their success stories and the admin lured her with VIP services and guaranteed profits in online trading, which led her to join more social media groups and Opened an account.” By TOI.

The woman then fell into the scam and before she could understand what was about to happen, the scammers convinced her to invest Rs 21 lakh and Rs 5,000 between December 1, 2023 and January 2024.

Her husband also told her that she needed to link her bank account before she could start investing. This created some doubt in his mind, which made him doubt his joining the mentioned group. However, the scammers ultimately succeeded in defrauding him.

Now, a complaint has been lodged at the City Kotwali police station and an FIR has been registered under section 420 of the IPC (cheating and dishonesty) and 66-D of the IT Act.

Speaking on the matter, SSP Bulandshahr Shlok Kumar said, “In case of any suspicious message from an unknown number, it is best to block that user and report to the police.”

How to stay safe?

Please keep in mind that genuine individuals will not contact you on Facebook or any social media platform to invest, especially when unrealistic returns on investment are promised.

Additionally, if someone contacts you to offer you a job or investment opportunities with minimal effort, be wary, as they may be scammers trying to extort money from you.

Another important thing to remember is to never share your personal information, national identity cards, or financial details with anyone, as these can be misused for identity theft and manipulation of others.