Begumpet Resident Loses Rs.13.3 Lakh in Dating App Investment Scam
A woman introduced herself as an advisor to a trading analyst and persuaded the complainant to register on the website and invest in trading
Hyderabad: A 41-year-old resident of Begumpet became the victim of dating app investment scam and lost Rs.13.3 lakh.
The complainant was contacted through a dating app by a woman identifying herself as “Chandhini Chowdary,” who later shifted communication to WhatsApp. She introduced herself as an advisor to a trading analyst and persuaded the victim to register on the website and invest in trading.
Initially, the victim invested Rs.50,000 and received a small profit, and successfully withdrew funds, which built trust. Over time, the woman convinced the victim to make larger investments, ultimately depositing Rs.8 lakh, with fake profits shown on the platform.
When the victim attempted to withdraw funds, the account was frozen, and he was told to deposit more money to unfreeze it. Under pressure, he paid an additional Rs.5.31 lakh, followed by another Rs.4.55 lakh after being told it was for “taxes” to release his money.
In total, the victim lost Rs.13.31 lakh to the fraudsters and requested necessary legal action against them.
In an advisory, the police asked the public to beware of strangers on dating apps or social media who quickly move conversations to WhatsApp and discuss investments. Fraudsters may pose as trading advisors or analysts and share links to fake trading websites or apps.
They may initially show small profits and even allow minor withdrawals to gain trust. Gradually, they pressure victims to invest large amounts, promising high returns. Accounts are later frozen, with demands for extra payments under false reasons like unfreezing charges, taxes, or anti–money laundering clearance.
Do not transfer money to unknown bank accounts or unverified trading platforms. Verify any investment platform’s legitimacy through official financial regulatory bodies before investing. Awareness and prompt reporting are key to preventing further victimization.
Preserve all communication, including messages, call records, and transaction proofs. Victims of cybercrime fraud can immediately dial 1930 or visit cybercrime.gov.in. In case of any emergency of cyber frauds please call or WhatsApp 8712665171.
