The spree of online scams in India continues, and this time a 75-year-old was caught in the fray, ending up losing a hefty 11 crore rupees. The perpetrators used WhatsApp as a tool to target the old retired captain, who remains in shock as to what befell him.
The victim, a ship captain, was offered an investment scheme that the scammers used to bait the old man into thinking it was a legitimate investment option, which was far from the truth.
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The victim was first added to a WhatsApp group with a rather reputable name months ago. The admin of the said group, who went around under the alias Anya Smith, started off by giving advice and encouraging investment activities.
Then the old man was segued into another WhatsApp group and baited into a fake app in which, in the name of IPO and OTC trading, he transferred about 11.6 crore between September 5 and October 9.
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The perpetrators used multiple bank accounts to commit the crime, which they covered as a workaround to save taxes on the trading schemes. Upon trying to withdraw, the victim was demanded a 20% service tax, which the old man agreed to, but he was then asked for additional fees.
Upon realization, a complaint was filed, but the damage was done. As it is clear, scammers specifically target old people, whom they first lure and then confuse with technical mumbo jumbo before ultimately scamming the victims. It is advised that any investment scheme should be first checked for authenticity before transferring any amount.
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