A businesswoman in Hyderabad has fallen victim to a sophisticated cyber fraud, losing nearly ₹1 crore to online scammers who posed as investment “gurus” promising high returns.
According to police officials, the victim was contacted through social media and messaging platforms by individuals claiming to be experienced market analysts and financial advisors. They persuaded her to join a so called exclusive investment group, where she was shown fake profit statements and fabricated trading dashboards to build trust.
Over several weeks, the scammers convinced her to transfer large sums of money in multiple transactions, assuring her that the funds were being invested in stocks and digital assets. When she attempted to withdraw her supposed profits, the fraudsters stopped responding and blocked all communication, prompting her to approach the police.
Cybercrime investigators have registered a case and are tracing bank accounts and digital footprints linked to the fraud. Officials said such scams are increasingly common, with criminals using professional language, fake testimonials and cloned websites to appear legitimate.
Police have advised the public to verify the credentials of anyone offering investment opportunities online, avoid sharing personal or banking details and report suspicious activity immediately. The case underscores the growing threat of digital financial crimes and the need for stronger awareness and caution among online users.
