Hyderabad Man Loses ₹7.6 Lakh in WhatsApp Investment Scam
- Aarohi Samaira
- Sep 5, 2025
- 2 min read
Hyderabad, Telangana – September 5, 2025: The Hyderabad Cyber Crimes Police have reported another case of cyber fraud after a 28-year-old man from Borabanda lost ₹7.6 lakh in a WhatsApp-based investment scam falsely using the name of Standard Chartered Bank.
WhatsApp Group Scam Using Fake SEBI Certificates
According to police, the victim was added to a group called “84 Standard Chartered India Investment Group”, where fraudsters promised guaranteed daily profits and returns of up to 800%.
To make the scheme appear authentic, the scammers circulated fake Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) certificates and directed the victim to a fraudulent website designed to look like a legitimate trading platform.
₹7.6 Lakh Lost With False Promise of ₹45 Lakh Returns
The victim invested money in multiple installments, eventually reaching ₹7.60 lakh by August 23, 2025. Scam operators then displayed manipulated balances, showing supposed profits of ₹45 lakh.
However, when he attempted to withdraw the funds, the fraudsters demanded an additional ₹9 lakh deposit and a 25% commission fee. When he suggested deducting charges from his displayed balance, they refused and blocked his access.
Realizing he had been cheated, the man filed a complaint with the Hyderabad Cyber Crimes Police.
Authorities Warn Against WhatsApp Investment Schemes
Investigators noted that the case fits a growing pattern of scams misusing reputed bank names to lure unsuspecting investors.
Officials emphasized that legitimate banks and SEBI-registered entities do not offer investment schemes through WhatsApp groups or personal contacts.
Citizens are urged to:
Verify the authenticity of investment platforms.
Avoid schemes promising unrealistic profits.
Report suspicious offers to cybercrime authorities immediately.
With online investment frauds on the rise in Telangana and across India, authorities warn that increased digital vigilance is essential to protect against financial scams.
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