Panchkula Man Defrauded of ₹8 Lakh in Online Trading Scam
- Aarohi Samaira
- Sep 5, 2025
- 2 min read
Panchkula, Haryana : A 44-year-old man from Panchkula has lost ₹8 lakh after falling victim to an online trading scam involving fake WhatsApp groups and investment apps.
How the Scam Unfolded
According to the FIR, the victim first came across a Facebook advertisement for investment trading on March 7, 2025. After clicking the link, he was added to a WhatsApp group named “114 State Street Global Equity Investment Elite.”
Just days later, on March 18, he clicked on another similar ad and was added to another group called “9upmarketwizards.” Both groups directed him to download an investment trading app, where he was instructed to deposit funds.
₹8 Lakh Lost Through Fake Trading Apps
Trusting the platform, the victim made multiple transfers amounting to ₹8,00,000 across the two apps. However, on March 28, when he attempted to withdraw his money, his account was frozen without explanation.
The next day, members of the “Upstock” group demanded additional funds to release his balance. At that point, the victim realized he had been defrauded.
Police Investigation
The victim filed a complaint on the cybercrime portal on July 21, 2025. The Panchkula Cybercrime Police have registered a case and are investigating the scam, which appears to be linked to fraudulent trading groups on WhatsApp and Facebook advertisements.
Warning from Authorities
Police have urged citizens to remain cautious of online investment schemes, particularly those promoted through social media ads and WhatsApp groups. They advise:
Avoiding unverified apps and trading platforms.
Conducting due diligence before investing online.
Reporting suspicious financial activity immediately via the national cybercrime portal.
With cyber fraud cases rising across Haryana and India, officials stress the importance of digital awareness and secure financial practices to prevent further losses.
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