Hyderabad man uses online trading app to try and earn some extra money, loses Rs 8 lakh

Many people around the world invest their hard-earned money in order to increase its value. Investments can be carried out through various channels and online investments are quite popular as they are a convenient way to earn some extra cash. However, the world of online investments is full of scammers as well who constantly look out for unsuspecting victims. In many cases, these scammers pose as financial advisors and lure people in their trap. They might even let the victim earn some money to prove their authenticity. Once the victim begins trusting them, the fraudsters show their true colourrs.

Something similar happened with a man from Hyderabad, who fell victim to a cyber fraud, losing Rs 8.17 lakh in a deceptive online trading scheme. The incident highlights the growing menace of cybercrime, especially in the form of investment scams that prey on unsuspecting individuals seeking quick profits.

How the scam unfolded

As per a report in New Indian Express, the 40-year-old man was initially contacted through random calls, including messages on Telegram, where he was lured into joining a group that claimed to offer profitable trading opportunities. The scammers added him to social media groups where they showcased the supposed success stories of others who had invested and made significant profits.

Encouraged by these (false) success stories, the victim began by investing a small amount of money. To his surprise, he quickly received returns on his initial investment, which further convinced him of the scheme’s legitimacy. This early success was part of the scammers' strategy to build trust and encourage the victim to invest larger amounts.

As the victim's confidence grew, he decided to invest more money, even going as far as taking bank loans and borrowing from friends to increase his trading capital. The scammers, posing as experienced traders, provided him with tips and advice, which seemed to be leading to profitable trades.

However, as time passed, the victim started noticing irregularities. Despite his trades showing profits, the system would automatically close them, resulting in losses. When he questioned this, the scammers blamed the system’s automated processes and reassured him that his losses could be recovered by investing more.

The situation reached a tipping point when the victim was unable to withdraw any funds from the trading app. Growing increasingly concerned, he approached a friend for a loan, explaining his predicament. It was this friend who first alerted him to the possibility that he was being scammed. Realizing the gravity of the situation, the victim immediately filed an online complaint with the cybercrime police.

Hyderabad Cyber Crimes police have registered a case and are currently investigating the matter. According to an official statement, the scammers had manipulated the trading app from the backend, deliberately causing the victim’s trades to close in losses even when they were in profit. The fraudsters continued to pressure the victim to transfer more funds, promising that he could recover his losses by making additional investments.

How to protect yourself from such scams

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of online investment schemes, particularly those that promise quick and easy profits. Cybercriminals often use sophisticated tactics to build trust with their victims, only to deceive them into losing substantial amounts of money.

Thus, if you receive random calls or messages offering investment opportunities, approach them with caution. Scammers often use high-pressure tactics to convince you to invest quickly.

If you do decide to invest, before going ahead, research the platform or group thoroughly. Check for reviews, and verify if the platform is registered with relevant financial authorities.

In addition to this, be cautious about sharing your financial details or personal information with unknown parties, especially through unsecured communication channels.

Also, if you are considering a new investment opportunity, seek advice from trusted friends, family members, or financial advisors. A second opinion can help you avoid making hasty decisions based on false promises.