Siliguri, 18 December: A sensational case of online investment fraud has surfaced in Siliguri, where a 68-year-old retired Accounts Officer of WBFDC Ltd was allegedly cheated of Rs 22.54 lakh by fraudsters posing as financial advisors.
According to the complaint, the victim came across an investment advertisement on Facebook promising high returns, particularly targeting senior citizens. After responding to the advertisement, the accused gained his trust by introducing themselves as financial advisors and completing a so-called registration process.
Initially, the victim was asked to deposit Rs 15,000 online. He was later persuaded to transfer larger sums through RTGS, UTR transactions and cheques to multiple bank accounts. To make the scheme appear genuine, the fraudsters sent fake documents claiming links with Naka Solution, RBI Merchant, SEBI, and HM Revenue and Customs. In this manner, a total of Rs 22,54,000 was transferred.
When the victim attempted to withdraw the promised profits, the fraudsters demanded more money in the name of credit clearance, taxes and charges. Suspecting fraud, the victim approached the Siliguri Cyber Crime Police Station and lodged a complaint.
Taking the matter seriously, cyber crime police have registered a case and begun investigating the bank accounts, mobile numbers, website links and transaction details involved.
Police officials stated that efforts are underway to identify the accused and recover the defrauded amount. The investigation is ongoing.