Pune: Techie Loses Rs 45.4 Lakh in Online Share Trading Scam

Pune: A 38-year-old techie from Hadapsar fell victim to an online share trading scam, losing Rs 45.4 lakh to fraudsters who lured him with promises of lucrative returns. The incident occurred between October 2024 and January this year.

The victim filed a complaint with the Hadapsar police on Saturday. According to Inspector Nilesh Jagdale, the techie’s phone number was added to a messaging app group where fraudsters discussed high profits from online share trading. Group members frequently thanked the admin for providing tips on securing substantial profits.

Inspired by the messages, the victim contacted the group admin, who sent him a link to download a share trading app. Initially, the victim purchased low-value shares but was later persuaded to invest in high-value shares for greater profits. The fraudster instructed him to transfer money to six different bank accounts, promising to buy high-value shares on his behalf.

The victim transferred Rs 45.4 lakh to these accounts. While the app displayed significant profits, the fraudsters prevented him from selling the shares and continued demanding more money. Realizing he had been cheated, the techie approached the police.