31-year-old man loses ₹51.63 lakh to cryptocurrency scam via WhatsApp and Telegram group

Summary

A 31-year-old man from Sector 16B, Greater Noida West, lost Rs 51.63 lakh after joining a Telegram group following a WhatsApp message promising easy money through online tasks. The scammer, who introduced herself as Pallavi, added him to the group and persuaded him to invest in cryptocurrency-related tasks. Over five days, the victim made 32 transactions, initially depositing small amounts and later larger sums, under the pretence of earning higher returns. Scammers showed him a fake online portfolio displaying a profit of Rs 60 lakh, which increased his confidence. When he tried to withdraw the money, the scammers demanded additional payments, prompting him to realize he had been scammed. The victim filed a complaint with the cybercrime branch, and a case was registered under sections related to cheating and impersonation.