Chandigarh Woman Loses ₹1.5 Crore in Fake Investment Scam Over 3.5 Years: How to Stay Safe

A shocking case of cyber fraud has emerged from Chandigarh, where a woman was cheated of nearly ₹1.5 crore over a period of three and a half years in the name of an international investment opportunity. The incident highlights how cybercriminals are increasingly using sophisticated tactics, emotional manipulation, and false promises of high returns to trap unsuspecting victims.

According to information shared by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), the victim was lured into what appeared to be a lucrative overseas investment scheme. The fraudsters promised unusually high returns in a short period, gradually gaining her trust before extracting large sums of money under various pretexts. Despite making repeated payments, the woman never received any actual investment proof or returns.

How the Investment Scam Unfolded

The fraud began when the woman was approached with an offer to invest in an “international” financial product. The scammers claimed the opportunity was exclusive and time-sensitive, urging her to act quickly. Initially, she was asked to invest a small amount, which made the scheme appear legitimate and low-risk.

Once trust was established, the fraudsters began demanding additional payments. They cited reasons such as customs charges, bank verification fees, international transaction taxes, and account activation costs. Each time the woman complied, she was assured that her investment portfolio was growing and that the returns would be released soon.

Over time, the demands escalated. The scammers even claimed that her account had been frozen due to regulatory issues and that further payments were required to unlock it. This cycle continued for nearly 3.5 years. In total, the victim transferred approximately ₹1.5 crore, only to realize later that no real investment had ever taken place. Eventually, the fraudsters stopped responding and disappeared completely.

Authorities have identified this as a classic investment scam, often executed through fake apps, websites, or forged documents that appear professional and convincing.

Why Such Cyber Scams Are Increasing

Cyber fraud cases are on the rise due to the widespread use of social media, messaging apps, and digital payment platforms. Fraudsters exploit people’s desire for quick financial growth and their limited awareness of digital risks. Promises of guaranteed or exceptionally high returns are often the biggest red flags, but many victims ignore them due to persuasive communication and psychological pressure.

These scams are not limited to any one age group or profession, making cyber awareness more important than ever.

How to Protect Yourself from Investment Fraud

Staying alert is the strongest defense against such scams. Never trust unsolicited investment offers, especially those that promise high or guaranteed returns. Always verify whether an investment platform is registered with regulatory authorities such as SEBI or RBI before transferring any money.

Avoid clicking on unknown links received via phone calls, SMS, emails, or social media messages. Never share personal banking details, OTPs, or identity documents with anyone claiming to be an agent or official. Remember, government agencies and banks do not ask for money over phone calls or messaging apps.

It is also advisable to consult family members or financial experts before making large investment decisions. Staying updated through cyber awareness initiatives like CyberDost can help individuals recognize and avoid common fraud tactics.

What to Do If You Become a Victim

If you suspect that you have fallen victim to a cyber investment scam, act immediately. You can call the national cybercrime helpline number 1930 or file a complaint online at the official cybercrime reporting portal. The service is available 24×7 and is managed by I4C.

While filing a complaint, provide complete details such as transaction IDs, bank account information, contact numbers used by the scammers, and screenshots of conversations or payment receipts. Reporting the fraud at the earliest significantly improves the chances of fund recovery and enables law enforcement agencies to begin investigations promptly.

Final Word

This Chandigarh case serves as a serious warning for investors across the country. In the digital age, financial opportunities may be just a click away—but so are cybercriminals. Awareness, verification, and timely action are the keys to protecting your hard-earned money from online investment fraud.