Cyber Fraud Alert: Retired Professor Loses ₹2 Crore Through WhatsApp Scam—Learn How to Stay Safe
In a disturbing case of cybercrime, fraudsters have duped a retired professor from Andhra Pradesh out of ₹2 crore, using a fake WhatsApp investment group. The victim, Dr. M. Bathmanabane Monissamy, is the former director and professor at JIPMER, Puducherry. This incident highlights the growing threat of cyber scams disguised as investment opportunities, especially on social media and messaging platforms.
🕵️ What Happened?
According to a Times of India report, the retired professor became the target of a well-orchestrated scam executed through a fake WhatsApp group. The group was named “H-10 Nuvama Health Group”, posing as an affiliate of the well-known financial services firm Nuvama (formerly Edelweiss).
The scam began subtly, luring the professor with what appeared to be genuine investment tips and returns.
📉 Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Scam
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Initial Contact:
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Dr. Monissamy was added to a WhatsApp group that looked like a legitimate financial discussion forum.
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A woman named “Kangana”, pretending to be a financial expert from Nuvama, reached out personally.
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She guided him to register on a fake replica of Nuvama’s website.
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Small Profit to Build Trust:
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On April 19, he invested ₹10,000 and received a return of ₹13,000.
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This initial profit boosted his confidence in the group and the platform.
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Larger Investment:
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Over the next few weeks, the professor invested a total of ₹1.9 crore.
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His account on the fraudulent platform showed an inflated balance of ₹35 crore.
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Withdrawal Trap:
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When he attempted to withdraw ₹5 crore, the scammers demanded a processing fee of ₹32 lakh, later reduced to 25% of the amount.
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Hoping to recover his funds, he paid an additional ₹7.9 lakh, but no money was ever transferred to his account.
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Realization and Complaint:
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Realizing he had been scammed, Dr. Monissamy filed a complaint with the police on June 18.
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🔐 How You Can Stay Safe from Similar Scams
As cybercriminals become more sophisticated, it's important to protect yourself from online fraud. Here's what you can do:
🚫 Avoid Unverified WhatsApp Groups
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Never trust investment tips from random groups or unknown contacts.
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Scammers often use names of reputed financial institutions to appear legitimate.
🕵️♂️ Verify the Platform
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Before investing, always verify the official website and contact the company directly.
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Fake websites often look convincing but are created to mimic real platforms.
🔗 Don’t Click Suspicious Links
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Avoid clicking on unsolicited links or downloading files from unknown senders.
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Use secure browsers and antivirus software.
🤔 If It Sounds Too Good to Be True, It Probably Is
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High return promises in a short time are red flags.
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Fraudsters lure victims with small profits to trap them into investing larger sums.
📞 Report Immediately
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If you suspect fraud, report to local cybercrime police, National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in), or helpline 1930.
🔎 The Bigger Picture
This case is a stark reminder that cybercrime is evolving, targeting even educated individuals. Fraudsters are now using advanced social engineering tactics, impersonating reputed brands, and manipulating platforms like WhatsApp to exploit vulnerabilities.
According to cyber experts, the rise of fake investment schemes is becoming one of the most common types of online fraud in India. These schemes often spread through social media, SMS, and messaging apps, catching victims off-guard with their professionalism and deceptive tactics.
📌 Final Thoughts
In an age where digital convenience meets growing cyber threats, awareness is your best defense. Always double-check before investing, avoid sharing personal or financial details, and report suspicious activity without delay.
Even if you're financially savvy or tech-aware, scams like this show that anyone can be vulnerable. Stay cautious, stay informed, and help others do the same by sharing this information.
