CA Lost Rs.1.5 Lakh after Clicking Instagram Investment Advertisement Link

A chartered accountant loses Rs. 1.5 lakhs in a fraudulent transfer after clicking on an Instagram investment advertisement link. Five other people along with the CA lost money in the fraud. In total, they all lost Rs.15 lakh.

The CA from Barwala was similarly targeted by fraudsters after spotting an advertisement for an investment opportunity on Instagram. After clicking on the advertisement, her bank account was compromised, and a large sum of money was fraudulently transferred.

The fraudsters used a number of fraudulent strategies to dupe consumers, such as posing as customer service agents for air conditioner installations, promising work-from-home opportunities, manipulating courier delivery locations, and advertising fake online investment programs. The Hisar Cyber Police Station has filed six FIRs against unknown individuals while investigations into these fraud cases are ongoing.

One of the victims, a doctor at Agroha Medical College, described her experience with the police. On July 15, she purchased an air conditioner and looked online for a customer service number to schedule installation. She dialled a number that appeared to be real, and the so-called “customer care executive” asked for a minor payment of Rs.10 to schedule a service visit. However, after following the payment instructions, her account was fraudulently debited by Rs.29,001.

The scammers convinced her that the heavy deduction was an error and offered a refund of the money, but instead, they duped her into further transactions, eventually stealing Rs.3,52,684 from her account.

Another victim, a BRCM College teacher in Bahal, was tricked in the same manner. She was duped into a fraudulent work-from-home scheme and lost Rs.6.8 lakh in the process. The scheme promised easy earnings from the convenience of her own home, but the fraudsters took her money.

The Hisar Cyber Police is currently investigating the events and has advised citizens to exercise caution while making online payments or sharing private information. Authorities are seeking to track down the cybercriminals and recover the stolen funds.