India, Oct. 18 -- A cybersecurity professional from Pune has fallen victim to a sophisticated online investment scam, which led him to lose Rs. 73.69 lakh. Despite his knowledge of online safety, he was tricked into transferring money to multiple bank accounts in cities such as Chennai, Bhadrak, Ferozepur, Ulhasnagar, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and Gurugram. The case highlights the rising number of fake trading platform scams circulating in India, which attract people with promises of high returns.

The incident began in August when the victim received a WhatsApp message from an international number containing a link. Clicking the link added him to a group chat with over 100 members sharing screenshots of alleged profits from a stock-trading app. ...