The Scam Incident
Online scams have become increasingly common, with fraudsters using innovative tactics to deceive unsuspecting individuals. One such case recently emerged from Navi Mumbai, where a 70-year-old retired government official fell victim to a Facebook ad scam and lost over 5 crore rupees.
According to reports, the retired officer came across a stock investment advertisement while scrolling through Facebook. The ad promoted high returns, which caught his attention. Intrigued, he provided his personal details on the website linked to the ad. Soon after, scammers contacted him via WhatsApp and persuaded him to join a trading platform called ‘A24KKR Collaborative Win’ through a provided app link.
Initially, he invested a small amount and even managed to withdraw some money, which built his trust. Subsequently, the scammers encouraged him to download another app, ‘INDKKR,’ where they showcased an inflated profit of 12.2 crore rupees. Encouraged by the apparent success, he continued investing large amounts, eventually transferring over 4.7 crore rupees from his wife’s Demat account.
By March 8, 2025, when he attempted to withdraw his funds, he found that his account was frozen, and all transactions were blocked. This is when he realized that he had been scammed and immediately reported the case to the authorities.
Beware of Too-Good-To-Be-True Offers – If an investment opportunity sounds too lucrative, it’s likely a scam.
Verify Organizations & Ads – Always research a company before investing. Check for official websites, user reviews, and regulatory approvals.
Be Cautious with Personal Details – Never share sensitive financial or personal information online.
Avoid Unverified Apps & Links – Download financial applications only from trusted sources like official websites or app stores.
Stay Alert on Social Media – Fraudsters often use social media to lure victims. Do not engage with suspicious ads or unknown contacts.
The rise in online scams highlights the need for increased awareness and vigilance. If you come across any suspicious investment schemes or financial opportunities, report them to the relevant authorities. Staying informed and cautious can help prevent falling victim to such frauds.
Disclaimer: This incident occurred on March 16, 2025. The purpose of this article is to raise awareness among users about online scams and how to stay vigilant.
