Mumbai: A 63-year-old retired banker lost Rs 1.3 crore in an online investment fraud involving fake IPOs, call options and mutual fund schemes promoted through YouTube and WhatsApp groups. Cyber police have have registered an offence against unknown fraudsters. The complainant, a former bank employee alleged that on Nov 10, she came across a YouTube advertisement related to share trading and IPO investments. The WhatsApp group administrators directed the victim to download an app and promised weekly payouts. On Dec 11, the app reflected an inflated balance of Rs 3.5 crore, later showing over Rs 10 crore, allegedly due to a “loan” credited to her account. When she attempted to withdraw, she was told to repay a loan of Rs 1.5 crore. Realising she had been deceived, she lodged a complaint with the Cyber Crime Helpline 1930.
