The Cyber Crime Police Station, Hyderabad City, cautions the public to remain vigilant against fake online investment and trading platforms that are actively deceiving citizens through WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter).
Fraudsters create fake trading websites, apps, and dashboards showing false profits to build confidence and lure victims into depositing larger amounts. They later block withdrawals under excuses such as ‘tax payments,’ ‘compliance verification,’ or ‘conversion charges.’ Once substantial sums are collected, they either disappear or threaten the victims with fake legal action.
MO (Trading Fraud):
Online Gold Stocks Trading Fraud – NFM Capital Markets Scam
A 57-year-old resident of Himayathnagar, Hyderabad, was cheated by an online trading platform called NFM Capital Markets through an agent named Amrutha Reddy, who first contacted the victim via Facebook and WhatsApp. She convinced him to invest in ‘U.S. Gold Stocks’ using a fake trading dashboard showing fabricated profits.
The victim made transactions totaling ₹6,32,000 through Google Pay and SBI YONO, believing the fake wallet balance of USD 38,694.94 was genuine. Later, the fraudsters demanded more money for ‘taxes’ and ‘withdrawal charges’ and even threatened legal action. When asked to pay an additional ₹8 lakh, the victim realized it was a scam and promptly reported the matter through 1930 Cyber Helpline, enabling partial fund recovery.
Public Advisory (Specific to Trading-Type Frauds)
* ⚠️ Be cautious of individuals or agents contacting through Facebook, WhatsApp, or Telegram with “exclusive trading tips” or investment offers.
* 🚫 Do not install or use unauthorized trading applications or websites shared by unknown persons.
* 💻 Beware of fake dashboards showing manipulated profits to build trust.
* 📞 Do not pay any “tax,” “compliance,” or “withdrawal” fees to non-verified entities.
* 💡 Always verify trading platforms with SEBI (www.sebi.gov.in) or through official app stores.
* 📢 Report such incidents immediately to 1930 or www.cybercrime.gov.in.
MO: Investment Fraud
Online Investment Fraud – Costa Well Grown App Case
A 63-year-old investor received a WhatsApp message from “AXIS Security”, which appeared to be associated with Axis Bank, offering IPO allotments and trading opportunities. Believing it to be genuine, he invested over ₹43,00,000 between 12th July and early August 2025.
The fraudsters regularly showed fake dashboards displaying profits and discounted share allotments, claiming the trades were under Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP) quota. They allotted more shares than his balance allowed, labeling the difference as a ‘non-interest loan,’ and demanded repayment with threats to freeze his account. Upon realizing that AXIS Security was fake, the victim filed a complaint.
Based on his complaint, a case was registered as Cr. No. 1409/2025 U/Sec 66-C, 66-D IT Act, Sec. 318(4), 319(2), 336(3), 338, 340(2) BNS at Cyber Crime PS, Hyderabad, and investigation is underway.
Modus Operandi (Common Pattern)
* Fraudsters pose as representatives of reputed financial institutions or trading firms.
* Victims receive unsolicited WhatsApp or Telegram messages with investment offers and ‘exclusive’ trading groups.
* Scammers use professional tone, fake dashboards, and fabricated profit statements to gain trust.
* They request funds for ‘tax,’ ‘withdrawal,’ or ‘compliance fees.’
* Threaten legal action or fund freezing if payments aren’t made.
* Once money is transferred, communication is cut off and accounts deleted.
Public Advisory
* Fake Investment Frauds often appear as links or calls via WhatsApp, Telegram, or social media platforms, or through fake company websites.
* Victims may receive unsolicited calls, messages, or emails from scammers falsely claiming to represent reputed companies.
* Scammers use professional language and tone and show fake profits to build credibility.
* They create fake websites and mobile applications to appear legitimate.
* Be cautious of unsolicited investment offers or messages from unknown persons.
* Legitimate companies never approach individuals directly or pressure them to invest.
* Always verify the legitimacy of investment platforms with SEBI or official financial authorities.
* Do not transfer money for investment, tax, or withdrawal purposes without verification.
* Never share personal, banking, or KYC details with unknown agents.
* Ignore threats of ‘legal action’ or ‘money laundering charges’ — they are intimidation tactics.
If you are a victim of Cyber Crime fraud Call 1930 or
visit cybercrime.gov.in
