Hyderabad Cyber Crime police arrest fraudster in Rs 25 lakh Investment scam
Hyderabad: Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police apprehended a fraudster involved in 87 cases across India, including 14 cases in Telangana, related to part-time job and investment fraud.
The Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police have apprehended Cheruku Naveen, a 33-year-old fraudster from Hyderabad, Telangana.
Victim’s complaint leads to investigation
The investigation was initiated based on a complaint from a 41-year-old private employee from Hyderabad, who fell victim to an online scam. The complainant received a WhatsApp message offering a part-time job related to Google Maps reviews. Believing it to be legitimate, he inquired about the process.
The fraudster provided two Google Maps links and instructed him to rate them, take screenshots, and send them back. After completing the task, the victim was given a Telegram ID and asked to share his bank account details, following which a small amount was credited to his account. Gaining his trust, the fraudster then convinced him to register on a website, promising substantial earnings through short-term investments.
How the fraud unfolded
“Trusting the fraudster’s guidance, the victim registered on the website and followed the investment instructions. He transferred money to various bank accounts and UPI IDs provided by the fraudster on Telegram,” stated the Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police.
After making initial investments, the victim attempted to withdraw his funds but was blocked. The fraudster then demanded additional payments for taxes and processing fees. Even after making these payments, the victim was asked for further transfers to complete the withdrawal process. In this manner, the victim lost a total of ₹25,36,000 through multiple transactions.
Modus Operandi
Explaining the modus operandi of the fraudsters Hyderabad cyber crime police said, The fraudster primarily targeted victims through social media platforms, WhatsApp calls, and messages, offering lucrative part-time job opportunities. Initially, victims were asked to perform simple tasks, such as reviewing locations on Google Maps, for which small amounts were deposited into their accounts to gain their trust.
“Once the victims became comfortable, they were introduced to investment opportunities promising high returns in a short period. The fraudster manipulated them by creating virtual profits, encouraging them to invest larger sums. When victims attempted to withdraw their funds, they were blocked and asked to pay additional amounts under the pretext of taxes, processing fees, or other charges. Even after making these payments, the withdrawal process remained incomplete, leading to significant financial losses for the victims,” said Hyedrabad police.
The team headed by Inspector of Police K. Satish Reddy, consisting of team members SI Suresh, PC Rajesh, PC Mallesham, PC. Shivashankar has cracked the case.
Public advisory
Be cautious of part- time job and investment frauds, and online job fake offers like – Work from Home, Google capture and task rating, Click and Rate and Earn and others. Verify properly before accepting such offers and sharing your financial or personal details.
Scammers approach victims through various social media platforms i.e. Telegram, WhatsApp, X, Instagram, and Face book by advertising Fake investment apps / websites.
Such schemes are fraudulent and do not have SEBI’s endorsement. Fraudsters are using simple tactics to lure gullible investors with promises of high returns and Fake profit screenshots.
After, they will credit a small amount in the victim’s account to gain the victim’s confidence. Never believe the promises of huge returns.Victims of cybercrime can get immediate help by dial 1930 or visit cybercrime.gov.in
