Hyderabad man loses ₹27 lakh in online trading fraud via fake app
HYDERABAD: A 38-year-old resident of Asifnagar in Hyderabad lost ₹27.05 lakh after being duped in an online trading fraud operated through a fake mobile application and a WhatsApp group, cyber crime police said on January 12, 2026.
According to the complaint, the victim came across an online trading page on Facebook and was later added to a WhatsApp group, where administrators claimed to offer high-return investment opportunities. They shared screenshots showing purported profits to gain trust.
The fraudsters persuaded the victim to download a trading application named ADVPMA. He initially invested ₹10,000 and subsequently transferred a total of ₹27,05,000 in multiple transactions.
The app later displayed a balance of ₹81,69,600, including alleged profits. However, when the victim attempted to withdraw the amount, the request was blocked. The fraudsters then demanded an additional ₹50 lakh, citing various charges. Suspecting fraud, the victim stopped further payments and approached authorities.
Cyber crime police said the fraudsters used a fake platform that manipulated wallet balances to show unreal profits, a common tactic in online investment scams.
Public advisory issued
Cyber crime police urged the public to exercise caution while investing online and issued the following advisory:
Verify the authenticity of trading platforms and ensure they are registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India before investing.
Be wary of promises of quick, high or guaranteed returns.
Do not share bank details, OTPs, passwords or UPI PINs with unknown persons.
Avoid paying so-called processing fees, taxes or withdrawal charges demanded to release funds.
Treat delayed or blocked withdrawals and unusually high profits as red flags.
Do not succumb to threats or pressure tactics used by scammers.
Victims of cyber fraud were advised to report incidents immediately to the National Cybercrime Helpline at 1930 or register complaints online at cybercrime.gov.in.
Police also encouraged citizens to follow the official social media handles of Cyber Crime Police, Hyderabad, for regular awareness updates.
