A 50-year-old surgeon lost Rs. 4.48 crore in an alleged cryptocurrency investment scam after fraudsters approached him through WhatsApp, displayed fake trading profits and demanded additional payments when he tried to withdraw funds.
WhatsApp Contact Led to Fake Crypto Platform
According to the complaint filed by the doctor, he was contacted in August by a person identifying herself as Ayushi Sharma. She introduced him to cryptocurrency trading and connected him with a person named Vijay Anant.
On August 19, Anant allegedly presented himself as a trading analyst and promised to invest the doctor’s money through a crypto platform. He reportedly offered the doctor 30% of the profits as a commission.
The doctor was added to a WhatsApp group called ‘CoinTrs Transaction’, where members shared screenshots showing supposed crypto profits. He was sent a registration link for the purported ‘CoinTrs.com’ platform and remained in contact through Telegram ID @CoinTrs.
Rs. 4.47 Crore Transferred in 12 Days
Between August 23 and September 3, the doctor transferred money to bank accounts linked to entities including Chesain Event Pvt Ltd, MS Subh Yatri Tour and Travels Pvt Ltd, Online Saree Hub, Sipvera Services, Praveen Silk Sarees, Sky Line Relty and Paynex.
He initially invested a smaller amount, but the platform displayed large returns, encouraging further transfers. In total, he sent Rs. 4,47,82,080. The fake account showed a profit of USD 14,77,129, equivalent to roughly Rs. 14 crore.
Withdrawal Request Exposed the Scam
When the doctor attempted to withdraw the displayed profits, the platform allegedly blocked the transaction. Anant reportedly told him that a ‘Security Channel’ needed to be cleared before the funds could be released.
The fraudsters demanded more money for taxes, processing fees and other charges. The doctor realised he had been cheated and contacted the cyber helpline 1930 and the Central Cyber Crime police. He also requested that suspected mule accounts be frozen to improve recovery chances. Police registered a case under the Information Technology Act and Section 318 relating to cheating.
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Disclaimer : Crypto News India does not recommend that any cryptocurrency should be bought, sold, or held by you. Do conduct your own due diligence and consult your financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
