Belagavi: A Harugeri resident was allegedly cheated of Rs 80.8 lakh by cyber fraudsters who lured him with promises of high returns from stock market investments. The cybercrime police have registered a case against unidentified persons and launched an investigation.According to the complaint, Shrimant Yaddur was added to a WhatsApp group called ‘G103 Long Term Wealth Club’, where members promoted investment schemes claiming substantial returns in a short period.The fraudsters later persuaded him to join a service named ‘G120 Upstox One on One VIP Service’ and register through a link they shared. Believing it to be a genuine investment platform, Yaddur entered details including his mobile number, bank account and PAN information. The portal displayed deposit, withdrawal and fund details, making it appear authentic.He was subsequently added to another WhatsApp group, “6669 Upstox Exclusive Customer Service Group”, and instructed to transfer money to multiple bank accounts for purported stock investments.Following their directions, Yaddur transferred Rs 80.8 lakh through online transactions between July 6 and 27. The funds came from bank accounts belonging to him, his wife, his brother and a few acquaintances, the complaint stated.Yaddur realised he had been duped when he neither received the promised returns nor recovered his investment. He then approached the cybercrime police and filed a complaint.Police are tracing the money trail and working to identify those behind the fraud.
