A Gurugram-based consulting firm executive has become the latest victim of a sophisticated cryptocurrency scam, losing approximately ₹38 lakh to fraudsters. The incident underscores the dangers posed by online fraud and the need for increased vigilance among internet users, particularly when it comes to investments and financial transactions.
According to reports, the victim, identified as Naman Aggarwal, met the fraudster, Ridhi Sharma, on a popular matrimonial website, jeevansaathi.com, in November 2023. Sharma claimed to be residing in London for the past five years and hailed from Kolkata. She allegedly gained Aggarwal’s trust over time before luring him into investing in a cryptocurrency called deuncoin.
The modus operandi of the scam involved Sharma persuading Aggarwal to invest ₹10 lakh initially in deuncoin, promising to transfer a similar amount to his trading account. To facilitate the investment, she directed Aggarwal to a website called m.deuncoin.vip and communicated with him via WhatsApp. However, the promised transfer never materialized.
In a further twist to the scam, Aggarwal received a message on WhatsApp from the purported customer support team of Deuncoin, claiming that the amount transferred by Sharma was flagged as suspicious and linked to money laundering activities. The message warned Aggarwal that unless he deposited an additional ₹10 lakh within 24 hours, his trading account would be frozen.
Fearing the loss of his investment, Aggarwal complied with the demand and deposited another ₹10 lakh as instructed. However, instead of restoring his trading account, the fraudsters continued to demand more money under the guise of various charges and fees. Despite paying a total of ₹38 lakh, Aggarwal found himself trapped in a web of deceit with no way to recoup his losses.
Realizing that he had fallen victim to a financial scam, Aggarwal filed a complaint with the Cyber Crime East police station in Gurugram. An FIR was registered against the unknown woman, Ridhi Sharma, and other fraudsters under Section 420 (cheating) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
The case highlights the increasingly sophisticated tactics employed by cybercriminals to defraud unsuspecting individuals. By exploiting trust and leveraging the anonymity of online platforms, fraudsters like Sharma can easily deceive victims into parting with their hard-earned money.
Cryptocurrency scams, in particular, have become prevalent in recent years, given the growing popularity of digital assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and others. Fraudsters often lure victims with promises of quick and lucrative returns, only to disappear with their funds once the investment is made.
To combat such scams, authorities have urged the public to exercise caution and skepticism when approached with investment opportunities, especially those involving cryptocurrencies. It’s essential to conduct thorough research, verify the legitimacy of the parties involved, and seek advice from financial experts before making any investment decisions.
In response to the complaint filed by Aggarwal, the cyber police in Gurugram have launched an investigation into the matter. They are working to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice. Meanwhile, Aggarwal and other victims of similar scams serve as a reminder of the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures and public awareness campaigns to prevent such incidents in the future.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, individuals must remain vigilant and proactive in protecting themselves against online fraud and financial scams. By staying informed, exercising caution, and reporting suspicious activities to the authorities, we can collectively work towards creating a safer and more secure online environment for all.