As soon as he invested Rs 10,000, he returned Rs 13,000 – Professor evicted from Rs 2 crore due to fake investment scheme of WhatsApp Group!
Cyber Fraud Originating from a WhatsApp Group: Andhra Pradesh Professor Loses ₹2 Crore
In today’s digital era, technology has made life easier—but its misuse has also led to a sharp rise in cybercrime. A recent case from Andhra Pradesh involves a retired professor who was defrauded of nearly ₹2 crore by scammers posing with a fake investment scheme.
How Did the Scam Start?
The fraud began with a simple WhatsApp message. The professor was added to a group named “H‑10 Nuvama Health Group,” which mimicked the name of the reputable investment firm Nuvama Wealth Management. Members of the group posed as expert investment advisors offering high returns.
Initial Lure: ₹10,000 Invested, ₹13,000 Returned
To build trust, the scammers encouraged the professor to invest ₹10,000 initially. Soon, his account appeared to show a return of ₹13,000—this was a deliberate move to instill confidence in their legitimacy.
The Real Attack: ₹1.9 Crore Invested Within a Month
Over the next few weeks, the professor—thinking he was investing in genuine portfolios—poured approximately ₹1.9 crore into the scheme. On the fake platform, his account balance inflated to a staggering ₹35 crore.
Withdrawal Attempt & Scam Exposed
When he tried to withdraw ₹5 crore, the scammers demanded a hefty “processing fee” of ₹32 lakh, later reduced to 25%; he paid an additional ₹7.9 lakh. Despite this, the withdrawal was not processed, and the scammers disappeared when further interaction was attempted. That’s when the professor realized he’d been duped.
Sophisticated Tactics Used by the Scammers
The fraudsters used highly professional tactics:
- Posing as a woman named “Kangana,” claiming affiliation with the real Nuvama Funds.
- Directing the professor to a cloned website mimicking the firm’s official site.
- Displaying fake account balances and orchestrating initial small “returns” to gain trust.
Complaint & Ongoing Investigation
Once aware of the fraud, the professor filed a complaint with the CBI (Visakhapatnam Anti-Corruption Branch) on 18 June 2025. A cyber-fraud case has been formally registered. Investigators suspect a well-organized cyber-criminal syndicate, possibly operating across state or international borders.
Lessons & Precautions
This incident serves as a powerful reminder for everyone:
- Be wary of unknown WhatsApp groups, especially those offering “insider investment tips.”
- Always verify the authenticity of any investment platform and examine website URLs carefully.
- Don’t be lured by quick profits; small initial returns are a common ploy.
- When in doubt, contact official channels—e.g., dial 1930 for the cybercrime helpline or file a complaint via cybercrime.gov.in.
Conclusion
While digital platforms offer vast opportunities, they also open doors for fraud. Such scams represent a growing trend—combining brand impersonation, fake tech interfaces, and social engineering to fool even educated and cautious individuals. The Andhra Pradesh professor’s story is a cautionary tale for all prospective online investors: always stay vigilant, informed, and skeptical of “too good to be true” offers.
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