How a WhatsApp Message Cost a Retired Brigadier Rs 4.2 Crore? WhatsApp Scams on the Rise

WhatsApp scam is becoming dangerous these days, very recently a retired Brigadier from Panchkula, Haryana, fell victim to this scam. He lost a big amount of Rs 4.2 crore in the process. The scam began with a WhatsApp message offering him enticing stock market investment opportunities. He believed in that message and he clicked on a link and downloaded a phishing app. Retired Brigadier thought this would help him earn extra income.

Initially everything seemed legitimate. The app provided real-time market trends and investment advice. After convincing the retired officer, the scammers led him to invest over Rs 1 crore. Encouraged by the fake returns he convinced his wife to join in the investment and they transferred a total of Rs 4.2 crore to various scam accounts.

All the things changed, and the clear picture of scam came in front of him when the retired Brigadier tried to withdraw his earnings. The scammers demanded an additional Rs 65 lakh in “commissions” to process the withdrawal which raised his suspicions. He had realised that he had been scammed then he reported the incident to the Haryana Cyber Crime Police.

After the investigation, the authorities uncovered an international scam operation. The scammers were based in the U.S. and U.K., using rural Indian accounts to steal money. The people in India who provided their bank accounts were unaware of their involvement in the crime they were receiving small commissions for their participation in big scams.

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This case highlights the growing danger of online scams, particularly through platforms like WhatsApp.

How to Protect Yourself from WhatsApp Investment Scams?

When scams are becoming the new normal, then being aware of it is the biggest precaution what you can do. Here are some ways what we are mentioning to help you:

1. Be a skeptic: Question any unsolicited financial advice or investment offer.

2. Verify Sources: Do not click on every random links, Before clicking any links or downloading apps, verify its authenticity.

3. Research Offers: If an offer sounds too good to be true, do not fall in the trap, investigate and think multiple times before clicking. Invest only when you trust and know the party.

4. Install security software and enable two-factor authentication on financial accounts.

5. Check WhatsApp guidelines to protect yourself from scams.

By staying vigilant and informed, you can avoid becoming a victim of such scams.