Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, June 23: In a shocking case of cyber fraud, a Mangaluru resident has reportedly been conned out of Rs 46.5 lac by a fake investment racket operating through WhatsApp, posing as a stock trading firm under the name Mayfield Trading Investment Group.

Added to WhatsApp group without consent

The scam began when the complainant received a message on WhatsApp and noticed they had been added without consent to a group titled Mayfield Trading.

Messages in the group promoted high-return stock market investments, claiming that profits could be made by buying and selling shares through their platform.

‘Service Manager’ reaches out

On May 7, 2025, an individual identifying himself as Tom Harris, contacted the complainant via WhatsApp from the number 7073254819, introducing himself as the service manager of Mayfield Trading Investment Group. He shared a registration link — https://m.mayfieldindia.vip/register?u=35629961 — and instructed the victim to sign up by providing their name, address, and bank account details.

Trusting the sender, the complainant completed the registration and began investing money, gradually transferring funds in multiple instalments to various bank accounts provided by the scammer.

Rs 46.5 lac transferred over 25 days

Between May 10 and June 4, 2025, the victim transferred a total of Rs 46,50,022 through RTGS and IMPS, believing it was for stock purchases. The fraudster assured returns and constant updates, keeping the victim engaged throughout.

However, when the complainant tried to withdraw the invested amount, the platform refused to process the transaction. Upon contacting Tom Harris, the victim was told to pay “tax charges” before the withdrawal could be completed.

Fraud confirmed, complaint filed

Sensing something was amiss, the complainant grew suspicious and realised they had likely fallen prey to a scam. A formal cybercrime complaint has been filed, alleging that unknown fraudsters used the name of Mayfield Trading Investment Group to orchestrate the scam and siphon off funds.

Police are currently investigating the case, which adds to a growing number of WhatsApp-based financial frauds targeting unsuspecting investors across the country.