Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, June 28: In light of a rising number of online investment fraud cases, the Mangaluru City Police have launched a public awareness campaign urging citizens to remain vigilant against cybercriminals targeting individuals with promises of quick returns on investments.

The police caution that fraudsters are using fake investment platforms, mobile apps, and social media advertisements to lure people into schemes that appear professional and highly lucrative. Once victims invest money, the funds are siphoned off and communication ceases.

What is an investment scam?

According to the police, investment scams typically involve cybercriminals offering high returns in a short time, often under the guise of stock trading, cryptocurrency investments, or "work from home" schemes. These operations often mimic legitimate financial platforms and use various tactics to appear credible.

Common methods used by fraudsters:

• Fake investment websites

• WhatsApp groups and Telegram channels

• Forged endorsements from celebrities or influencers

• Fraudulent mobile apps and social media ads

Red flags to watch for:

• Promises of guaranteed high returns
• Pressure to invest immediately
• Claims of doubling or tripling money quickly
• Use of unregistered companies or agents
• Requests for UPI or cryptocurrency payments
• Fake screenshots showing returns or profits

Real cases reported in Mangaluru:

• Surathkal: Victim was lured into cryptocurrency trading via WhatsApp groups and scammed of Rs 1.57 crore in multiple transactions.

• KPT, Mangaluru: A person invested Rs 37.49 lac through a stock market training group and was later asked to pay heavy taxes to withdraw profits.

• Panjimogaru: Using an Instagram "Work from Home" ad, fraudsters extracted Rs 27.01 lac from the victim and their family accounts.

• Kankanady: Fraudsters promised share market returns through a Facebook ad, leading to a loss of Rs 0.55 lac.

• Urwa: A Telegram-based cryptocurrency advisor duped a victim into investing Rs 13.57 lac, with no returns or refunds.

Police advisory

The Mangaluru city police urge the public to thoroughly verify any investment opportunity, especially those shared through social media, messaging apps, or unknown platforms. Citizens are advised to invest only through registered companies, avoid UPI or crypto-based payments for unfamiliar schemes, and report any suspicious activity immediately.

“Even sophisticated-looking investment offers can be deceptive. Awareness is the first line of defence,” said a senior police official, emphasising the need for caution in an increasingly digital world.