Mangaluru: A victim was allegedly cheated of Rs 51.8 lakh after being lured into a stock investment scheme operated through WhatsApp and a mobile application.The complainant holds bank accounts with two different banks in Puttur. In Oct, an unknown person contacted the victim through WhatsApp and sent messages about earning high returns through investments. Subsequently, a woman who introduced herself as Deepa Rasimane and claimed to be the admin of the investment group, explained the investment process to the complainant. She contacted the complainant through multiple WhatsApp numbers, and then asked her to invest money, and sent a link asking to download an application. Acting on her instructions, the complainant downloaded the app, created a username and password, and began using it. Thereafter, Deepa continued to guide the complainant regarding investments. Another person, claiming to be her boss, Dinesh K Waghela, shared stock market-related information in a WhatsApp group. Believing their assurances and with the intention of earning higher profits, the complainant transferred money in phases through the app to various bank accounts provided by the accused. Between Nov 14 and Dec 23, the complainant allegedly transferred Rs 51.8 lakh. The complainant contacted the cybercrime helpline number 1930 and registered a complaint. A case has been registered at the CEN crime police station.
