A Mangaluru resident has fallen victim to a cryptocurrency fraud, losing Rs 10 lakh. According to police, the complainant was first introduced to cryptocurrency through online training by Ocean Finance Academy in November 2023. During this training, the complainant provided personal details, including his Aadhaar card and bank account numbers.
The company then directed the complainant to Viyako.com, a cryptocurrency exchange center. An individual named Admir Kadir, claiming to represent the organization, communicated online and persuaded the complainant to invest money. Initially, the complainant invested Rs 12,500 and received a profit of Rs 46,000, which was credited to his bank account.
In May 2024, Admir Kadir contacted the complainant again, promising significant profits in cryptocurrency and encouraging further investments. Following these instructions, the complainant transferred a total of Rs 10 lakh to purchase two types of cryptocurrency coins, HDMP and MUCHT, through Ocean Finance Academy on May 13.
The complainant has alleged cheating by both the academy and the website. A case has been registered at the Mangaluru East police station, and investigations are ongoing to track down the perpetrators and recover the lost funds.
This incident highlights the growing risks associated with cryptocurrency investments and the importance of verifying the legitimacy of online platforms and training programs before sharing personal information or making financial transactions.