Bengaluru: A school teacher’s family in Bengaluru has fallen victim to a second cyber fraud, losing nearly ₹45 lakh in a fake investment scheme while trying to recover money lost in an earlier online scam.

The case, registered at the East CEN Police Station, highlights a growing trend in which fraudsters target people already struggling financially after previous cybercrimes.

Family borrowed money hoping to recover losses

According to the complaint filed by the 35-year-old teacher, her husband had earlier been duped in a cyber fraud, leaving the family under severe financial stress.

In an attempt to recover their losses, the couple took a gold loan and later availed additional personal loans after coming across an investment application promoted on social media in November 2025.

The operators allegedly promised high and guaranteed returns within a short period, convincing the family to invest heavily.

Between November 2025 and February 20, 2026, the couple transferred around ₹45 lakh in multiple instalments to bank accounts provided by the fraudsters. The investment application displayed increasing profits, leading them to believe their investment was genuine.

Fraud exposed after withdrawal attempt

The scam came to light when the family tried to withdraw their investment and returns. The application suddenly became inaccessible, while all contact numbers linked to the operators were either switched off or unreachable.

The victim later reported the fraud through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal before filing a formal complaint with the police. Investigators are now examining beneficiary bank accounts, payment records, mobile numbers and the digital infrastructure used to operate the fraudulent investment platform.

Police warn against fake investment apps

Police suspect the fraud may be linked to an organised syndicate targeting multiple victims through fake trading and investment platforms promoted on social media.

Cybercrime experts have urged investors to verify the legal status and regulatory registration of investment platforms before transferring money. Authorities have also advised the public to report cyber fraud immediately by calling the National Cyber Crime Helpline (1930) or through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, as prompt reporting improves the chances of freezing stolen funds.
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