Mangaluru: A man from Mangaluru has reportedly fallen victim to a major online investment scam, losing a staggering ₹44 lakh after being lured by a fraudulent Instagram account named ‘Humshafare’.

As per a complaint lodged at the CEN Crime Police Station, the victim was first contacted in December 2023 by an individual claiming to be Mahesh Poonia. The initial interaction began on Instagram and soon shifted to WhatsApp, where the accused offered high-return investment options.

Trusting the offer, the victim transferred ₹44 lakh in several installments between January 15 and 17 to multiple bank accounts provided by the scammer. Though he managed to withdraw a small amount initially, he was later pressured to invest more to “unlock” the full returns.

Realising the suspicious pattern, the man consulted friends and quickly understood he had been scammed. He promptly filed a police complaint. A case has now been registered, and authorities are actively investigating to identify and apprehend the fraudster.

Stay Safe from Online Scams

  • Always be skeptical of investment offers from unknown sources, especially on social media.

  • Never share personal or financial details like OTPs, account numbers, or passwords with anyone online.

  • “Digital arrest” is a fake term used by scammers—it has no basis in Indian law.

  • Report any suspicious activity immediately to the police and your bank to mitigate losses.