Udupi:
A 39-year-old woman from Udupi, identified as Nazia, was duped of ₹4.2 lakh in an online scam that falsely promised high returns through a so-called “Halaal investment” scheme on Instagram. The incident has raised concerns over the growing number of cyber frauds targeting unsuspecting individuals through social media platforms.
Fraudulent investment scheme on Instagram
According to police reports, the woman came across an Instagram profile advertising “Afreen Halaal Investment,” which claimed to offer Sharia-compliant trading opportunities with guaranteed returns. The account displayed fabricated testimonials and videos showing supposed investors earning massive profits.
Intrigued by the offer, Nazia contacted the page’s administrator, who redirected her to a WhatsApp number. The scammer convinced her to make an initial transfer of ₹2,000, followed by additional payments under various pretexts such as “tax clearance” and “profit release fees.” Over the next few weeks, she ended up transferring a total of ₹4,20,000 through digital payment apps.
Once the money was sent, the fraudsters abruptly cut off contact, blocking her on both Instagram and WhatsApp. Realising she had been deceived, Nazia approached the Udupi Town Police Station and lodged a formal complaint.
Police register case under cybercrime laws
The police have registered a case under Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 66(D) of the Information Technology Act, which deal with cheating and online impersonation. Investigators are currently tracing the bank accounts and digital footprints linked to the fraudsters.
Cybercrime officials have warned citizens to be cautious of investment advertisements on social media that promise unrealistic returns. They noted that scammers often use religious or ethical terms like “Halaal” to win the trust of victims, especially in smaller towns.
Officials warn public against social media scams
Authorities have urged people to verify any financial scheme before transferring money or sharing personal details online. The Udupi police have also advised residents to immediately report suspicious social media accounts to prevent others from falling prey to similar frauds.
This case adds to the growing list of online financial scams in Karnataka, where cybercriminals exploit digital platforms to target individuals seeking employment or investment opportunities. The police emphasised that public awareness and prompt reporting remain crucial in combating such crimes.