Mangaluru – Two cyber fraud cases have come to light in the region, with victims collectively losing nearly ₹8.5 lakh to well-orchestrated scams involving cryptocurrency trading and fake work-from-home offers.
In the first case, a Mangaluru man lost ₹4.57 lakh in a cryptocurrency scam that operated via WhatsApp and Telegram. According to the complaint filed at the Mangalore South Police Station, the fraud began on July 4, when he clicked on a Telegram group invite received through WhatsApp.
Inside the group, a user named Mishba Shaikh initiated contact, and another person, Neetesh, added him to a supposed crypto trading community. The victim was given 12 high-return “trading tasks” through a fake platform that showcased unrealistic profits — such as 30% returns in 180 seconds. Lured by these promises, he transferred money via UPI, starting with small amounts and eventually sending up to ₹2 lakh in a single transaction. The cumulative loss amounted to ₹4.57 lakh.
In another incident, a Brahmavar woman named Suguna fell prey to a work-from-home scam, losing ₹3.92 lakh. Between March 5 and March 22, she sent multiple payments to accounts provided by the scammers who promised 40% returns on investments. Realizing she had been conned, she filed a complaint at the Brahmavar Police Station.
Both cases are being investigated under Sections 66(C) and 66(D) of the Information Technology Act, which deal with identity theft and online deception.
🔐 Stay alert, verify every opportunity.