Representative Image for cyber-crime.
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Mangaluru: A 42-year-old man reportedly fell victim to an online investment scam and lost Rs 42,50,000.
In a complaint to CEN station, he said he received a WhatsApp message on July 13, 2025 from Priya Agarwal. The message contained a link claiming to provide investment opportunities and directed him to register on an app. Following the instruction, he submitted personal details including name, mobile number, and email ID on the platform.
Following which, the scammers, posing as customer service representatives, provided advice on stock market investments and assured high returns. They instructed him to transfer funds to various bank accounts via NEFT and RTGS. Between July 24 and September 19, the victim transferred a total of Rs 42,50,000 to different accounts as directed by the scammers.
Later, the same number sent another link and insisted on an additional tax payment of Rs 12,00,000 on September 20. Suspecting foul play, he contacted the WhatsApp number and realised he had been defrauded. Following this, the complainant filed a complaint with the Mangaluru CEN Police.
Police said that an investigation is in progress