How a ₹36 lakh fraud revealed the machinery behind cybercrime

In early 2025, Ravi (name changed), a 40-year-old from Hyderabad, saw a stock market investment opportunity promising quick returns on his Facebook feed. Curious, he clicked on it and was instantly pulled into a WhatsApp group filled with supposed "trading experts" discussing market moves, profits and investment strategies. It looked convincing. Screenshots of gains flooded the group. Others appeared to be making money Ravi wanted in.
He downloaded trading apps shared through links in the group and, over time, transferred 36 lakh as "investments" into bank accounts provided by the fraudsters. Whenever he hesitated, he was pressured to invest more, unlock bigger profits and withdraw later.