Four residents of Ahmedabad have allegedly lost a combined ₹26.30 lakh in separate cyber fraud incidents involving fake investment offers, malicious mobile applications, SIM-related manipulation and call forwarding.
The Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Police have registered separate complaints and are examining the digital and banking trails associated with the cases. The incidents illustrate how fraudsters can use different entry points — from social-media advertisements and fake government-related messages to mobile-account access — to target bank and card accounts.
Fake Stock Investment Offer Leads to ₹7.67 Lakh Loss
A 48-year-old grocery businessman, identified as Harshadkumar Ambalal Parekh, allegedly lost ₹7.67 lakh after responding to a Facebook advertisement promoting unusually high returns from stock-market investments.
According to the complaint, Parekh was subsequently added to a WhatsApp group called "SAMCO Investor Education Community". Two people, identified as Sunil Yadav and Ameya, allegedly claimed to represent a SEBI-registered organisation.
The victim was reportedly directed to register through a link and was shown substantial gains on the application after transferring money.
When he later attempted to withdraw the displayed profits, the accused allegedly demanded additional payments described as commission and penalty charges. Parekh subsequently approached the police.
Fake Traffic Fine Message Allegedly Leads to ₹5 Lakh Loss
In another incident, a 45-year-old flower-shop owner, Sameer Ratilal Rami, allegedly lost ₹5 lakh after receiving a message claiming that a traffic penalty was pending against his vehicle.
The message reportedly instructed him to download an APK file presented as an mParivahan-related application.
According to the complaint, the installation was followed by unauthorised access to his phone and activation of call forwarding. Transactions worth around ₹5 lakh were then allegedly carried out using his RBL Bank credit card on Flipkart and other online platforms.
The case is now being investigated by the cybercrime authorities.
SIM Deactivation Followed by ₹6.97 Lakh Banking Fraud
A separate complaint was filed by Jagdish Shankarlal Parmar, a 49-year-old textile trader.
Parmar reportedly noticed that his mobile number had suddenly stopped receiving and making calls. He later discovered that changes had allegedly been made to his MyJio account, including modification of the alternate number and a request to deactivate his SIM.
The loss of mobile connectivity also meant that he did not receive transaction-related OTPs.
According to the complaint, the fraudsters allegedly gained access to his ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank internet-banking accounts, withdrew money from fixed deposits and transferred approximately ₹6.97 lakh to a Kalyan Jewellers UPI account.
Suspicious Vehicle Message Linked to ₹6.66 Lakh Loss
Another victim, 73-year-old Shyamal Bankim Bhattacharya, allegedly lost ₹6.66 lakh after receiving a message concerning a supposed vehicle-related court matter.
The message reportedly referred to his vehicle and directed him to an "mParivahan" link.
After the link was opened, the victim's incoming SMS messages were allegedly redirected to another number. Four transactions were subsequently made from his ICICI Bank account during the night, according to the complaint.
Bhattacharya reportedly became aware of the withdrawals only after receiving communication from his bank.
Different Tricks, Similar Financial Objective
Although the four complaints involve different circumstances, they show several common features of modern cyber fraud.
The alleged methods included:
- Fake investment advertisements and fabricated profits
- Malicious APK files disguised as legitimate applications
- Unauthorised SIM deactivation
- Manipulation of call or SMS forwarding
- Unauthorised access to banking and card accounts
- Fraudulent UPI transfers and online purchases
In each case, the alleged fraud depended on obtaining access to either the victim's device, communication channels or financial accounts.
Ahmedabad Cyber Police Trace Digital and Financial Trails
The Cyber Crime Police have registered separate cases based on the complaints and are examining the digital evidence connected with the alleged transactions.
Investigators are expected to examine bank accounts, UPI identifiers, mobile numbers, transaction records and other electronic trails to determine how the money was moved and identify the people allegedly responsible.
The cases also demonstrate why a seemingly routine message — such as an investment advertisement, traffic notice or SIM-related notification — can become a financial risk when it directs a user toward an unfamiliar application or link.
For organisations reviewing suspected financial irregularities or tracing complex transaction activity, Financial Investigation may be relevant to a broader financial-risk assessment.
What Users Should Keep in Mind
Unexpected requests to install APK files should be treated cautiously, particularly when they arrive through unsolicited messages. Users should also verify investment platforms independently instead of relying on social-media advertisements or WhatsApp groups promising unusually high returns.
If a mobile number suddenly stops working without a clear reason, contacting the telecom provider and banks promptly can help determine whether an account or SIM has been compromised.
The allegations in these four cases remain under investigation, while police continue to trace the financial and digital networks connected with the reported losses.