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Join NowOnline share trading scam: In a deeply unsettling case of sophisticated cybercrime, a 72-year-old resident of Thane’s Kasarvadavali area has lost his entire life savings, amounting to a staggering Rs 1.39 crore (approximately $167,000 USD), in an elaborate online share trading scam. The fraudulent scheme, which operated between July and September 2025, preyed on the senior citizen’s trust, luring him with the irresistible promise of high-yield returns through a seemingly exclusive WhatsApp investment group. What began as a hopeful venture into the stock market for the retiree has now turned into a devastating financial and emotional ordeal.
The Alluring Trap: How the Scam Unfolded
The victim’s nightmare began with a simple, unsolicited message. According to officials at the Kasarvadavali police station, the scammers initiated contact through multiple phone calls and WhatsApp messages, strategically positioning themselves as seasoned share market experts and savvy investment specialists. They painted a vivid picture of quick, substantial profits, assuring the senior citizen that by investing through their specially provided links, he could multiply his wealth in an astonishingly short period.
To build a convincing facade of legitimacy, the perpetrators added the man to several bustling WhatsApp groups. These groups were meticulously designed to create a powerful illusion of success and social proof. They were filled with numerous other “members”—likely fake profiles controlled by the scammers themselves—who would constantly post about their supposed massive profits and share glowing testimonials about the investment platform. This constant stream of manufactured success stories slowly eroded any skepticism the victim might have had.
“The scammers created a high-pressure, high-trust environment,” a police official explained. “The victim was sent ‘exclusive investment links’ and was given step-by-step instructions on how to transfer large sums of money into various accounts, all under the guise of investing in high-performing stocks.”
The Inevitable Betrayal: When the Profits Vanished and Questions Arose
Trusting the so-called “experts,” the senior citizen began investing heavily, transferring money in multiple installments over the two-month period. Initially, everything seemed to be going as planned. The scammers may have even shown him a fake online portfolio reflecting impressive, albeit fictional, gains to encourage larger investments.
However, as time went on, the promised profits never materialized in his bank account. When he attempted to withdraw his funds or question the “experts” about the lack of tangible returns, he was met with evasive answers and further demands for money under the pretext of taxes or fees. When his questions became more persistent, the scammers executed their final, cruel move.
Suddenly, all communication ceased. The once-active WhatsApp groups fell silent. The phone numbers of the “investment advisors” were switched off. He was removed and blocked from the groups, cutting off his only line of contact. The horrifying realization dawned upon him—he had been systematically defrauded, and his life’s savings were gone.
The Fight for Justice: Police Launch Manhunt for Cybercriminals
Heartbroken and financially shattered, the victim immediately approached the authorities. An FIR (First Information Report) was officially registered at the Kasarvadavali police station on Wednesday, formally launching a criminal investigation. The police are now meticulously tracing the digital footprints left by the fraudsters, including the complex web of bank accounts used to siphon the funds and the IP addresses associated with their communications.
“This appears to be the work of a highly organized cybercrime syndicate that specifically targets vulnerable individuals like senior citizens,” the investigating officer stated. “We are analyzing the transaction trails and working with cyber-forensic experts to identify and locate the perpetrators behind this massive fraud.” The case serves as a stark and painful reminder of the growing threat of online investment scams and the critical need for vigilance in the digital age.
