Facebook and WhatsApp Ads Lure Investors: Multiple Digital Trading Frauds Exposed

A series of cyber fraud cases in Faridabad has exposed a growing network of online investment scams that are exploiting social media platforms and messaging apps to target unsuspecting victims. Fraudsters are reportedly using fake stock trading schemes, IPO promises, and impersonated brokerage firms to siphon off large sums of money from individuals.

Retired BSNL Officer Loses Over ₹52 Lakh in Fake Trading Scheme

In one of the most significant cases, a 69-year-old retired BSNL official, Ashok Kumar Verma, was allegedly defrauded of ₹52.3 lakh through a fraudulent investment scheme promoted via a Facebook advertisement.

The ad, which claimed to represent a trading platform named “Quanta Pulse Trading Company,” promised high returns from stock market investments. After responding to the advertisement, the victim was gradually convinced through fake documents, investment dashboards, and email confirmations that appeared legitimate.

Between April 2025 and February 2026, the victim reportedly made 40 separate transfers to multiple bank accounts controlled by the scammers. The fraud came to light when he attempted to withdraw his funds and was instead asked to pay additional charges. Once he refused, communication was abruptly cut off.

The victim later reported the matter through India’s cybercrime helpline (1930) and filed a formal complaint with authorities.

WhatsApp IPO Scam Targets Investor With Fake Brokerage Claims

In another case, a resident of Sector-15A, Karun Talwar, was targeted via WhatsApp by scammers posing as representatives of a registered brokerage firm. The fraudsters promised high profits through IPO and stock market investments without requiring a Demat account.

Believing the offer to be genuine, the victim transferred approximately ₹17.5 lakh in multiple installments after borrowing money and liquidating savings. He later realized the scheme was fraudulent when further payments were demanded.

Multiple Bank Account Frauds Reported in Separate Incidents

Two additional cases highlight the expanding scope of digital banking fraud in the region:

• A resident of NIT, Dheeraj Dhingra, reported unauthorized deductions totaling ₹93,000 from his bank account while attempting a routine transfer. He suspects his mobile device may have been compromised.
• Another victim from Atali village, Vinesh, discovered an unauthorized debit of ₹99,000 from his rural bank account, with no prior authorization or awareness of the transaction.

Growing Use of Social Media and Messaging Apps in Cyber Fraud

Investigators note that the cases collectively point to a coordinated pattern of cyber fraud operations that rely heavily on social media advertisements, messaging platforms, and impersonated financial services. Fraudsters are increasingly using polished marketing content, fake documentation, and staged investment portals to build trust and prolong victim engagement.

Authorities have confirmed that multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered, and detailed forensic investigations are underway. Cybercrime units are analyzing banking transactions, digital footprints, mobile data, and communication records to trace the fraud networks involved.

Police Warn of Rising Digital Investment Scams

Officials have warned that such scams are becoming more sophisticated, often combining psychological manipulation with professional-looking digital interfaces to deceive investors. Authorities also stressed the importance of verifying investment platforms and avoiding unsolicited financial offers received via social media or messaging apps.

Investigations are ongoing, and officials believe additional victims linked to the same fraud networks may come forward as awareness increases.