Rigged Analytics: Hyderabad Techie Conned Of Lakhs By Counterfeit SEBI Stock Advisory Group

Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police have registered a case after a 31-year-old software engineer allegedly lost ₹37 lakh in a complex investment scam involving a fake stock advisory group impersonating SEBI-registered analysts.

Authorities said the fraud was carried out over several weeks through a coordinated network that used fabricated trading platforms, manipulated data, and psychological pressure tactics to deceive the victim.

Fake SEBI-Linked Group Used to Build Investor Trust

According to investigators, the victim was added to an invite-only WhatsApp group claiming to provide premium stock market insights under the name “A15 SEBI Premium Market Analyst Insights.”

The group allegedly used forged certificates, fake registration details, and fabricated profit reports to appear legitimate. Members were also shown staged testimonials and transaction records to create the illusion of consistent trading success.

Police said these tactics were designed to build trust and encourage the victim to increase investments gradually.

Fraudulent Trading App Displayed Artificial Profits

Officials revealed that the victim was instructed to install a third-party application via an external link. The app reportedly simulated a live trading environment, showing fake profits and portfolio growth in real time.

Encouraged by the apparent returns, the victim transferred multiple payments into different bank accounts controlled by the fraud network. Over time, the total amount invested reached ₹37 lakh.

Investigators believe the system was entirely engineered to manipulate user perception and create false confidence in non-existent trading gains.

Withdrawal Attempt Triggered Scam Exposure

The scam reportedly escalated when the victim attempted to withdraw part of the displayed profits. At that stage, the operators allegedly blocked access and claimed regulatory violations had occurred in his trading account.

The fraudsters demanded an additional “compliance penalty” of 25% of the total balance to release the funds. When the victim questioned the demand, communication was abruptly terminated and account access was revoked.

Police said this pattern—blocking withdrawals followed by additional payment demands—is common in digital investment fraud cases.

Cybercrime Investigation and Fund Tracking Underway

Hyderabad Cyber Crime officials have registered the case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act.

Forensic teams are currently tracking digital footprints, including IP addresses, communication channels, and linked bank accounts used to route the stolen funds. Authorities are also investigating suspected money mule networks involved in transferring the proceeds.

Authorities Issue Advisory on Fake Investment Platforms

Cybersecurity officials have issued a renewed warning to investors, particularly IT professionals, about rising fake trading schemes operating through messaging platforms and unofficial apps.

They stressed that legitimate financial institutions and SEBI-registered advisors do not operate investment groups through WhatsApp or distribute trading software via unverified links.

Citizens have been urged to immediately report suspicious financial activity to the national cybercrime helpline 1930 to improve chances of fund recovery.