Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Dec 24: A 63-year-old retired banker from Kanjurmarg (West) fell victim to a sophisticated online investment fraud, losing Rs 1.35 crore in schemes promoted through YouTube advertisements and WhatsApp groups.

According to the East Region Cyber Police, the complainant, who retired in 2022, was lured by a YouTube ad claiming investment opportunities with “Jainam Broking Limited.” Her mobile number was subsequently added to a WhatsApp group named “121 Community Hub Jainam,” where administrators promised weekly payouts of Rs 5,000–10,000 for voting support, 10% returns on call options, and daily 10% returns on mutual fund investments.

The complainant was instructed to download the mobile app “JAINVEHNI” and transfer funds to bank accounts provided by alleged company representatives. Initially, she invested Rs 80,000, which showed fake profits on the app, prompting further investments in IPOs, call options, and mutual funds. She even managed to withdraw Rs 2.01 lakh once, reinforcing her trust in the platform.

However, on December 11, 2025, the app displayed an inflated balance of Rs 3.5 crore, later rising above Rs 10 crore due to a purported “loan” credited to her account. When she attempted to withdraw Rs 70 lakh, she was told to first repay a “loan” of Rs 1.5 crore, which was later escalated to Rs 15 crore.

Realizing she had been deceived, the victim lodged a complaint with the Cyber Crime Helpline 1930. The police have registered a case against unknown fraudsters and are tracing the money trail, investigating the role of WhatsApp group administrators, app handlers, and beneficiary bank accounts in the elaborate scam.