Nobody or any research organization or a cyber security enterprise has even done a survey or study on the nature of cyber fraud being perpetrated through WhatsApp. Given the fact that it is the most preferred mode of communication the world over, it would naturally be the vehicle for a large variety of cyber frauds. It is worth noting that its encrypted nature would certainly be very inviting for those oriented to cyber fraud. Additionally, it is multimodal, so it can take care of all comprehensive communication requirements of a fraud and also keep precise documentation of it, without having to make much effort for it.
Everyone is comfortable with it and hence the cyber crooks find it easy to find their prey on this medium. The follow up communication can happen instantaneously, without missing out the trail. Given this backdrop, one of the recent headlines blare; ”WhatsApp investment group tricks academic out of Rs.2 crore.” This relates to a retired academic from Andhra Pradesh, who reportedly lost nearly Rs. 2 crores in a sophisticated cyber fraud scheme. He was deviously added to a WhatsApp group offering fraudulent investment advice.
Dr. M. Batmanabane Mounissamy, former director of the prestigious JIPMER, Pondicherry. The police complaint was filed on 18th June 2025. The former director was added to a WhatsApp group named ‘H-10 Nuvama Health Group’ promising insider tips and expert advice on investments. Given the fact that he had earlier invested in the genuine Nuvama Funds, formerly known as Edelweiss, the academic presumed the group to be authentic, affiliated to the firm. One woman by name ‘Kangana’ reached out to him privately, claiming to be from Nuvama. She cajoled the victim into registering on a website which mirrored the branding of the real investment company.
He invested Rs.10,000 and got Rs.13,000 in return, which built trust. He kept on investing in what he believed to be high performing portfolios transferring a total of Rs.1.9 crore. The fake platform displayed Rs.35 crores. When he tried to withdraw Rs. 5 crores, he was asked to pay a processing fee of Rs.32 lakhs which was reduced by 25%. Desperate to retrieve his funds he transferred additional Rs.7.9 lakhs. No money could be recovered / withdrawn / got returned. Falling into this predicament and further demands being made he realised he was duped. This adds to the individuals / WhatsApp groups that peddle false investment schemes.
THE GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSE IS TOO FEEBLE TO MAKE ANY DENT TO THIS ORGANISED AND OPEN LOOT.
Sanjay Sahay
Have a nice evening.