INR 6.5 Crore Gone: Indian Businessman Duped in Online Dating-Investment Scam

A businessman from Noida, Daljit Singh, recently fell prey to a sophisticated online scam, losing INR 6.52 crore after being misled into investing in fraudulent trading platforms. The case, now under investigation by cybercrime authorities, highlights the growing risks of online financial fraud.

Singh, a resident of Noida’s Sector 36 and director of a Delhi-based firm, met a woman named Anita Chauhan through a dating app in December 2024. Their casual online interactions soon turned into regular conversations, building a sense of trust. Chauhan introduced Singh to an online trading platform, promising substantial profits even without prior investment experience.

The Investment Trap

Initially hesitant, Singh made a small investment of INR 3.2 lakh and received INR 24,000 as profit, which further reinforced his confidence in the platform. Encouraged by this return, he continued investing larger amounts, eventually transferring a total of INR 6.52 crore to multiple bank accounts. A significant portion of this sum was obtained through loans.

The deception became apparent when Singh attempted to withdraw his funds. The trading platforms, identified as “SpreadMKT” and “Sprecdex.cc,” imposed a 30% security fee and later demanded an additional INR 61 lakh as an exchange service fee. Realizing something was amiss, Singh tried to contact Chauhan, only to discover that her dating app profile was fake and that she had severed all communication.

Cybercrime Investigation Underway

Upon filing a complaint with the Cyber Police in Noida, authorities launched an investigation into the bank accounts where the money was transferred. Preliminary findings indicate that the trading platforms involved were fraudulent, and the woman’s identity remains unverified. Law enforcement agencies are now working to trace the financial transactions and identify those behind the scheme.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the increasing prevalence of online financial scams. Fraudsters are leveraging digital platforms, including dating apps, to target unsuspecting victims. Authorities urge the public to exercise caution when engaging in online investments and to verify financial opportunities before committing funds.

As the investigation progresses, cybercrime officials continue to stress the importance of vigilance and digital security to prevent further cases of online fraud.