An 85-year-old senior citizen from Pune recently lost ₹22 crore in a structured online investment scam.

This case highlights how modern investment frauds operate, not through instant theft, but through slow trust-building and psychological manipulation.

What typically happens in such scams:
• Victims are added to “exclusive” trading or investment groups
• Fake apps or platforms show fabricated profits to build confidence
• Gradually, larger amounts are encouraged as “high-return opportunities”
• Multiple mule bank accounts are used to layer and disperse funds
• By the time family members are informed, funds have already moved across accounts

Before investing, always:
• Verify SEBI registration directly from official sources
-Do not trust on social media ads blindly
• Avoid installing apps from unknown links or APK files
• Be cautious of guaranteed or unusually high returns
• Discuss large financial transfers with trusted family members

Early reporting significantly improves the chances of fund recovery.