Bengaluru man searching for life partner online duped of ₹44 lakh in cyber fraud: Report

In Bengaluru, a man fell victim to a cyber scam after engaging with a woman online. He invested ₹44 lakh in a fake Bitcoin platform, believing in high returns

Published on: Jul 13, 2025, 16:09:58 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

A man from western Bengaluru lost ₹44 lakh after falling prey to a cyber fraud disguised as an online romance and investment opportunity, reported Deccan Herald. The incident, which unfolded over a few days, is now under investigation by the city’s cybercrime cell.

Cyber police officials suspect the fraud may be part of a wider network targeting individuals through fake social media profiles. (Representational Image/Pixabay)

Also Read - Karnataka’s ‘free-bus’ scheme nears 500-crore ticket milestone in just two years: Report

How the scam got unfolded?

According to the victim, who was reportedly looking for a life partner, came in contact with a woman claiming to be “Archana” through Instagram. After a brief exchange of messages, the two began chatting regularly. Within days, the woman introduced him to a supposed Bitcoin investment platform, promising high returns and urging him to try small transactions initially.

Convinced by her tone and the legitimacy of the website, the man began transferring money in instalments to multiple bank accounts. The returns appeared credible at first, which encouraged him to continue investing. However, trouble began when he attempted to withdraw his supposed profits, only to be met with repeated prompts to deposit more money to “unlock” his earnings.

Also Read - Karnataka Congress MLA bats for Nitin Gadkari as PM Modi's successor, cites RSS chief's 75-year rule

By the time the man realised he had been scammed, he had already transferred close to ₹44 lakh. It was only after discussing the matter with friends that he suspected foul play and approached the Central CEN Crime Police Station, where a formal complaint has been registered.

Also Read - Karnataka’s ‘free-bus’ scheme nears 500-crore ticket milestone in just two years: Report

Cyber police officials suspect the fraud may be part of a wider network targeting individuals through fake social media profiles and unregulated crypto investment platforms. Investigators are now tracing the bank accounts used in the transactions and analysing digital trails linked to the fraudulent website.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest City News, local updates, weather alerts and breaking stories from Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and other major cities across India on Hindustan Times.