Hyderabad | July 17, 2025:
In a shocking case of cyber fraud, a 60-year-old woman from *Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, was duped of ₹57.43 lakh by scammers posing as online trading experts. The fraudsters promised *high returns on investments made through online trading platforms, luring the victim via a seemingly genuine advertisement on Instagram.
According to *Cyber Crime DCP Kavitha Dhar, the woman came across an advertisement under the name *“FX Road” while scrolling through Instagram. Curious to know more, she clicked on the link and was quickly contacted by individuals claiming to be trading professionals.
False Promises of Profits in Stocks, Crypto & Oil
The scammers operated a fake website and convinced the woman to invest in *foreign exchange (forex), crude oil, **precious metals, and even **cryptocurrency. They falsely claimed affiliations with high-profile companies such as *Tesla, and promised guaranteed profits beyond expectations.
Initially, the investments appeared to yield returns. This made the woman trust the process and led her to invest larger amounts — not just from her *bank accounts, but also through *credit cards and EMIs. The scam unfolded gradually, with the perpetrators collecting over ₹57.43 lakh in various transactions.
Profits Turn to Panic: Withdrawal Denied
Once the woman attempted to withdraw her earnings, the scammers blocked access and demanded more money under the pretext of “activation fees” and “processing charges.” When she refused, they threatened that all previous investments would be forfeited.
Realizing she had been conned, the victim approached the Hyderabad City Cyber Crime Police and filed a complaint. A case has been registered, and officials have launched a thorough investigation into the fraudulent operation.
Stay Safe Online: Cybercrime Prevention Tips
- Do not invest in platforms promoted via Instagram, WhatsApp, or Telegram without proper verification.
- Avoid clicking on links from unknown or unverified sources.
- Verify all investment opportunities through SEBI-registered advisors.
- Be cautious if someone guarantees high returns with zero risk.
- In case of suspicious activity, report immediately to cybercrime.gov.in or dial 1930.
Key Highlights:
- Hyderabad woman scammed of ₹57.43 lakh in online trading fraud
- Instagram ad led her to a fake trading platform named FX Road
- Scam involved forex, oil, metals, and crypto investments
- Police registered a cybercrime case and began an investigation
- Victim believed in the platform due to initial fake returns