Man alleges loss of nearly ₹13 lakh after joining WhatsApp investment group; police warn public
A Mangaluru resident has lodged a complaint after losing a total of ₹12,87,108 to what he alleges was an investment fraud operated through a WhatsApp group that promised high returns from share trading, officials said on Wednesday.
According to the complaint filed at the CEN Police Station, the man was added to a WhatsApp group named "B1062 Prime Leaders" on June 13. The group purportedly claimed an association with Julius Baer Group Ltd, lending the scheme an appearance of legitimacy, the police record shows.
After being contacted individually on the messaging platform, the complainant was approached by a woman who identified herself as Sonal Jagannath and by others allegedly linked to the operation. They advised him to download a trading application called "JB X One", create an account and begin investing, promising substantial returns.
- Initial transfer: ₹5,000 via UPI on July 14, followed by a credited profit of ₹5,250 which he was able to withdraw.
- Further transfers: Total of ₹12,87,108 remitted in multiple instalments by NEFT and RTGS between July 14 and August 3.
- Alleged modus operandi: Small initial withdrawal to build confidence, then repeated demands for additional payments allegedly for taxes and processing charges when the victim sought to withdraw larger sums.
The complainant said the early successful withdrawal convinced him the platform was genuine. However, when he later tried to withdraw a larger amount, the alleged fraudsters demanded further payments and continued pressuring him to invest more. Realising he had been duped, he approached the CEN Police Station and filed a formal complaint, the records show.
Police warned residents to exercise caution before joining investment groups on social media, and to verify credentials of platforms and intermediaries.
Police advisory and pattern of fraud
Officials have reiterated long-standing advisories that criminals use social-media groups and messaging platforms to target investors. The pattern in this case — small initial payouts to build trust followed by requests for larger sums and alleged excuses such as taxes or processing fees — mirrors other documented investment scams, police said.
| Detail | Reported information |
|---|---|
| WhatsApp group | B1062 Prime Leaders |
| Trading app | JB X One |
| Initial date added to group | June 13 |
| First transaction | ₹5,000 on July 14 (UPI) |
| Total alleged loss | ₹12,87,108 (between July 14 and August 3) |
| Police station | CEN Police Station, Mangaluru |
Cyber and economic offences increasingly exploit easy access to payment rails such as UPI, NEFT and RTGS. Local police advise the public to confirm registration and regulatory approvals of investment platforms, avoid transferring funds to unknown accounts and to treat unsolicited investment pitches on WhatsApp or other social media with suspicion.
Local context and implications
Mangaluru, like other major urban centres in Karnataka, has seen a rise in complaints relating to online frauds in recent years. The incident underscores gaps in digital awareness among investors and the need for strengthened preventive measures by banks, payment platforms and law enforcement. Victims are often reluctant to come forward early, which can delay traceback of funds.
Police urged persons who receive suspicious investment offers to preserve chat logs, payment receipts and account details and to approach their local cyber cell or the nearest police station promptly. The complaint at CEN Police Station is the latest in a series of cases that authorities say will be investigated under relevant provisions concerning cheating and cyber fraud.
Consumers are advised to seek guidance from licensed financial advisers and to independently verify claims of institutional association or endorsement before making any transfers. The state and central regulatory bodies maintain public lists and advisories about unauthorised platforms and frauds that can be consulted online.
The CEN Police Station confirmed receipt of the complaint; further investigation details were not immediately available.
