Investment scam, fake app, bogus website: Cyber criminals target Ahmedabad residents

Cyber crime cases continue to rise in Ahmedabad, with three separate complaints revealing how fraudsters are using fake investment platforms, malicious mobile applications, and fraudulent websites to target victims. The Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Police have launched investigations into all three incidents.

Retired banker duped of ₹90.75 lakh in fake trading scheme

Mahendra Patel, a 73-year-old retired SBI employee from the Isanpur-Ghodasar area lost ₹90.75 lakh after falling victim to an online investment scam promoted through a YouTube advertisement.

According to the complaint, the victim came across an investment advertisement featuring the names of prominent industrialists in November 2025. After clicking on the link, he registered on a trading platform called "Ventra Trade" and was subsequently contacted via WhatsApp by individuals posing as investment advisors and portfolio managers.

The fraudsters initially gained his confidence by returning a small amount as profit. Encouraged by promises of high returns in stocks and commodities, the retiree transferred large sums through RTGS and other banking channels between November 2025 and April 2026.

When he later sought to withdraw his funds amid concerns over market conditions, the accused claimed his account had been frozen and demanded an additional ₹18 lakh in the name of taxes and processing charges. The victim eventually realized he had been cheated after the fraudsters stopped responding and the trading application displayed a message that his account was frozen.

Fake bank KYC APK leads to ₹7.46 lakh fraud

In another case, Nilamben Patel,a 37-year-old woman from Nikol was cheated of ₹7.46 lakh after cyber criminals sent a fake KYC update message impersonating Bank of India.

The victim received a WhatsApp message containing a forged KYC letter carrying the bank's logo and signature, along with an APK file purportedly meant for updating PAN card details. The message warned that her bank account would be suspended if the details were not updated.

After the APK file was downloaded, the fraudsters allegedly gained access to the mobile device, obtained banking credentials and OTPs, changed the registered email address linked to the account, and transferred ₹7.46 lakh to multiple accounts over a period of five days.

The fraud came to light when the victim noticed debit alerts and was unable to access her net banking account.

Bank auditor loses ₹19,800 through fake Dwarka accommodation website

Kartik Patel, a 35-year-old bank audit executive from Hebatpur was cheated of ₹19,800 while attempting to book accommodation for a family trip to Dwarka.

The complainant said he found a website while searching online for rooms at a community guest house and paid ₹6,600 through a QR code provided by the operators. The fraudsters later cited technical issues and refund procedures to persuade him to make additional payments totaling ₹13,200.

When he demanded a refund, the accused stopped responding. Further verification revealed that the website was allegedly fake and was being used to cheat people under the guise of accommodation bookings.

The Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Police have registered cases in all three incidents and initiated further investigation.