A retired school principal from Chandrapur district in Maharashtra has allegedly been cheated of approximately ₹9.46 lakh through an online investment scheme promoted on Facebook Reels.

Police have registered a cyber fraud case against unidentified persons and are examining the bank accounts, digital platform and communication channels allegedly used in the operation.

The complainant has been identified as Balwant Ghadle, a resident of Borda village in Warora tehsil.

Advertisement Promised High Returns

According to the complaint, Ghadle saw an investment advertisement on Facebook Reels in October 2025.

The advertisement allegedly promised exceptionally high returns and directed users to submit their personal information through an online link.

After entering his details, the complainant was reportedly contacted by a person who introduced himself as “Ayan Pranav.”

Police are investigating whether the name was genuine or part of a fabricated identity used to gain the victim’s confidence.

Initial Membership Fee Demanded

The complainant alleged that he was first asked to pay ₹22,020 as a membership fee.

After this initial payment, the accused allegedly encouraged him to invest larger amounts by claiming that higher investment would produce significantly greater profits.

The victim subsequently transferred:

• ₹22,020 as the alleged membership fee
• ₹44,200 as an additional investment
• ₹8.80 lakh through RTGS into different bank accounts

The total alleged loss was approximately ₹9.46 lakh.

Fake Investment Application Used

Police said the accused allegedly asked the victim to use an investment application identified as “9 Pro.”

The application reportedly displayed increasing profits and a growing account balance, creating the impression that the investments were performing successfully.

Such fraudulent platforms often show artificial returns that are not supported by any genuine investment activity.

The visible balance may only exist within the application interface and may not represent actual funds held in a regulated account.

Withdrawal Request Failed

The complainant attempted to withdraw his investment in November 2025, but the transaction reportedly failed.

He later discovered that the balance shown in the application had fallen to zero.

This prompted him to suspect that the investment platform and the profits displayed on it were fraudulent.

In many online investment scams, victims are allowed to view increasing returns but are prevented from withdrawing the money unless they pay additional charges, taxes or verification fees.

Complaint Filed With Cybercrime Authorities

Following the incident, the victim submitted a complaint through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.

After reportedly not receiving a satisfactory resolution, he approached Warora Police Station, where a formal case was registered.

Police have booked unidentified accused under:

• Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
• Section 66(C) of the Information Technology Act
• Section 66(D) of the Information Technology Act

These provisions relate to cheating, identity theft and cheating by personation through computer resources.

Bank Accounts Under Investigation

Investigators are examining the bank accounts into which the complainant transferred the money.

The inquiry is likely to focus on:

• Identity of the account holders
• KYC documents used to open the accounts
• Subsequent fund transfers
• Cash withdrawals
• UPI or mobile banking links
• Whether the accounts were controlled by money mules

Police are also attempting to determine whether the money was quickly moved through multiple accounts to make tracing more difficult.

Digital Infrastructure Being Traced

Authorities are examining the digital infrastructure connected with the alleged scam, including:

• Facebook advertisement details
• Website or application links
• Mobile numbers
• Email accounts
• IP addresses
• Hosting services
• Payment instructions

Investigators are also trying to establish whether the “9 Pro” application was an independent fake platform or a cloned version of an existing investment application.

Possible Larger Network Under Probe

Police are investigating whether the accused are connected to a larger organised cyber fraud network targeting victims through social media advertisements.

Such networks may involve separate individuals responsible for:

• Creating advertisements
• Contacting potential victims
• Operating fake investment applications
• Managing bank accounts
• Withdrawing funds
• Providing false customer support

Further complaints linked to the same platform or bank accounts could help identify additional victims and suspects.

Why Social Media Investment Scams Appear Credible

Fraudulent investment advertisements often appear professional and may include:

• Claims of guaranteed returns
• Fake expert endorsements
• Screenshots of profits
• Fabricated customer reviews
• Limited-time investment offers
• Links to trading groups or applications

The appearance of an advertisement on a major social media platform does not establish that the investment has been verified or approved by a regulator.

Guaranteed Returns Are a Major Warning Sign

No genuine market-linked investment can guarantee unusually high profits without risk.

Potential investors should be cautious when a platform:

• Promises fixed or extraordinary returns
• Pressures users to invest immediately
• Requests payment to personal bank accounts
• Communicates only through messaging applications
• Refuses to provide regulatory registration details
• Demands additional money before allowing withdrawals

These are common indicators of online investment fraud.

Verify the Platform Before Investing

Before transferring money, investors should verify:

• Legal name of the entity
• Registered office address
• Regulatory registration
• Official website and domain history
• Bank account ownership
• Customer support channels
• Independent user complaints

Investment applications should be downloaded only from verified sources, but even availability on an app store does not replace regulatory due diligence.

Report Fraud Immediately

Victims of online investment fraud should immediately:

• Call the cyber fraud helpline 1930
• File a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal
• Inform their bank
• Request freezing of beneficiary accounts
• Preserve screenshots and transaction records
• Report the social media advertisement

Early reporting can improve the possibility of freezing funds before they are withdrawn or transferred.

Investigation Continues

Warora Police are continuing to trace the financial and digital trail connected with the alleged scam.

Investigators are attempting to identify the persons who operated the investment platform, received the funds and contacted the complainant.

The allegations remain under investigation, and any final determination of guilt will be made by the competent court through due legal process.

Shunyatax Global Insight

Social media advertisements should never be treated as proof that an investment opportunity is genuine. Fraudsters increasingly use polished applications, fake profit dashboards and professional communication to create the appearance of legitimacy.

Investors should verify the regulatory status of a platform, confirm the ownership of beneficiary bank accounts and avoid transferring substantial funds based only on online promises. Where an application shows profits but repeatedly prevents withdrawals, the matter should be reported immediately rather than attempting further payments.