A Coimbatore doctor lost ₹15.50 lakh in a cyber scam after clicking a YouTube link. He was lured into a WhatsApp group with fraudulent trading tips and installed a deceptive app. Investigations are ongoing, highlighting the need for public vigilance against online investment fraud.

A doctor from Coimbatore has fallen victim to a sophisticated cyber scam, losing a staggering ₹15.50 lakh after clicking on a seemingly harmless YouTube link between December 2024 and January 2025. The fraud highlights the growing menace of online investment traps.

Dr Karthik, an active stock market investor with a Demat account, was browsing investment-related content on YouTube when he stumbled upon a link promising exclusive trading insights. Upon clicking it, he was unwittingly added to a WhatsApp group named “49 Upstocks Wealth Group,” where supposed trading experts shared lucrative stock market tips, the publication added.

According to the report, Dr Karthik was persuaded by the group’s seemingly credible discussions and expressed interest in their investment scheme. Subsequently, the fraudsters instructed him to download a trading application called “UP Institutions” via a link provided by the group. Trusting the group’s recommendations, he installed the app on 31 December 2024 and, over the following weeks, transferred a total of ₹15.50 lakh in nine instalments.

Reportedly, the app initially displayed an impressive balance of ₹25.86 lakh, leading Dr Karthik to believe his investments were flourishing. However, his confidence quickly crumbled when he attempted to withdraw his earnings, only to find himself locked out of the platform. It was then that he realised he had fallen prey to an elaborate scam.

Upon complaining, the cybercrime police registered a case under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act. Investigations are now underway to trace the fraudsters and recover the lost funds.

Authorities continue to warn the public against such deceptive schemes. If you receive unsolicited investment links or are added to suspicious WhatsApp groups, it is advisable to report and block them immediately. In the unfortunate event of falling victim to such a scam, swift action by reporting to the police can increase the chances of tracking transactions and reclaiming lost money.

Online investment scams are on the rise, and vigilance remains the best defence against financial fraud. Always verify the authenticity of trading platforms and refrain from making transactions based on unsolicited advice from unknown sources.