The manager of PNB in Gorakhpur fell victim to an online investment scam, resulting in a loss of ₹70 lakhs. The manager had been actively involved in the stock market for quite some time, where he met an online broker. Impressed with the broker’s assurances, the manager invested ₹70 lakhs in the stock market through him, only to find the broker absconding with the funds.
Driven by the temptation to earn quick profits, the PNB manager lost ₹70 lakhs within a short period. His involvement in the stock market had been ongoing for several months. During this period, he encountered an online broker who gained his trust. The broker convinced the manager to invest ₹70 lakhs in the stock market, after which he disappeared with the funds. Upon receiving a message about deductions from his account, the manager lodged a complaint at the cyber police station and a case has been registered. Cyber experts are currently investigating the matter.
According to sources, the bank manager had been actively participating in the stock market for several months. During this time, he encountered a broker through an online platform. The broker added the manager to a WhatsApp group, where others shared daily updates on the increase in their earnings. The broker, boasting about a startup, claimed that investing money would yield substantial benefits for everyone involved.
Buoyed by the broker’s claims, including insights into which company’s shares to buy, the bank manager, along with others in the group, experienced profits. Meanwhile, the broker facilitated the opening of new accounts and convinced the manager to deposit money. As the manager observed increasing profits, he invested ₹70 lakhs. Subsequently, the broker closed the group and vanished.
Several local businessmen have also fallen victim to similar scams in the city. In January, a company formed a group comprising around 80 people from Gorakhpur and nearby cities, promising to double their money. Before delivering any profits, the company disappeared. One businessman has filed a case of fraud amounting to five lakhs, and the investigation is ongoing.
Upendra Singh, SI at the Cyber Police Station, stated that the case of fraud surfaced during the investment in the stock market. An investigation is underway, and efforts are being made to recover the lost funds.
