A resident of Singtam in Sikkim has reportedly lost ₹6.36 lakh after falling prey to a sophisticated online investment scam operated through a fake Telegram account. The victim, believing he was dealing with a legitimate firm, transferred money in multiple instalments over a period stretching from June 27 to September 3.
According to police sources, the fraudster promised high returns and convinced the individual to send funds through Google Pay to several bank accounts. When the victim began questioning the delay in receiving profits, he was pressured into paying an additional ₹1 lakh on the false assurance that the amount already invested would be recovered. It was only after repeated delays and evasive responses that the victim realised he had been cheated.
He later approached the authorities and filed a formal complaint, leading to the launch of an investigation to trace the scammer and the bank accounts used in the fraud. Cybercrime officers said the case reflects a growing trend of online financial fraud in Sikkim, where criminals are using encrypted messaging platforms to lure unsuspecting citizens.