Kolkata: TheKolkata Police, along with Bidhannagar City Police, have issued a public advisory identifying around 50 fraudulent mobile applications frequently deployed by cybercriminals in the guise of online investment platforms to defraud citizens. According to cops, cyber fraud incidents have resulted in an average monthly loss of approximately Rs 14 crore this year. Last month, the figure rose to Rs 15 crore.In a public warning issued via official social media channels, police highlighted several unauthorised trading, forex, and micro-investment platforms operating illegally. Prominent platforms named in the alert include OctaFX, Olymp Trade, Binomo, IQ Option, Expert Option, Quotex, Pocket Option, Exness, Guru Trade7, Rubik Trade, Bric Trade, Trust Trade, Dream Trade, Mini Trade, Gate Trade, Ava Trade, eToro, FBS, and TP Global FX.The advisory aligns with directives from the ministry of home affairs warning citizens against a surge in online investment scams, particularly those orchestrated through messaging channels like WhatsApp and Telegram. Fraudsters lure victims with fabricated success stories, exclusive VIP stock tips, and assurances of high, guaranteed returns. Law enforcement officials emphasised that no legitimate investment platform can guarantee financial profit and cautioned against downloading apps via private links shared on social media rather than official app stores.Investigators revealed that scammers typically manipulate platforms to display false profits, encouraging victims to deposit larger sums. But when users attempt to withdraw their money, operators block access and demand additional payments under the guise of processing fees, account verification, or taxes.The warning comes amid local cyber cells continuing their investigations into recent online investment cybercrime complaints.Within 24 hours, Thakurpukur Police Station registered two separate cases under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). In the first case, filed under Section 318(4) of BNS following an e-Zero FIR by a Diamond Harbour Road resident, unauthorised credit card transactions executed within a one-hour window resulted in a loss of Rs 3,46,222.5. In the second incident, recorded under Sections 318(4) and 319(2) of BNS, a 60-year-old Jaigirghat Road resident was deceived through an online platform, leading to the illegal withdrawal of Rs 2,08,999 from his savings accounts.
