February 10, 2026: A retired banking professional from Aligarh, Dinesh Sharma, a former Deputy General Manager at Punjab National Bank, has fallen victim to a major cyber scam, losing his entire retirement savings of ₹1.10 crore.
How the Scam Unfolded
The fraud began with a message promising 30–40% returns on investments. Sharma was then added to a WhatsApp group where several individuals appeared to showcase high profits. Trusting these claims, Sharma initially invested a small amount of ₹5,000, which was shown in the group as “fake high returns” on an app controlled by the scammers.
Encouraged by the apparent profits, Sharma invested more, ultimately losing his entire retirement fund. The scammers then demanded an additional ₹3 crore, prompting Sharma to alert his family and realize he had fallen victim to a sophisticated digital fraud.
Contacting Authorities
Sharma filed a formal complaint with the cybercrime unit, which is now investigating the case. During a press briefing, he shared his experience and issued important advice for the public.
Safety Advice for Cybersecurity
Sharma highlighted three key precautions for individuals:
- Never hide financial activities from your family.
- Avoid being tempted by promises of unusually high returns.
- Immediately contact the police or cybercrime unit if you suspect any digital fraud.
This incident serves as a cautionary tale for investors and retirees, underscoring the risks of online scams, especially those orchestrated via social media or messaging platforms.
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