Mysore/Mysuru: A retired person, who was lured into online trading business has lost over Rs. One crore to the fraudster.

The retired person, who lost his money is 59-year-old Mahesh (name changed), a resident of Kuvempunagar in city.

Mahesh, who was browsing his Facebook page on June 17, came across an online trading advertisement and clicked on the website link. Later, his mobile number was added to GOLD MAN SACHS WhatsApp group.

The fraudster, who collected Mahesh’s details, added the mobile number to the VIP Group, where the group members had shared screenshots of their investments and the profits they had earned. Believing it, Mahesh  decided to invest money and earn profit.

Mahesh, then followed the instructions given by the group admin and clicked on the link. Soon a web page opened and Mahesh entered his details and an account was opened. He then invested money by transferring Rs. 1,07,17,828 to the Bank account as instructed by the group admin.

After a few days, his online trading account showed that he had earned Rs. 1.50 crore as profit and when he tried to withdraw the money he was unable to do so and he was told to deposit 10 percent of the profit amount as commission. Though Mahesh deposited the commission amount, he was unable to withdraw the money even after trying numerous times.

When he called the group admin and asked him about it, Mahesh received evasive replies. Realising that he has been cheated, Mahesh lodged a complaint at city’s CEN Police Station.