A shocking cryptocurrency scam has emerged in Kolkata, where a 30-year-old businessman lost nearly 1 crore after being deceived by a woman he met on a matrimonial website. This incident, reported to the Bidhannagar Cyber Crime Police, underscores the alarming rise of fraudsters leveraging personal connections to execute sophisticated crypto investment schemes. According to the official information, such scams are becoming increasingly common as criminals exploit the growing interest in digital currencies.
Introduction to the Scam
The victim, who has not been named, was introduced to a woman named Dakshita through a popular matrimonial portal. After developing a rapport, she presented him with what she claimed was a lucrative cryptocurrency investment opportunity. Their communication quickly shifted to WhatsApp, where Dakshita provided detailed instructions on how to invest using a trading application called Bakkt.
Financial Transactions and Red Flags
Over the course of two months, the businessman transferred significant amounts of money into various bank accounts provided by Dakshita, totaling approximately 99.2 lakh. She also supplied two international customer support numbers, asserting they were associated with the Bakkt platform. However, the scam unraveled when the victim attempted to withdraw his earnings and was confronted with unexpected processing fees. Upon refusing to pay, all contact with Dakshita abruptly ended.
Authorities' Investigation and Public Warning
Authorities suspect that this case may be linked to a broader international crypto-fraud network that operates through fraudulent trading platforms. Investigators are currently tracing the financial transactions and seeking out potential accomplices who may have facilitated the movement of funds abroad. Police have issued a warning to the public to remain cautious of such scams, particularly those that arise from social or matrimonial websites, emphasizing the importance of verifying investment platforms before making any financial commitments.
The recent cryptocurrency scam in Kolkata highlights the growing concerns around fraud in the digital asset space, paralleling the sentencing of Keonne Rodriguez, co-founder of Samourai Wallet, for conspiracy charges. For more details, see read more.
