In Maharashtra, a 39-year-old resident of Thane has fallen victim to online scammers who deceived him out of over 1.17 crores. Police officials reported that the scammers, posing as legitimate investors, convinced him to invest in virtual stores on popular social media platforms such as Facebook and TikTok. They initially earned his trust by promising significant returns and providing a small profit after his initial investment of 25,000 rupees. This tactic seems to be a common scheme used to encourage victims to invest more money under the lure of higher returns.

The investigation began after the victim lodged a complaint with the Vartak Nagar police station, leading to the registration of a case against four individuals, including three women. According to the police, the victim was added to a Facebook group where members persuaded him to open "Facebook Shop" and "TikTok Store" using a specialized link. As part of the scam, they promised 15 percent commission on every sale made through these stores, which was another enticement for the victim to invest further.

Cases of online scams have become increasingly prevalent in India, particularly those exploiting social media platforms to lure unsuspecting individuals. The incident highlights the urgent need for greater awareness and prevention measures against such fraudulent activities. Authorities are working to track down the accused and bring them to justice, but it also raises questions about how individuals can protect themselves from such deceitful schemes in the future.