Sriganganagar, Rajasthan: A senior Indian Air Force (IAF) officer, Wing Commander Robin Sebastian, became the latest victim of a high-profile cyber fraud, losing nearly ₹1.12 crore to a fake trading application. The shocking case has once again highlighted how fraudsters are targeting professionals, including defense officers, doctors, and retired bankers, through investment scams on social media platforms.
How the Fraud Began
The incident reportedly began on June 10, 2025, when the Wing Commander joined a WhatsApp group named “Growth Club”. A few weeks later, on July 7, members of the group shared a link claiming it was an official app for IPO subscriptions and online trading. Trusting the source, Sebastian downloaded the application and began investing.
Between June 10 and August 8, he transferred a staggering ₹1.12 crore from his SBI Suratgarh branch account into multiple accounts across Yes Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Bandhan Bank, IDFC, and Bank of Baroda.
The Red Flag Moment
The fraud came to light when the officer tried to withdraw his funds on August 13. Instead of receiving his money, he was shocked to get a notification from the so-called customer care team. They demanded an additional ₹42.96 lakh as “short-term capital gains tax” before allowing any withdrawal.
This unusual demand immediately raised suspicion. On the same day, Sebastian received an email alerting him that several fake digital identities had been created under different names linked to his transactions.
Quick Action by Cyber Police
Realizing the fraud, the Wing Commander acted swiftly. He alerted the SBI branch manager in Suratgarh and requested the cancellation of pending RTGS transactions. He then filed an official complaint with the Sriganganagar Cyber Cell on August 13 and also reported the matter on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) on August 14.
Following his complaint, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Kuldeep Walia confirmed that the cyber police immediately launched an investigation. They managed to freeze ₹7 lakh across different bank accounts linked to the scam. Banks have also been asked to share details of other accounts that received the funds, raising hopes of recovering more money.
A Growing Threat of Cyber Frauds
DSP Walia revealed that this is not an isolated case. Similar incidents involving the loss of crores of rupees have surfaced in recent years. Victims often include well-educated professionals such as retired bank officers, doctors, lawyers, and even defense personnel. Despite repeated awareness campaigns, cybercriminals continue to exploit the trust of unsuspecting individuals through sophisticated online scams.
Key Lessons for Citizens
This case serves as a stark reminder that:
- Always verify apps before downloading – use only official websites or government-approved platforms.
- Avoid high-return investment schemes shared on WhatsApp or Telegram groups.
- Never transfer funds to unknown accounts without verifying authenticity.
- Report suspicious activities immediately to the NCRP (https://cybercrime.gov.in) and local cyber police.
The IAF officer losing ₹1.12 crore to a fraudulent trading app underscores the rising risk of cybercrime in India. While authorities managed to block ₹7 lakh in time, the incident highlights the urgent need for greater vigilance, digital awareness, and stronger cyber security measures to protect citizens from falling into such traps.