Businessman Loses ₹3 Crore in CFD Trading Scam via Telegram Group

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Businessman Loses Over ₹3 Crore in CFD Trading Scam Operated Through Telegram Investment Group A 39-year-old individual from Hyderabad, Telangana, reportedly lost over ₹3 crore after being deceived by cybercriminals who promoted a fraudulent Contract for Difference (CFD) trading scheme via a Telegram-based investment group. The scam involved false claims of automated trading capabilities and manipulated financial data to coerce victims into transferring large sums of money.

The Scam Unveiled

According to investigative reports, the victim first encountered the fraudulent activity through an advertisement promoting CFD trading. The ad directed him to a Telegram bot-operated group called TradGrip, where individuals posing as financial experts claimed their platform could generate substantial returns with minimal user input. The group’s members allegedly assured the victim that the system would handle all trading decisions autonomously, requiring only initial fund deposits.

The Victim’s Experience

The scam began with a small investment of ₹19,000 via UPI in August 2025. The fraudulent platform displayed fabricated profit metrics on a virtual dashboard, which convinced the victim of its legitimacy. Over subsequent months, the individual progressively increased his investments, transferring over ₹3 crore into multiple bank accounts provided by the perpetrators. This amount was sourced not only from his personal account but also from the financial resources of friends and employees, as the fraudsters repeatedly emphasized the profitability of the scheme.

Investigation and Response

When the victim attempted to withdraw his funds, the scammers demanded additional payments to “unlock” the withdrawal process. Despite complying with these requests, no funds were released, and the platform ceased functioning. The victim eventually recognized the deception and reported the incident to authorities. The complaint was initially submitted through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal in early July 2026, followed by a formal report to the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau on July 17. Investigators are currently examining financial records, bank transactions, Telegram communications, and mobile phone interactions to trace the flow of funds and identify the individuals involved.

Cybercrime experts highlight that such schemes often rely on social media advertisements, encrypted messaging platforms, and fake trading interfaces to exploit users. A prominent cybersecurity analyst noted that manipulated profit displays and demands for additional fees to process withdrawals are hallmark signs of investment fraud.

Preventive Measures and Advice

The expert advised potential investors to independently verify the authenticity of trading platforms, avoid relying on unsolicited online promotions, and immediately halt transactions if withdrawal requests are denied or accompanied by unexpected charges. Victims are urged to report such incidents promptly through official channels, including the National Cyber Crime Helpline (1930) and the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, to enhance the likelihood of recovering funds and apprehending perpetrators.