Hyderabad: A 47-year-old resident of Secunderabad, Hyderabad, was cheated of Rs 24,44,152 in a fraud involving the KDEOne Gold trading app. On 13 December 2024, the victim received WhatsApp messages from a person claiming to be “Sharanya.” Over time, she gained the victim’s trust and persuaded them to invest in the app, downloaded from the Play Store, promising high returns of up to 70 percent.

Initially, small withdrawals were allowed, making the app appear genuine. Encouraged, the victim invested larger sums, and the app displayed profits of Rs 39 lakh. However, the withdrawal option was later blocked. Fraudsters then demanded additional payments for “taxation” and “conversion charges,” claiming these were necessary to release the funds. Only then did the victim realize it was a scam.

Authorities have advised the public not to trust unknown WhatsApp or social media contacts, avoid downloading investment apps suggested by strangers, and never transfer money to personal accounts for trading. Cyber fraud should be reported immediately at 1930 or www.cybercrime.gov.in. Emergency help is also available via WhatsApp or call at 8712665171.