Mumbai Advocate Falls Victim to Elaborate Celebrity-Endorsed Trading Scam
A 45-year-old lawyer from Worli, Mumbai, has become the latest victim of an sophisticated online financial fraud that allegedly misused Bollywood singer Neha Kakkar's name to promote a fake international trading platform called FXOnet.
Advocate Shabnam Mohammad Hussain Syed, a resident of BDD Chawl in Worli, filed a formal complaint at the Worli Police Station after discovering the elaborate deception in June 2025. The fraudulent scheme involved fake articles and videos that falsely linked popular singer Neha Kakkar to FXOnet, branding it as a legitimate and trustworthy trading platform.
How the Elaborate Scam Unfolded
Convinced by the convincing fake promotions featuring Neha Kakkar's name and reputation, Syed began interacting with two individuals who identified themselves as Vijay and Jimmy D'Souza. The communication occurred through multiple channels including international phone numbers, Telegram (user ID: @fxonetlbot), and professional Zoom sessions.
The scammers enhanced their credibility by using professional-looking email IDs and presenting themselves as experienced financial advisors. They assisted Syed in setting up a trading account and regularly shared what they claimed were expert investment tips through Telegram messages.
Between June 18 and October 9, 2025, the victim transferred a total of Rs 5,02,025 from her HDFC Bank account via UPI to several accounts linked to the fraudsters. The transactions were made to accounts under names including:
- Rajesh Kannan (PONNURAKU@SUPERYES)
- VPI ProMedia Kigali
- India Impex Trading Company
- VPI 361 VPECOM
Police Investigation and Legal Action
Despite repeated assurances from the scammers about profits and returns, Syed received neither the promised earnings nor a refund of her principal investment. Realizing she had been systematically duped, she approached the Worli Police and registered a formal complaint.
The Worli Police have registered a case against the unknown accused under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act (IT Act). Investigators are currently analyzing multiple digital evidence sources including Telegram chats, Zoom meeting records, and UPI transaction trails to identify and trace the culprits.
This case highlights the growing sophistication of online financial scams in India, where fraudsters are increasingly using celebrity names and professional-looking digital platforms to lure victims. Authorities advise citizens to verify the authenticity of investment opportunities through official channels before transferring any funds.
