Mangaluru: Online Scam Dupes Victim of ₹2.30 Lakh via Fake Telegram Group

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, June 22, 2025: An online scam involving ₹2.30 lakh has been reported at the Kavoor police station in Mangaluru. The fraud, orchestrated through a fake Telegram group named "Cold Winter," lured victims with promises of commissions for liking Instagram reels and lucrative returns on investments.

According to the complaint, on June 14, the victim was added to the group and directed to like Instagram reels, take screenshots, and forward them to a specific Telegram account. The victim initially received ₹150 as commission, creating an illusion of legitimacy.

Subsequently, another group member persuaded the victim to invest money by forwarding a “code,” promising higher returns. The victim first transferred ₹4,500 and was then added to another Telegram group. Over the following days, from June 14 to 16, a total of ₹2.30 lakh was transferred from the victim’s and a friend’s accounts under the assurance of a 10% return on investment.

When no further communication or promised returns were received, the victim realized it was a scam and approached the police. A case has been registered, and an investigation is underway.