Team Goemkarponn
MARDOL: A woman from Marcel in Ponda was allegedly cheated of over Rs 1 lakh by unknown persons in an online investment scam that began with an advertisement on Instagram.
According to police, the complainant, Arti Devi of Orgao, Marcel, stated that on March 26, 2026, she came across an investment advertisement on Instagram promising quick profits. She was subsequently contacted by unknown persons through Telegram and later via WhatsApp, who induced her to invest money on the assurance that the amount would be doubled within a short period.
Believing the claims, the complainant initially invested Rs 3,000 and was later persuaded to deposit additional amounts on the promise of higher returns. The accused allegedly assured her of profits amounting to Rs 2,15,000 and continued demanding further payments under various pretexts such as fees and charges.
However, when she attempted to withdraw the amount, the accused failed to return the money and instead demanded more payments. Realising she had been cheated, the complainant approached police stating that she was duped of Rs 1,00,225 through online transactions.
Further investigation is being carried out by PSI Madhav Gaude of Mardol Police Station.
