Mangaluru Woman, 61, Loses Rs 16.2 Lakh in Facebook Scheme

A 61-year-old woman from Mangaluru has lost Rs 16.20 lakh in an alleged online investment scheme that began with a Facebook advertisement, the Mangaluru City Police confirmed in a press release. A case has been registered at the CEN Cyber Crime police station and an investigation is underway. Local news outlets reported the case on August 1 and August 2, 2026.

The incident unfolded between April and June, with the victim transferring money in five instalments to multiple bank accounts controlled by unidentified individuals who promised high returns.

How It Began

The victim first encountered the scheme in April while browsing Facebook. She came across an advertisement for an entity calling itself “Sevexa Investment,” which presented itself as an online investment firm. After clicking on the link, she was directed to join a Telegram group.

An unidentified person, using international mobile numbers, reached out through Telegram and persuaded her that investing in their organisation would generate substantial profits quickly. Trusting these claims, the woman agreed to invest.

The Money Trail

The victim made her first transfer on April 18, sending Rs 20,372 to a bank account provided by the individuals behind the scheme. Escalating payments followed through June: Rs 3 lakh on June 12, another Rs 3 lakh on June 22, Rs 4 lakh on June 24, and Rs 6 lakh on June 30.

In total, between April 18 and June 30, the woman transferred Rs 16,20,372 through online banking to various accounts supplied to her.

No Returns, No Response

After completing the transfers, the victim attempted to withdraw her returns and recover her principal. She received no response. It was only then that she realised she had been cheated.

The woman filed a formal complaint at the CEN Crime police station. Police have registered the case and launched a cybercrime investigation.

Police Advisory to the Public

Following the incident, police urged citizens to exercise caution when encountering investment advertisements on social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Authorities cautioned against trusting unsolicited investment offers or joining unfamiliar Telegram groups that promise high returns.

Police also advised anyone who falls victim to a cybercrime to immediately call the national helpline at 1930.

Recognising the Red Flags

This case follows a pattern common to social-media-driven investment schemes: advertisements on mainstream platforms directing users to encrypted messaging apps, promises of outsized returns in a short period, and payments funnelled to multiple bank accounts rather than a single registered entity. International phone numbers and the absence of verifiable regulatory registration are additional warning signs.

Authorities stress that no genuine investment can guarantee high returns with little or no risk, and that investors should independently verify the registration status of any firm before transferring funds.