In a stark reminder of the rising threat of cyber fraud, two residents of Gangtok district have become victims of an online “easy money” scam, which promised quick and guaranteed returns through cryptocurrency trading. Local police have issued a warning, urging the community to be vigilant as these scams increasingly target unsuspecting individuals via social media platforms and international phone calls.
The first incident occurred in the Ranipool area, where a victim received a message on a social media platform enticing him with the prospect of easy earnings. Intrigued, he shared his WhatsApp number and soon received a call detailing an alleged investment opportunity in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. The caller assured him that his investment would be doubled in a short time. To establish trust, the victim initially transferred a small sum as requested. He was subsequently persuaded to make a second, larger transfer to unlock the promised profits. However, after this second payment, the caller ceased communication and blocked all contact, leading the victim to realize he had been scammed, with losses exceeding Rs 36,000.
In a similar case, another resident from Gangtok reported receiving a call from an unidentified international number. The caller made identical claims regarding lucrative cryptocurrency trading, shifting the conversation to WhatsApp. After paying a nominal amount, the victim was prompted to deposit a larger sum to finalize the process. Despite this payment, no returns were credited. The caller continued to demand more money, causing the victim to recognize the fraudulent nature of the operation. In this instance, the total loss was over Rs 23,000.
Complaints regarding both incidents have been filed on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal, and victims have been directed to their local police stations for further assistance. Law enforcement officials have reiterated their warnings to the public, advising against responding to unsolicited calls, messages, or social media offers that promise unusually high returns, particularly those related to cryptocurrency and online trading. Authorities strongly recommend that citizens refrain from sharing personal information or transferring money to unknown or unverified sources.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/sikkim/story/online-easy-money-crypto-scam-traps-two-in-gangtok-police-sound-fresh-alert-1332433-2026-01-17?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-01-17 08:24:00
