Neha Kakkar’s Name Misused In Trading Scam, Mumbai Lawyer Duped Of Rs 5 Lakh

In yet another shocking case of online fraud, scammers allegedly used Bollywood singer Neha Kakkar’s name to promote a fake international trading platform called FXOnet, duping a Mumbai-based lawyer of over

₹5 lakh. The cybercrime, which relied on forged promotional videos and fake social media content, is now under investigation by the Worli Police.

Fake Trading Platform Posing as ‘Neha Kakkar-Endorsed’

According to the FIR filed at Worli police station, the victim, Advocate Shabnam Mohammad Hussain Syed (45), a resident of BDD Chawl in Worli, came across deceptive articles and videos in June 2025 falsely portraying Neha Kakkar as an ambassador for FXOnet — described in the content as a “trusted and legal trading platform.”

Lured by the celebrity association, Syed contacted individuals posing as FXOnet representatives, identified as Vijay and Jimmy D’Souza, who communicated with her through international phone numbers, Telegram (user ID: @fxonetlbot), Zoom meetings, and emails that appeared professional and legitimate.

How the Fraud Unfolded

The scammers convinced Syed to open a trading account under her name, promising high returns and sending her “expert investment tips” over Telegram. Believing the scheme to be genuine, she transferred ₹5,02,025 between June 18 and October 9, 2025, from her HDFC Bank account to multiple accounts under names such as Rajesh Kannan (PONNURAKU@SUPERYES), VPI ProMedia Kigali, India Impex Trading Company, and VPI 361 VPECOM.

However, when no profits or refunds arrived, Syed realized she had been scammed and filed a complaint.

Police Launch Digital Investigation

The Worli Police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act (IT Act). Investigators are now analyzing Telegram chats, Zoom meeting records, and UPI transaction trails to trace the culprits.

Authorities said the fraudsters’ modus operandi mirrors a growing trend where cybercriminals use celebrity names to gain public trust and lure victims into bogus investment platforms.

Not the First Celebrity Fraud Case

This is not an isolated case. Earlier, the Mumbai Police filed an FIR against an unidentified person impersonating Hollywood star Keanu Reeves, who cheated a 69-year-old Versova woman of ₹65,000 by pretending to raise money for a flight ticket to India. The victim’s daughter later reported the scam, saying the imposter had built emotional trust by posing as the actor online.

Cyber experts have warned that the misuse of celebrity identities for financial fraud is on the rise, urging citizens to verify any endorsements or investment opportunities through official channels.