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In a shocking incident from Gurugram, cybercriminals have devised yet another deceptive method to dupe people — this time using fake wedding invitations on WhatsApp. Two separate cyber fraud cases have been reported, exposing how scammers are exploiting social media and communication apps to steal money. Police have launched investigations in both matters and urged citizens to be extremely cautious while dealing with unknown links or messages.

WhatsApp Wedding Invite Turns into Cyber Trap

According to a report by India Today, a man named Vinod Kumar became a victim of cyber fraud after he received a wedding invitation link on WhatsApp from an unknown number on September 4. Out of curiosity, he clicked on the link, unaware that it was a malicious trap designed to steal his financial data.

Within minutes of opening the link, his phone was compromised, and three unauthorized transactions were carried out from his bank account, resulting in a total loss of ₹97,000. Realizing he had been scammed, Kumar immediately filed a complaint with the Cyber Crime West Police Station in Gurugram.

Police Launch Investigation and Issue Warning

Following the complaint, Gurugram Police registered an FIR and began an investigation into the matter. The Cyber Crime Branch has also issued a public advisory, warning people not to click on suspicious links, even if they appear to be sent from known contacts such as friends or relatives.

Authorities explained that scammers often use spoofing techniques to send fake messages that look authentic. Once a user clicks such links, hackers can remotely access sensitive information including banking details, passwords, and digital wallets.

Couple Duped in the Name of TV Advertisement

In another major case reported the same week, a couple was cheated of several lakh rupees under the pretext of getting their six-year-old daughter featured in a television advertisement.

According to police reports, a woman posing as a talent scout for a TV ad agency approached the couple near Ambience Mall in Gurugram. She convinced them that their child had a great chance to work in commercials. To proceed, she first demanded ₹32,000 for a photo portfolio and later an additional ₹1 lakh as part of the ad shoot process.

After making the payments, the couple realized they had been scammed when the woman stopped responding to calls and messages. They soon filed a complaint with the Cyber Crime Unit East, and an investigation is currently underway.

Growing Trend of Online Deception

Both incidents highlight a disturbing rise in cyber fraud cases where scammers continue to invent new ways to target unsuspecting users. From wedding invitations and free movie links to fake job offers and promotional schemes, fraudsters are exploiting every digital opportunity to trap victims.

Experts warn that cybercriminals often exploit emotions and curiosity to manipulate victims. Whether it’s a wedding invite, a festive offer, or a job opportunity, these scams typically encourage users to click on external links or share confidential details — leading to identity theft or financial loss.

Police Advice: Stay Alert and Verify Before You Click

Authorities have repeatedly emphasized that vigilance is the best protection against cybercrime. Citizens are advised to:

• Avoid clicking on unknown links or attachments sent via WhatsApp, SMS, or email.

• Verify the sender’s identity before responding to any message that involves money, personal details, or downloads.

• Do not share bank details or OTPs with anyone, even if they claim to be from a legitimate institution.

• Report suspicious activity immediately to the nearest cybercrime police station or through the official portal — cybercrime.gov.in.

As digital communication grows, so does the sophistication of online scams. These latest cases from Gurugram serve as a stark reminder that one careless click can lead to significant financial loss. Staying cautious and informed is the only way to safeguard personal and financial data in today’s increasingly connected world.