Fraudsters use social media advertisements, WhatsApp groups, Telegram channels and fake “market experts” to promise guaranteed or unusually high returns.
Typical fraud pattern
- You are added to a group showing profit screenshots and testimonials.
- You are told to install an unofficial trading app or use a fake website.
- Small early profits may be shown to build trust.
- The fake dashboard displays large gains, but withdrawal is blocked.
- More money is demanded as tax, margin, verification or withdrawal charges.
Warning signs
- Guaranteed returns, secret tips or pressure to invest immediately.
- An app shared as an APK file or installed from outside an official app store.
- Payment requested to personal bank accounts, UPI IDs or unrelated companies.
- A so-called expert whose SEBI registration cannot be verified.
Protect your money
Use only SEBI-registered intermediaries and authorised trading applications. Independently verify registration details on official SEBI resources. Never pay more money to unlock an earlier investment.
If money or account access is already lost
- Call your bank or payment provider immediately and ask them to block the transaction or account.
- Call the national cyber-fraud helpline 1930 as quickly as possible.
- File a report at cybercrime.gov.in.
- Preserve screenshots, phone numbers, UPI IDs, transaction references, emails and chat history.
Official reference
Read SEBI’s caution on stock-market scams through social media and the SEBI Investor portal.