Cybercrime investigators and consumer-rights groups are raising the alarm about a surge in investment fraud conducted through WhatsApp and Telegram groups that pose as exclusive trading clubs. According to a recent report, victims are typically added to groups that showcase fabricated screenshots of large profits and glowing testimonials. They are then persuaded to download a private-link trading app that mimics legitimate platforms. Early small returns shown on the app build trust before larger deposits are solicited.
When victims attempt to withdraw their funds, scammers block access and demand additional payments for taxes, processing fees, or account verification — effectively stealing the entire portfolio. Authorities cite multiple high-value cases where individuals lost lakhs to crores after being convinced by staged dashboards and fake SEBI credentials.
Officials urge the public to avoid investment advice from unknown messaging groups, verify broker registration on official portals, and never install trading apps from unverified links. The government’s cybercrime helpline and reporting portal remain the recommended channels for victims seeking redress. Experts say awareness and independent verification are the most effective defenses against these increasingly sophisticated messaging-platform schemes.
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