The Ministry of Home Affairs has warned citizens against rising online investment frauds in which cybercriminals pose as stock market experts, investment advisers or representatives of reputed financial institutions on WhatsApp and Telegram. The warning, issued through the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, cautions people against fake trading apps, private download links and promises of quick or guaranteed returns.
Fake Groups Used to Build Trust
According to I4C, fraudsters create fake investment groups on WhatsApp and Telegram and use them to circulate so-called VIP stock tips, fabricated success stories and claims of exclusive investment opportunities. These tactics are used to create false credibility and persuade victims to invest larger amounts.
The Home Ministry has identified terms such as “guaranteed returns,” “100 percent profit” and “exclusive stock recommendations” as clear warning signs. It said no legitimate investment platform or stock market intermediary can guarantee profits, and such claims should be independently verified before any money is transferred.
Fake Apps Show Fabricated Profits
The ministry has specifically warned users not to download trading applications through private links shared in chats or on social media. Fraudsters often avoid official app stores and instead push victims to install fake apps through unofficial links, which may facilitate financial fraud and compromise sensitive information stored on devices.
Investigators have found that after victims make initial investments, fake trading platforms display fabricated profits to create confidence. Victims are then encouraged to invest more. When they try to withdraw funds, their accounts are blocked and they are asked to pay additional amounts as taxes, processing fees or verification charges.
Public Urged to Report Fraud Quickly
I4C also referred to the case of a retired scientist from Mumbai who was added to an unknown WhatsApp investment group, persuaded to download a fake trading app through a private link and shown fabricated profits before his account was blocked when he attempted to withdraw money.
The Home Ministry has urged people not to trust investment advice from unknown WhatsApp or Telegram groups, to download trading apps only from official app stores and to verify the credentials of brokers and investment platforms before investing. Victims of online investment fraud have been advised to immediately call the National Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930 or file a complaint through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
