Received This WhatsApp Message? It Could Drain Your Bank Account

New Delhi: If you are added to an unknown group on WhatsApp or Telegram and told that your money will multiply in just a few days, be careful. You may also be tempted with "VIP Stock Tips" or "Guaranteed Returns." This is a new and rapidly growing cyber fraud method. 

The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), which works under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), has advised people across the country to stay alert against such online investment fraud. According to I4C, cybercriminals are using messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram to cheat people out of crores of rupees in the name of investment.

How does the scam begin?

Cybercriminals first add people to unknown WhatsApp or Telegram groups. These groups contain people who claim to be stock market experts, investment advisors, or representatives of major financial companies.

They then share daily stock market tips, investment advice, and fake screenshots. Fake profit figures are also shown. Often, members already present in the group are also fake. They claim to have earned lakhs of rupees in profits. Their only purpose is to win the trust of new members.

How do the scammers lure people?

I4C clearly stated in its advisory that any claim of "Guaranteed Returns" in the stock market or any investment is the biggest warning sign because the reality is that the stock market is based on risk. No legitimate broker, investment advisor, or financial institution can guarantee fixed and extraordinary profits. If any person or organisation claims a 100% safe investment or guaranteed returns, one should immediately become alert.

How do scammers win people's trust?

According to investigating agencies, fraudsters ask investors to download trading apps through private links instead of the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. These apps look exactly like genuine trading platforms, but in reality they are just to con people. The apps display fake profits to encourage people to invest more money.

Such apps don't just steal money—they can also compromise your mobile phone and personal information.

How does the scam actually happen?

According to I4C, this fraud follows a planned strategy. Initially, fake profits are shown on small investments. Sometimes, investors are even allowed to withdraw a small amount. This increases their trust. After that, they are encouraged to invest larger sums. Once the investor deposits lakhs of rupees and wants to withdraw the money, the real game begins.

They are told that they must first pay tax before withdrawing the money. Sometimes a processing fee is demanded. Sometimes money is taken in the name of account verification. Other charges may also be added.

The more the investor pays, the more new demands the fraudsters make. Finally, the account is blocked, and all communication ends.

How is the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) spreading awareness?

To spread awareness, I4C shared the case of a retired scientist from Mumbai. According to officials, he was added to an unknown WhatsApp group where people posing as investment experts tempted him with high profits.

Later, he was asked to download a fake trading app through a private link. The app continuously displayed large profits. This increased his confidence, and he invested a large amount.

But as soon as he tried to withdraw the money, his account was blocked. As a result, his hard-earned savings were trapped.

Why are people falling for this trap?

According to cyber experts, these fraudsters don't rely only on technology; they also exploit people's emotions and greed. The desire to make money quickly compels people to invest without proper verification. This haste makes them easy targets for cybercriminals.

What is the advice of I4C?

• Do not trust investment advice given in unknown WhatsApp or Telegram groups. 
• Be cautious of claims like "Guaranteed Returns," "VIP Stock Tips," or "Exclusive Investment Opportunity." 
• Download trading apps only from official platforms such as the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. 
• Never install apps sent through private links. 
• Verify the legitimacy of brokers and trading platforms before investing. 
• Never transfer money at the request of an unknown person. 
• If you are asked to pay tax, processing fees, or verification charges to withdraw your own money, understand that it is a scam because legitimate brokers never make such demands.

What should you do if you are scammed?

1. If you become a victim of such cyber fraud or suspect an investment platform, file a complaint immediately. The sooner you report it, the greater the chance of recovering your money.
2. Victims should immediately call the National Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930. They should also file an online complaint at cybercrime.gov.in.
3. Cybercriminals are constantly adopting new methods. Earlier, fraud mainly happened through emails and SMS. Now, platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram have become their new weapons.
4. I4C says the best way to avoid such fraud is to stay aware. Independently verify every piece of information before investing. Do not fall for temptation.