WhatsApp Scams: Is Your ₹75 Lakh at Risk?

Fraudsters are using WhatsApp groups and fake 'investment advisors' to steal crores from ordinary Indians. Here's how these scams work and exactly what you must do to protect your savings.

Here's what happened: A Karnataka resident lost ₹75.4 lakh after fraudsters on WhatsApp posed as SEBI-registered investment advisors and promised high returns.. Scammers typically add victims to WhatsApp groups showing fake 'live' stock profits, building trust before asking for real money transfers.. Investment scams via social media have surged across India — the RBI and SEBI have issued repeated public warnings about fake advisory schemes..

What you should do: Verify any investment advisor's SEBI registration number at sebi.gov.in/sebiweb/other/OtherAction.do?doRecognisedFpi=yes before sending a single rupee.. Never transfer money to personal bank accounts or UPI IDs for investments — legitimate platforms use regulated escrow or exchange mechanisms only.. Report suspicious WhatsApp investment groups immediately to cybercrime.gov.in or call the national helpline 1930 before the money trail goes cold..

SEBI-registered advisors are legally banned from guaranteeing returns. If anyone promises 'fixed' or 'assured' profits — even 10% monthly — it is fraud by definition.