How they actually get people.
Every one of these is running in India right now. The script barely changes - which is exactly why it is catchable.
Scam types
Investment & Trading
- All scams
- Account Takeover & Identity10
- Advance Fee & Prize5
- Banking & Payments16
- Business & Corporate6
- Crypto2
- Device & Malware6
- Extortion2
- Government & Authority Impersonation13
- Investment & Trading12
- Jobs & Earnings6
- Loans & Credit1
- Relationship & Social3
- Shopping & Services8
- Tax, Insurance & Benefits4
- UPI & QR7
12 scams
Investment & Trading · Off-market trading
Dabba Trading Scheme
Trading is offered outside recognized exchange mechanisms, often through informal operators The objective is typically to expose the participant to illegal/unregulated trading and counterparty loss.
Also called bucket shop, dabba, off-market trading
Investment & Trading · Fake privileged-access platform
Fake Institutional / VIP Trading App Scam
A victim is offered special institutional, VIP or privileged trading access through a nonstandard app/platform The objective is typically to collect deposits through a fake or unauthorized trading environment.
Also called VIP trading scam, institutional account scam
Investment & Trading · Fake investment platform
Fake Trading App Scam
An app or platform presents itself as a legitimate securities-trading service The objective is typically to collect deposits into a fraudulent platform and block or manipulate withdrawals.
Also called fake stock app, fraudulent trading platform
Investment & Trading · Return-guarantee fraud
Guaranteed / Quick Return Investment Scam
An investment is sold with assured, guaranteed, near-certain or exceptionally quick returns The objective is typically to obtain funds for a fraudulent/unregulated scheme or expose the victim to major investment loss.
Also called assured return scam, double money scam
Investment & Trading · Malicious investment app
Malicious Sideloaded iOS Investment App Scam
An investment scam directs iPhone users to install a sideloaded app using configuration/provisioning profiles The objective is typically to compromise the device/account or collect investment funds through a malicious app.
Also called iOS trading app scam, profile sideload scam
Investment & Trading · Market manipulation
Pump and Dump Scam
A stock is aggressively promoted to drive buying and price increases The objective is typically to leave late buyers with losses when promoters sell and the price collapses.
Also called pump dump, stock manipulation scam
Investment & Trading · Social-media investment fraud
Social-Media Stock Market Scam
Investment solicitations are delivered through social-media platforms and often lead victims into suspicious groups, apps or payment flows The objective is typically to collect money or induce harmful trades through deceptive social-media investment schemes.
Also called investment group scam, social media trading scam
Investment & Trading · Influencer/tipster scam
Stock Market Guru Scam
A self-styled market expert or 'guru' builds credibility through tips, groups or claimed past profits The objective is typically to induce losses, fees or transfers through misleading/unregistered investment activity.
Also called finfluencer scam, trading guru scam
Investment & Trading · Forex fraud
Unauthorized Forex Trading Platform Scam
Ads, agents or online platforms offer forex trading through unauthorized electronic trading platforms The objective is typically to lose money through fraudulent or unauthorized forex trading schemes.
Also called forex scam, unauthorized ETP
Investment & Trading · Unregistered advisory
Unregistered Investment Adviser Scam
A person or entity sells investment products or strategies without appropriate registration The objective is typically to cause financial loss through unregulated advice, misleading claims or direct fund collection.
Also called fake investment adviser, unregistered adviser scam
Investment & Trading · Unauthorized investment platform
Unregistered Online Bond Platform Scam Risk
An online platform offers bond investments without being an appropriately registered/recognized provider The objective is typically to expose funds to unauthorized/unregulated activity or fraudulent misrepresentation.
Also called fake bond platform, unregistered bond site
Investment & Trading · Tip-channel solicitation
Unsolicited WhatsApp / Telegram Investment Tips Scam
Unexpected messages or groups distribute stock/investment tips through WhatsApp, Telegram or similar channels The objective is typically to cause investment losses or funnel victims into broader investment fraud.
Also called Telegram tip scam, stock tip scam
The tactics
Eight scripts that account for most of what lands on Indian phones.
The one that empties accounts fastestKYC / PAN / Aadhaar "expiry"
An SMS or WhatsApp from "your bank" says your KYC has expired and the account will be frozen within 24 hours. A link takes you to a page that looks exactly right, and asks for your card number, then the OTP.
The one that starts with ₹150 creditedPart-time task job
A WhatsApp message from an unknown international number offers ₹2,000-5,000 a day for liking YouTube videos or rating hotels. You’re moved to Telegram. The first three tasks pay real money into your account. Then comes the "prepaid task" - deposit ₹10,000 to unlock a bigger commission. Every deposit needs one more deposit to withdraw.
The one people are too embarrassed to reportDigital arrest
A call claiming to be CBI, Customs, or the Narcotics Bureau: a parcel in your name contained drugs, or your Aadhaar was used for money laundering. They move you to a video call with a fake police backdrop and keep you on it for hours, telling you not to contact anyone. Then they demand a "verification deposit" to a bank account.
The one that reverses the direction of moneyQR code "to receive"
You’re selling something on OLX or Facebook Marketplace. The "buyer" sends a QR code and says scan it to receive the payment. Sometimes they even send a small amount first to build trust.
The one that uses your own screen against youFake customer care + screen share
You Google a helpline number for a refund and land on a paid ad or an SEO’d fake page. The "agent" is helpful, then asks you to install AnyDesk, TeamViewer, or Quick Support so they can "process the refund faster". Once installed, they watch you type your PIN.
The one that looks like a favourWrong transfer / refund reversal
Money arrives in your account. A stranger calls, distressed, saying they transferred it by mistake and please send it back. The incoming money is often from a stolen account or a credit that will be reversed - you end up paying twice.
The one that ends in blackmailInstant loan apps
A loan approved in four minutes with no paperwork - but the app demands access to your contacts and photo gallery. Repayment terms turn out to be brutal, and when you fall behind, they message everyone in your contacts and send morphed photos.
The one dressed up as financial literacyWhatsApp trading group
You’re added to a group with a "SEBI-registered" analyst and hundreds of members posting screenshots of profits. The calls are free and seem accurate. Then comes an invitation to a private app with a special IPO allotment or block deal. The app shows your money growing. It just can’t be withdrawn.