Online Trading Fraud
Pause, verify the request through an official channel and never act under pressure.
What is this fraud?
A fake or unauthorised trading service induces victims to deposit money by showing fabricated profits or guaranteed returns.
How does it happen?
Victims are added to WhatsApp/Telegram groups, shown fake expert tips and dashboards, allowed a small withdrawal, then asked for larger deposits, tax or release fees.
Warning signs
Guaranteed returns; pressure to act quickly; personal/third-party bank accounts; APK links; profits that cannot be withdrawn; extra fee to release funds.
How to stay safe
Verify the intermediary and authorised trading app through SEBI/exchange resources. Never rely on screenshots, group testimonials or guaranteed-profit claims.
If you are a victim
Stop further payments, contact the bank, call 1930, report online and preserve the app/APK, URL, group chats, account details and transaction trail.
Evidence to preserve
Keep transaction IDs or UTRs, bank messages, screenshots, chats, emails, phone numbers, profiles, URLs, app details, and the exact date and time. Preserve original files without editing or deleting them.
Official reporting
For financial cyber fraud, call 1930 immediately, notify your bank or payment provider, and file a complaint through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal ↗. General technical advisories are available from CERT-In ↗.