Spotting investment scams

Investment scams promise easy, fast money. They target students and first-time earners on Telegram, WhatsApp and Instagram.

Red flags

• Guaranteed high returns, like “2% a day” or “double in 30 days”.
• Pressure to act now before the “offer” ends.
• Paid “tips” groups claiming insider information.
• Earning by recruiting others (a pyramid or Ponzi scheme).
• Unregistered advisors. Check SEBI registration on the SEBI website.

Task scams

“Like videos and earn ₹500!” They pay small amounts first, then ask you to “invest” to unlock bigger earnings. The money disappears.

The rule

If it sounds too good to be true, it is. Real investments carry risk and never guarantee big returns.