Stay safe › Scams
Fake trading apps and stock-tip groups
"VIP" WhatsApp or Telegram groups promise insider tips and IPO quotas, then trap you in a fake trading app.
How it works
You’re added to a WhatsApp or Telegram group full of people celebrating profits. An “expert” shares tips that seem to work. Then you’re offered a special trading app with access to IPO quotas or institutional deals. Your balance shows huge gains, but when you try to withdraw, you must first pay a “tax” or “service fee”. The app and the group then vanish.
A real warning
SEBI warned in 2025 about rising securities fraud on social media and chat apps, including fake apps that imitate registered brokers and “VIP” trading groups. It advises checking registration before taking any tips, and reporting fraud to 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in.
If it has already happened
- Stop sending money. Fees to "release" your profits are part of the scam.
- Call 1930 and report at cybercrime.gov.in with all transaction details.
- Leave and report the group; tell others in it if you can.
Protect yourself
- Trade only through SEBI-registered brokers using their official apps.
- Check any adviser's registration on SEBI's website before taking advice or paying.
- Treat any unsolicited stock-tip group as a scam.
Say it simply
If a relative suddenly talks about a WhatsApp group making them rich, check it with them.
Got an app in mind? Check it in ten quick questions.Is this app safe? →
Where to report
- Cybercrime helpline 1930Money has been taken or a payment was tricked out of you. Call at once: the sooner, the better the chance of freezing it.Call 1930
- National Cyber Crime Reporting PortalFile a complaint about any cyber fraud, harassment, sextortion or morphed images.cybercrime.gov.in
- SEBI registration checkCheck whether an investment adviser or broker is really registered before you pay anyone.sebi.gov.in
- The app or platformReport and block the account on WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube or wherever it happened, so it can be taken down.Report in the app