Share Market Telegram/WhatsApp Scam: How It Works & How to Spot it & Stay Safe (2025 Guide)

 

Telegram and WhatsApp stock market scams are rising. Learn how to identify scammers, how they contact people, the rules genuine SEBI-registered brokers follow, and what to do if you are scammed.

Introduction

Telegram and WhatsApp stock market scams are spreading fast in India. These fraudsters present themselves as financial advisors, equity firms, or SEBI-approved experts. At first, they look convincing — they give stock tips and show fake profits — but slowly they trap investors into paying huge amounts.

This guide explains how these scams actually work step by step, how to spot them, and what action to take if you are targeted.

1. Step-by-Step: How These Scammers Operate

1. Initial Contact
   - They get investor details from broker sites, trading forums, or random databases.
   - They add you to a WhatsApp/Telegram group and start sending free stock tips.
   - In the beginning, the tips look genuine — e.g., “Buy XYZ stock at 120, sell at 130.”

2. Group Engagement & Fake Rewards
   - The group shows fake profits screenshots to gain trust.
   - Daily “check-in rewards” are given to active members to keep them engaged.
   - Group admins appear professional, constantly sharing “buy” and “sell” timings.

3. Shift to Private Platform
   - After 1–2 months, they claim to have their own trading platform.
   - Investors are pressured to move funds there, usually to a 3rd-party account (not a demat account).

4. Pressure Using Fake Phases
   - They claim to be a private equity firm and create artificial phases:
     • Block Deals
     • Authorized Deals
     • Internal Subscriptions
   - They show discounted stock prices and fake high profits.
   - Investors are told they will get large IPO allotments or bulk shares.

5. Funding Pressure
   - They ask for more funding based on a “funding ratio.”
   - Example: “Your account has 1 lakh, so you must add 2 lakh more to unlock profits.”

6. Fake Legal Threats
   - If you don’t pay, they claim your account will be frozen.
   - They talk about “breach of contract” or “legal action.”

7. Withdrawal Scam
   - When you request a withdrawal, they suddenly ask for:
     • Commission fee
     • Profit sharing fee
     • Tax clearance
   - Until you pay these, your withdrawal is blocked.

⚠️ Reality check: Genuine brokers never do this. On real platforms, brokerage charges are auto deducted and the net profit is transferred directly to your demat account.

2. How to Spot the Scam Early

- Free groups with “guaranteed tips.”
- Rewards for daily check-ins (stock markets don’t work like loyalty apps).
- Payment requests to personal/third-party accounts.
- Fake phases like “block deal, internal subscription.”
- Unrealistic IPO allotments and bulk share offers.
- Withdrawal conditions like “pay commission first.”

3. Genuine Brokers vs Scammers

Genuine SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) Brokers vs Telegram/WhatsApp Scammers:

Genuine SEBI Brokers:
- SEBI (registration number (verifiable on SEBI website(https://www.sebi.gov.in/))
- Brokerage auto-deducted
- Funds go to your demat/trading account
- Proper documentation & agreements
- No guaranteed profits

Scammers:
- Fake SEBI certificate / no real number
- Ask for commission/profit fee before withdrawal
- Funds go to personal/third-party account
- Fake contracts & verbal promises
- Claim “sure shot” returns

4. What to Do If You’re a Victim

1. Report to bank/UPI immediately (to block transactions if possible).
2. File complaint at https://cybercrime.gov.in.
3. Register FIR at your local police station.
4. Submit complaint to SEBI through SCORES platform: https://scores.gov.in.
5. Collect all evidence: chats, group screenshots, payment slips, account details.

5. How to Deal with Scammers

- Do not argue or threaten – They may block you or try to blackmail you further.
- Only collect evidence silently.
- Never send more money (refund fee = new scam).
- Block them and proceed with legal action.

Conclusion

These scams are designed step by step to build trust, show fake profits, demand more funds, and finally block withdrawals.

Golden Rule:
If someone offers discounted shares, guaranteed profits, or IPO allotments outside your broker account → it is 100% a scam.

Stay safe, verify SEBI registration before investing, and never pay into private accounts.

https://allinonetipshub.blogspot.com/2025/09/how-to-verify-genuine-sebi-registered.html