Don't join these WhatsApp/Telegram groups; warning from police

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Police has issued a warning against large investment scams carried out using social media platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram. The fraudsters initially lure people into their trap by posting ads that promise they can earn lots of money quickly. Those who express interest in this are asked to join a Telegram or WhatsApp group. There will be messages from other members of this group narrating how they have received large figures of money. They will also share screenshots of the money they have received to falsely convince the victim. All members except the victim are part of this scam. The police warned against such fraudulent practices in a note shared on Facebook.

Those who fall for this will be directed to a website, where they are asked to make an investment. Most such scams use a similar scheme. Fraudsters will initially show excessive profits even to those who deposit even a small amount. This will make the victims more trusting of the fraudsters. Later, a screenshot will be provided showing that the profit is two or three times the amount invested. But this is just a screenshot, and the victims won't be able to withdraw it.

When the victim tries to withdraw this money, fraudsters extort more from them under false pretences of citing GST and taxes. It would be too late when the victim realises that they won't get any amount they have been promised on the screen. It is better to be extra cautious than to be a victim of fraud.

If you are a victim of online financial fraud like this, inform the cyber police in 1930, ideally within one hour (Golden Hour). The sooner you report, the more likely you'll get back the lost amount. The police also informed that a complaint can be registered on the website www.cybercrime.gov.in.