Online trading scams are rising rapidly in India, targeting people through fake investment apps, misleading advertisements, and WhatsApp groups promising quick profits. Most of these scams lure victims with promises of daily returns-sometimes as high as 10%-which is highly unrealistic in genuine financial markets.

Fraudsters create fake websites and apps that look professional and use the names and photos of respected figures like Ratan Tata or Mukesh Ambani to build trust. Victims are added to manipulated trading groups where fake users show "big profits" to create urgency and FOMO (Fear of Missing Out).

Once the victim invests, they might see rising numbers in their app-but the money is never actually invested. When they try to withdraw or invest more, the app suddenly crashes, or the fraudsters vanish.

Police cyber cells are flooded with such cases, but the money is often hard to trace, especially when sent to foreign accounts or through crypto.

To stay safe, always verify the legitimacy of financial platforms through SEBI or RBI listings. Avoid apps that promise guaranteed returns, and never invest under pressure or without due research.