Online Scams

A Ponzi scheme attracts investors by offering guaranteed and unusually high returns, based on short-term and often complex investments. However, the underlying investments don’t exist. Returns are paid to the initial investors from the funds of subsequent investors, rather than from any actual profit earned. The perpetuation of the scheme requires a continued stream of money from new investors.

Tips to avoid a Ponzi scheme:

• Beware of claims of guaranteed investments with above average returns
• Ensure that you receive detailed written information to fully understand and assess the underlying investment details
• Assess the promoter of the investment and do your homework, i.e. background check, whether they are licensed to sell securities - if they claim they are exempt, check with the local regulator
• If you have already invested and you are pressured to reinvest your returns, or there is a disruption of services by the promoter, contact the local regulator
• Consult an unbiased third party—like an unconnected broker or licensed financial advisor—before investing
• Always deal with a SEBI registered or authorised intermediaries, only
• Although many investment transactions are conducted by phone or online, be cautious about investment companies without established premises or offices
• Do not respond to unsolicited e-mails about investments, job offers or any requests for personal information without independently verifying the contents of the e-mail or phone call
• Avoid investments you are uncomfortable with, or don't understand
• Be vary of "get-rich-quick" offers and "hot tips"— you may stand to lose much more than you'll gain.

Terms and Conditions apply.

Extortion e-mails are a type of scam, where cybercriminals send threatening messages to individuals or organisations demanding payment in exchange for not releasing sensitive or embarrassing information. These e-mails typically claim that the sender has compromising information, such as private photos or personal data and threaten to share it with the recipient’s friends, family or the public unless a payment is made.

The goal of these e-mails is to scare the recipient into paying the demanded amount, even though there might not be any compromising information to release. 

Warning signs that it might be a scam

• You receive a call, message or e-mail unexpectedly from someone claiming to be from a government department, debt collection agency or trusted company
• They will claim that you owe money and threaten you with legal action or arrest
• The caller will tell you that to fix the matter, you will need to pay a fee or fine
• The caller may ask for your personal information, such as your passport details, date of birth or bank information
• The caller may claim that the police will come to your doorstep and arrest you if you do not pay the fee or fine right away
• You may be asked to transfer money to an account to ‘keep it safe’ or for ‘further investigation’.

Steps you can take to protect yourself

• Don’t be pressured by a threatening caller asking for money. Hang up and don’t respond
• Don’t pay anyone by unusual methods such as gifts, hampers, vouchers or wire transfers
• Don’t use any contact details provided by the caller. Verify their identity by calling the relevant organisation directly. Go to the organisation’s official website and search for the contact details
• Do not respond to texts or e-mails. If you do, the scammers will increase their extortion attempts to get your money.

Additional safety tips

• Never send money or give credit card, online account details or identity information like your driver’s licence or passport to anyone you don’t know or trust. Never share them by e-mail or over the phone
• If you are concerned for your safety, contact the police
• If the scam is sent by e-mail, don’t open any attachments, don’t click on links and never download files. They can infect your computer with malware
• Report such incidents immediately to 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in