Cybercrime patterns are changing rapidly as fraudsters turn popular messaging apps into organised scam networks.
As digital platforms grow, cybercriminals are moving faster and smarter. Messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Telegram are increasingly being used to target users with fake tasks, investment traps, and digital arrest threats. The scams often begin with small rewards of ₹100 to ₹150 and later lead to losses running into lakhs or even crores. Not just regular users, but VIPs and high profile individuals are also falling victim.
Recent cases show a consistent approach. Fraudsters first build trust using simple online tasks and then slowly increase financial demands. By the time victims realise the deception, bank accounts are emptied and recovery becomes difficult.
Victims usually receive casual messages offering easy money.
“Like this page
Rate on Google
Earn ₹100 to ₹150 per task”
Once a person responds, they are added to a Telegram group filled with fake users who appear to be earning daily profits. This creates a sense of trust. Soon, a so called “teacher” or “guide” contacts the victim with messages such as:
“Invest a little you will earn thousands every day”
Initial deposits appear to generate quick digital profits, shown on fake dashboards.
The process moves through multiple tasks.
It starts with an investment of ₹1,000
Fake profit figures keep rising
Later tasks demand ₹5,000, then ₹10,000 or more
Victims are warned that stopping midway will result in losing both capital and profits. Eventually, the Telegram account vanishes along with the money. Many victims continue investing in the hope of recovering losses, only to lose everything.
According to the Future Crime Research Foundation, scammers use fear and greed together to control victims. Fake screenshots and trading dashboards add credibility. Victims are kept on long calls under claims of “digital arrest” and told a government case exists against them. The foundation notes that many small losses go unreported, meaning actual figures could be much higher.
Cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said, “Cybercriminals build trust first then push payments gradually. If an unknown person on WhatsApp or Telegram offers investment, online jobs or paid tasks assume the scam has already begun.”
He warned users never to share banking details, OTPs, or screen access, and said profit screenshots are usually fake. Any promise of quick guaranteed returns is a clear red flag.
Experts say modern cyber scammers speak professionally, use names of government agencies, and collect personal data to apply pressure. This polished approach often convinces even educated and influential victims.
Authorities advise ignoring unknown links, verifying investments independently, calling 1930 immediately in case of loss, and reporting incidents on cybercrime.gov.in. Users are also warned not to screen share, transfer money through messaging apps, or trust secret or VIP investment schemes.
As one warning sums it up clearly, “Go digital but stay alert. What begins with ₹100 can quickly wipe out entire savings.”
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