Issuu

Fake InvestmentTrading App Scam

FOCUS OF THE MONTH

Neelam Prajapat

Yoddha, Goa Police

Editor - In - Chief Message

Mr. Sahil Awasthi, Cyber Yoddha Goa Police

Message From Director General

Shri. Alok Kumar, IPS

Modus Oprendi - Investment Scam

Fake Investment/ Trading App Scam

Cover Story

Ms. Neelam Prajapat, Cyber Yoddha Goa Police

Knowledge Bytes

Digital Tools, Abbreviations & Myths vs Facts

Interactive

FROM THE DESK OF EDITOR IN CHIEF

It gives me great pleasure to introduce the first edition of Cyber Defenders, a magazine dedicated to spreading awareness on cyber safety. Each issue will highlight a pressing cyber threat and provide simple, practical guidance to help readers stay protected in the digital world This month, we focus on Fake Investment and Trading App Scams a growing menace that preys on people’s trust and dreams of quick returns. Through awareness, we can ensure that no one falls victim to such frauds.

I am deeply grateful to Shri Rahul Gupta, IPS, SP North & Crime (Cyber), for his constant guidance and support in making this initiative possible. His encouragement has been a strong motivation in bringing Cyber Defenders to life.

I hope this magazine serves as a useful tool for readers of all ages in building a safer digital society.

~ Mr. Sahil Awasthi Editor In Chief, Cyber Defenders

MENTOR

Shri. Rahul Gupta, IPS

SP North & Cyber Crime

MEMBERS

EDITORIAL BOARD

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Mr. Sahil Awasthi Cyber Yoddha, Goa Police

LPSI Yashika (Cyber Crime Police Station, Raibander)

Ms. Manjari Madkaikar (Cyber Yoddha, Goa Police)

Mr. Franco Caetano De Araujo (Cyber Yoddha, Goa Police)

EDITOR

Ms. Neelam Prajapat Cyber Yoddha, Goa Police

LAYOUT & DESIGN

SA Graphic Studio

PUBLISHER

Mr. Flavel Monteiro Cyber Yoddha, Goa Police

MESSAGE FROM DIRECTOR GENERAL, GOA POLICE

unch of Cyber Defenders

t, inaugurated the Cyber iative was envisioned to empower citizens and volunteers to become partners in the fight against cybercrime, creating a safer digital environment for all. The idea behind Cyber Yoddha is simple yet powerful to build a vigilant community that is aware, informed, and proactive in combating the ever-evolving threats of the cyber world.

In a short span of time, our Cyber Yoddhas have carried out exemplary work From conducting awareness sessions across schools, colleges, and communities, to assisting in spreading timely alerts and preventive measures, their contribution has been invaluable They have become the bridge between law enforcement and society, ensuring that digital safety reaches every corner of Goa

I take this opportunity to congratulate Cyber Yoddha Sahil Awasthi and his team for the launch of this newsletter initiative This magazine will serve as an important platform to share knowledge, highlight best practices, and inspire more citizens to join the mission of cyber safety.

Together, let us continue to build a digitally secure Goa and set an example for the entire nation

~ Shri Alok Kumar, IPS

Director General of Police, Goa

MESSAGE FROM SP CYBER CRIME, GOA POLICE

It gives me immense pleasure to note the launch of Cyber Defenders, a magazine dedicated to raising awareness on the growing challenges of cybercrime In today’s digital era, where technology is deeply integrated into our daily lives, awareness and vigilance are the strongest shields against online frauds.

The focus of this edition on Fake Investment and Trading App Scams is both timely and relevant, as such frauds continue to cause heavy financial and emotional losses to people across age groups. By educating citizens on how these scams operate and how they can be prevented, this initiative plays an important role in strengthening cyber safety in our community.

I appreciate the efforts of Mr. Sahil Awasthi & the editorial team in bringing out this magazine and extend my best wishes for its success. I am confident that our Cyber Yoddhas through Cyber

Defenders magazine will inspire more individuals to stay informed, alert, and secure in the digital space

~ Shri. Rahul Gupta, IPS

Superintendent of Police (SP)

North & Crime (Cyber) Goa Police

MODUS OPRENDI OF FAKE INVESTMENT/ TRADING APP SCAM

Stay Alert! If it looks too good to be true.

HOW TO STAY SAFE FROM FAKE INVESTMENT/TRADING APPS

Use only SEBI/RBI registered platforms.

Never trust apps promising “quick guaranteed profits.”

Check reviews on official app stores before downloading

Avoid links shared on WhatsApp/Telegram/social media

Report suspicious apps on cybercrime gov.in or dial 1930.

Report at cybercrime.gov.in or dial 1930.

FAKE INVESTMENT SCAMS: A GROWING THREAT

Have you ever come across social media posts or reels promising unusually high returns with minimal investment and zero risk? These enticing offers often lure victims into a trap, resulting in significant financial losses. In this article, we'll explore how these scams work, warning signs to look out for, and tips to protect yourself

How Scams Work

Scammers typically follow a well-planned strategy to deceive their victims. They start by adding you to a WhatsApp group or social media platform, creating an illusion of legitimacy and professionalism They might share fake testimonials, doctored screenshots, or manipulated videos to build credibility.

STORY ~ Ms. Neelam Prajapat, Cyber Yoddha Goa Police

As you engage with the group, they'll ask you to install a trading app that resembles a genuine one To build trust, they might allow you to make small profits on initial trades or provide fake customer support. This is all part of their plan to make you feel comfortable investing more money.

Once you're confident in the investment opportunity, scammers will ask you to invest more money. When you try to withdraw your funds, they'll demand extra fees, taxes, or clearance charges, citing various reasons. This is when the trap springs shut, and you're likely to lose your money.

Warning Signs

There are several warning signs that can indicate an investment opportunity is a scam These include:

Unrealistic returns: If an investment promises unusually high returns with minimal risk, it's likely a scam Legitimate investments typically come with some level of risk, and returns are often proportional to the risk involved

Pressure to invest quickly: Scammers often try to create a sense of urgency, pressuring you to invest quickly without giving you time to research or think Legitimate investment opportunities will allow you to take your time and make informed decisions.

Unregistered investments: Legitimate investment opportunities are registered with regulatory bodies like SEBI, AMFI Always verify the registration before investing

Protecting Yourself

To safeguard your finances, it's essential to be cautious and do your research Here are some tips to help you protect yourself:

Research and verify: Research the investment opportunity thoroughly and verify its legitimacy.

Check for SEBI registration and read reviews from trusted sources.

Be cautious of unexpected offers: Be wary of unexpected investment opportunities, especially those that promise high returns with minimal risk

Monitor your investments: Keep track of your investments and be aware of any suspicious activity.

Report suspicious activity: If you suspect an investment opportunity is a scam, report it to SEBI or other relevant authorities.

By being vigilant and informed, you can protect yourself from fake investment scams. Always prioritize your financial security and be cautious of opportunities that seem too good to be true.

DIGITAL TOOLS

THAT WILL HELP YOU VERIFY ENTITY & STAY SAFE FROM THIS CYBER

CRIME

Market Regulations & Monitoring Awareness & Action against fraud. Website: https://www.sebi.gov.in

Purpose:

Website: https://sachet.rbi.org.in Purpose:

Check legitimacy of entities.

File Complaint.

Connect with Regulators

ABBREVIATIONS

: Security Exchange Board of India : Reserve Bank of India : National Stock Exchange : Bombay Stock Exchange : Know Your Customer : One Time Password : Unified Payment Interface : Net Asset Value

If an app is on Google Play

Store / App Store, it must be safe.

High returns in a short time

mean the app is genuine.

If many people in a WhatsApp/Telegram group are investing, it must be real.

Fraud apps often sneak in before being detected and removed. Always verify SEBI/RBI registration.

Guaranteed quick profits are a classic scam indicator. Real trading involves risk and time.

Scammers use fake accounts and bots to create false hype.

A professional-looking website/app means it’s authentic.

Scammers invest in flashy designs to trick users, not in security or legality.

Giving OTP or KYC to the app is harmless.

Fraudsters misuse OTP/KYC to steal money and commit identity fraud.

3 STEP PROCESS TO SEARCH A REGISTERED INTERMEDIARY ON SEBI WEBSITE

Step 1: Visit the official SEBI Website

On the homepage, scroll down and click on “Intermediaries/Market Infrastructure Institutions”

After it opens, Click on Recognised Intermediaries

Cyber Yoddha Corner

THE RISE OF AI IN CYBERCRIME: TURNING CHALLENGES INTO OPPORTUNITIES

~ Mr. Allen Pauly Payappilly, Cyber Yoddha, Goa Police

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping our world driving cars, advancing healthcare, and making life efficient. But just as fire can cook or burn, AI is a double-edged sword Cybercriminals now

The Dark Side of AI: New-Age Cybercrimes

1. AI-Powered Phishing & Spear Phishing – AI crafts genuine-looking emails using stolen data, tricking victims into sharing information

2. Deepfakes & Voice Cloning – Fraudsters clone voices or faces to demand money, spread misinformation, or influence events.

3. AI-Generated Malware – Learns, hides, evolves, and adapts to avoid detection

4. Automated Cyber Attacks – Launch thousands of attacks at once, exploiting weak systems.

5. Business Email Compromise (BEC) – AI mimics managers or colleagues to trick employees into transferring money/data

6. Ransomware Evolution – Targets valuable files, encrypts them instantly, and negotiates via chatbots.

7. Data Poisoning – Corrupts AI systems by feeding false data

8. AI in Social Engineering – Learns habits and networks, making scams highly convincing

9. Cyber Espionage – Infiltrates governments/companies, stealing secrets and personal data at scale

Fighting Back: AI for Good

The same AI that empowers criminals can also defend us: AI-Driven Threat Detection – Spots suspicious activities in real time.

Predictive Defense – Analyzes patterns, predicts attacks, helps prepare in advance.

Fraud Detection in Banking – Monitors billions of transactions daily.

Digital Forensics – Traces attacks, catches criminals, strengthens systems.

The Bigger Picture

This battle is about people as much as machines. Governments, companies, and citizens must work together building strong laws, awareness, and technology to stay ahead

Every password, click, and update matters. Small actions by millions form a shield against cybercrime

Turning Fear into Strength

AI has made criminals smarter, but it has also created new cyber defenders students, professionals, and everyday citizens. Instead of fearing AI, let’s use it responsibly to serve humanity.

The message is clear:

AI is powerful, but so are we

With vigilance and innovation, we can turn AI in cybercrime into a story of human resilience and triumph

Defenders