Hyderabad: The Cybercrime Unit of the Hyderabad City Police warned citizens about a sharp rise in online trading frauds involving fake investment schemes that promise high or guaranteed returns.
According to police, fraudsters now actively target victims through social media platforms, Telegram channels, and WhatsApp messages. In many cases, they pose as investment advisors and promote crypto, forex, and stock trading offers.
Initially, scammers persuade victims to invest small amounts. Subsequently, they maintain constant contact through messaging apps. At the same time, they display fake profits on fraudulent apps or websites to gain trust.
Online trading frauds follow a fixed pattern, police warn
However, when victims try to withdraw money, scammers demand payments as taxes, processing charges, or compliance fees. Thereafter, they keep raising new demands and block withdrawals repeatedly. In several cases, they also threaten legal action or fund freezes to pressure victims.
Eventually, victims realise the fraud and approach the police for help. Meanwhile, the Cybercrime Unit said it continued to receive several such complaints from across the city.
Therefore, police advised citizens to verify investment platforms and advisors with the Securities and Exchange Board of India before investing. They also urged people to avoid schemes that promise quick or guaranteed profits.
In addition, the advisory asked citizens not to share bank details, OTPs, passwords, or UPI PINs. Police clarified that genuine platforms never charge fees for withdrawals. Moreover, they warned against fake dashboards showing unreal profits.
Finally, police urged victims not to panic or pay money under threats. Instead, they asked citizens to report fraud immediately by calling 1930 or registering complaints on the national cybercrime portal.
𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘆: 𝗕𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 & 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝘂𝗱𝘀
The Cybercrime Unit, Hyderabad City Police, alerts citizens about the growing rise in online trading and investment scams. Fraudsters approach victims through social…
— Hyderabad City Police (@hydcitypolice) January 31, 2026