A few years ago, if someone told you they lost money to a scam, you’d probably imagine a phone call from a “bank representative” or an email from a Nigerian prince. But today, telegram investment scams have set a new high record.
Yes, the same app we use for casual chats, stock market discussions, and crypto updates has become a hunting ground for scammers who know exactly how to exploit human greed and trust.
So, here is the question: ‘Can you get scammed on Telegram‘.
Yes, you can.
Even educated investors, traders, and professionals are falling for it. But there are ways to protect as well.
Let’s break this down through real cases that show just how dangerous telegram scams in India can be.
Telegram Investment Scams in India
1. The Fake Guru Trap: When Influencers Are Used to Scam You
In November 2024, thousands of followers of CA Rachna Ranade, a well-known financial educator, were in for a shock.
Scammers had created a fake Telegram group under her name, complete with profile pictures, fake testimonials, and “exclusive investment tips.”
The group grew to over 4,500 members in no time, as people believed they were getting real stock market advice from a trusted source.
But here’s the catch: the scammers inside the group posted fake profit screenshots of trades, convincing members that they too could make quick money.
The condition?
They had to pay a fee to join a premium group where “bigger profits” were promised.
Many people fell for it. They sent money via UPI, and soon realized they had been conned when the group disappeared overnight.
The lesson here is clear: if an “investment guru” suddenly offers exclusive money-making opportunities on Telegram, double-check their official website or social media.
Influencers rarely, if ever, sell such “secret” investment schemes.
2. The Crypto Investment Nightmare: A Nagpur MBA Student’s ₹23 Lakh Loss
Imagine being a young MBA student, enthusiastic about finance, and eager to make it big in crypto trading. That’s exactly who a scammer targeted in Nagpur earlier this year.
The fraudster approached the student on Telegram, posing as a professional crypto trader. He talked about a “golden opportunity” to invest in a special trading fund that guaranteed insane returns.
The first few investments looked promising—the student was actually seeing small profits being credited to his wallet. But the scam was just getting started.
Once he was hooked, the scammer convinced him to invest bigger amounts, claiming the profits would skyrocket.
The student transferred a total of ₹23 lakh over multiple transactions.
The next day, the scammer blocked him, and the so-called trading fund disappeared.
It’s a classic example of an investment scam on Telegram.
They let you win small in the beginning to build trust, only to vanish once you commit to a large investment.
If someone on Telegram promises “guaranteed returns,” it’s time to run.
3. The Mumbai Racket: A Cyber Fraud Network Targeting Small Investors
This one is straight out of a crime thriller.
In March 2025, Mumbai police cracked down on an international cyber fraud ring operating via Telegram. This wasn’t just a small group of scammers; it was an organized syndicate with a full-fledged team.
Here’s how they operated: They created Telegram groups advertising stock market and crypto investment tips.
Once a user joined, they were shown fake profit screenshots, manipulated testimonials, and glowing reviews from fake members.
The moment someone expressed interest, a “relationship manager” would personally reach out, guiding them to deposit money into a trading platform.
The catch?
The platform was completely fake. It was designed to look real, and users could see their balance increasing. However, when they tried to withdraw their funds, the site would either crash or demand additional payments to “process the withdrawal.”
Eleven people were arrested, but the damage was already done; thousands had lost their money.
This case just proves that these scams are not run by a person but well-structured fraud rings with tech teams, social media managers, and psychological tricks to manipulate victims.
How Telegram Investment Scams Work?
If you’re wondering how people fall for these scams despite so many warnings, let’s break down the psychology behind them.
- Fake Proof of Success
Scammers post photoshopped bank statements, fake brokerage profit screenshots, and testimonials to create an illusion of legitimacy.
They make it seem like hundreds of people are making money, convincing victims that they are missing out on an easy opportunity. - Time Pressure and Urgency
Fraudsters often create a sense of urgency by saying things like, “This opportunity is only available for the next 24 hours” or “Limited slots left!”
This psychological trick forces people to act without thinking critically. The fear of missing out (FOMO) is one of the biggest weapons scammers use. - Social Proof and Fake Community Support
Many of these scammers create Telegram groups filled with fake members who continuously post positive comments and profit screenshots.
If you post a question, you will start receiving multiple messages from supposed “successful investors” reassuring you that it’s a great opportunity. In reality, most of these members are bots or part of the scam network. - Gradual Hooking and Trust-Building
These scams don’t ask for large amounts right away. Instead, they start small.
You might invest ₹5,000 and get a return, which builds your confidence.
Then, they convince you to invest ₹50,000 or ₹5 lakh. Once you send a big amount, they either disappear or come up with excuses to ask for more money. - Fake Technical Jargon and Expert Appearance
To make their schemes sound legitimate, scammers throw around complex financial terms.
They’ll talk about “high-frequency trading,” “liquidity pools,” or “arbitrage trading” to appear knowledgeable. Most victims don’t understand these terms but assume they are dealing with professionals. - Manipulated Withdrawal Process
Even if the scam involves a fake trading platform, the balance in your account will seem to increase.
But when you try to withdraw, you’ll face obstacles like “verification fees,” “tax charges,” or “minimum balance requirements.” They’ll keep demanding payments until you realize it’s a scam.
How to Protect Yourself From These Scams
Now that you know how telegram investment scams are operated, here’s what you need to do to stay safe:
- Verify Before Investing – Always cross-check with the official website or social media handles of any financial expert before following Telegram investment advice.
- Beware of ‘Guaranteed Returns’ – If someone promises high profits with zero risks, it’s a scam.
- Never Send Money Without Proof – Avoid paying upfront fees for “premium” investment groups unless it’s from a verifiable source.
- Report Suspicious Groups – If you come across a scammy group, report it immediately.
Scammers are getting smarter, but as investors and traders, we need to get smarter too. The internet is full of opportunities, but also full of traps. Stay informed, stay skeptical, and most importantly, don’t let greed cloud your judgment.
How to Report a Telegram Scammer?
When it comes to investment, many people of different age groups get lured by the opportunity of getting rich quickly.
While it’s always best to stay cautious from the start, if you’ve already been trapped in any of the telegram investment scams, don’t panic & act fast.
Register with us and let our team assist you in reporting your case. The sooner you take action, the higher your chances of telegram scam money recovery.
Remember: The faster you act, the better your chances of getting a refund.
Conclusion
No wonder scams are on the rise, but there are ways to protect yourself from falling into the trap.
Just be a little more alert and be aware of the ways in which scammers generally manipulate victims. Your little attention to detail and proper verification of the group can prevent you from falling into financial and emotional distress.
