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In 2025, scams have become sharper, swifter, and more sophisticated. Powered by technology and misinformation, fraudsters exploit AI, deepfakes, and UPI systems to target vulnerable investors and the unsuspecting public.
As India and the world go increasingly digital, the need for awareness, financial literacy, and regulatory muscle has never been more urgent. From fake trading apps to celebrity impersonation, no one is safe, but everyone can stay informed.
1. Falcon Invoice Discounting Scam – Yogendra Singh
Yogendra Singh, CEO of Falcon Invoice Discounting, lured over 7,000 investors into a Ponzi-style scheme through a flashy app. The company promised high returns through fake invoice deals with major corporations. Once investor numbers peaked, payouts froze, and the app was abruptly shut down. Singh was later arrested after a state-wide investigation into the ₹792-crore scam.
- Scam: ₹792 crore collected via invoice discounting fraud
- Case Filed: Criminal case by CID; multiple FIRs
- Status: CEO arrested; accomplices under probe
2. New India Cooperative Bank Scam – Former Executives
In a major banking fraud, top officials of New India Cooperative Bank misused their positions to siphon off ₹122 crore. Loans were granted without collateral, and funds were transferred to shell accounts. When the scam surfaced, the RBI removed the board and launched restrictions on withdrawals to prevent collapse.
- Scam: ₹122 crore misappropriated via shady loans
- Case Filed: Financial Offenses Wing FIR
- Status: Seven arrests; assets frozen; trial ongoing
3. ADAG Loan Fraud Probe – Anil Ambani Group
The Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group came under fire after authorities linked multiple subsidiaries to fraudulent loans worth ₹17,000 crore. Allegedly, the loans were secured through fake corporate guarantees and defaulted strategically. Regulatory agencies began deep scrutiny, and a Look Out Circular was issued against Anil Ambani himself.
- Scam: ₹17,000 crore in alleged loan fraud
- Case Filed: ED investigation into money laundering
- Status: Ambani appeared before ED; probe underway
4. Asmita Patel Trading Course Scam – Asmita Patel
Promoted as a self-made “Options Queen,” Asmita Patel amassed ₹104 crore by selling stock trading courses online. Her claims of guaranteed profits and secret strategies were found to be misleading by authorities. The courses offered no actual investment value, and SEBI barred her firm from operating.
- Scam: ₹104 crore collected through fake trading promises
- Case Filed: SEBI enforcement action
- Status: Barred from markets; refund process initiated
5. Ravindra Bharti Advisory Scam – Ravindra Balu Bharti
Ravindra Bharti ran an unregistered investment advisory service under an educational pretext. Using YouTube and webinars, he persuaded thousands to pay for access to “guaranteed” stock tips. SEBI fined him ₹9.5 crore and banned him from operating in any investment-related service.
- Scam: ₹9.5 crore taken for fake investment advice
- Case Filed: SEBI investigation
- Status: Fined and barred; awaiting investor redress
6. AI Deepfake Investment Scam
One of the most dangerous scams of 2025 involved deepfake technology. Fraudsters used hyper-realistic videos of celebrities and business icons to promote fake investment platforms. Victims invested crores believing the endorsements were real. The scams were often run from overseas and difficult to trace.
- Scam: Thousands duped via fake AI-generated endorsements
- Case Filed: Cybercrime cases registered across states
- Status: Warnings issued; platforms under cyber surveillance
7. WhatsApp-Based Stock Trading Scam – Hyderabad Case
A fraudulent stock trading group on WhatsApp impersonated a legitimate firm and collected over ₹3 crore from investors. Victims were promised insider IPO access and daily tips. Once funds were collected, the group was deleted and organizers vanished. Police traced the group to local IT consultants.
- Scam: ₹3 crore collected through bogus WhatsApp group
- Case Filed: Local police complaint
- Status: Four arrests; accomplices under scrutiny
8. Fake Trading Platform Scam – Targeting Retirees
A retired executive from Mumbai was scammed out of ₹3 crore by investing in what appeared to be verified trading platforms. The platforms simulated fake profits to lure higher investments. Once enough money was transferred, the apps disappeared. This scam targeted high-net-worth individuals.
- Scam: ₹3 crore stolen via fake investment platforms
- Case Filed: FIR under cybercrime
- Status: Investigation in progress
9. Call Merging Scam – OTP Theft Technique
A new scam trick involved merging calls between victims and banks. Fraudsters posed as customer care and requested call merges to “verify transactions.” In the background, they used the merged line to steal OTPs. Victims’ accounts were emptied without clicking any links.
- Scam: OTPs stolen through call merge manipulation
- Case Filed: Cybercrime FIRs in multiple cities
- Status: Public alert campaigns underway
10. UPI Collect Request Scam
In this scam, victims received unsolicited UPI collect requests disguised as refunds or prize winnings. Accepting these requests automatically transfers money to the scammer’s wallet. Many victims lost funds thinking they were receiving and not sending money.
- Scam: UPI requests misused for fund theft
- Case Filed: Cybercrime investigations opened
- Status: Ongoing investigations; awareness drives active
Read More: Is Your Phone Number Safe? Here’s How to Check & Protect It in 2025!
