August 13, 2025, Gurgaon — Nearly 40% of the more than 16,000 cybercrime complaints filed in the city during the first half of 2025 were related to investment fraud, a clear indication that financial deception is currently the most well-known threat in the digital era. Victims—from tech professionals to retirees—were lured into fake stock trading apps, cryptocurrency schemes, and social media investment traps, often losing exorbitant sums
Growing Losses, Declining Impact of Fraud
Increased awareness and policing have helped lower annual financial theft despite an increase in cases; losses decreased from ₹155 crore in 2024 to ₹80 crore in 2025 The scammers disappeared after forcing a man to pay a ₹20 lakh “tax” to recover ₹1.3 crore he had invested through a WhatsApp investment group. In a similar vein, a resident of Faridabad lost ₹7.6 crore after clicking on a fraudulent Facebook investment link.
Authorities in charge of police response and public outreach credit increased public awareness and harsher crackdowns for the lower financial cost. Mule networks are being dismantled, warning signs are being highlighted, and campaigns are being used to engage communities. The number of mule account providers and investment fraudsters arrested has skyrocketed.
Reasons to Pay Attention
Broad reach: These scams can target anyone, regardless of age, profession, or level of financial literacy.
Psychological manipulation: Scammers use urgent biases, virtual “profits,” and trust-building to entice victims.
Impact on finances: These scams cause losses that go beyond money; they also damage public confidence in online platforms.
