Don’t Invest Blindly in Any Trading App — You Could Lose Big! Here’s What You Must Check First
In today’s digital world, fake trading apps are rapidly increasing, luring investors with promises of high profits — and then scamming them. The Indian government and SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) have now issued strong warnings to protect investors. They’ve also introduced two new safety tools — @valid UPI handle and SEBI Check tool — to help users verify brokers and payments before investing.
🔹 Why You Need to Stay Alert
The rise in cyber frauds has made online investing riskier than ever. Many fraudsters launch fake trading apps that look professional and claim to offer huge returns, but their main goal is to steal your money and data. If you invest without checking the app’s authenticity, your bank account could be emptied in minutes.
The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) has also cautioned citizens to be extremely careful while dealing with any trading platform. According to Cyber Dost (the government’s cyber awareness handle), users should never trust any trading app without verifying its registration on SEBI, NSE, or BSE.
🔹 What Happens in Such Scams
Scammers typically follow a set pattern:
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They send links via WhatsApp, YouTube, Telegram, or X (Twitter), asking you to join trading groups.
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Then they make you download a fake app or open a link, showing unreal trades and fake profits.
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You’re tricked into thinking your money is growing.
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But when you try to withdraw profits, the so-called broker either asks for extra fees or disappears completely.
Ultimately, investors lose all the money they put in.
🔹 How to Protect Yourself from Fake Trading Apps
Before investing, verify everything carefully:
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✅ Check the app’s SEBI registration and use only verified brokers.
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✅ Make payments only through registered bank accounts or verified UPI handles.
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✅ Avoid schemes claiming to double or triple your returns instantly.
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✅ Never click on links or offers that create pressure to “Invest Now.”
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✅ Download apps only from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
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✅ Visit the developer’s official website to verify their legitimacy.
🔹 SEBI’s Two New Safety Tools
To make online investing safer, SEBI has launched two key verification tools:
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@valid UPI Handle:
Helps confirm whether the payment handle belongs to an authorized broker or institution. -
SEBI Check Tool:
Allows investors to instantly verify if a broker, mutual fund, or trading platform is registered with SEBI.
Every verified payment will show a green thumbs-up icon, signaling that your money is going to a legitimate source.
🔹 How to Report Cyber Fraud
If you become a victim of online financial fraud or spot a suspicious app:
📞 Dial 1930 — the official cybercrime helpline number.
You can also visit cybercrime.gov.in to file an online complaint.
🔹 Bottom Line
Before investing through any trading app, verify it with SEBI tools and check whether it’s registered on NSE or BSE. Never trust apps that promise quick or unrealistic returns. Staying cautious is the only way to protect your hard-earned money in today’s digital market.
