Real markets are risky. Scams promise to remove that risk.

The single biggest red flag

What's the one phrase that should worry you most?

“Guaranteed returns.” No legitimate market investment can guarantee a return - markets go up and down, and anyone claiming otherwise is either misinformed or lying to you.

Where scams live

What do these scams usually look like?

Unsolicited stock tips over WhatsApp or Telegram promising quick, certain profit.
Fake trading apps that look legitimate but aren't registered with SEBI.
“VIP groups” asking for money upfront to unlock trading advice.
Pressure to invest immediately, before you have time to check anything.
Screenshots of gains from people you've never verified.

Scammers rely on urgency and social proof - the same psychological patterns discussed in why India is investing. A genuine opportunity doesn't disappear if you take a day to check it.

How to check

How do I actually verify something is legitimate?

Confirm your broker or advisor is registered with SEBI - check on SEBI's own website, not a link someone sends you.
Never share your OTP, password, or login credentials with anyone - not even someone claiming to be from your broker.
Be skeptical of anyone who won't let you take time to think or verify independently.
If it promises certainty in an uncertain market, that certainty is the scam.

Put together

Real investing carries real, unavoidable risk - that's not a flaw to fix, it's the nature of markets. Anyone promising to remove that risk with a guaranteed return isn't offering a better product. They're offering a scam.

Now you're probably wondering

“Okay — so what should I actually buy?”

Explore Chapter 06 - What Should I Buy? →

Still confused? Ask the QFinera community

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