Bihar has recorded 821 reported investment fraud cases linked to Telegram over the past year, with victims losing approximately ₹5.73 crore, according to data released by the state's Cyber Crime and Security Unit. Fraudsters are allegedly using messaging groups to promote stock market schemes, promise unusually high returns and build trust through fabricated profit statements before collecting money from unsuspecting investors.
The reported figures indicate that Telegram has become a major channel for investment-related cyber fraud in the state. WhatsApp was also linked to hundreds of complaints, with the combined losses across the two platforms exceeding ₹18.40 crore.
How Telegram Investment Scams Target Users
The alleged fraud typically begins with unsolicited invitations to Telegram groups. Users are added to unfamiliar channels where administrators circulate investment suggestions, stock market discussions and claims of quick profits.
Fraudsters may use fabricated earnings screenshots and apparently successful investment updates to create an impression of credibility. Once members begin trusting the administrators, they are encouraged to transfer money in multiple instalments.
According to the report, the groups are sometimes deleted after substantial amounts have been collected. This leaves victims without access to earlier conversations, promotional messages and other information that could help investigators identify the people behind the operation.
Deleted Telegram Groups Create Investigation Challenges
The disappearance of a messaging group can make it harder for victims to provide useful information when filing complaints.
After a group is deleted, affected users may struggle to recall its exact name, the administrators' contact details or the bank account information shared during conversations. Missing records can complicate efforts to connect suspicious mobile numbers, financial accounts and transactions.
However, victims should not assume that reporting is pointless simply because a group has disappeared. Available payment records, bank statements, transaction references, screenshots, notification histories and other retained information may still help investigators examine the complaint.
Preserving whatever evidence remains and reporting the incident promptly can support the investigation.
Telegram and WhatsApp Account for More Than ₹18.40 Crore in Reported Losses
Data cited by the Cyber Crime and Security Unit shows the following reported figures for investment-related fraud across messaging platforms:
Platform | Reported cases | Reported losses |
|---|---|---|
Telegram | 821 | ₹5.73 crore |
484 | ₹12.67 crore | |
Combined | 1,305 | ₹18.40 crore |
Although Telegram recorded more complaints, the reported financial losses linked to WhatsApp were substantially higher.
These figures underline the need for users to assess investment opportunities carefully, particularly when recommendations come from unknown administrators or unverified online groups.
Fraudsters Also Use Social Media, Websites and Phone Calls
The reported scams are not limited to messaging applications. Fraudulent investment advertisements are also circulated through Facebook and Instagram, with interested users subsequently redirected to private messaging groups.
The report lists the following figures for other channels:
Phone calls and text messages: 320 complaints involving losses of ₹5.01 crore.
Fraudulent websites and mobile applications: 209 cases involving ₹4.88 crore.
Facebook: 44 complaints involving ₹2.32 crore.
Instagram: 92 cases involving ₹35.66 lakh.
The figures suggest that fraudsters use multiple digital channels to attract potential victims before attempting to obtain their money.
Cybercrime Unit Advises Investors to Verify Opportunities
The Cyber Crime and Security Unit has advised citizens to avoid relying on investment recommendations circulated through unauthorised messaging groups. People should also be cautious about downloading unfamiliar applications or transferring funds to accounts shared by unknown individuals.
Investors should independently verify financial companies and investment intermediaries through recognised regulatory and official channels before making decisions. Promises of unusually high or guaranteed returns should be treated with caution.
Anyone who suspects investment fraud should contact the national cybercrime helpline 1930 or submit a complaint through the official portal cybercrime.gov.in. Early reporting may help authorities and financial institutions take timely steps to examine transactions and attempt to prevent further movement of suspected fraudulent funds.
Businesses and individuals dealing with suspicious financial transactions can also explore Shunyatax's financial investigation and forensic support.