Dhan Suraksha

Scam Library

Search the scams behind most digital payment losses worldwide — how each one works, the warning signs, and the steps to take. No technical background needed.

Last reviewed 01 Aug 2026 · 21 case studies across 3 regions

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Investment & Crypto Global High risk

Fake Investment & Task Platforms

An app or site promises guaranteed daily returns, pays small amounts first, then vanishes.

Who scammers target
Students, gig workers and anyone seeking extra income
Typical reported loss
$500 – $30,000 per case
Why people fall for this
Small early withdrawals really do arrive, which turns scepticism into confidence.

How it works

  1. 1A Telegram, WhatsApp or Discord group promotes an app with "guaranteed daily returns".
  2. 2The app is installed from a link, not from an official app store.
  3. 3Small early payouts build your trust so you invest more.
  4. 4When you try to withdraw, you're asked for a "tax" or "clearance fee" — then the operator disappears.

Real-world example

Karan invests a small amount and receives a payout the next day. He adds his savings. When he requests a withdrawal, the platform demands a clearance fee, he pays it, and the group is deleted that night.

  • The app is sideloaded from a link instead of an official app store.
  • Withdrawals require an upfront fee or tax payment.
  • No licence or registration number from a real financial regulator.

  • Treat any "guaranteed daily return" as fraud — no legitimate investment works that way.
  • Verify the operator on your national regulator's register before paying anything.
  • Never pay a fee to release your own money.
  • Report the group and the app to the platform and to your fraud reporting service.

What it looks like

Investment app (sideloaded)
Your balance
₹1,24,800
Guaranteed 8% daily · Withdrawal fee required
Illustration of a fake message — recreated for teaching, not a real notice.
Investment & Crypto Global High risk

Long-Con Crypto "Pig Butchering"

A friendly stranger builds a relationship for weeks, then introduces a crypto platform they control.

Who scammers target
Adults aged 25–55 contacted through dating apps and social media
Typical reported loss
$10,000 – $200,000 per case
Why people fall for this
Weeks of genuine-feeling friendship come before any money is mentioned, so it never feels like a cold pitch.

How it works

  1. 1A wrong-number text or dating-app match turns into daily friendly conversation.
  2. 2After weeks, they mention a trading platform their "uncle" runs.
  3. 3You deposit a little, see profits on a dashboard that is entirely fake, and deposit more.
  4. 4Withdrawal attempts trigger fees, taxes and eventually silence.

Real-world example

A stranger texts "Is this Dr. Chen's office?", apologises, and keeps chatting. Six weeks later Mark has moved $80,000 into a platform showing $210,000 in gains. He cannot withdraw a cent.

  • A stranger who contacted you first eventually steers the conversation to investing.
  • The platform is only reachable through a link they sent you.
  • Profits look large, smooth and unrealistically consistent.

  • Never invest through a platform introduced by someone you have not met in person.
  • Verify any exchange on your regulator's register and search its name plus the word "scam".
  • Withdraw a small amount early — if that fails, stop immediately.
  • Report it; recovery is rare, but reporting helps freeze mule accounts.

What it looks like

Unknown contact
"My uncle's platform pays 2% daily, I can guide you"
Wait, why do I need to scan?
Illustration of a fake message — recreated for teaching, not a real notice.

Where to report, by country

Already lost money? Report it immediately — the first few hours give the best chance of freezing the funds.

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