Every day, people fall victim to fake investment schemes, online job scams, Ponzi schemes, lottery frauds, and deceptive e-commerce deals. Companies and fraudsters lure people with guaranteed high returns, fake discounts, and too-good-to-be-true offers.
Did you know that India has strict laws against fraud and false promises? 
If someone deceives you with fraudulent schemes or misleading claims, you can file a complaint, demand a refund, and even take legal action.
In this blog, we’ll explain how to identify fraud, avoid scams, and take legal steps if you are cheated. 
Common Types of False Promises & Fraudulent Schemes 
1. Ponzi Schemes & Fake Investment Plans 
“Invest ₹10,000 and earn ₹1 lakh in a month!”
“Guaranteed 10% monthly returns – No risk involved!”
“Your money will double in one year!”
Example:
A company launched a “double money scheme” and collected crores from investors. After a few months, the owner disappeared, and people lost their money.
What to Do? Only invest in RBI & SEBI-approved investment plans.
2. Online Job & Data Entry Scams 
“Pay ₹5,000 to register and earn ₹50,000 per month from home!”
“We need no experience, just pay the registration fee!”
“Guaranteed earnings – Join now!”
Example:
A fraud company took ₹2,000 as registration fees for a data entry job but never provided any work.
What to Do? Never pay money upfront for a job.
3. Fake Lottery & Gift Scams 
“Congratulations! You’ve won ₹10 lakh!”
“Pay processing fees to claim your prize!”
“Your mobile number is the lucky winner!”
Example:
A man received a call saying he won ₹5 lakh but needed to pay ₹10,000 as processing fees. After sending the money, the scammer disappeared.
What to Do? Never trust such calls or messages, and never send money to claim prizes.
4. Banking & Credit Card Fraud 
“Your ATM card is blocked – Please share OTP to unblock it!”
“I am calling from your bank, please share your account details!”
“You have been approved for a free credit card – Just provide your Aadhaar details!”
Example:
A victim shared his OTP with a fake bank caller, and ₹50,000 was stolen from his account.
What to Do? Banks never ask for OTP over the phone. Hang up and report the number.
5. Fake E-Commerce & Online Shopping Scams 
“Get an iPhone worth ₹50,000 for just ₹999!”
“Pay customs duty in advance for your imported order!”
“Hurry! This deal expires in 24 hours!”
Example:
A person ordered branded shoes at a 70% discount but received cheap, low-quality copies. The website shut down after a few days.
What to Do? Shop only from trusted websites and choose COD (Cash on Delivery) whenever possible.
How to Identify Fake Promises & Fraud? 
If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
Avoid “guaranteed returns” and “no-risk” schemes.
If a company asks for money upfront, it’s a red flag.
Check website URLs and read customer reviews before buying.
Never share OTPs, passwords, or personal details over the phone.
Example:
If a company claims to double your money in a year, it is a Ponzi scheme.
Always research before investing or making a purchase!
What to Do If You Are Scammed?
1. File a Complaint with the Cyber Crime Helpline
Cyber Crime Helpline Number: 1930
File an online complaint: www.cybercrime.gov.in
Example:
A man lost ₹15,000 in an online shopping scam. After filing a cybercrime complaint, he got his money back.
2. Report to the National Consumer Helpline (NCH) 
Toll-Free Number: 1800-11-4000
File an online complaint: www.consumerhelpline.gov.in
Example:
A customer lost ₹20,000 in a fake loan scheme. He filed an NCH complaint and got his money back.
3. Send a Legal Notice to the Fraudster 
If the scammer is a registered company, send a legal notice through a lawyer.
Many fraud companies respond quickly after receiving a legal notice.
Example:
A customer’s AC exploded due to a manufacturing defect, but the company ignored complaints. After a legal notice, the company paid ₹2 lakh in compensation.
If the fraud company does not respond, proceed to Consumer Court.
4. File a Case in Consumer Court
File an online case: www.edaakhil.nic.in
No lawyer is required for small claims.
Example:
A man invested ₹1 lakh in a fraudulent scheme. The Consumer Court ordered the company to pay ₹2 lakh compensation.
Consumer Court cases usually take 3-6 months to resolve.
Final Thoughts: Be Alert & Take Legal Action! 
Never trust random online offers, investment schemes, or lucky draw calls.
If you are scammed, file a complaint with Cyber Crime (1930) and Consumer Helpline (1800-11-4000).
Verify companies, schemes, and e-commerce websites before making any payments.
For major frauds, take legal action through Consumer Court and claim compensation.
Share this blog to spread awareness and help people stay safe from fraud in India 
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Have you ever faced a scam or fake promise? Share your story in the comments!
