Jaipur, Nov.05,2025:In Jaipur (Rajasthan), a 70-year-old man named Iqbal (as per the police complaint) engaged in what appeared to be business-investment discussions via social-media/WhatsApp. Over the span from about 25 July to 10 October this year, he transferred funds expecting returns. Instead, he fell victim to a Rajasthan investment scam.
When the money-flow reversed and he found that withdrawals were blocked, his family got alarmed and approached the police. A case has since been lodged under the IT Act and other sections.
The accused remain unidentified at large, and the family claims they were lured into an investment scheme via a WhatsApp group, which used persuasive messaging and references to “government-portals” to establish credibility-
How the Rajasthan investment scam unfolded
Here’s a step-by-step sequence based on the information available-
- The victim joined or was added to a WhatsApp (or social media) group where business/investment schemes were being offered.
- The scheme seemed legitimate: promising good returns, possibly linked to “business” or “trade” deals.
- The victim invested over a few months, believing in the returns and the credibility of the platform.
- At some point, the scheme asked for more money or asked the victim to keep funds in so that returns would be released.
- When attempts were made to withdraw funds, or check the platform, the victim found withdrawal channels blocked or delayed.
- On informing family and then police, the victim realised he had become the target of a Rajasthan investment scam.
This pattern aligns with other recent cyber-fraud investigations in Rajasthan involving WhatsApp groups, deep-fake videos, fake websites, and promises of high-returns.
Key tactics used by scammers
Tactics in the Rajasthan investment scam playbook
Scammers use multiple sophisticated techniques, including-
WhatsApp/Telegram group invites & social proof
They recruit victims into WhatsApp or Telegram groups, often featuring testimonials, fake returns, and peer pressure. Research shows that in one recent case in Rajasthan, about 300 people were duped of nearly ₹60 crore in just one month.
Fake websites and apps with major-brand logos
Many fraudulent investment platforms mimic reputable companies (or show logos of big firms) to appear credible. Key news reports show that in another big scam in Rajasthan, victims were promised 17-24 % returns via a platform linked to big-company supply chains.
Deep-fake videos and false endorsements
One major alert by the police noted that scammers in Rajasthan are using deep-fake videos and fake kit (website/App) to lure citizens with false investment promises.
Small initial “returns” to build trust, then big money request
Frequently the fraud starts with a small “profit” visible in the platform, to build trust; afterwards, more funds are requested and the withdrawal becomes impossible. This design is present in many such investment scams globally.
Pressure tactics, fear of missing out, and cutting off withdrawal
Often, when victims’ funds go to large amounts, scams ask for “tax/fee” payments, or threaten the opportunity will be lost if you don’t invest more. At that point, the scam shuts down, withdrawals are blocked.
Why older citizens are particularly vulnerable
The victim here – a senior citizen of 70 years – underscores a key vulnerability category-
- Older persons may have savings and expect stability and returns.
- They might be less digitally aware of new online scam methods (deep-fakes, fake websites).
- The emotional element: belief that the scheme is a “business opportunity” rather than a gamble.
- Social pressure: WhatsApp groups especially can make people feel “everyone else is earning”.
- Less likely to verify licensing or regulatory registration of investment platforms.
Hence in a Rajasthan investment scam, seniors become prime targets.
The role of WhatsApp groups & deep-fake videos
WhatsApp groups as breeding-grounds for the Rajasthan investment scam
The WhatsApp group mechanism is central in this case-
- Victim joins the group via invite or link from friend or social media.
- Group content shows testimonials, videos of “successful investors”, maybe even fake video calls with support-staff.
- Links posted for investment apps/websites.
- The victim invests small amounts, sees a “return” in the app so they believe it is real.
- Next round: invest large amount. Withdrawal becomes difficult.
- Scammers vanish or freeze operations.
Deep-fake videos amplify trust in Rajasthan investment scam
Authorities in Rajasthan have flagged deep-fake videos where fraudsters misuse images/videos of reputed persons to reinforce legitimacy.
These tricks make the scheme appear professional and believable, especially to less-experienced investors.
What the police and authorities are saying
The state’s cyber-crime division has been issuing alerts-
- The Rajasthan Police Cyber Crime Branch warns of fake apps, websites, WhatsApp/Telegram channels being used for investment fraud.
- Earlier high-value scams (₹10 crore +) were busted across multiple states involving Rajasthan.
- The police advises verifying investment platforms, avoiding unknown links, checking licenses and not responding to high-return promises.
- For this particular case, a formal FIR has been lodged; the case is under investigation and accused are not yet identified.
How to protect yourself from such scams
Protection checklist for avoiding a Rajasthan investment scam
Here are practical steps-
Verify the investment platform
- Check whether the firm is registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) or other relevant regulator.
- Visit official website and cross-check details (licence, address, persons).
- Be wary of sites/apps that show big-brand logos without licensing.
Question unusually high returns
If you’re promised 15 %–30 % returns in a very short time, treat it as red flag.
Many frauds promise unrealistic profits.
Avoid investing via WhatsApp/Telegram links without due diligence
- Don’t click suspicious links or download APK files from groups.
- Avoid investing based solely on group-testimonials or videos.
Check withdrawal process
Before investing big money, try withdrawing a small amount; check how comfortable the process is.
If withdrawal is blocked or involves new “fee” demands, it’s likely fraudulent.
Keep records of communication
Save screenshots of chats, links, payment receipts — these help if you need to file complaint.
Authorities emphasise this step in fraud investigations in Rajasthan.
Use official police/cyber-helpline if suspicious
If you suspect a scam-
- File a complaint with Rajasthan Police cyber-crime unit.
- Use national portal: https://cybercrime.gov.in
- Contact help lines: 1930 (cyber helpline) or local numbers.
The recent case of the Rajasthan investment scam — where a 70-year-old lost ₹62 lakh — bears a painful lesson: digital capability among citizens must match the agility of fraudsters.
It also signals that scams are evolving: from fake credit-card offers to deep-fake videos, WhatsApp/Telegram group traps and sophisticated platforms pretending to be legit businesses.
Authorities have issued warnings; but the real shift must also come from investor awareness, stronger regulation, and timely enforcement.
