Latest Online Financial Fraud: Too Outlandish to Be True, Yet Believable

WhatsApp groups, fake AI predictions, and promises of 900% returns — here’s how I nearly got pulled into a financial scam that looks frighteningly real.

New Delhi, Sept 19, 2025: I’ve been seeing a flood of posts online about how AI is changing the stock market game. Claims of massive profits, AI-powered predictions, and success stories everywhere. Curiosity got the better of me — could this really be the next big thing?

While browsing one evening, I stumbled upon a site offering “AI predictions for share prices.” Out of curiosity, I typed in VI. Within seconds, I was added to a WhatsApp group of around 160 people.

The group looked legitimate. It carried the branding of Anand Rathi, and even had Mehul Kothari’s photo and name attached.

The chats seemed professional at first — discussions on AI, markets, and research.

But soon, the narrative changed. Suddenly, people were talking about block deals that offered 900% profits in one year — and claiming last year it had been as high as 1700%.

My greed alarm bells rang, but I was intrigued. Then came the personal message. A woman calling herself Ankita Mehra, allegedly an employee of Anand Rathi, told me all I needed to do was invest after market hours. “No risk,” she insisted. “We buy at discounts from private sellers. You’ll see your money double, triple, even 14x.”

She even shared an Excel sheet with dazzling profit margins — 1400% returns. In the group, members were sharing screenshots of transferring lakhs of rupees, and rejoicing the next morning about the profits they made. It felt real. It felt urgent.

But something didn’t add up. When I asked about official documents or website details, the answers were vague and almost nonsensical — yet somehow convincing enough to confuse anyone.

That’s when I decided to check directly with Anand Rathi’s official website. Their reply was swift and blunt: “This is 100% fraud. Do not engage.”

How the Scam Works

Fraudsters create fake WhatsApp groups with logos, names, and fake “employees.”
They flood the chat with fake success stories and screenshots.
They lure you into “group QIB accounts,” claiming it’s how professionals invest.
Once you transfer your funds — you never see them again. You’re removed from the group.

The Truth

These groups are mostly filled with fake members run by international syndicates. At first, they may even let you “see” your investment grow on a fake dashboard — enough to get you hooked. But the moment you try to withdraw your money, the game is over.

Your money is gone. They vanish. And you are left wondering how you ever believed it.

⚠️ My Warning: If you see WhatsApp groups or websites offering AI-powered stock predictions with unrealistic returns — run. Don’t fall for the greed trap. If it sounds too good to be true, it’s definitely fraud.

Tags: Financial Fraud, AI Scam, WhatsApp Fraud, Stock Market Scam, Investor Awareness

News Desk