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Learning path 9 of 9

Scams, myths and investor protection

How investment scams work, how to check a claim against official sources, and what to do if you think you have been targeted.

Level
Beginner to intermediate
Lessons
15 ready
Time
About 1 h 43 min published, roughly 10 hours when complete
Module tests
4 of 4 modules

15 lessons in this path. Progress is saved in your browser as you go.

0 of 15
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Most people who lose money to investment fraud are not careless. They are approached by someone confident and friendly, shown convincing "proof", and pushed to act before they have time to think. The schemes change their packaging every year; the mechanics underneath change very little.

This path explains those mechanics: guaranteed-return promises, tip groups, pump-and-dump schemes, fake trading apps, faked evidence, hidden conflicts of interest, impersonation and market manipulation. It shows you how to check who you are dealing with using official registers, where to complain or report in India, and what to do first if something goes wrong.

We recommend reading the first module alongside the foundations path, as soon as you start learning about the market.

Who this path is for

Everyone, including complete beginners. Especially useful if you have been added to a stock tip group, been offered a "guaranteed" return, or been asked to install an app to trade through someone else.

What you will be able to do

  • Recognise the warning signs shared by most investment scams.
  • Explain how pump-and-dump schemes and tip groups make money from their followers.
  • Check whether an adviser, broker or payment account is registered with SEBI.
  • Question testimonials, backtests and other performance claims, and spot undisclosed conflicts of interest.
  • Tell education, research and personal advice apart, and know who must be registered for each.
  • Know where to complain or report a fraud in India, and what to do first.

Before you start

Nothing. This path assumes no previous knowledge of finance or markets.

The route, module by module

Take the modules in this order. Filled stops are lessons you have completed; dashed stops are still being written.

  1. Module 1Recognising scams and protecting yourself

    The warning signs of investment fraud, how pump-and-dump schemes and tip groups work, and how to verify and report.

    1. How to spot a stock market scam8 min
    2. Pump-and-dump schemes6 min
    3. Stock tip groups on Telegram and WhatsApp6 min
    4. How to verify a claim and report a fraud7 min
    5. Module test: Recognising scams and protecting yourself10 questions

  2. Module 2Misleading claims and conflicts of interest

    Fake testimonials and profit screenshots, misleading backtests and cherry-picked results, undisclosed conflicts, unregistered intermediaries and impersonation.

    1. Fake testimonials, screenshots and misleading advertisements7 min
    2. Misleading backtests and cherry-picked results7 min
    3. Undisclosed conflicts of interest7 min
    4. Unregistered and unauthorised intermediaries7 min
    5. Impersonation, phishing and account security7 min
    6. Module test: Misleading claims and conflicts of interest10 questions

  3. Module 3Myths, manipulation and advice

    How market manipulation works, common stock market myths, the line between education, research and advice, and using SEBI's investor resources.

    1. Market manipulation7 min
    2. Common stock market myths7 min
    3. Education, research and investment advice6 min
    4. Using SEBI's investor resources7 min
    5. Module test: Myths, manipulation and advice10 questions

  4. Module 4Complaints, grievances and recovery

    How investor complaints and dispute resolution work, the order of steps after a suspected fraud, and protecting your accounts afterwards.

    1. Investor complaints and dispute resolution7 min
    2. What to do after a suspected fraud7 min
    3. Module test: Complaints, grievances and recovery10 questions
  • Stock market foundationsStart from zero. Learn what shares are, how exchanges and brokers work, how buying and selling happens, and the risks involved.
  • Investing and portfolio managementBuild and run a portfolio you can stick with. Compounding, diversification, asset allocation, funds, rebalancing and the behaviour that undoes good plans.