I lost money in an investment scam — what should I do?

Report to police (FIR), file at cybercrime.gov.in, complain to SEBI if securities involved, and approach Economic Offences Wing for large amounts.

Investment scams are rampant in India — from Ponzi schemes to fake crypto platforms. Step 1: File an FIR at the nearest police station under BNS Section 318 (cheating) and Section 316 (criminal breach of trust). Step 2: File a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in if the scam was online. Step 3: If the scam involves securities, mutual funds, or stock markets, complain to SEBI (scores.gov.in). Step 4: If a large amount is involved (typically over Rs 10 lakh), approach the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the police. Step 5: If a company collected deposits illegally, complain to the Company Law Board/NCLT. Step 6: You can also file a civil suit for recovery of money. Keep all evidence: payment receipts, bank statements showing transfers, screenshots of promises made, WhatsApp/email communications, and the scheme's marketing materials. Be wary of 'recovery agents' who promise to get your money back — these are often scams too.

• BNS Section 318 — Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property
• BNS Section 316 — Criminal breach of trust
• SEBI Act — Section 12A (Prohibition of manipulative practices)
• Prize Chits and Money Circulation Schemes (Banning) Act, 1978