**News Flash:**
Hi everyone, there is a new WhatsApp stock market scam happening right now. It starts with a random person messaging you, usually with a woman's profile picture, offering free stock market tips. If you agree, they send you a link to join a group. In the group, they conduct two live broadcasts daily, one in the afternoon and one in the evening. They pay you to watch these broadcasts continuously for three days, along with some data pack recharges.
Initially, the broadcasts appear professional, discussing market indices and suggesting stocks. After about a week, they start promoting a "700% wealth surge plan" on your initial investment. They claim that the consulting services you're currently enjoying are worth Rs 50,000 for this quarter. If the 700% gain is achieved, you must pay consulting fees and revenue sharing for two quarters. The fees depend on the information service you choose for the next quarter. If the 700% profit is not achieved, no fees are charged, and future cooperation allows you to choose your desired service level freely.
The stocks they suggest also surge, and people in the group keep posting their profits and praising the "professor" named Hardik. When it comes to the 700% surge plan, they introduce a twist: they ask you to download an app or visit a website to sign up with your Aadhar number. They claim this "Preferred Asset Account" has several advantages:
1. It allows for pre-market trading.
2. It has priority trading rights when purchasing Upper Circuit stocks.
3. The success rate of subscribing to IPOs is higher compared to a regular Demat account.
Believing it to be genuine, you might add your money. Initially, you make good profits, but soon you realize you can't withdraw your money, and eventually, you are blocked by everyone.
The company behind this scam is IEF (International Equity Funds), operated by Meera Patel, Hardik Shah, and Ami Shah from the USA. If you Google them, you won't find any legitimate information. There are also multiple company names associated with this scam, according to my research. Be aware and never fall for these scams with unrealistic profits. Always use trading apps approved by the government, do your research, and be mindful.
