In 2025, a series of finfluencer-driven scams highlighted a shift in stock market risks. The danger for investors is no longer limited to choosing the wrong stock. It now includes choosing the wrong guide. Social media has allowed individuals to present themselves as experts, build large followings, and sell dreams of fast and easy wealth without proper checks.
These schemes often look professional. They use polished videos, success stories, and screenshots of profits to build trust. Over time, followers are pushed from free content into paid courses, private groups, or direct trading strategies. The line between education and advice quietly disappears.
Most modern stock market frauds follow a similar pattern. First, there is aggressive online marketing through platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Telegram. Second, there is an illusion of expertise, often supported by flashy claims, technical jargon, or lifestyle displays. Third, there is a funnel that converts followers into paying clients or active traders.
Common formats include unregistered advisory services, paid “education” that gives direct buy–sell calls, fake or cloned trading apps, and pump-and-dump groups. Many of these misuse the names or logos of genuine market intermediaries, making it hard for retail investors to spot the difference.
The Asmita Patel case became one of the most discussed examples in 2025. Regulators found that social media influence was used to sell expensive trading courses and communities while allegedly giving specific trading calls without the required registration. Large sums were collected through course fees, while many participants reported losses after following the strategies.
The case shows how education, community, and motivation can be turned into tools for exploitation. Claims of easy income, pressure to quit regular jobs, and closed groups where tips are shared without records are all warning signs. When a trainer tells you exactly what to buy and sell, it is no longer just learning.
Even experienced investors can get trapped. Authority bias, fear of missing out, and constant exposure to success stories weaken judgement. When people are under financial stress, promises of quick change feel believable. Over time, group thinking replaces independent analysis.
Always verify whether an adviser or analyst is properly registered. Be sceptical of guaranteed or unusually high returns. Avoid links and apps shared through private messages. Never share account access or allow anyone to trade on your behalf. Simple checks can prevent costly mistakes.
Read more: RIL Shines at #6 on Sensex: How Did Other Reliance Group Stocks Perform in 2025?
The key lesson from 2025 is clear: influence is not expertise. In investing, slow, uncertain, and well-researched returns are normal. Anything that sounds easy, fast, or guaranteed should be treated with caution.
Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.
Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing.
Published on: Dec 18, 2025, 1:31 PM IST
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