Representative imageThe ministry of home affairs (MHA) has warned citizens against a surge in online investment scams, saying cybercriminals are increasingly using messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram to lure victims with promises of quick, high and guaranteed returns.The advisory, issued by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), urges investors to stay vigilant and verify every investment opportunity before parting with money.Fake WhatsApp and Telegram investment groupsAccording to the advisory, fraudsters create fake investment groups on WhatsApp and Telegram, posing as stock market experts or representatives of reputed financial firms.They attract users by sharing so-called "VIP stock tips", fabricated success stories and claims of exclusive investment opportunit