VOL 01 | ISSUE 03 | NOVEMBER 2025
CYBER DEFENDERS
Cover Page & Entire Design: SA Graphic Studio
EDITORIAL BOARD
MENTOR
Shri. Rahul Gupta, IPS
SP North & Cyber Crime
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Mr. Sahil Awasthi
Cyber Yoddha, Goa Police
EDITOR
Ms. Neelam Prajapat
Cyber Yoddha, Goa Police
PUBLISHER
Mr Flavel Monteiro
Cyber Yoddha, Goa Police
MEMBERS
LPSI Yashika Sancoalkar
Cyber Crime Police Station, Raibander
Ms Manjari Madkaikar
Cyber Yoddha, Goa Police
Mr. Franco Caetano De Araujo
Cyber Yoddha, Goa Police
LAYOUT & DESIGN
SA Graphic Studio
FROM THE DESK OF EDITOR IN CHIEF
Dear Readers,
Thank you for picking up this issue of Cyber Defenders Magazine. Every month, we try to bring you topics that matter in our daily digital lives, and this time we’re focusing on something many people still fall for Ponzi Schemes.
These scams usually start with big promises: “Guaranteed returns,” “Double your money,” “No risk at all.” They may look genuine, come from someone you trust, or even appear on social media with fancy videos. But behind the scenes, it’s just a cycle of taking money from new people to pay the old ones until one day it all collapses
Our aim is not to scare you, but to make you aware so that whenever a “too good to be true” offer comes your way, you know exactly what to look out for
Thank you for being a part of our growing community Stay alert, stay informed, and let’s continue building a safer digital world together
Sahil Awasthi
~ Mr. SAHIL AWASTHI Editor In Chief, Cyber Defenders
MESSAGE FROM SP CYBER CRIME, GOA POLICE
It is heartening to see Cyber Defenders continue its mission of spreading awareness about digital safety and financial responsibility. In a time when technology has made investing just a click away, understanding the risks involved and making informed decisions has become more important than ever.
This edition’s focus on Ponzi schemes highlights a serious challenge affecting individuals, families, and communities across all age groups, especially the youth Financial fraud can cause not only monetary loss but also deep emotional distress, broken trust, and lasting hardship Awareness is the strongest tool for prevention, and timely knowledge can save countless people from falling into such traps
Each of us has a responsibility to be cautious, to verify before trusting, and to guide others toward safe financial practices By staying informed and alert, we can help build a safer digital and financial environment for everyone
~ Shri RAHUL GUPTA, IPS Superintendent of Police Crime & Cyber Crime Goa Police
Ponzi schemes are a form of financial fraud that promise high or guaranteed returns with little or no risk These schemes operate by using the money of new investors to pay returns to earlier investors, creating a false image of profitability
Instead of being generated from legitimate business activities, the profits come directly from the funds contributed by unsuspecting victims. Such schemes often collapse when new investments stop flowing in.
The core danger of a Ponzi scheme lies in deception. Fraudsters lure people by showcasing fake success stories, fabricated profit statements, and emotional manipulation. Victims are often encouraged to reinvest their earnings and bring in friends and family members. This chain continues until the system becomes unsustainable, leading to massive financial losses for the majority of participants.
WHERE DO PONZI SCHEMES OPERATE MOST?
✔ Social Media Platforms
✔ Messaging Apps & Groups
✔ Fake Investment Websites
✔ Cryptocurrency & Forex Scams
✔ Referral & Chain Marketing Networks
✔ Online Trading & App-Based Schemes
FINAL MESSAGE
Guaranteed high returns with zero risk
Pressure to recruit new members
Lack of clear business model
No proper registration or legal documents
Delays in withdrawals
Heavy focus on commissions over real products
The implications of cyberbullying extend beyond those who are directly targeted; they can also adversely affect the reputations of the perpetrators and any bystanders who engage in or tacitly support such behaviour.
Cyberbullying is a crime in India and is punishable under various laws like the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000, and the Indian Penal Code (IPC), so report it if you are a victim, you can either register a complaint on https://cybercrime.gov.in/ or call 1930.
Ponzi schemes thrive on greed, fear, and lack of financial awareness. No genuine investment offers guaranteed returns without risk. Staying informed, verifying platforms, and refusing suspicious offers are the best ways to protect yourself and others. If it sounds too good to be true it probably is.
KEY WARNING SIGNS OF A PONZI SCHEME
A large number of victims fall within the 18–35 age group students, young professionals, and small business owners hoping to grow their income quickly. Most victims start with small investments, see quick returns, and then invest large sums sometimes even borrowed money The scam collapses once new investors stop joining Ponzi schemes are not just about money they destroy families, friendships, and mental peace Victims often suffer in silence due to shame and fear of judgment Some hesitate to report because the person who introduced the scheme may be a close friend or relative
Goa Police GoaPolice
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