In the fast-moving world of stock market trading, where every decision counts, a dangerous trend has emerged. Investors are increasingly falling prey to fraudulent schemes, and social media platforms, particularly WhatsApp groups, are at the heart of this deception.
The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) has issued an urgent warning to protect investors from these growing threats, which are tarnishing the integrity of the market.
On September 7, 2025, the DSE raised alarms about a new wave of scams aimed at luring unsuspecting investors. Fraudsters, using the DSE’s name, logo, and address, are crafting enticing offers on WhatsApp and social media, promising skyrocketing stock prices and quick profits. These offers, the DSE pointed out, are completely unfounded and fraudulent, designed only to manipulate and exploit investors.
“These schemes are not just misleading — they are criminal,” said DSE management, expressing their concern over the rising number of such cases. “These fraudsters are targeting vulnerable investors by using our name and logo to make their offers appear legitimate.”
The DSE also highlighted a troubling new tactic being used by these fraudsters — the exploitation of renowned experts’ photos. “We’ve discovered that these fraudulent groups are using the photos of well-known experts without their permission or involvement in any capacity,” the DSE added. “They include these images in their online campaigns to further deceive the public and lend credibility to their fake offers.”
The response from the DSE has been swift and determined. In a bid to protect the interests of the market and its investors, the DSE has immediately alerted its key stakeholders, including the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC), brokers, the Central Depository Bangladesh Limited (CDBL), and several banks. “We’ve communicated through official letters to ensure all parties are aware of this scam,” the DSE stated. “Additionally, we’ve held a press conference to raise awareness and inform the public about these fraudulent schemes.”
As the DSE intensifies its efforts to safeguard the market, it has also taken action beyond communication. The exchange has filed a formal complaint with the Khilkhet Police Station and informed the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) to investigate the fraudulent activities. Authorities are now closely monitoring the situation, and intelligence agencies are involved to track down and neutralize the perpetrators behind these scams.
“The perpetrators are using social media and WhatsApp to promote offers of dramatic stock price increases, which have no basis in reality,” the DSE warned. “These schemes are not only illegal but also highly dangerous for investors who fall for them. We urge everyone to be cautious and avoid these fraudulent traps.”
The DSE’s message is clear: while the stock market offers vast opportunities for growth, it also comes with risks — and some risks are created by those who seek to deceive. The exchange has published urgent warnings on its website, cautioning investors to verify the legitimacy of any investment opportunities and avoid falling for scams.
Shamsul Alam, a seasoned investor, shared his experience with TIMES of Bangladesh, saying, “It’s alarming to see such deceptive schemes popping up. They prey on people’s hopes of quick returns, but the reality is quite different. You need to verify everything before making decisions in this market.”
The DSE echoed this sentiment, urging all investors to proceed with caution, make informed decisions, and ensure they are consulting reliable sources. With the right precautions, they believe investors can protect themselves from these unscrupulous schemes.
“We cannot emphasize enough the importance of staying informed and investing wisely,” DSE concluded. “The future of the market depends on a collective effort to fight these fraudsters and maintain a transparent, stable environment for legitimate investments.”
