The “voice discounting scam” you’re referring to is likely the Falcon Invoice Discounting Ponzi scheme, which has been making headlines recently.

Falcon Invoice Discounting, operating since 2021, promised investors high returns (up to 22%) by claiming to connect them with reputed companies like Amazon and Britannia. The company lured investors into short-term investments, assuring returns once companies cleared their invoices. However, the entire operation was fraudulent; vendor profiles were fabricated, and no genuine transactions occurred.

The scheme functioned as a classic Ponzi setup, using funds from new investors to pay earlier ones. Out of the ₹1,700 crore collected from nearly 7,000 investors, only ₹850 crore was returned before the company collapsed. The remaining funds were siphoned off to various shell companies.

Authorities have arrested two individuals, Pavan Kumar and Kavya N, in connection with the scam. The main suspects, including Falcon’s founder Amardeep Kumar, COO Aryan Singh, and CEO Yogender Singh, are currently absconding. Investigations are ongoing, with the Enforcement Directorate involved.

Many investors have reported significant losses. For instance, a tech professional from Bengaluru lost ₹1.5 crore, and an assistant professor from Telangana invested over ₹30 lakh. Victims were primarily attracted through social media platforms.

To protect yourself from such scams:

• Verify Platforms: Ensure the legitimacy of investment platforms by checking their registration and regulatory approvals.
• Be Skeptical of High Returns: Be cautious of schemes promising unusually high returns with little or no risk.
• Avoid Unsolicited Offers: Do not invest in schemes promoted through unsolicited messages or social media ads.
• Consult Professionals: Seek advice from certified financial advisors before making significant investments.

If you or someone you know has been affected by such a scheme, it’s advisable to report the matter to local authorities or the cybercrime helpline at 1930.

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