Hey there! Ever thought about trading in stocks, forex, commodities, or crypto? It's like the big leagues of making money, but with great power comes great responsibility, and by responsibility, I mean the need to stay sharp! Telegram groups can be treasure troves of advice, but some are traps. Let’s learn how to tell the difference.

Key Points to Avoid Scams

1. The Buzz of the Group

Imagine a party where only 10 people are dancing out of 100. Seems off, right? Same goes for Telegram groups. If you see a group with thousands of members but only a few are actually paying attention to the posts, something’s fishy. Always aim for a group where folks are active and engaged. In the below shared example you will see 3MP Telegram group has more than 40% active members while Bulls VS Bears Telegram has less then 1% active members.

2. The Classic Pump and Dump

Watch out for groups that keep hyping up one specific stock, forex pair, commodity, or crypto coin. It’s like having a friend who only talks about one thing—boring and sometimes suspicious, especially if what they're hyping isn’t that popular elsewhere. In the below example you will see there is no such value in the stock Plaza Cable suggested by Equity99 Telegram Group, it is just trying to hype it (in my view).

3. The Impersonation Game

Some groups pretend to be someone they’re not, like using a famous trader’s name to seem legit. Always double-check if that person has endorsed the group or mentioned it on their real social media or website. Below I have shared 1 major Finfluencer Rachna Ranade's case where she doesn't have a Telegram group but there are numerous groups in her name and same is the the case with a micro Finfluencer Sharra B.

4. Stick to the Pros

For stock trading, there are advisors who are officially registered (like SEBI in India). Make sure your group is led by someone who’s legally recognised to give advice. It’s a bit like making sure your football coach actually knows how to play football. Check for SEBI Registered number like we have shared for 3 MP Value Picks Telegram Channel and Aakanksha Option Learning Telegram Channel. You can also check SEBI's website.

5. Seek Out Original Broker Channels

It’s like choosing the real deal over a knockoff. Genuine broker channels, such as those from ICICI Direct or Kotak Securities, offer a wealth of legitimate information and trading calls—all for free. But just like in a crowded market, fakes are lurking around. These impostors mimic reputable brokers, tricking traders into joining their channels, often luring them with promises of exclusive, paid advice that’s supposedly better than the free tips the real channels offer.

6. The Changing History Trick

Have you ever told a story and then changed it later? Some group admins do that with their posts. They might make a prediction, and when it doesn't happen, they go back and change their prediction. Always watch for posts that have been edited afterward. It's hard to give an example here because I couldn't take a screenshot of the previous post. But I will definitely share one if I find it and can take a screenshot.

7. Doing Your Homework - Very Important

Checking a group's history is like looking at reviews before buying something online. It takes time but can save you from regret. Look into their past advice to see if it actually worked out and try to figure out if they're legitimate. Join our waitlist to get notified once we start creating this.

Additional Safe Trading Practices

1. Plan Your Entry and Exit: Always know when to jump in and when to get out, just like knowing the right time to leave a party. Place a bracket order, trade with a stop loss and target. Most brokers offer this in one form or another. This is very important, but most traders don't follow it. You also won't be able to track exit messages if the admin posts them suddenly. So, keep your notifications on if you enter a trade. I have shared an example of Zerodha here.

   

   
   

2. Don’t Let Emotions Drive: Trading on a whim because you're feeling lucky is like texting an ex; it feels right in the moment but isn’t a great idea.

   
   

3. Quality Over Quantity:It's better to make a few well-thought-out trades than lots of random ones. Choose your risk appetite and asset class wisely. If you're attracted to option trading, keep in mind the associated risks and invest an appropriate amount. Also, follow a group that specializes in option trading. Or, execute only the option trades from all the trades given. You can even narrow down to only Nifty, BankNifty, or stock options.

   

   
   

4. No Borrowing to Bet: Using money you don’t have to trade is like gambling with borrowed cash. It’s risky and can get you into a lot of trouble.

   
   

5. Paper Trade: This will help you identify the challenges in executing trades, as there will be a difference between the time of the message and the execution. Paper trading can help you understand this gap and create a process to trade accordingly.

   
   

6. Don't Purchase Paid Group Plans Instantly : Always ask for previous reports, request a free trial, and inquire about discounts. Don't pay until you are satisfied.

Recommended Tools and Resources

• For the number crunchers: Check out Screener.in for digging into a company’s details.

• For the chart enthusiasts: TradingView is your go-to for spotting trends.

• For the strategy gamers: Opstra or Sensibull can help you plan your options strategy.

• For the curious: We’ve got a list of top-notch Telegram groups on our blog, vetted for their advice quality.

Your Trading Journey Awaits

Trading can be thrilling, and with the right group, incredibly rewarding. Remember, the key to success is staying informed, cautious, and ready to learn. With this guide, you’re well on your way to navigating the trading world on Telegram like a seasoned pro. Happy trading!

Feeling ready to take on the trading world? Join our waitlist for the ultimate guide to Telegram trading groups and start your journey with confidence!