In a dramatic turn of events, an online investment scam involving a mobile application has left thousands of people in Jagatsinghpur, Odisha, reeling with a massive loss of around Rs 20 crore. The app, dubbed HUGE, promised impressive returns on investments and quickly gained a significant user base. However, things went south when the app suddenly stopped working, leaving users unable to access their funds or accounts. The investigation, led by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Odisha Crime Branch, has sparked widespread concern and raised important questions about online scams.
If you’ve ever thought about investing money in online platforms or apps, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks. The HUGE app case is just one example of how easy it is to fall prey to scams in today’s increasingly digital world. In this article, we’ll break down the events surrounding this scam, how it unfolded, and most importantly, how you can protect yourself from falling victim to similar fraudulent schemes.
Major Online App Scam in Jagatsinghpur
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| App Name | HUGE |
| Total Loss | Rs 20 Crore |
| Victim Count | Thousands, including pensioners, youth, daily wage workers |
| Area Affected | Jagatsinghpur, Odisha (Naharana village) |
| Investigation | Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Odisha Crime Branch |
| Date App Shutdown | August 20, 2025 |
| Potential Involvement | Multi-level marketing (MLM), Ponzi Scheme |
| Official Sources | Economic Offences Wing |
| Recommendation | Always verify investment opportunities and avoid promises that sound too good to be true |
The HUGE app scam is a stark reminder that online investments come with risks, and not all opportunities are as lucrative as they appear. While the EOW continues to investigate the case, the public must stay vigilant and cautious when it comes to investing online. By doing thorough research, avoiding high-risk promises, and reporting suspicious activities, you can protect yourself from falling victim to similar schemes.
Background of the Jagatsinghpur Online App Scam
In November 2024, a mobile application named HUGE was launched, and it quickly gained popularity, particularly among people looking to make quick, easy money through online investments. The app claimed it could generate daily returns on small investments, making it an attractive proposition for individuals from all walks of life—whether they were pensioners looking for supplementary income or young workers hoping to make ends meet.
The investment promises were indeed enticing. For instance, a deposit of ₹5,500 could supposedly yield ₹200 per day, while a ₹16,500 investment would bring in ₹615 per day. On the surface, this might seem like a reasonable return on investment, but as is often the case with fraudulent schemes, the numbers didn’t add up.
What made the app even more appealing was its referral program. Users were encouraged to recruit others to join the platform, and they were rewarded with free electronic items and even more money for bringing in a large number of recruits. This pyramid-like setup made the app feel even more legitimate, as it created a network of users who believed in the system, which in turn encouraged them to invite even more people.
However, things began to unravel when users realized that their funds were no longer accessible. On August 20, 2025, the app ceased to function. Those who had invested thousands of rupees were left stranded, unable to withdraw any of their money. This sudden shutdown triggered panic, and reports flooded in from Jagatsinghpur, especially from Naharana village, where over 3,000 people had reportedly invested in the app.
The Impact on the Local Community
In a small village like Naharana, the financial fallout from the HUGE app scam was severe. Many of the victims were low-income workers, retirees, and stay-at-home mothers who had invested their hard-earned money with the hope of securing better returns. These individuals now find themselves struggling to make sense of what happened and what steps they can take to recover their money.
The suddenness of the app’s shutdown was a shock to the system for many of these victims. People who had been hopeful about securing a reliable source of income now face the harsh reality of potentially losing everything they had invested. This case highlights the dangers of online investment opportunities, especially when the returns seem too good to be true.
What Is the EOW Doing About It?
Given the scale of the scam, local law enforcement quickly transferred the case to the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) for further investigation. The EOW, which is a specialized unit within the Odisha Crime Branch, is equipped to handle complex financial fraud cases. The investigation aims to trace the individuals behind the HUGE app and uncover how the fraud was able to operate without detection for several months.
The EOW has already initiated a series of on-site visits to the villages affected by the scam. They are looking into the possibility that other scams of a similar nature might be happening elsewhere in the state. Given the nature of the app’s operation and its promises of high returns, there’s a chance that this might not be the only fraudulent platform targeting unsuspecting investors.
How Did This Scam Work?
The HUGE app operated like many other fraudulent investment schemes, often referred to as Ponzi schemes or multi-level marketing (MLM) frauds. Here’s how it worked in simple terms:
- Attractive Returns: Users were promised daily returns on their investments. This might seem realistic at first, but such high returns are often unsustainable.
- Referral System: To keep the app running, users were encouraged to invite others to invest. This created a pyramid structure, where the money from new investors was used to pay returns to earlier investors.
- Shut Down and Vanish: Once enough money was accumulated, the scammers simply shut the app down, taking the funds with them. Those left behind were unable to access their money or withdraw any funds.
Practical Advice: How to Avoid Falling for Similar Scams
This scam might seem like an isolated incident, but online investment fraud is a growing issue, not just in India but across the globe. Here’s how you can protect yourself:
- Avoid “Too Good to Be True” Offers: If an investment opportunity promises returns that seem too good to be true, they probably are. A daily return of 10-15% or more is unrealistic and unsustainable.
- Check for Legitimacy: Always verify the legitimacy of an app or platform before investing. Look for official licenses, reviews, and feedback from trusted sources.
- Understand the Risks: Every investment carries risk, but the higher the promised returns, the higher the risk. Do thorough research and understand where your money is going.
- Be Cautious with Referral Programs: While some referral programs are legitimate, they can also be used to disguise pyramid schemes. Be cautious about schemes that incentivize recruitment over actual investments.
- Report Suspicious Platforms: If you encounter a suspicious investment platform, report it to local authorities or consumer protection agencies immediately. This can help prevent others from falling victim to the same scam.
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FAQs
What is a Ponzi Scheme?
A Ponzi scheme is a type of investment scam where returns are paid to earlier investors using the capital of newer investors. This creates the illusion of a profitable business, but in reality, it’s just a shell game. When the scheme can no longer attract new investors, it collapses, and those left behind lose their money.
How can I tell if an investment opportunity is a scam?
Some common red flags of investment scams include: unrealistic promises of high returns, lack of transparency, pressure to recruit others, and the absence of a clear business model. Always conduct thorough research and consult with financial experts if you’re unsure.
What should I do if I’ve fallen for a scam?
If you’ve fallen victim to an online investment scam, report it to the authorities immediately. Provide any documentation or evidence of the transaction. The faster you act, the more likely it is that the scammers will be caught.
