OFFSIDE: Spain hand Cristiano Ronaldo a reality check as Belgium cancel USA’s trump card

OFFSIDE: Spain hand Cristiano Ronaldo a reality check as Belgium cancel USA’s trump card

Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo (7) reacts after the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Portugal and Spain in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Monday, July 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson) Hello and welcome to another edition of Offside. First off, Spain saw off Portugal to win the Iberian derby, while Belgium won the world’s approval…

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Representative image The ministry of home affairs (MHA) has warned citizens against a surge in online investment scams, saying cybercriminals are increasingly using messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram to lure victims with promises of quick, high and guaranteed returns.The advisory, issued by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), urges investors to stay vigilant and verify every investment opportunity before parting with money.Fake WhatsApp and Telegram investment groupsAccording to the advisory, fraudsters create fake investment groups on WhatsApp and Telegram, posing as stock market experts or representatives of reputed financial firms.They attract users by sharing so-called “VIP stock tips”, fabricated success stories and claims of exclusive investment opportunities designed to create a false sense of credibility.Fake trading apps distributed through private linksThe MHA has cautioned users against downloading trading applications through private links shared in chats or social media messages.Cybercriminals persuade victims to install these fake apps instead of downloading them from official app stores, exposing users to financial fraud as well as data theft.Guaranteed returns and VIP stock tipsOfficials have identified promises of “guaranteed returns” and exclusive stock recommendations as major warning signs.The advisory stresses that no legitimate investment or stock market platform can guarantee profits, and such claims should immediately raise suspicion.Fake profits to gain trustInvestigators said fraudsters typically display fabricated profits on fraudulent trading platforms after victims make their initial investments.These fake earnings are used to convince investors to deposit increasingly larger amounts, making the scam appear genuine.Withdrawal blocked unless more money is paidOne of the most common tactics flagged by the ministry involves blocking withdrawals when victims try to access their money.Fraudsters then demand additional payments, claiming they are needed for taxes, processing fees or account verification.The MHA has emphasised that genuine stockbrokers or financial institutions never ask customers to deposit more money in order to withdraw existing funds.Mumbai retired scientist caseThe I4C highlighted the case of a retired scientist from Mumbai who was added to an unknown WhatsApp investment group.According to news agency ANI, he was persuaded to download a fake trading app through a private link and invest increasing sums after being shown fabricated profits.When he attempted to withdraw his earnings, access to his account was blocked and he was unable to recover his money.The ministry has urged people not to trust investment advice from unknown WhatsApp or Telegram groups, avoid downloading trading apps through unofficial links and independently verify brokers and trading platforms before investing.Authorities indicated that raising public awareness is one of the most effective defences against financial crimes facilitated by cyber means. They urged individuals to remain vigilant, independently confirm investment opportunities, and share such warnings with family and friends to help prevent others from becoming victims of online scams.Victims of cyber fraud have been advised to immediately report incidents by calling the National Cyber Crime Helpline on 1930 or filing complaints through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal to improve the chances of fund recovery.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPM Modi’s Indonesia Visit : BrahMos, Astra Missiles, Critical Minerals And Big OutcomesUnpublished ARAI Study Flags E20 Compatibility Issues In Older VehiclesMumbai-Pune Expressway: 4 Reasons The New Corridor Failed Its First Monsoon TestRam Temple Row Escalates As Akhilesh Yadav Warns Nishikant Dubey Of FIR Over Social Media PostIndian Diplomat Protests Incorrect Map Depicting J&K As Part Of Pakistan At Dhaka SeminarOwaisi Says Amit Shah ‘Doesn’t Do Things Casually’, Claims Meeting Points to NRC RolloutRam Mandir Trust Meeting: Champat Rai’s Resignation Accepted, Donated Items Put On DisplayPM Modi Praises BJP Chief Nitin Nabin After Kejriwal’s ‘Who Are You’ Remark | WatchBaruipur Rape Horror: Mamata Leads Protest, CM Suvendu Vows to Ensure Death PenaltyRam Mandir Trust Chief Demands Strict Action As Donation Probe Intensifies Further123Photostories5 simple ways to make meditation a daily habitNational parks you can visit using Vande Bharat trains without taking a flight: India’s best wildlife getaways by railFrom a lush garden to vibrant interiors: Inside Anupamaa fame Rupali Ganguly’s nature-inspired Mumbai homeShould fruits be eaten before or after meals? Here’s what research actually saysHow to Identify Animal Paw Prints While TrekkingSonam to Janhvi: The Kapoor sisters turned Anshula Kapoor’s wedding into a fashion runwayHow to maintain Angelfish in an aquarium: A step-by-step beginner’s guideDrinking tea hotter than 65°C may increase the risk of esophageal cancerPM Modi to visit Prambanan Temple Complex in Indonesia: 5 fascinating facts about the historic UNESCO siteA coral bride and a champagne groom: Decoding Anshula Kapoor and Rohan Thakkar’s wedding looks123Hot PicksArgentina vs EgyptPM Modi Indonesia VisitWayanad LandslideMumbai rain deathMumbai school holidayKimi AntonelliErling HaalandMumbai schools holidayMumbai-Pune expresswayTop TrendingIran-US WarMumbai FloodsBengal Rape CaseFIFA World Cup 2026CBSE Class 10 ResultRam temple donationMumbai rainStock Market TodayMumbai Rain DeathKCET mock seat allotment

Representative image The ministry of home affairs (MHA) has warned citizens against a surge in online investment scams, saying cybercriminals are increasingly using messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram to lure victims with promises of quick, high and guaranteed returns.The advisory, issued by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), urges investors to stay vigilant and verify every investment opportunity before parting with money.Fake WhatsApp and Telegram investment groupsAccording to the advisory, fraudsters create fake investment groups on WhatsApp and Telegram, posing as stock market experts or representatives of reputed financial firms.They attract users by sharing so-called “VIP stock tips”, fabricated success stories and claims of exclusive investment opportunities designed to create a false sense of credibility.Fake trading apps distributed through private linksThe MHA has cautioned users against downloading trading applications through private links shared in chats or social media messages.Cybercriminals persuade victims to install these fake apps instead of downloading them from official app stores, exposing users to financial fraud as well as data theft.Guaranteed returns and VIP stock tipsOfficials have identified promises of “guaranteed returns” and exclusive stock recommendations as major warning signs.The advisory stresses that no legitimate investment or stock market platform can guarantee profits, and such claims should immediately raise suspicion.Fake profits to gain trustInvestigators said fraudsters typically display fabricated profits on fraudulent trading platforms after victims make their initial investments.These fake earnings are used to convince investors to deposit increasingly larger amounts, making the scam appear genuine.Withdrawal blocked unless more money is paidOne of the most common tactics flagged by the ministry involves blocking withdrawals when victims try to access their money.Fraudsters then demand additional payments, claiming they are needed for taxes, processing fees or account verification.The MHA has emphasised that genuine stockbrokers or financial institutions never ask customers to deposit more money in order to withdraw existing funds.Mumbai retired scientist caseThe I4C highlighted the case of a retired scientist from Mumbai who was added to an unknown WhatsApp investment group.According to news agency ANI, he was persuaded to download a fake trading app through a private link and invest increasing sums after being shown fabricated profits.When he attempted to withdraw his earnings, access to his account was blocked and he was unable to recover his money.The ministry has urged people not to trust investment advice from unknown WhatsApp or Telegram groups, avoid downloading trading apps through unofficial links and independently verify brokers and trading platforms before investing.Authorities indicated that raising public awareness is one of the most effective defences against financial crimes facilitated by cyber means. They urged individuals to remain vigilant, independently confirm investment opportunities, and share such warnings with family and friends to help prevent others from becoming victims of online scams.Victims of cyber fraud have been advised to immediately report incidents by calling the National Cyber Crime Helpline on 1930 or filing complaints through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal to improve the chances of fund recovery.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPM Modi’s Indonesia Visit : BrahMos, Astra Missiles, Critical Minerals And Big OutcomesUnpublished ARAI Study Flags E20 Compatibility Issues In Older VehiclesMumbai-Pune Expressway: 4 Reasons The New Corridor Failed Its First Monsoon TestRam Temple Row Escalates As Akhilesh Yadav Warns Nishikant Dubey Of FIR Over Social Media PostIndian Diplomat Protests Incorrect Map Depicting J&K As Part Of Pakistan At Dhaka SeminarOwaisi Says Amit Shah ‘Doesn’t Do Things Casually’, Claims Meeting Points to NRC RolloutRam Mandir Trust Meeting: Champat Rai’s Resignation Accepted, Donated Items Put On DisplayPM Modi Praises BJP Chief Nitin Nabin After Kejriwal’s ‘Who Are You’ Remark | WatchBaruipur Rape Horror: Mamata Leads Protest, CM Suvendu Vows to Ensure Death PenaltyRam Mandir Trust Chief Demands Strict Action As Donation Probe Intensifies Further123Photostories5 simple ways to make meditation a daily habitNational parks you can visit using Vande Bharat trains without taking a flight: India’s best wildlife getaways by railFrom a lush garden to vibrant interiors: Inside Anupamaa fame Rupali Ganguly’s nature-inspired Mumbai homeShould fruits be eaten before or after meals? Here’s what research actually saysHow to Identify Animal Paw Prints While TrekkingSonam to Janhvi: The Kapoor sisters turned Anshula Kapoor’s wedding into a fashion runwayHow to maintain Angelfish in an aquarium: A step-by-step beginner’s guideDrinking tea hotter than 65°C may increase the risk of esophageal cancerPM Modi to visit Prambanan Temple Complex in Indonesia: 5 fascinating facts about the historic UNESCO siteA coral bride and a champagne groom: Decoding Anshula Kapoor and Rohan Thakkar’s wedding looks123Hot PicksArgentina vs EgyptPM Modi Indonesia VisitWayanad LandslideMumbai rain deathMumbai school holidayKimi AntonelliErling HaalandMumbai schools holidayMumbai-Pune expresswayTop TrendingIran-US WarMumbai FloodsBengal Rape CaseFIFA World Cup 2026CBSE Class 10 ResultRam temple donationMumbai rainStock Market TodayMumbai Rain DeathKCET mock seat allotment

The ministry of home affairs (MHA) has warned citizens against a surge in online investment scams, saying cybercriminals are increasingly using messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram to lure victims with promises of quick, high and guaranteed returns.The advisory, issued by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), urges investors to stay vigilant and…

Read More
KEAM 2026 trial allotment result released at cee.kerala.gov.in; direct link to check here

KEAM 2026 trial allotment result released at cee.kerala.gov.in; direct link to check here

KEAM 2026 trial allotment result The Kerala Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE) has released the Kerala Engineering, Architecture and Medical Entrance Examination (KEAM) 2026 trial allotment result. Candidates who registered for the counselling process can now check their trial allotment by visiting the official website, cee.kerala.gov.in.To access the result, candidates need to log in using…

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‘What is the meaning of freedom’: ‘Maa Inti Bangaram’ director Nandini Reddy backs Diljit Dosanjh led ‘Satluj’ after OTT removal

‘What is the meaning of freedom’: ‘Maa Inti Bangaram’ director Nandini Reddy backs Diljit Dosanjh led ‘Satluj’ after OTT removal

Telugu filmmaker Nandini Reddy who recently directed Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s ‘Maa Inti Bangram,’ shared her support for Diljit Dosanjh starrer ‘Satluj’. The movie has been in the news after it was recently released on OTT and removed from the platform within two days. The director recently talked abmissing out the last 30 minutes of the…

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‘I have not made or authorised any such statement’: Suryakumar Yadav breaks silence on viral fake quote | Cricket News

‘I have not made or authorised any such statement’: Suryakumar Yadav breaks silence on viral fake quote | Cricket News

Suryakumar Yadav (PTI Photo) NEW DELHI: Former India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has strongly dismissed a fake statement circulating on social media, urging fans not to fall for misinformation while reiterating his unwavering support for the Indian team despite losing the T20I captaincy.Suryakumar, who led India to the T20 World Cup title before being replaced…

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Updated: Jul 07, 2026, 14:45 IST

Updated: Jul 07, 2026, 14:45 IST

Lionel Messi (via Screengrab) Argentina will continue their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a Round of 16 clash against Egypt at Atlanta Stadium in Georgia on Tuesday, July 7. The defending champions are one of few teams to win all their matches so far. They have entered the knockout phase as strong favourites. Lionel…

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JNVST Class 6 registration 2027 begins; check eligibility, exam date and pattern

JNVST Class 6 registration 2027 begins; check eligibility, exam date and pattern

JNVST Class 6 registration 2027 begins The Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) has released the official notification and prospectus for the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Selection Test (JNVST) 2027 for admission to Class 6. Eligible students can now submit their applications for admission to Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) for the 2027-28 academic session.According to the official schedule,…

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‘Awarapan 2’ song ‘Ve Junoon’ out: Emraan Hashmi and Disha Patani spark magic in haunting track with netizens saying ‘Akha Bollywood ek taraf, Emraan Hashmi ki playlist ek taraf’

‘Awarapan 2’ song ‘Ve Junoon’ out: Emraan Hashmi and Disha Patani spark magic in haunting track with netizens saying ‘Akha Bollywood ek taraf, Emraan Hashmi ki playlist ek taraf’

‘Awarapan 2’ song ‘Ve Junoon’ out: Emraan Hashmi and Disha Patani spark magic in haunting track with netizens saying ‘Akha Bollywood ek taraf, Emraan Hashmi ki playlist ek taraf’ Nearly two decades after ‘Awarapan’ left an unforgettable mark with its emotionally charged music, the franchise is revisiting the same musical territory with ‘Awarapan 2’. The…

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Want to manifest health and wealth? These are the most powerful times of the day

Want to manifest health and wealth? These are the most powerful times of the day

Many people begin their day with affirmations, visualization or meditation, hoping to attract better health, financial abundance and personal success. There is no scientific proof that manifestation alone can produce certain results, but many spiritual practices hold that some times of day are better than others for setting intentions and creating that focused mindset. Practitioners…

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Donald Trump Turkey F-35: Donald Trump may allow Turkey back into F-35 fighter jet programme: Report

Donald Trump Turkey F-35: Donald Trump may allow Turkey back into F-35 fighter jet programme: Report

Turkey was removed from the F-35 programme in 2019 after purchasing the Russian-made S-400 air defence system (File photo) US President Donald Trump is expected to tell Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that he is prepared to allow Turkey to rejoin the F-35 stealth fighter jet programme, marking a potential breakthrough in one of the…

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Ram Temple theft row: UP CM Yogi Adityanath calls out Congress, Samajwadi Party with ‘chameleon’ dig | India News

Ram Temple theft row: UP CM Yogi Adityanath calls out Congress, Samajwadi Party with ‘chameleon’ dig | India News

“Even a chameleon would likely feel embarrassed when compared to ‘Samajwadis’ and Congress members,” CM Yogi said. NEW DELHI: Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday went hammer and tongs against the opposition, which has put the BJP-RSS in the dock over the Ram Temple embezzlement case that has now transitioned into a full-blown…

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“You guys are the smartest generation in this country”: boAt co-founder Aman Gupta tells Gen Z students

“You guys are the smartest generation in this country”: boAt co-founder Aman Gupta tells Gen Z students

“Go out there, build something. My biggest lessons came from failed startups”: boAt co-founder Aman Gupta tells Gen Z students Marwadi University hosted entrepreneur, investor and boAt Co-founder Aman Gupta for a fireside chat during the orientation programme for its incoming first-year students. The session brought together more than 650 students, who interacted with the…

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