Latest news with #WhatsApp-based
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Business Standard
24-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
No App? No problem. Zerodha brings mutual fund investing to WhatsApp
This initiative empowers investors to buy, sell, and track their mutual fund investments with just a few taps, eliminating the need for a separate application. Imagine starting your SIP or checking your mutual fund portfolio with the same ease as texting a friend. That's what Zerodha Fund House is promising with its latest innovation—a seamless, app-like mutual fund investment journey right inside WhatsApp. Zerodha Fund House has launched a visual, tap-based investing experience on WhatsApp, allowing users to invest, track, and manage mutual funds without downloading a separate app. The interface is built to be intuitive, eliminating the need to navigate cumbersome text-based chatbots or switch between apps. At a time when most mutual fund investors are juggling multiple apps, logins, and dashboards, Zerodha's new WhatsApp-based service lets investors: Start Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) Track existing mutual fund portfolios Complete KYC and onboarding for first-time investors All of this happens inside WhatsApp, making it feel less like managing finances and more like a casual conversation—just with bigger financial benefits. As Vishal Jain, CEO of Zerodha Fund House, puts it, "This isn't just a new feature; it's a new way to think about managing your investments: conversational, intuitive, and always at your fingertips." This move is not just a UI change—it's part of a growing shift toward 'conversational finance.' Much like how UPI made payments as easy as a tap, the WhatsApp interface for mutual funds could make investing second nature. Vaibhav Jalan, CBO of Zerodha Fund House, explains: 'We wanted to provide an interface that is instantly familiar and comfortable. By creating an app-like experience, we've built something that users can navigate visually and intuitively.' The WhatsApp investing platform is only available to KYC-verified users, ensuring security and regulatory compliance. How to Get Started To begin, just WhatsApp 'Hi' to +91-98453 35486, and follow the tap-friendly prompts. First-time users can complete onboarding within minutes. No downloads, no paperwork, no jargon.
IOL News
23-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
New WhatsApp platform empowers South Africans to tackle electricity and digital divide challenges
Ben Lindeque, Co-Founder and Business Architect at Prepaid24. Image: Supplied. In a significant step towards tackling South Africa's persistent electricity supply issues and digital divide, Prepaid24 has launched the country's first full-service WhatsApp-based platform. Announced this week, this innovative collaboration with WhatsApp solutions provider Chat Inc and payment gateway Ozow aims to streamline essential transactions, putting the power of service access directly in the hands of consumers. As millions of South Africans continue to face challenges with both electricity access and digital services, the new Prepaid24 – Transact WhatsApp channel responds to a pressing need. Users can now easily purchase prepaid electricity, pay municipal accounts, buy airtime, data, and various vouchers—all through a simple and familiar WhatsApp chat interface. 'This introduction of our WhatsApp channel directly responds to the ongoing challenges South Africans face with electricity access and digital inclusion,' said Ben Lindeque, Co-Founder and Business Architect at Prepaid24. The innovative platform emerges at a time when South Africa struggles with a reliable electricity supply and is striving to enhance digital accessibility. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Despite the growing prevalence of online payments, a substantial portion of the population remains hindered by limited internet access, unfamiliarity with complex online platforms, and lacking traditional banking infrastructure. By utilising WhatsApp, one of the most widely used communication tools in the country, Prepaid24 facilitates a more inclusive, user-friendly solution. 'Like many South Africans, I found navigating websites and making online payments intimidating, especially when things didn't go as planned. That personal frustration inspired us to build something radically simpler, something that meets users where they are: on WhatsApp,' Lindeque said. How the WhatsApp platform works The operational mechanics of the new Prepaid24 platform underscore its user-centric design. Users can initiate transactions simply by sending a 'Hi' message to 060 012 2010. Following this, they can select their desired service and make payments via Ozow's Instant EFT or the Prepaid24 SmartFund, with a PayShap integration set to be introduced shortly. Purchase confirmations and tokens are delivered instantaneously through the chat as well. This service comprehensively covers over 95% of South African municipalities and Eskom meters, making it relevant to a broad demographic across the nation. Beyond offering electricity top-ups, the platform also includes vouchers for popular streaming services like Netflix, DStv, Showmax, alongside familiar shopping options such as Takealot and Pick n Pay. Jonathan Williams, Founder and CEO at Chat Inc, expressed enthusiasm for this venture. Image: Supplied. This ground-breaking platform originates from a synergistic partnership among Prepaid24, Chat Inc, and Ozow. Chat Inc, recognisably known as 'the WhatsApp people', facilitates chat commerce experiences for numerous prestigious South African brands, providing solutions ranging from lead acquisition to enterprise-grade transactional chatbot platforms. Jonathan Williams, Founder and CEO at Chat Inc, expressed enthusiasm for this venture. 'We are thrilled to power this first-of-a-kind utility purchase channel in WhatsApp and to collaborate with such an innovative partner like Prepaid24. We're passionate about innovation and building technology that feels natural, and WhatsApp is where South Africans already live,' Williams said. Ozow's involvement ensures a secure and real-time payment processing framework for all transactions. Their expertise has resulted in a seamless payment journey, allowing users to receive their tokens and vouchers within seconds. This launch signifies a substantial trend towards leveraging widely adopted messaging platforms to deliver essential services, aiming to bridge digital divides and promote financial inclusion in South Africa. 'By simplifying the process of purchasing critical utilities like electricity and everyday vouchers, the platform could benefit a significant portion of the population, particularly those in underserved communities or those less comfortable with conventional online banking methods,' added Lindeque. BUSINESS REPORT
Time of India
22-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Mumbai woman loses Rs 8 crore to online stock scam over two months after WhatsApp message
A 62-year-old housewife from Bandra, Mumbai, has lost nearly Rs 8 crore to a cyber scam promising high returns through stock market investments. The fraud, which took place over two months, began with a WhatsApp message from someone pretending to represent a reputed financial company. Scam started with WhatsApp contact The woman received a message from an unknown number claiming to offer investment advice. The sender introduced her to a 'senior officer' and directed her to a website link. She was also added to a WhatsApp group where another person, claiming to be part of the same company, provided regular updates. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category All the individuals appeared professional, which built trust. She then started transferring money to various bank accounts as advised. According to PTI, she sent a total of ₹7.88 crore over time. 10% more demanded to release funds When she tried to withdraw her investments, the fraudsters asked her to pay 10% more of the invested amount. This raised doubts, and she realised it was a scam. She filed a complaint on the national cybercrime reporting portal. Police have now registered a case and launched an investigation. Similar frauds across India Cyber scams offering fake stock market profits are becoming common across the country. In two other recent cases, victims lost crores of rupees in similar WhatsApp-based frauds. Live Events Bengaluru student duped of ₹3.7 crore In May, a 19-year-old engineering student from Yelahanka, Bengaluru, lost ₹3.7 crore after being lured by a Facebook advertisement offering high returns. He joined a WhatsApp group called 'Wealth Architects' run by people posing as representatives from 'Rockefeller Capital'. The group shared fake profit screenshots to build credibility. The student started by investing small amounts and receiving fake returns. Encouraged by this, he opened a demat account using a fake link and continued investing. His parents also contributed after seeing supposed profits. The money was sent to 11 different bank accounts. Faridabad woman scammed of ₹7.59 crore In another case, a woman from Faridabad lost ₹7.59 crore after responding to a Facebook advertisement. She joined a WhatsApp group named 'ICICI IR Team (57)' and was instructed to install apps like IC ORGAN MAX and which were not genuine. Following their instructions, she sent money to several bank accounts expecting high returns. All instructions and promised profits were fake. The entire scheme was run by cyber fraudsters. Work-from-home scam: Four arrested for cheating Delhi man In a separate case, Delhi Police arrested four individuals involved in a work-from-home scam that cheated a man of more than ₹17 lakh. The victim was lured through messages promising easy income for simple online tasks. After completing some initial assignments and receiving small payments, he was asked to invest more money to access higher-paying jobs. Believing the offer was genuine, he continued transferring funds. When the promised returns stopped, he approached the police. Investigators traced the fraud to a group operating from multiple locations and arrested four people connected to the scheme. Police urge citizens to remain cautious Authorities have urged citizens to remain cautious about investment offers received through social media and messaging apps. Complaints can be reported through the cybercrime portal ( and investigations are ongoing in all three cases.
The Sun
19-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Johor manager loses RM260k in WhatsApp investment scam
JOHOR BAHRU: A company manager lost RM262,669 after falling victim to a WhatsApp-based stock investment scam. The 39-year-old victim reported the fraud to Seri Alam police after realising he had been deceived. Seri Alam police chief Supt Mohd Sohaimi Ishak said the scam began in April when the victim saw an investment ad on WhatsApp promising quick profits. 'The victim made 16 transactions into two bank accounts between April 25 and July 4, totalling RM262,669,' he said. The scam escalated when the victim was asked for additional payments to withdraw profits, but no returns were given. After failed attempts to recover his money, he lodged a police report. Initial checks by the Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) revealed one bank account was linked to a prior investment fraud case. Investigations are ongoing under Section 420 of the Penal Code for fraud. Mohd Sohaimi urged the public to verify investment schemes via the Securities Commission Malaysia and Semak Mule portal. 'Be wary of unrealistic returns and never share banking details,' he said. Victims of fraud should contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) at 997 immediately to halt transactions. - Bernama
Hindustan Times
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
CM Naidu calls day ‘unforgettable' after releasing Krishna river water to Rayalaseema
Nandikotkur , Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday said that supplying water to the drought-prone Rayalaseema region gives him immense happiness, calling the day "unforgettable" after releasing Krishna river water into the Handri Neeva Sujala canal. CM Naidu calls day 'unforgettable' after releasing Krishna river water to Rayalaseema "Today is an auspicious day in the history of Rayalaseema and marks a new step in enabling the flow of water. The happiness of providing water to Rayalaseema is unforgettable," said Naidu, addressing a village meeting at Malyala. Stating that he was born in Rayalaseema and understands the region's hardships, Naidu said many believed the area would turn into an arid stretch of rocks. However, he noted that he had invested hundreds of crores of rupees to prevent desertification. Although widening the Handri Neeva canals, which span over 554 km, was once considered impossible, Naidu said the state has earmarked ₹3,890 crore for the expansion work. Water has been released under phase I, and the second phase will be completed in 15 days to irrigate even the most distant lands in Rayalaseema, he added. Naidu assured that water will be supplied to Krishnagiri, Jeedipalli, and other project areas. He said nearly two lakh acres would be irrigated under the first phase and another six lakh acres under phase II of the HNSS project. According to the Chief Minister, the TDP government had spent ₹12,000 crore on projects in Rayalaseema, while the previous YSRCP government "did not spend even ₹2,000 crore in five years". "It is easy to make statements but very difficult to translate them into work," Naidu said, adding that while the TDP completed projects, the YSRCP "destroyed" them. He reiterated that the government would disburse the Annadata Sukhibhava scheme— ₹20,000 annual financial aid for farmers—as soon as the Centre releases its share of funds. The amount will be distributed in three phases, he said. Naidu also reaffirmed his commitment to providing free bus travel for women starting August 15. On the same day, 700 government services will be made available through the WhatsApp-based governance platform 'Mana Mitra', he added. The Chief Minister also referred to recent deliberations between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana on water-sharing, held in New Delhi on Wednesday. He stressed the need to avoid disputes and instead adopt a 'give and take' approach between the two Telugu states. Naidu emphasised that harnessing excess Godavari water, which currently drains into the sea, could help both states irrigate vast stretches of arid land. Following the water release, Naidu offered prayers and garments to the Handri Neeva waters in Nandyal district, as per an official statement. The water release marks a major milestone in the completion of the ₹696 crore Handri Neeva phase-I canal works. The widening of the canal is expected to enhance its carrying capacity to 3,850 cusecs. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
