The recently exposed curative survey scam in J&K highlights the pervasive greed that led investors, including YouTubers and influencers, to fall prey to a cunning financial trap, prompting introspection on financial literacy and ethical investing.
Recently, a huge financial scam surfaced in J&K, leaving everyone awestruck. In the past, many such scams that targeted innocent, greedy, and selfish people in the name of investment were exposed and unveiled, but the curative survey scam is the first of its kind that shocked and fooled even the educated lot. It is estimated that the company escaped with money worth crores from the common Kashmiri people, especially females and students. The sensitivity of the issue can be seen in the fact that even YouTubers and influencers were deceived by the cunning and avaricious net set by the scammers. They trusted and promoted the company after following proper protocols, including document verification, registration, and government permission. Furthermore, the company had several head offices in central and North Kashmir, where dozens of employees were literally drawing uninterrupted salaries for the past year. Some reports even suggest that some of them had left their previous jobs and had applied to this company.
The investors are now blaming the promoters and influencers for misleading them into investing in the company, and they have sought the intervention of Cyber Police to take the deceivers to task. Meanwhile, a kind of disturbance and unforeseen circumstances have gripped the whole valley. Local journalists, YouTubers, and investors are being seen in a state of disdain, expressing their anguish and hatred against each other, and indulging in blame-game politics. Meanwhile, the Cyber police are reported to have sealed the offices of the company, and as per reports, the police have started an in-depth investigation to nab the criminals.
It has been aptly remarked that greed is a curse. The enlightened lot of the valley holds the investors responsible for investing in the company, and according to them, these people should have properly verified and made sure about its authenticity, but unfortunately, they didn’t. It is their greedy nature that made them scapegoats. As per them, the mechanism of getting the money doubled within 15 days is totally dubious and doubtful. Since the banks, post offices, and even the present government have announced several people-friendly schemes, they too never offered that much benefit. People tend to secure their lifelong earnings to unknown companies without proper verification and authenticity and without utilizing their wisdom and common sense. As the scam got leaked, these investors were seen wailing and crying for being innocent and simple, begging for help.
It is reported that a youth from Kulgam had researched the company’s authenticity on the insistence of friends and had actually uploaded an informative video on social media handles regarding the alleged financial scam from the curative company. The video received numerous negative comments from the investors and accused him of misleading and misguiding the people. Soon the company was exposed, and the commentators withdrew their comments. Such is the height of ignorance and selfishness on our part, and it shows how greedy and avaricious our activities are.
However, being Muslims, it is shameful for us. We have totally ignored the teachings of our religion. Our religion is so vast that it guides us even on how to enter the lavatory. It guides and teaches us about the minutest things in our lives from cradle to grave. Almighty Allah says in the Quran, “Those who consume interest cannot stand (on the day of resurrection) except one who is being beaten by Satan into sanity. That is because they say, “Trade is just like an interest.” But Allah has permitted trade and has forbidden interest. So whoever has received an admonition from his Lord and desists, may have what is past, and his affair rests with Allah.” (Al-Baqara 275).
Allah says, “They ask you about wine and gambling; say, “In them is a great sin and [yet, some] benefit for people. But their sin is greater than their benefit.” And they ask you what they should spend. Say, “The excess (beyond needs).” Thus Allah makes clear to you the verses that you might give thought.” (Al-Baqarah 219).
In the same chapter of the holy Quran, Allah says, “O mankind, eat from whatever is on earth (that is) lawful and good and don’t follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.” Here Allah clearly guides the whole mankind on what to eat and what is good for you. Lawful things are proven to be beneficial and advantageous and there isn’t any threat of being deceived or looted, neither causes any harm to others.
Allah says, “O, believers! Intoxicants, gambling, idols, and drawing lots for decisions are all evil of Satan’s handiwork. So shun them so you may be successful.” (Al-Maaida, 90).
It is also mentioned in Ahadith that they ask you about wine and gambling. Say: ‘In them both, lies grave sin, though some benefit to mankind. Thus Maisir is prohibited in Islamic finance as it creates wealth from chance instead of productive activity.
In conclusion, I would say that as long as we, as Muslims, remain in touch with our religion and follow the basic tenets of Islam, we will never indulge in any unlawful activity and never fall prey to these scams. Moreover, nothing is achieved without working hard and without making sacrifices. There is no shortcut to success.
The writer can be reached at hu*************@***il.com