A Study on Investment Scams and Their Impact on Students’ Mental Health at University Level in AJ&K

In today's digital age, the proliferation of online investment scams has become a pressing concern, particularly among university students in AJ&K, who are often lured by the promise of quick financial gains. These deceptive schemes, which guarantee substantial returns on modest initial investments, have led to a surge in unsuspecting victims left struggling with financial loss and the associated emotional damage. Against this backdrop, this research aimed to shed light on the prevalence and implications of online investment scams among students in AJ&K. Importantly, it's noteworthy that prior to this study, no comprehensive research has been conducted on this topic in the region, making this investigation the first of its kind. Through a comprehensive survey involving 500 participants and utilizing SPSS software for data analysis, it has uncovered critical insights into the multifaceted dynamics of these scams and their profound impact on students' mental health. The findings have illuminated that online investment scams have a significant emotional impact on students, leaving them feeling vulnerable and distressed. Notably, a key discovery revealed that a substantial portion of students fall victim to these scams due to their financial struggles to cover university expenses.