Chit funds have long been a part of India’s informal financial ecosystem. Blending aspects of savings and borrowing, these schemes are often woven into the social fabric of small towns, urban neighbourhoods, and even office circles. On the surface, chit funds seem like a convenient, flexible, and even trustworthy way to manage finances. But beneath this familiarity lies a significant risk—especially when the chit fund is unregulated , privately managed, and operated outside the bounds of formal finance. Investors lured by the promise of higher returns may find themselves caught in a web of defaults, mismanagement, and financial ruin. This article outlines the key dangers of investing in such schemes and why cautious, informed decision-making is essential. Understanding How Chit Funds Work A chit fund is a type of rotating savings and credit association (ROSCA). A group of people contribute a fixed amount of money every month. At periodic intervals, one member receives the total...