Regulator Urges Verification of Official Correspondence
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has issued a public warning concerning fraudulent communications falsely attributed to the regulator. These deceptive messages, often disseminated via social media platforms, mimic official SEBI correspondence using forged letterheads, logos, and seals. In some instances, individuals have received notices demanding payment of fines to avoid regulatory action, accompanied by counterfeit documents such as sale certificates and third-party vendor account certifications.
SEBI emphasises that all its official communications, including letters, notices, show-cause notices, and summons, bear a unique document identification number and are accessible through its official website (www.sebi.gov.in). The regulator advises investors to verify the authenticity of any communication purportedly from SEBI by cross-referencing with the information available on its website.
Enhanced Measures for Investor Protection
To facilitate the verification process, SEBI has implemented a document verification system, enabling recipients to confirm the legitimacy of documents claiming to originate from the regulator. This initiative is part of SEBI’s broader efforts to safeguard investors from fraudulent activities and ensure transparency in its operations.
Investors are urged to exercise vigilance when dealing with communications requesting personal information or payments on behalf of SEBI. The regulator reiterates that it does not solicit sensitive information or payments through informal channels such as social media or messaging platforms. Any such requests should be treated with suspicion and reported to the appropriate authorities.
SEBI’s warning reminds investors to remain cautious and rely solely on official channels for information and communication with the regulator. By adhering to these guidelines, investors can protect themselves from potential scams and contribute to the integrity of the financial markets.
About the Author – Anirudh Mittal is a B.Sc. LL.B. (Hons.) student at National Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar, with a keen interest in corporate law and tech-driven legal change.