Scam alert! Sebi warns investors against fraudulent communications demanding fines, using fake logos

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has issued a public advisory cautioning investors regarding fraudulent communications circulated by unidentified individuals who falsely claim to be SEBI officials. These impostors are reportedly misusing SEBI’s official letterhead, logo, and seal to send fabricated notices and demands via social media platforms.

In a media release issued on Wednesday, Sebi said that some of these fraudulent messages demand fines to prevent regulatory action while others include forged sale certificates pretending to validate purchase of PACL properties or issue fake usage certificates of third-party vendor accounts.

These activities are part of a broader scam attempting to deceive investors and extort money under the guise of regulatory enforcement.

The market watchdog clarified that genuine communications from the regulator can be verified directly through its official website, www.sebi.gov.in.

Each official document carries verifiable identifiers:

Orders issued by SEBI bear a unique reference number and can be accessed under Home > Enforcement > Orders.Recovery Certificates are listed under Home > Enforcement > Recovery Proceedings.Notices, summons, or any formal letters issued by SEBI include a Unique Document Identification Number (UDIN), which can be verified under Home > Authenticate Document Number Issued by SEBI.

SEBI officials’ contact details, including names, email IDs, and phone numbers, are publicly available under Home > About > SEBI Directory.

Official SEBI emails are sent only from addresses ending in @sebi.gov.in.

The market regulator has urged the public to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of any suspicious communications, especially those demanding payments. Investors are advised not to fall prey to such scams and to report any suspicious correspondence immediately.

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