Markets regulator SEBI cautions against fraudsters posing as officials

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New Delhi: To take investors for a ride, some fraudsters have begun posing as officers from the markets regulator SEBI and are seeking money from investors for resolving their complaints.

These unscrupulous elements, who are cheating investors or the public using the name of SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India), have already come to the notice of the markets watchdog and the regulator has cautioned the investors and the general public against such traps.

“These fraudsters are reported to have sent emails impersonating employees of SEBI/posing as officials/posing as official communication channels of SEBI and offer to help investors to resolve their complaints,” SEBI said in a statement on April 12.

Often, investors are made to part with money in the name of the processing fee, other fees, etc, it noted.

Accordingly, the regulator cautioned investors against such impersonations and further advises them to beware of emails/any other communication impersonating employees of SEBI and refrain from responding to such emails and communication.

“The only official and genuine website of Sebi, where an investor can file his/her complaint are https:cores.gov.in and members of the public are advised to be careful and not get misled by fake websites with similar addresses, fake logos / similar-looking domains and email ids, etc,” SEBI said.

The regulator advised investors to inform the local police or cyber crime authority about such frauds immediately.

Investors may also note that SEBI does not seek money or fees in any form for resolution of complaints, the regulator said.

Investors have been asked to exercise caution and not fall prey to fraudulent emails/communication in the name of SEBI or its officials.