By CyberNewsShield Editorial Desk
3 min read
Published
Updated
Fake "investment advisers" often start with a free tip on a messaging group, then move you to a "premium" group or a trading app of their own. Their common tool is a promise of high or guaranteed returns.
The two-minute check
- Is the person registered? Investment advisers, research analysts and brokers must be registered with SEBI. Look the name up in the intermediary search on the SEBI website, and match the registration number exactly.
- Is the platform genuine? Use only apps and websites that your registered broker or a known exchange member publishes, from the official store.
- Where does the money go? Legitimate payments go to the registered entity's own account, never to a personal account or UPI ID.
One rule to remember
No one can guarantee returns on market investments. A guarantee is a warning, not a promise.
Other red flags
- Screenshots of huge profits, "insider" information or "IPO allotment guaranteed".
- Pressure to decide today, or to add more money to "unlock" withdrawal.
- Group admins who ask you to install an unlisted app.
If you have an issue with a registered intermediary, you can complain on SEBI SCORES. For fraud, call 1930.
Education only. CyberNewsShield does not give investment advice or recommend any product.
Sources
We summarise in our own words and link to the original sources.