Amid a rise in cyber fraud cases related to online investments, the Cyber Branch of the Rajasthan Police has issued a special advisory under the guidance of the Director General of Police, Rajasthan.
Investors are advised to verify any UPI ID, QR code, or bank account number through a “SEBI Check” before making payments for investment or trading purposes. Cybercriminals are enticing individuals with false investment offers and promising significant returns, as highlighted by Deputy Inspector General of Police Vikas Sharma.
To protect investors, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has introduced a verification feature allowing users to confirm if the UPI ID or bank account provided for payment is associated with a SEBI-registered intermediary. To conduct a SEBI Check, investors need to download the SEBI Saathi App or visit the official website of SEBI.
By clicking on the “SEBI Check” option on the homepage, users can upload the QR code of the concerned individual or entity, or input their UPI ID or bank account number for verification. If the UPI ID is validated, it signifies that the ID belongs to a SEBI-registered intermediary and is secure for transactions. Conversely, an invalid UPI ID indicates that it is not registered with SEBI, cautioning against making payments in such instances.
Investors are reminded to engage solely with SEBI-registered brokers or investment advisors, exercise vigilance towards social media or messaging app offers promising quick returns, and avoid transferring investment funds to personal bank accounts. In case of falling victim to cyber fraud, individuals are urged to contact the national helpline 1930, reach out to the Cyber Help Desk at 9256001930 / 9257510100, report the incident on the official portal (https://cybercrime.gov.in), or seek assistance from the nearest police or cyber police station.
