With fraudsters on the prowl, Sebi asks investors to stay alert

Mumbai: Markets regulator Sebi has warned of fraudsters impersonating the regulator's officials, illegally using its letterheads, email IDs and signatures of officials to send notices to entities and then asking them to settle cases by paying money.

Sebi asked people to communicate with it through its website only, and pay for regulatory settlement or other dues through the payment gateway on Sebi's portal. In case of any doubts, people should contact the Sebi's officials through the numbers given on its website, the regulator said through a release.The regulator said it was issuing the release "to advise investors to protect themselves from fraudsters and remain vigilant while dealing with communications fabricated to have been sent by Sebi officials and senders seeking payment on behalf of Sebi.""Fraudsters are claiming to be officials of Sebi and sending a communication to entities using the letterhead, logo and seal of Sebi. It is noted in certain instances that fraudsters are sending notices through social media platforms and requesting for payments for compliance services, payment of penalty amounts or fines to prevent action by Sebi," the release said.Gullible investors are losing their hard-earned money by believing these fraudsters and transferring money to these fraudulent accounts, and investors should verify the authenticity of people demanding information or payment on behalf of Sebi, the regulator said.