This page helps investors identify impersonation and fraud attempts, verify a genuine SEBI Registered Investment Adviser, and know exactly how Wealth Crafts operates to protect clients.
SEBI has warned about emails, messages, and fake websites impersonating SEBI or market participants that extract money under pretexts like “processing fees” or “fines.” Fraudsters misuse logos, letterheads, and officials’ names on social media and messaging apps.
Impersonate advisers or officials using look‑alike domains, fake letterheads, and forged IDs; request payments to resolve complaints or avoid penalties.
Create social media/Telegram/WhatsApp groups touting stock tips, “guaranteed returns,” or urgent fee demands; share doctored screenshots of performance.
Exploit common digital fraud tactics seen across banking and payments (phishing links, vishing calls, SIM swap, QR scams, remote access apps).
SEBI: Verify communications on official channels; SEBI does not ask for payments to resolve complaints; beware of fake websites and emails.
SEBI cautions specifically against fraudulent communications on social media misusing its name, logo, and forged documents; always verify authenticity.
RBI’s BE(A)WARE booklet details common fraud methods and precautions for digital transactions to prevent credential compromise.
Before engaging, verify these items step by step:
Confirm SEBI IA registration details on the official SEBI site and match the email/phone used to contact with what is publicly listed.
Insist on a signed Investment Advisory Agreement before any advice or fee payment; verify the agreement’s contact details.
SEBI has released “Most Important Terms and Conditions (MITC)” for investment advisory agreement between the investors and RIAs. Please read the SEBI mandates that such MITC should be part of your agreement with any RIA.
Never pay “processing fees,” “penalties,” or investment amounts to an adviser’s account; advisory fees are the only permitted transfer.
Cross‑check payment instructions received on social platforms with the official email/phone noted in the signed agreement.
I will sign (or have already signed) an Investment Advisory Agreement with you before asking for any fee payment.
Under IA rules, fees may be charged as a fixed annual fee or as a percentage of Assets Under Advice, with regulatory caps.
Current guidance reflects caps of up to 2.5% AUA per annum per family or a fixed annual limit up to ₹ 1,51,000 per family, with recent updates indicating an increased fixed‑fee cap proposal/implementation; verify latest SEBI circulars at engagement time.
No profit‑sharing or “guaranteed returns” models are permitted for RIAs.
The person requests money to resolve a SEBI complaint, avoid action, or pay a “fine,” especially via social media or unofficial channels.
The contact uses a look‑alike domain, spoofed email, or WhatsApp/Telegram handle not matching registered details.
They push urgent payments, ask for OTPs/remote access, or promise guaranteed/high returns or profit‑sharing.
Only provides financial planning and investment advisory services as a SEBI‑registered RIA; no paid stock tips or guaranteed‑return schemes.
Shares fee requests only from the official email specified in the signed advisory agreement; never via Telegram/WhatsApp groups.
Never takes custody of funds, never accepts Power of Attorney, and never transacts on a client’s behalf; only advisory fees are payable.
Do not click links, share OTP/PIN, or install remote‑access apps; capture screenshots and headers.
Verify directly via the official email/phone in the advisory agreement or via SEBI’s official portal listings.
Report to local police/cybercrime; SEBI also advises immediate reporting of impersonation attempts.
SEBI complaints and document verification portals (to validate communications and check official actions).
RBI BE(A)WARE booklet for recognizing modus operandi like phishing, vishing, SIM‑swap, and QR scams.
