Scam Shield — Asli ya Nakli?
Got a "sure-shot" tip, a tempting advisor, or a forwarded message? Run it through the red-flag check before you trust a rupee to it. Everything runs in your browser — nothing you type is sent or stored.
This is an educational tool. It does not confirm or deny whether any person or company is genuine — only SEBI's official records can do that. It flags warning signs and shows you how to verify for yourself.
Paste the WhatsApp / Telegram message, SMS or "tip" you received:
No red flags ticked — but stay careful.
A clean checklist is not proof of legitimacy. Always verify any adviser’s SEBI registration yourself (tab 3) before you pay or act.
Warning signs ticked — be cautious.
Treat this tip or advisor with suspicion. Do not pay or share anything until you have independently verified the source on SEBI (tab 3).
Multiple serious warning signs — high fraud risk.
This shows the classic hallmarks of an investment scam. Do not act, pay or share any details. Verify on SEBI and consider reporting it on SCORES (tab 3).
Tick everything that's true about this tip / advisor. Each tick explains why it's a warning sign.
A registration number alone proves nothing — fraudsters copy and forge them. Always check the number against SEBI's own live database:
Then verify it on SEBI's own database
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Find the claimed SEBI number. A real one looks like
INA000001234(Investment Adviser),INH000001234(Research Analyst) orINZ000001234(broker). No number on the pitch? Treat it as a scam. - Search SEBI's official lists for that exact number and name: SEBI registered intermediaries →
- Cross-check the entity on the SEBI website's search before you pay or share anything.
- Something feels wrong? File or check a complaint on SEBI's official grievance portal: SCORES (SEBI Complaints Redress System) →
Only SEBI-registered Investment Advisers (RIA) and Research Analysts (RA) may give paid stock advice in India. Anyone selling "tips" in a paid Telegram/WhatsApp group without registration is acting illegally.
SEBI scam check — frequently asked questions
How do I check if an advisor is SEBI registered?
Ask for their SEBI registration number, then search for that exact number and name on SEBI’s official website (sebi.gov.in) under registered intermediaries. Never rely on a screenshot, certificate image or the number alone — confirm it on SEBI’s own live database.
What does a SEBI registration number look like?
It is “IN”, then a letter, then nine digits — for example INA000001234. INA is an Investment Adviser (RIA), INH is a Research Analyst (RA), INZ is a stock broker and INP is a portfolio manager. If a tip or advisor has no valid SEBI number, treat it as a scam.
Is it legal to give stock tips on Telegram or WhatsApp?
Only SEBI-registered Investment Advisers (RIA) and Research Analysts (RA) may give investment advice or stock tips for a fee in India. Anyone selling “tips” or running a paid “VIP” Telegram/WhatsApp group without SEBI registration is acting illegally.
Someone promised guaranteed or “sure-shot” returns — is that a scam sign?
Yes. No one can guarantee market returns, and SEBI bars registered advisers from promising returns. A guarantee, a “sure-shot” call, or a promise to double your money is one of the strongest warning signs of a fraud.
How do I report a stock market fraud or a fake adviser?
Raise a complaint on SCORES, SEBI’s official online grievance system (scores.sebi.gov.in). You can also report fraudulent numbers and messages to the cyber-crime helpline 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in.
Does Scam Shield tell me what to buy or whether an advisor is genuine?
No. Scam Shield is an educational tool only. It does not give buy/sell advice, does not promise returns, and never confirms or denies whether any person or company is genuine — only SEBI’s official records can do that. It simply flags common warning signs and shows you how to verify for yourself.