Press Release no. 15/2026; Dated: 26.02.2026
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has issued a cautionary note highlighting instances of fraudsters sending fake notices demanding payment of outstanding Securities Transaction Tax (STT).
1. Modus Operandi of Fraudsters
SEBI has observed that fraudsters are:
- Circulating fake notices using forged SEBI letterheads
- Impersonating SEBI officials and its offices
- Creating and using fake or spoofed email IDs resembling those of SEBI officials
- Demanding payment of alleged outstanding STT amounts
These fraudulent communications are designed to mislead investors and extract money under the guise of regulatory compliance.
2. Risk to Investors
Unsuspecting investors are being deceived into believing these fraudulent communications and are transferring funds to unauthorised accounts, resulting in financial losses. SEBI has cautioned investors to remain vigilant and verify the authenticity of any such communication.
3. SEBI Clarification
SEBI has clarified the following:
- It does not issue notices to investors or entities for remittance of outstanding STT amounts.
- It does not coordinate with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for recovery or collection of STT through such notices.
- Any communication claiming otherwise should be treated as fraudulent.
4. Advisory to Investors
Investors are advised to:
- Exercise caution when receiving unsolicited notices or payment demands
- Verify communications claiming to be from SEBI through official channels
- Avoid transferring funds based on suspicious or unverified instructions
This advisory is aimed at protecting investors from financial fraud and ensuring awareness about impersonation and phishing attempts misusing SEBI’s name.
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