Fraud
Awareness
Financial fraud is on the rise. Learn how to identify common scams, verify legitimate advisors, and protect your hard-earned money from fraudsters.
Common Investment Scams
Awareness is your first line of defence. Familiarise yourself with these common fraud tactics so you can spot them before it's too late.
Ponzi / Pyramid Schemes
Schemes that promise guaranteed high returns by using new investors' money to pay earlier investors. They inevitably collapse, leaving most participants with losses.
Fake Advisory Services
Unregistered advisors who charge hefty upfront fees for stock tips or investment advice, often disappearing after collecting payments.
Phishing & Identity Theft
Fake emails, SMS, or calls impersonating banks or financial institutions, asking for your OTP, passwords, or personal financial details.
Pump and Dump
Fraudsters artificially inflate stock prices through misleading statements, then sell their holdings at the peak, leaving other investors with worthless shares.
Guaranteed Returns Promises
No legitimate investment can guarantee returns. Anyone promising fixed or assured returns on market-linked products is either misleading you or operating illegally.
Fake Apps & Platforms
Cloned trading or investment apps designed to look like legitimate platforms. They collect your money and personal data, then vanish without a trace.
How to Verify a Legitimate Advisor
Before trusting anyone with your investments, run through this checklist to ensure they are genuine and properly registered.
- Check AMFI registration — search for the distributor on amfiindia.com
- Verify SEBI registration for Investment Advisers on the SEBI website
- Ask for the ARN (AMFI Registration Number) — ours is ARN-179226
- Never share OTP, passwords, or bank login credentials with anyone
- Be wary of guaranteed returns — it is illegal for advisors to promise this
- Check if the advisor has valid NISM (National Institute of Securities Markets) certification
- Always invest through official AMC platforms or registered apps only
- Get everything in writing — never rely on verbal promises or assurances
Red Flags to Watch For
If you encounter any of these warning signs, proceed with extreme caution or walk away entirely.
- Pressure to invest immediately or "limited time" offers
- Promises of returns above 15–20% guaranteed
- Asking for cash payments or transfers to personal accounts
- No proper documentation or receipts provided
- Avoiding discussion about risks associated with the investment
- Unregistered or unlicensed operators with no verifiable credentials
- Too good to be true — it probably is
What to Do If You're a Victim
If you suspect you have been defrauded, act quickly. Follow these steps to minimise damage and seek recourse.
Stop all further transactions immediately
Do not send any more money or share additional personal information. Cease all communication with the suspected fraudster.
Document everything
Take screenshots of messages, emails, transaction receipts, and any other evidence. Save copies in a secure location.
File a complaint on SEBI SCORES
Lodge a formal complaint on the SEBI Complaint Redress System for issues involving market intermediaries.
Visit SEBI SCORESReport to the Cyber Crime Cell
File an online complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal for any digital financial fraud.
Visit Cyber Crime PortalInform your bank immediately
Contact your bank to freeze transactions, block compromised cards, and prevent further unauthorised debits from your account.
File an FIR at the nearest police station
Register a First Information Report with local law enforcement to initiate a formal investigation.
Report & Verify
Use these official government and regulatory portals to report fraud, verify registrations, and file complaints.
SEBI SCORES
scores.sebi.gov.in
File complaints against market intermediaries
AMFI India
amfiindia.com
Verify mutual fund distributors and their registration
Cyber Crime Portal
cybercrime.gov.in
Report online financial fraud and cyber crimes
RBI Sachet
sachet.rbi.org.in
Report unauthorised financial schemes and entities
Invest Safely with a Registered Advisor
Infiniti Financial Services is AMFI-registered (ARN-179226) and committed to transparent, ethical financial guidance. Protect your wealth by choosing a verified advisor.