Capital markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has cautioned investors against fake notices using its name, logo or seal, urging people to verify any such communication on its platform. "Public is urged to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of any communication that they might deem to have received from SEBI," Sebi says in a public notice.

The regulator's observation comes following the reports regarding certain individuals receiving communication wherein sender falsely claims to be an official of Sebi using letter letterhead, logo and seal of Sebi.

Sebi has urged people to be vigilant. "Public or investors are cautioned to verify communication purported to have been issued by Sebi in the above manner from the Sebi website. Investors are advised to be vigilant while dealing with communication/senders demanding information or payment on behalf of Sebi."

The regulator says in certain instances, the sender issued notices through social media platforms asking for the payment of a fine to prevent Sebi from taking action against the recipient. The sender forged a sale certificate to show that he was a buyer of PACL property, and issued a fake certificate of the use of a third-party vendor account.

How to verify Sebi communication:

i. Every order passed by Sebi bears a unique reference number and is available on the Sebi website

ii. Every recovery certificate issued by Sebi is available on the Sebi website

iii. Every official communication, such as a letter, notice, show-cause notice, summons etc., issued bears a unique document identification number (UDIN)

iv. Names, email IDs and contact numbers of SEBI officials are available on the SEBI website

v. Official electronic communication from Sebi is issued through the official e-mail IDs of SEBI officials. These email IDs end with the domain address @sebi.gov.in.