The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) issued a public warning against fake trading apps [1].

This alert comes as fraudsters increasingly exploit the desire for quick profits by promoting bogus investment schemes. Because these scams often promise guaranteed or doubled earnings, they pose a significant risk to retail investors who may lose their entire principal to fraudulent platforms [1], [2].

Regulators said investors should avoid any platform or individual that promises assured returns on investments. The warning emphasizes that legitimate trading involves inherent risks and that no credible entity can guarantee a specific profit margin [2].

To mitigate these risks, SEBI and NSE said investors must use only SEBI-registered advisers and credible, verified platforms [1], [2]. The regulators said that fraudsters often use fake apps to mimic legitimate financial services, a tactic designed to deceive users into transferring funds under the guise of professional portfolio management [1].

Investors are encouraged to verify the registration status of any financial adviser through official regulatory channels before committing capital [2]. The joint effort by the NSE and SEBI aims to increase awareness across India regarding the hallmarks of investment fraud [1], [2].

SEBI and NSE issued a public warning against fake trading apps

The joint warning signals an increase in sophisticated phishing and fraudulent app deployment targeting the growing retail investor base in India. By emphasizing the necessity of SEBI registration, regulators are attempting to shift the burden of due diligence onto the investor while establishing a clear standard for legitimacy in a crowded fintech market.