SEBI advisory on 3 things against which Investor must be cautious

PR No. 137/2016   It has come to the notice of SEBI that various entities are soliciting investors by offeringleagues/schemes/competitions etc. related to securities markets. Some of the schemes may involve distribution ofprize monies. Participation in such schemes including sharing of confidential and personal trading data is atinvestors’ own risk, cost and consequences as such schemes are neither approved nor endorsed by SEBI / SEBIrecognized Exchange(s). SEBI is issuing this caution to investors to warn about such schemes offered by third party or groupcompany/associate of stock broker(s) etc.  The investors may note that for any kind of disputes relating to suchschemes or enforcement of any agreement / MoU, etc., none of the following recourses will be available to investorsof such schemes: Benefits of investor protection under SEBI/ Exchange(s) Jurisdiction1. Exchange dispute resolution mechanism2. Investor grievance redressal mechanism administered by Exchange(s)3.    It has also come to the notice of SEBI that certain electronic platforms are facilitating fund raising on digitalplatforms like websites and other internet platforms, which are similar to the platforms of stock exchanges. Thesedigital platforms are neither authorized nor recognized under any law governing the securities market. Theelectronic platforms are allegedly facilitating investment in the form of private placement with companies, as theoffer is open to all the investors registered with the platform amounting to a contravention of the provisions ofSecurities Contract (Regulation) Act, 1956 (SCRA) and the Companies Act, 2013. Only recognized stock exchangesprovide a platform where equity and other securities issued by companies are listed and traded in accordance withthe provisions of the SCRA. The details of SEBI recognized stock exchanges are available on the SEBI websitewww.sebi.gov.in . Investors are hereby cautioned that all dealings on such unauthorized electronic platforms would be in contraventionof the relevant securities laws.page: 1 [ www.sebi.gov.in ]     The general public should not trade in the securities markets based on the tips/recommendations provided byunregistered  investment advisers / research analysts and should not get attracted or lured by such trading tips andstock specific recommendations received through Short Message Services (SMSs)or through any public mediaincluding websites or through any other social networking media. The public in general are advised to check theregistration status of the entity/person on the SEBI website before availing the investment advisory services/research services. Investors are advised to deal with SEBI registered entities whose details are available on the SEBI website (www.sebi.gov.in ).    MumbaiAugust 30, 2016page: 2 [ www.sebi.gov.in ]