Pune resident defrauded of Rs 2.17 crore via fake SEBI certificate on Instagram
What happened
A software engineer from Pune lost Rs 2.17 crore after clicking on a share trading advertisement on Instagram. The fraud involved a fake app that displayed a purported Securities and Exchange Board of India certificate to establish credibility. The victim was gradually persuaded to transfer large sums of money to bank accounts provided by the fraudsters. Officials from a company allegedly impersonated in the scheme denied any association with the investment platform.
From freepressjournal.in
Why it matters
The incident illustrates how scammers are utilizing social media platforms like Instagram to promote fraudulent investment schemes. The misuse of the Securities and Exchange Board of India identity suggests risks to market integrity and consumer protection in digital finance.
Scammers are increasingly using Instagram to lure victims into investment schemes, prompting advice that platforms must be verified with Securities and Exchange Board of India registration.
From freepressjournal.in
Who's involved
- PuneLocation of the victim who was defrauded
- InstagramSocial media platform used by fraudsters to post the advertisement
- Securities and Exchange Board of IndiaGovernment agency whose certificate was falsely used in the scheme
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- InstagramSpeculative
Instagram could face increased regulatory costs or reputational damage impacting user trust and platform revenue.
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The entities involved
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Pune
metropolis in Maharashtra, India
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Securities and Exchange Board of India
registration authority
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Instagram
photo and video sharing social network owned by Meta Platforms
Related events
- Ahmedabad branch arrested men supplying accounts to Dubai handlers involved in fraud using forged SEBI certificates.
- SEBI is working with Google to introduce verified badges for users.
- An AI voice-cloning scam incident was reported on Instagram in Khargone, Madhya Pradesh.
- The SEBI Special Court is located in Mumbai.
- SEBI issued warning letters to PC Jeweller Ltd regarding a database lapse on October 31, 2026.