The Message You Ignored Could Be the Fraud You Missed

Why Reading Alerts from Depositories and Regulators is Crucial for Your Financial Safety

Let's be honest-we all do it.

A message flashes on our phone:
"Your mobile number has been updated in your Demat account."
Or
"There is a change in your nominee or linked bank account."

We glance at it... and swipe it away.

After all, "I didn't request anything-must be a mistake or just a routine alert." But what if it wasn’t?

What if that message was your only warning before a fraudster gained control of your investment account?

What Are These Alerts and Why Are They Sent?

Depositories and regulators send real-time alerts to protect you. These include notifications for:

• Change in mobile number, email ID, or bank account linked to your Demat

• Modification of nominee details

• Addition or deletion of Power of Attorney

• Alerts for debit/credit of shares

• Confirmation of mutual fund purchases or redemptions

• KYC update requests and reminders

These messages aren't spam. They're safety signals.

The Real Danger: When Investors Ignore the Red Flags

Why Scammers Rely on Your Inattention

Fraudsters don't always hack systems. Often, they exploit loopholes in behavior:

• People don’t read messages from “official” sources

• Updates are ignored as “technical jargon”

• Action is delayed-giving scammers the time they need

According to SEBI, many investors still register agents' or relatives' mobile/email IDs with their Demat accounts—exposing themselves to massive risk (SEBI Press Release, May 2025). https://www.sebi.gov.in/media-and-notifications/press-releases/may-2025/caution-to-investors-on-stock-market-scams-through-social-media-platforms_94064.html

Simple Steps to Stay Alert and Safe

1. Always read messages from your depository, broker, or regulator-even if they seem routine.

2. If you receive an alert for a change you didn’t request, report it immediately to your intermediary or depository participant.

3. Register your own mobile and email ID with your Demat and trading account-never use those of agents or relatives.

4. Keep your contact details updated to ensure you never miss alerts.

5. Enable push and email notifications from your mutual fund and investment platforms.

6. Educate your family members about the importance of these alerts-especially senior citizens and first-time investors.

Final Thought: The System is Watching Out for You-Only If You're Watching Back

Your depository and regulator have built-in warning systems. But those systems only work when you pay attention.

So the next time you receive a message about a change in your account-don't swipe it away.
It might just be the alert that saves your investments from being stolen.

Pause. Read. React.
Become an Atmanirbhar investor.
Because staying informed is your best defense against fraud.