CRITICAL: New SEBI Rules for Secure UPI Investment Payments
Dear Valued Customer,
Your financial security in the capital markets just got a major upgrade. Following new mandates from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), all SEBI-registered intermediaries (like brokers and mutual funds) must now use a validated, fraud-proof UPI system to accept your funds.
1. It is critical that you adopt these new safety checks immediately.
Only Use the New '@valid' UPI ID
The days of paying to generic UPI IDs are over. Every legitimate UPI handle for investment must now have two key security indicators. If you don't see them, do not pay.
| Security Feature | What to Look For | Fraud Warning |
|---|---|---|
| Verified Handle | The UPI ID must end with @valid followed by the bank name (e.g., brokername.brk@validhdfc) | A UPI ID that is NOT @valid is fraudulent. |
| Visual Icon | Your UPI payment app will display a distinct Thumbs-Up icon in a Green Triangle ({\small \blacktriangle \checkmark}) during the transaction. | The icon is missing? STOP the payment immediately. |
2. Your Independent Safety Check: 'SEBI Check'
SEBI has launched a free, independent tool that lets you verify the authenticity of any intermediary's payment details before you send money.
| Tool | How It Works | Where to Access |
|---|---|---|
| SEBI Check | Enter the Intermediary's @valid UPI ID or their Bank Account Number and IFSC Code. The tool instantly confirms the entity's registration status. | SEBI Website or the SEBI Saarthi App. |
3. Action Plan for Investors
* Stop using any old or unvalidated UPI IDs for investment payments.
* Verify the @valid handle and the green icon on every transaction.
* Use 'SEBI Check' to cross-verify account details for large or first-time transfers.
* Report any suspicious request immediately to your broker/mutual fund and the national helpline 1930 or www.cybercrime.gov.in.
Stay vigilant and transact only through verified channels.