SEBI

Misuse of bulk SMS in Securities Market sent to investors inducing to purchase stocks of certain companies

Misuse of bulk SMS in Securities Market sent to investors and general public inducing them to invest in or purchase the stocks of certain listed companies

Aug 18, 2017                                                                                                                                              
PR No.: 54/2017

Curbing misuse of bulk SMS in the Securities Market

It had come to the notice of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) that there are increasing instances of bulk SMSs being sent to investors and the general public inducing them to invest in or purchase the stocks of certain listed companies, indicating target prices and giving fraudulent misleading/false information. SEBI regulation requires that investment advice and stock tips can only be given by Investment Advisors and certain other entities that are duly registered with SEBI. However, the main challenge faced by SEBI in this context, was the lack of reliable information on the identity of senders of such SMSs which created road blocks for SEBI in taking necessary enforcement action against them.

In view of the detrimental effect of fraudulent bulk SMSs on the integrity of markets and confidence of investors, SEBI sought the attention of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) which has been entrusted with regulation of the telecommunication services so as to protect the interest of the consumers of telecommunications service and the public at large. TRAI and SEBI collaborated closely to review the existing regulatory framework and industry practices to help in reducing the vulnerability of securities market to manipulation through misuse of mass communication device like bulk SMS.  TRAI vide its notification no. F. No.311-3/2015-QoS dated August 10, 2017 (link: http://www.trai.gov.in/release-publication/directions) issued directions to all Access Providers to follow certain operational guidelines for SMSs relating to investment advice/stock tips using the bulk SMS channel. SEBI believes that these directions will go a long way to curb the dissemination of fraudulent and misleading information through the bulk SMS channel. 

Share

Recent Posts

  • Income Tax

Typographical error in turnover accepted during assessment not a mistake apparent from record

Typographical error in turnover declared in ITR was not as a mistake apparent from the record u/s 154 when AO…

24 hours ago
  • Income Tax

Plea that assessee was not aware of order cannot be brushed aside in absence of proof of service

Ground taken by assessee that he was not aware of the order cannot be brushed aside so lightly in absence…

2 days ago
  • Income Tax

Order rejecting stay of income tax demand should recite merits if it is a case for stay or not

In an order rejecting stay of income tax demand there should be a recital of the merits whether it is…

3 days ago
  • Income Tax

CBDT extends due date of tax audit for FY 2025-26 to 21st October 2026

CBDT has extended the due date for furnishing Return of Income for Assessment Year 2026-27 (FY 2025-26) in respect of…

1 week ago
  • Income Tax

Denying accumulation of u/s 11(2) merely on grounds of delay in filing Form No. 10 is unsustainable

Denying the accumulation of u/s 11(2) merely on grounds of a procedural delay in filing Form No. 10 is unsustainable…

2 weeks ago
  • Empanelment

Engagement of 05 Young Professionals CAs at Central Registrar of Cooperative Society

Engagement of 05 Young Professionals CAs in the Office of Central Registrar of Cooperative Society on contractual basis The office…

2 weeks ago