Only ‘1600’ phone number series for service & calls by SEBI registered entities

All SEBI regulated/registered entities to only use ‘1600’ phone number series exclusively for service and transactional voice calls to their existing customers

New ‘1600’ Phone number series to Combat Fraud and Enhance Investor Protection in the securities market

In an effort to enhance investor protection and curb financial fraud, SEBI has advised its regulated/registered entities to comply with the latest guidelines by Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). Specifically, all regulated/registered entities are advised to only use the ‘1600’ phone number series exclusively for service and transactional voice calls to their existing customers.

Investors  should  note  the  new ’1600’ phone numbering series to easily identify and attend  service  and  transactional  calls  from  SEBI  regulated/registered entities,  thereby enhancing  investor  security  and  minimising  the  risk  of  fraud  by  unscrupulous  entities using regular 10 digit numbers.

Any Unsolicited Commercial Communications (UCC) or suspected fraudulent activities can be reported by investors as under:

(i) In case of receiving spam or UCC, make a Do Not Disturb (DND) complaint through your telecom service provider’s app or website (e.g., Airtel, Jio, Vi, MTNL, BSNL etc.), use the TRAI DND app, or call/SMS 1909.

(ii) In case of receiving suspected fraud communication, report to Chakshu Platform of Department of Telecommunications (https://sancharsaathi.gov.in/sfc/).

(iii) In  case  fraud  has  already  happened,  report  the  same  to  Cyber  Crime helpline number 1930 or website www.cybercrime.gov.in.

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