Mumbai: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has identified over 100,000 deceptive messages and posts circulating on various digital platforms as part of its 'Sebi versus Scam' initiative, according to Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey.

During a recent media briefing, Pandey highlighted that unregulated financial influencers pose a significant risk to investor safety. He referenced a SEBI survey indicating that approximately 62% of investors depend on influencer advice for their investment choices, emphasizing the critical need for enhanced investor education and awareness.

"Investor protection starts with education, particularly in a landscape where misleading information spreads quickly," he stated.

The 'Sebi versus Scam' campaign was launched to combat misinformation, focusing on proactive monitoring and public education. SEBI has ramped up its scrutiny of social media, flagged misleading content for removal, and instructed stock exchanges to regularly publish lists of verified broker applications.

Thanks to new verification tools like Valid UPI and Sebi Check, investors can now verify bank accounts and QR codes linked to registered intermediaries. Pandey described these measures as essential safeguards against emerging cyber frauds.

He further noted that SEBI's mission is to close the knowledge gap and promote active investor engagement while raising awareness. The regulator plans to expand its educational efforts through digital channels, multimedia formats, on-ground outreach, and communication in various regional languages to foster trust and inclusivity.

This initiative is part of SEBI's broader commitment to protect individual investors from fraudulent trading applications, fake websites, inflated return promises, and unregistered advisory services that continue to exploit the investing public.