SEBI has directed its regulated and registered entities to exclusively use the ‘1600’ phone number series for service and transactional voice calls to existing customers, aligning with TRAI guidelines to combat fraud and improve investor protection. Investors are advised to recognize this new series to easily identify legitimate communications from SEBI-regulated entities, thus reducing the risk of fraudulent activities conducted through regular ten-digit numbers. The advisory also outlines channels for investors to report Unsolicited Commercial Communications (UCC) or suspected fraudulent activities, including telecom service provider DND services, the TRAI DND app, the Chakshu Platform, and the Cyber Crime helpline.
Securities and Exchange Board of India
PR No. 20/2025
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 cybercrime.gov.in .
Mumbai
April 08, 2025
