SEBI, through Press Release No. 15/2026 dated February 26, 2026, cautioned the public about fake notices demanding payment of Securities Transaction Tax (STT). It has come to SEBI’s notice that fraudsters are circulating forged notices on SEBI letterhead, falsely invoking powers under the SEBI Act, 1992, and seeking payment of alleged outstanding STT under the Finance Act, 2004. SEBI clarified that STT is levied on purchase and sale transactions of securities executed on stock exchanges and is collected by brokers; SEBI does not issue notices for STT remittance nor coordinate with RBI for such payments. Instances of impersonation of SEBI officials, misuse of logos, seals, and fake email IDs have also been observed, leading to financial losses for investors. SEBI advised the public to verify enforcement actions, payment links, official email domains ending with “@gov.in,” and office addresses through its official website to avoid fraud.
Securities and Exchange Board of India
PR No. 15/2026
Caution to the Public regarding fake STT notices
It has come to the notice of SEBI that certain fraudsters have circulated notices requiring compliance with Securities Transaction Tax (STT) under the Finance Act, 2004, by exercising powers conferred under the SEBI Act, 1992.
It is noted that fraudsters are sending fake notices forging SEBI’s letter head and requesting for payments for outstanding STT amounts. Investors are being made aware that these notices have not been issued by SEBI. It is being informed that STT is levied on every purchase and sale transaction of securities executed on stock exchanges and the tax is collected by the broker. SEBI does not issue notices to remit STT amounts nor does it coordinate with RBI on the same.
SEBI has also noted various instances of fraudsters impersonating identities of SEBI officials, various offices of SEBI and email ids of SEBI officials. Fraudsters are claiming to be officials of SEBI and sending a communication to entities using the letter head, logo and seal of SEBI. Gullible investors are losing their hard earned money by believing these fraudsters and transferring money to these fraudulent accounts.
In view of the above, public is urged to exercise caution and note the following:
i. Every enforcement action taken by SEBI is available on the SEBI website under the path Home >Enforcement.
ii. Any online Order/Settlement/Recovery Payment to SEBI is to be done through https://siportal.sebi.gov.in/intermediary/AOPaymentGateway.html.
iii. Contact details of SEBI officials are available on the SEBI website under the path Home > About>SEBI Directory.
iv. Communication from SEBI through emails is sent through official e-mail IDs of SEBI officials only. These email IDs end with domain address @gov.in.
v. Addresses of SEBI offices are available on the SEBI website under the path Home > About> Addresses of Offices of SEBI.
SEBI is issuing this Press Release to caution investors to remain vigilant and verify the authenticity of letters/ notices demanding information or payment on behalf of SEBI.
Mumbai
February 26, 2026
