**Executive Summary**
SEBI has issued a press release, PR No.15/2026, dated February 26, 2026, to caution the public about fraudulent notices being circulated in its name, specifically concerning Securities Transaction Tax (STT) payments. These fraudulent notices are being sent using forged SEBI letterheads, impersonating SEBI officials, and requesting payments for outstanding STT amounts. The press release urges investors to exercise caution and provides information to verify the authenticity of communications from SEBI.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Fraudulent Activities:**
* Fraudsters are circulating fake STT compliance notices under the Finance Act, 2004.
* Fake notices forge SEBI letterheads and request STT payments.
* Fraudsters are impersonating SEBI officials via fake communications, emails, letterheads and logos.
* **Clarifications from SEBI:**
* SEBI does not issue notices to remit STT amounts, nor does it coordinate with RBI on STT.
* STT is levied on every purchase and sale transaction of securities executed on stock exchanges, and the tax is collected by the broker.
* **Verification and Caution:**
* All enforcement actions taken by SEBI are available on the SEBI website under the path Home >Enforcement.
* Online payments to SEBI should only be made through the official portal: <https://siportal.sebi.gov.in/intermediary/AOPaymentGateway.html>.
* Contact details of SEBI officials are available on the SEBI website under the path Home > About>SEBI Directory.
* Official SEBI email communications are sent only through email IDs ending with the domain address @sebi.gov.in.
* Addresses of SEBI offices are available on the SEBI website under the path Home > About> Addresses of Offices of SEBI.
* Investors should remain vigilant and verify the authenticity of any letters/notices demanding information or payment on behalf of SEBI.
**Impact Analysis**
**Investors**
* **Impact:** Investors are at risk of being deceived by fraudulent notices and losing money to scammers impersonating SEBI officials.
* **Action Required:** Investors should exercise caution and verify the authenticity of any communications from SEBI, especially those requesting payment. They should utilize the official SEBI website and contact information provided to confirm the legitimacy of any notices received.
**Public**
* **Impact:** Members of the public can be deceived by fraudulent notices and emails by persons impersonating SEBI officials.
* **Action Required:** The public should exercise caution and verify the authenticity of any communications from SEBI. They should utilise the official SEBI website and contact information provided to confirm the legitimacy of any notices or emails received.
Key Entities Referenced
SEBI: Securities and Exchange Board of India, the regulatory body alerting the public about fraudulent STT notices.
Securities Transaction Tax (STT): The tax fraudsters are falsely claiming needs compliance with.
Finance Act, 2004: Act under which STT is collected.
SEBI Act, 1992: Act under which SEBI is exercising powers.
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.
Page 1 of 2iii. 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 @sebi.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
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