The #SEBIvsSCAM campaign comes at a critical time when digital financial fraud is on the rise, with fraudsters using increasingly sophisticated and deceptive methods to target investors. From fake trading apps and deepfake videos to unregistered investment advisors and misleading stock tips on social media, scammers are exploiting technology and denting investors’ trust. Many individuals (#SEBIvsSCAM) fall prey to schemes promising guaranteed returns/unusually high returns, pump-and-dump tactics, dabba trading, fraudulent foreign portfolio investment offers, etc, often resulting in significant financial losses.

#SEBIvsSCAM seeks to raise public awareness, promote safe investing habits, and empower investors to make informed decisions. By spotlighting common scams and offering guidance, the campaign aims to help investors recognize warning signs, verify sources, and report suspicious activities—ultimately contributing to a more secure and transparent financial ecosystem.

To ensure maximum outreach (#SEBIvsSCAM), NSE, under the aegis of SEBI, will leverage a mix of media platforms, including television, radio, print, digital, and social media. We will also spread the Investor Awareness (#SEBIvsSCAM) messages through Investor Awareness Programs, which are done through physical, digital, and hybrid modes. This multi-channel approach is designed to reach investors across urban and rural areas, in multiple languages and through formats that are accessible and engaging to diverse audiences.

Investor Advisory: Stay Alert, Stay Protected

•      Do not fall for promises of assured or fixed returns in the securities market. Such offers are illegal and misleading.

•      Avoid unsolicited messages from unknown sources. Always verify information through official websites such as SEBI, NSE, or the concerned company.

•      Do not download unregulated apps or join chat groups offering investment advice.

•      Engage only with SEBI-registered intermediaries or research analysts. Verify their credentials at: https://www.sebi.gov.in/sebiweb/other/OtherAction.do?doRecognised=yes   

•      Download trading apps only from SEBI-registered trading members via official app stores. Verify apps https://www.nseindia.com/trade/members-compliance/list-of-mobile-applications

•      Transfer funds only to registered client bank accounts of your stockbroker. Verify account details at https://enit.nseindia.com/MemDirWeb/form/tradingMemberLocator_beta.jsp

•      From October 1, 2025, investors will be able to make payments to SEBI-registered intermediaries using a standardized UPI handle format (e.g., abc.brk@validbank).

•      Report any fraudulent activity at www.cybercrime.gov.in  or call the Cybercrime Helpline at 1930. For investor support, contact NSE at 1800 266 0050.

Issued in public interest by the National Stock Exchange of India Ltd under the aegis of the Securities and Exchange Board of India.

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Growing Adoption of UPI and the Need for Digital Safety

Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has become a key driver of digital transactions in India, accounting for 83% of total payment volume in CY-2024. In January 2025, UPI processed 16.99 billion transactions, reflecting a 39% year-on-year growth in volume and a 28% year-on-year growth increase in transaction value. Over the past five years, UPI adoption has soared at a CAGR of 74%, making it the largest retail payment system in transaction volume. Since its inception, UPI has onboarded over 460 million unique users, facilitating digital transactions across various segments.

NPCI’s Multi-Layered Security Framework

UPI stands out not only for its convenience but also for its robust security framework, which ensures the integrity of every transaction. NPCI employs advanced protocols and stringent safeguards such as device binding. The feature links a user’s account to a specific mobile device, ensuring that a third party cannot access it without the registered mobile device. Furthermore, UPI incorporates a two-factor authentication that requires users to verify their identity using their mobile number and the user’s UPI PIN before authorizing any transaction.

Consumer Advisory: How to Stay Safe?

While UPI is equipped with robust security features, fraudsters continue to exploit social engineering tactics. Consumers must remain cautious of scams.

NPCI advises all UPI users to follow the ‘Stop, Think, Act’ principle:

• STOP before responding to unexpected calls, messages, or emails requesting personal or banking details
• THINK and verify requests by checking official sources such as company websites or customer service helplines
• ACT wisely by avoiding suspicious requests and immediately reporting fraud attempts to the relevant authorities

How to Report a Fraud?

Users who suspect fraud should report incidents immediately. Suspicious cases can be reported to the national cybercrime helpline (1930) or through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (https://cybercrime.gov.in). The user should also report the case to their bank. Additionally, users should save messages, take screenshots, and document interactions to help authorities take action.

By staying informed and alert, users can enjoy the convenience of digital payments while keeping their money safe. UPI is committed to ensuring a secure and seamless digital payment experience for everyone across India.

Do’s & Don’ts for UPI users

Do’s

• Ensure your mobile number is registered in the bank’s records
• Always check the UPI app prompt notifications during transactions
• Enter UPI PIN only for payments
• Report fraud or suspicious transactions only with your bank or the police
• Obtain bank contact details only from its official website – avoid search engines

Don’ts

• Never forward an SMS or OTP if asked by an unknown person
• Keep your debit card details and UPI PIN confidential
• Never download any unknown app, especially remote access apps, unless fully verified
• Do not share your transaction details on social media

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PUNE: Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance Company Ltd (“Kotak Life”) today announced the launch of its new protection plan Kotak Gen2Gen Protect. This product offers an industry-first feature with the option of covering two generations with one plan, thus passing on the legacy of protection.

Coming with a 100% guaranteed return of premium benefit on survival, Kotak Gen2Gen Protect offers the flexibility of transferring the complete risk cover to the child, when the parent (primary life insured) turns sixty or sixty-five years of age. Additionally, this risk cover stays on with the child till the age of sixty.

The product also offers comprehensive coverage through in-built wellness benefits and riders such as Accidental Death Benefit, Permanent Disability Benefit, and Critical Illness Plus. For women policyholders, Kotak Gen2Gen Protect offers an additional 5% death benefit.

Mahesh Balasubramanian, MD of Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance Company Limited, said, “As an organization, our unwavering dedication is to innovate and curate products that exceed our customers’ expectations. Kotak Gen2Gen Protect is a product through which our customers can secure two generations with a single-term plan. The essence of this product comes from the importance we Indians place on family, tradition, and legacy. Passing on values, knowledge, and teachings to the next generation is deeply ingrained in our Indian culture. Here is a product that understands the essence of these values. I am sure innovative products like Kotak Gen2Gen Protect will expand the protection category and will contribute in a significant way to  IRDAI’s vision of ‘Insurance for All’ by 2047.”

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INDIA: Norton, a consumer Cyber Safety brand of Gen, today announced the launch of Dark Web Monitoring in India, now available as part of Norton 360 Premium, Norton 360 Deluxe, and Norton 360 for Gamers plans. With Dark Web Monitoring, Norton monitors and notifies people if their personal information is found on the dark web, allowing the individual to take action such as contacting financial institutions or changing passwords to help protect against fraud. 

The dark web is a small part of the web where anonymity is prized and nefarious activities can run amok, including the exchange of illegal goods and information. When people’s addresses, Aadhaar numbers, EPF information, credit card data, and other personally identifiable information end up on the dark web, criminals can utilize it for fraud, from financial to identity theft. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for this information to end up in the wrong hands – in 2023 it was announced that the Aadhaar numbers, passport information along with names, and phone numbers of 815 million Indians were found on the dark web.  

On the occasion of the announcement, Ritesh Chopra, India Director, Gen said, “We are thrilled to launch Norton’s Dark Web Monitoring feature in India. This innovative addition to our security package enables customers to proactively protect their digital identities in a time when cyber dangers are always present. We keep an eye out for any hacks, compromised credentials, and illegal activity by continuously searching the shadowy corners of the internet. This way, we can make sure that your sensitive information is protected from the prying eyes of hackers.”

He further added, “Our Dark Web Monitoring feature actively searches the dark web for your email address and other personal data you choose to register and issues a notification should that data be discovered. With Dark Web Monitoring we are offering another tool to help protect and empower people to live their digital lives more safely.”

When a customer subscribes to a Norton plan that includes Dark Web Monitoring, the email address registered to the Norton plan will be monitored automatically on the dark web, while the easy-to-use dashboard allows for personally identifiable pieces of information to be added for monitoring. Monitored information includes up to five insurance account numbers, email addresses, phone numbers, and up to ten credit card numbers as well as gamer tags. If data is found on the dark web, whether through forums or websites, a notification allows for direct action to be taken, including changing a password or contacting a trusted service provider.

Dark Web Monitoring is now available in Norton 360 Premium, Norton 360 Deluxe, and Norton 360 for Gamers. Current customers with an active subscription can now access Dark Web Monitoring for the remainder of their subscription at no extra cost through an automatic update. This extends across several devices, from smartphones to tablets, to PCs or Mac®, depending on the customer’s priorities and chosen plan.

In addition to Dark Web Monitoring, Norton 360 includes the following features:

• Real-Time Threat Protection
• Password Manager
• SafeCam
• Parental Control
• Software Updater
• Cloud backup.

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Despite Brigit’s promises that advances would be available with “free instant transfers,” the complaint notes that the company began charging consumers a 99-cent fee for an instant transfer. Consumers who did not pay the fee had to wait up to three business days for their advances. In addition, the complaint charges that while Brigit claimed to offer “non-recourse” advances with no fees or interest, the company prevented consumers who had an open advance from canceling their subscription and continued to withdraw $9.99 monthly from their bank account until the advance was paid off.

The proposed settlement order, which must be approved by a federal judge before it can go into effect, would require Brigit to pay $18 million to the FTC to be used to provide refunds to consumers. In addition, the order would prohibit Brigit from misleading consumers about how much money is available through their advances, how fast the money would be available, any fees associated with delivery, and consumers’ ability to cancel their service. The order would also require the company to make clear disclosures about its subscription products and provide a simple mechanism for consumers to cancel.

“Brigit trapped those consumers least able to afford it into monthly membership plans they struggled to escape from,” said Sam Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “Companies that offer cash advances and other alternative financial products have to play by the same rules as other businesses or face potential action by the FTC.”

The Commission voted to authorize the staff to file the complaint and the stipulated final order was 3-0. The FTC filed the complaint and final order in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.

Overall, the FTC’s action against Brigit serves as a reminder to companies offering alternative financial products to be transparent and truthful in their marketing promises and to provide clear mechanisms for consumers to cancel their services.

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Armenia has asked the ICJ to indicate several provisional measures, including refraining from taking any actions that may breach CERD obligations, facilitating the safe and expeditious return of displaced ethnic Armenians, and recognizing civil registers, identity documents, and property titles established by the authorities of Nagorno-Karabakh.

The measures also include withdrawing all military and law enforcement personnel from civilian establishments in Nagorno-Karabakh occupied as a result of Azerbaijan’s armed attack, facilitating the access of the United Nations and its specialized agencies to ethnic Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh, and not altering or destroying any monument commemorating the 1915 Armenian genocide or any other Armenian cultural artifact or site present in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Armenia has also requested that Azerbaijan submit a report to the ICJ on all measures taken to give effect to the provisional measures within one month from the date of the order and thereafter every three months until a final decision on the case is rendered by the Court.

The ICJ is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, established by the UN Charter in June 1945. Its role is to settle legal disputes submitted to it by States in accordance with international law and to give advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorized UN organs and agencies. The Court is composed of 15 judges elected for a nine-year term by the General Assembly and the Security Council of the United Nations.

Armenia and Azerbaijan have been in a long-standing dispute over the Nagorno-Karabakh region, which escalated into a military conflict in 2020. The conflict resulted in the displacement of ethnic Armenians from the region and the occupation of civilian establishments by Azerbaijan’s military and law-enforcement personnel. The ICJ has previously issued orders in the case, including on 7 December 2021 and 22 February 2023, reaffirming Azerbaijan’s obligations under CERD.

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The MMOU offers a blueprint for extending cooperation even further through the region by providing a mechanism for others to join this MOU, which will bolster efforts to fight fraud wherever it might occur. Low-cost online communications allow scammers to target consumers regardless of where they live. The increasingly global nature of commerce and fraud poses an enforcement challenge for consumer protection authorities around the world.

From 2019 to 2022, fraud reports against companies in these Latin American countries more than doubled, from 6,103 to 12,869. At the same time, total losses reported by consumers skyrocketed from $39.4 million in 2019 to $237.9 million in 2022. Reports about online shopping were the top complaint during this same period, with losses increasing from $3.8 million in 2019 to $49.5 million in 2022. Social media was the top contact method consumers cited at 41 percent of reports in 2022.

The MMOU encourages participants to share complaints submitted by consumers, provide investigative assistance, coordinate enforcement actions against cross-border violations of law, provide other practical case assistance, participate in econsumer.gov, and cooperate on non-investigatory matters such as exchanging approaches to consumer protection policy issues and participating in staff exchanges, joint training programs, and workshops.

The FTC and consumer protection authorities in these countries agreed to cooperate in investigations related to violations of consumer protection laws. Notably, the MMOU includes a mechanism for allowing other consumer protection authorities to join in the future.

The FTC’s Office of International Affairs lead staffer on this matter is Michael Panzera. The Commission voted 4-0 to authorize the FTC Chair to sign the MOU. The Commission vote closed on a date prior to Commissioner Christine S. Wilson’s departure from the agency.

In conclusion, the FTC’s partnership with consumer protection authorities from Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru is a significant step towards protecting consumers from cross-border fraud. The MMOU promotes cooperation across Latin America, including information-sharing to further investigations and policy development, as well as other types of assistance on cross-border enforcement matters.

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Krish Prasad, senior vice president and general manager, the cloud infrastructure business group, VMware, said, “VMware Cloud is setting a new benchmark for helping customers modernize, optimize, and better protect their businesses. Our latest VMware Cloud advancements further modernize cloud infrastructure and deliver a single cloud operating model that improves developer productivity and advances security.”

VMware Cloud combines VMware Cloud Foundation Software and VMware Cloud Services. Cloud Foundation combines the best innovations from VMware’s on-premises and public cloud software offerings into a unified stack to deliver a consistent environment across any on-premises, hyperscaler cloud, or partner cloud environment. VMware Cloud services simplify the deployment and operations of VMware Cloud Foundation environments across any cloud or on-premises environment.

Customers can take advantage of VMware Cloud services to run enterprise workloads more securely at scale with advanced data protection, cloud-based disaster and ransomware recovery, and multi-cloud networking and security. Advanced developer services, built-in Kubernetes, and optimized access to hundreds of native cloud services across leading hyperscalers deliver a pragmatic approach to app modernization.

VMware Cloud is available in five prescriptive VMware Cloud editions (Essentials, Standard, Pro, Advanced, Enterprise) that help customers flexibly modernize infrastructure and management at every stage of their cloud transformation journey. Customers can deploy and manage their VMware Cloud environments in three ways:

• Customer Managed-VMware Cloud editions can be deployed by customers in their own data centers or their choice of colocation partners with full control of the infrastructure environment.
• VMware Managed-VMware Cloud on AWS is a VMware-managed cloud service with fully integrated hardware and software. VMware Cloud on Equinix Metal will be a distributed cloud service that enables customers to purchase software and hardware as a service separately for maximum flexibility.
• Provider Managed-new VMware Cross-Cloud managed services based on VMware Cloud editions from partners such as IBM Cloud enable customers to lower total cost of ownership (TCO) for on-premises environments, simplify operations, reduce risk with observability, actionable insight, and performance optimization, and accelerate cloud migrations.

The new VMware Cloud offerings will help modernize, optimize, and better protect today’s multi-cloud enterprises. Customers will be empowered with cloud flexibility, better security and resiliency, and faster developer innovation. The new cloud-based ESXi lifecycle management service in VMware vSphere+ will enhance the operational efficiency of VMware Cloud, enabling IT admins to centrally manage upgrades across their entire ESXi fleet in distributed multi-vCenter environments, overcoming silos and completing in just a few operations what may have previously required hundreds or even thousands of operations.

For the latest news and more on how VMware is delivering a faster and smarter path to the cloud for digital businesses, visit the VMware Explore 2023 Las Vegas media kit.

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LaLiga filed an official complaint against Juventus with UEFA in April 2022 reporting financial fair play breaches being investigated by Italy´s Guardia di Finanza, an enforcement agency under the authority of the country´s Minister of Economy and Finance, and the Public Prosecutor’s Office at the Court of Turin.

Specifically, the complaint charges that Juventus accounted for transfers above fair value and under-accounted-for employee expenses, resulting in a breach of UEFA break-even requirements. Additionally, the complaint charges that Juventus concealed the true wage bill of its players.

This Monday, in the same statement announcing the resignation of its Board of Directors, Juventus acknowledges financial accounting irregularities, which are also aimed at misleading UEFA financial fair play authorities, among others.

As part of its campaign to promote financially sustainable football in Europe, LaLiga continues to pursue these complaints against Juventus and demands immediate sporting sanctions to be applied to the club by the relevant authorities.

LaLiga has long been a major proponent for the implementation, application, and enforcement of strong financial sustainability rules in football. In April of this year, LaLiga laid out complaints on financial fair play breaches filed with UEFA against Juventus, but also Manchester City, and Paris Saint Germain. 

The Spanish competition itself has applied its “economic control” rules for nearly a decade, at the request of the clubs that make up the league. Financial sustainability is paramount to protecting the business of football.

Protect our football.

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