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Investor guide · SEBI caution

SEBI's warning on invitation-only WhatsApp stock-tip groups

On 22 October 2026, SEBI issued Press Release No. 65/2026, cautioning investors against stock tips offered through invitation-only WhatsApp groups. Here is what it says, in plain words, and how to check any group you have been added to.

Published 2 November 2026 · Potoos Research Services

The short answer. SEBI says certain unregistered persons are running invitation-only WhatsApp groups that share buy and sell calls “in the name of free investor education”. It asks investors not to join such groups, not to act on their tips, to exit any group that says it was “banned” and has moved, and to deal only with SEBI registered intermediaries, whose registration you can check on SEBI's website.

What SEBI says is happening

SEBI's press release describes the groups this way:

SEBI names that last practice: astroturfing. In SEBI's words, it “creates a false impression of genuine support and induces unsuspecting investors to act on the calls.” In simple terms, the cheering in the group may be staged.

The “our group was banned” message

SEBI says that when such a group is suspended after action by enforcement agencies or regulators, its members usually get a message from a new number, inviting them to a new group. The press release quotes an example:

“Due to Social Media Platform’s risk control measures, our previous group has been banned. This new group will provide daily recommendations of quality stock information and trading guidance. Please join the group.”

Example message quoted in SEBI Press Release No. 65/2026

SEBI asks investors to treat any message like this, one that says a group was suspended, closed or banned and invites you to a new one, as a red flag, and to exit such groups.

What SEBI asks investors to do

The press release lists five things. In the order SEBI gives them:

  1. Do not join, do not act

    Do not join invitation-only WhatsApp groups run by unknown persons or by persons claiming to be stock market experts, particularly those operated from overseas numbers, and do not act on tips shared in them.

  2. Ignore the applause

    Do not be swayed by praise, profit claims or trade confirmations posted by other members. SEBI says these “may be planted”.

  3. Treat a “new group” invite as a red flag

    Any message saying the old group was suspended, closed or banned, and asking you to join a new one, is a red flag. Exit the group.

  4. Keep your money and details to yourself

    Do not open an account on, or transfer money to, any trading platform or app suggested in such groups. Do not share your holdings or trading account details with such persons.

  5. Deal only with registered intermediaries

    Deal only with SEBI registered intermediaries and use only authentic trading apps.

How to check a group, or anyone giving you calls

SEBI's press release gives two places to check. Both are on SEBI's own website, and both are free.

If nobody in the group will give you a registration number, or the number does not match on SEBI's register, you have your answer before any money moves. Our step-by-step guide shows exactly what to type and what a real entry looks like: how to check a research analyst's SEBI registration.

Got a tip message? Check it in three taps

Three questions, straight from SEBI's press release.

1. Did they give you a SEBI registration number?

If not, stop here. SEBI asks investors to deal only with SEBI registered intermediaries. A Research Analyst's number begins with INH.

2. Does the number match on SEBI's register?

Search it on SEBI's register of Research Analysts. The name and city must match the person in the chat. If they do not, stop here.

3. Are they asking you to join a new group or open an app?

SEBI calls a “new group” invite a red flag, and asks investors not to open accounts on platforms suggested in such groups.

What this means for an ordinary investor

A free group is not free if it moves your money. SEBI's warning is about where the calls come from: unregistered persons, often on overseas numbers, with members who may be planted. A registered Research Analyst works under SEBI's rules, publishes a registration number you can look up, and has a grievance route you can use. If you are weighing a free tip group against a paid service, our page on free Telegram tips versus a registered analyst walks through the same choice.

If you have already lost money after following calls from a group, read what to do after losing money following an influencer.

Source

Common questions

What is astroturfing in a WhatsApp stock group?

SEBI uses the word for members who act in concert with a group's operators and post false claims of profit and praise for the 'expert'. SEBI says this creates a false impression of genuine support and induces investors to act on the calls.

A group I am in says it was banned and moved to a new group. What should I do?

SEBI's press release of 22 October 2026 asks investors to treat any message saying a group was suspended, closed or banned, and inviting them to a new group, as a red flag, and to exit such groups.

Where can I check if someone giving stock tips is registered with SEBI?

SEBI's press release points to sebi.gov.in/intermediaries.html for registration status, and to investor.sebi.gov.in/Investor-support.html for the trading apps of SEBI registered intermediaries. A Research Analyst's registration number begins with INH.

Should I open a trading account through an app shared in the group?

SEBI asks investors not to open an account on, or transfer money to, any trading platform or app suggested in such groups, and not to share their holdings or trading account details with such persons.

Please note

This page reports what SEBI published. It is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any security.