Almost all scams today follow the same pattern. They begin with something that feels routine, a message, a call, or a friendly offer. That’s why, even if you’re careful, it’s surprisingly easy to fall for them. Here’s a simple guide on what you can do to stay safe.

• Scammers try to push you into reacting instead of thinking. Sometimes it’s urgency: your account will be blocked, your KYC is expiring, or something must be fixed immediately.
• Sometimes it’s fear: tax notices, legal trouble, penalties. And sometimes it’s excitement: guaranteed profits, exclusive access, instant loans, or rewards.
• Once emotion takes over, verification stops. You don’t double-check the number. You don’t question the link. You don’t pause before sharing details. That small gap is what scammers exploit.
  
• The simplest protection is to build one habit: slow down whenever money or sensitive information is involved. No financial service intermediary will ever ask for OTPs, passwords, PINs, card details, remote access, or immediate payments over calls, emails, messages, or DMs.
• How to stay safe in practice Trade and invest only through SEBI-registered intermediaries. Avoid unsolicited get-rich-quick tips or investment offers shared over WhatsApp, Telegram, or social media.
  You can verify intermediaries here: https://sebi.gov.in/intermediaries.html
  And check verified apps here: https://investor.sebi.gov.in/Investor-support.html
• Zerodha, or any genuine financial entity, will never ask you to transfer money to a personal or random bank account.
  – Don’t trust unsolicited messages offering investment tips, jobs, or instant loans.
  – Avoid clicking links or downloading apps shared over SMS, WhatsApp, email, or DMs. Type the official website manually instead.
• Avoid joining groups that promise “guaranteed” or “sure-shot” returns. If you’re added to one, report and block it. You can also limit who can add you to WhatsApp groups.
  Here’s how to change that setting: https://faq.whatsapp.com/1131457590844955/?helpref=uf_share
   
• Always check the recipient’s name carefully before approving a UPI transfer.
  Whenever you add money to your Zerodha account via UPI, payment requests will only come from these official handles: https://support.zerodha.com/category/funds/adding-funds/other-fund-related-queries/articles/did-not-raise-upi-collect-request
   
• SEBI has also launched a tool called SEBI Check, which lets you verify UPI handles or bank account numbers before transferring money to any broker or intermediary: https://siportal.sebi.gov.in/intermediary/sebi-check
   
• If you receive any communication from us, you can verify our email addresses here: https://support.zerodha.com/category/your-zerodha-account/your-profile/mail-queries/articles/verify-genuine-email
  And phone numbers in case you receive a call here: https://support.zerodha.com/category/your-zerodha-account/your-profile/general-profile-questions/articles/verify-call-is-from-zerodha

  You can verify all our social media handles here: https://support.zerodha.com/category/your-zerodha-account/your-profile/general-profile-questions/articles/official-social-media-handles-zerodha
   
• Never share these with anyone – OTPs sent to your phone – UPI PINs – Login passwords for trading or banking apps – PAN, Aadhaar, or KYC documents, unless you’re certain it’s an official, verified platform – Install apps only from verified app stores. Check the developer name and avoid apps that ask for unnecessary permissions.