SEBI, NSDL launch auto rickshaw awareness drive to promote investor verification

Synopsis

SEBI and NSDL are using auto-rickshaws across India for a public outreach campaign. This initiative aims to boost investor awareness and combat digital payment fraud. The campaign encourages investors to perform a 'SEBI Check' before making payments in the securities market. Over 1,000 auto-rickshaws are branded with QR codes linking to verification portals and educational resources.

In a bid to strengthen investor awareness and reduce instances of digital payment-related fraud, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), in collaboration with the National Securities Depository Limited, has launched a multi-city public outreach campaign using auto-rickshaws as mobile awareness platforms. The campaign encourages investors to carry out a "SEBI Check" before making any payment related to the securities market. It focuses on verifying UPI IDs, bank details and the credentials of registered intermediaries before transferring funds.

Drawing from a phrase commonly used by commuters, "Meter toh check kiya", the campaign adapts the sentiment to investor behaviour through the message, "Par kya aapne SEBI Check kiya?" The objective is to reinforce verification as a routine and instinctive step, similar to checking the fare meter before starting a ride.

As part of the initiative, more than 1,000 auto rickshaws have been branded across cities, including Mumbai, Surat, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Coimbatore, Indore, Patna, Delhi, Lucknow and Pune. The cities were selected to ensure wider geographical reach and engagement across both metro and non-metro locations.

Each branded auto rickshaw carries prominently placed QR codes that allow commuters and pedestrians to directly access the SEBI Check portal, the SEBI Saathi app and the SEBI Investor website. These platforms enable investors to verify whether an intermediary is registered with SEBI and to access authentic investor education resources.

By integrating investor awareness into a widely used mode of urban transport, the campaign seeks to take regulatory messaging beyond traditional digital and print channels. The on-ground visibility is intended to embed financial vigilance into everyday life, especially among retail investors who may be vulnerable to fraudulent schemes.

The auto rickshaw activation forms part of a broader investor protection initiative by SEBI and NSDL aimed at promoting safer participation in the securities market, strengthening trust and encouraging informed decision-making among investors.

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