Investor FAQ

1. What is a UPI handle in the context of investment services?
   A UPI handle is a unique and secure payment ID issued to a SEBI-registered intermediary (Portfolio Manager, Research Analyst, or Investment Adviser) for receiving investor funds. It ensures payments are made directly to the intermediary’s verified account.
2. Why should I make payments only to the official UPI handle of the intermediary?
   Payments to the official UPI handle are secure and routed to the verified intermediary account. Payments to personal or unverified accounts may not be protected and could result in financial loss or fraud.
3. How can I verify whether a UPI handle belongs to a SEBI-registered intermediary?
   Use: SEBI Check
   This tool lets investors confirm if the intermediary is registered with SEBI before making any payment
4. Is it compulsory for investors to use the new UPI handle?
   No. Investors can choose their preferred mode of payment such as UPI, IMPS, NEFT, RTGS, or cheques. However, if an investor opts to use UPI for payments to registered intermediaries, they must use only the new UPI IDs allotted to intermediaries.
5. What should I check while making payment using the new UPI IDs/QR Code?
   Investors should ensure:
   1. The UPI ID shows the name of the intermediary, followed by the category abbreviation:
      • ra – Research Analyst
      • ia – Investment Adviser
      • pms – Portfolio Manager
      • brk – Broker
      • mf – Mutual Fund
   2. On the right side of “@”, the exclusive handle “@valid” is present, followed by the bank name.
   3. The confirmation screen displays a white thumbs-up icon inside a green triangle.
   4. The QR code generated through the official utility shows the thumbs-up icon and the UPI ID below the QR code.
6. Do investors need new UPI handles?
   No. The new UPI IDs are for intermediaries only. Investors can continue to use their existing UPI IDs to make payments.
7. What should I do if I receive a UPI payment link or ID from unknown sources?
   
   • Do not click on unknown or suspicious links.
   • Verify the UPI handle through SEBI Check before making any payment.
   • Contact the intermediary via official channels only.
8. What are common red flags for payment fraud?
   
   • UPI handle does not match intermediary’s official details.
   • High-pressure tactics to make immediate payments.
   • Links from personal messages, WhatsApp, or social media.
   • Requests to transfer funds to personal accounts instead of verified intermediary accounts.
9. What steps should I take if I have paid to the wrong or fraudulent UPI handle?
   
   • Contact your bank immediately to raise a dispute.
   • File a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Portal: Click Here
   • Lodge a grievance on SEBI SCORES: Click Here
   • Inform the intermediary through official contact details.
10. Whom should I approach if my transaction/payment fails with the new UPI ID?
    The validated UPI ID of intermediaries uses the same banking channel as earlier generic handles. For technical difficulties, investors should contact their respective bank.
11. How can I protect myself from investment fraud?
    
    • Make payments only to verified UPI handles or bank accounts.
    • Never share personal banking information with unknown persons.
    • Keep transaction records and payment confirmations.
    • Report suspicious activity immediately.

✅ Important Reminder:
Always verify UPI handles or account numbers through SEBI Check before making payments to any Portfolio Manager (PMS), Research Analyst (RA), or Investment Adviser (IA). Avoid making payments to unverified or personal accounts to protect your investments from fraud.Always verify UPI handles or account numbers through SEBI Check before making payments to any Portfolio Manager (PMS), Research Analyst (RA), or Investment Adviser (IA). Avoid making payments to unverified or personal accounts to protect your investments from fraud.