SEBI’s AI-Based Calling Drive to Popularise ‘SEBI Check’ Tool and Validated UPI Handles

Background and Context

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), via Press Release No. 12/2026 dated February 13, 2026, has unveiled a pilot AI-driven, multilingual calling initiative aimed at strengthening investor protection in the securities market.

This outreach is centred around promoting the use of the ‘SEBI Check’ Tool and validated UPI handles, both of which were originally rolled out on October 1, 2025. These tools are designed to help investors confirm the authenticity of:

  • UPI IDs
  • QR codes
  • Bank account details

of SEBI-registered intermediaries before any funds are transferred for investment or securities-related transactions.

The new communication drive harnesses generative AI technology, developed by Sarvam, a company building AI models specifically geared toward Indian languages.

Objective of the AI Calling Campaign

Enhancing Investor Awareness

The core goal of this pilot campaign is to:

  • Inform investors about the existence and utility of the ‘SEBI Check’ Tool
  • Educate them on the concept and importance of validated UPI handles
  • Reduce instances of fraud arising from payments made to unauthorised or fake entities

By directly contacting a selected group of individual investors, SEBI aims to bridge the information gap and ensure that investors are aware of the verification safeguards available to them before they part with their money.

Tackling Fraud and Misuse of Payment Channels

Digital payments, especially via UPI and QR codes, are now integral to securities market transactions. This also creates scope for:

  • Misrepresentation of identity by unregistered entities
  • Sharing of fake or look-alike UPI IDs and bank details
  • Redirection of funds away from legitimate SEBI-registered intermediaries

Through this campaign, SEBI seeks to reinforce a simple message:

Always verify the payee details using the ‘SEBI Check’ Tool and validated UPI handles before transferring funds.

Key Features of the ‘SEBI Check’ Tool and Validated UPI Handles

What is the ‘SEBI Check’ Tool?

The ‘SEBI Check’ Tool, introduced on October 1, 2025, is a verification facility that allows investors to confirm whether:

  • A UPI ID is linked to a SEBI-registered intermediary
  • A QR code belongs to a genuine, authorised market participant
  • A bank account is correctly mapped to a registered intermediary

The tool acts as a pre-transaction verification layer, safeguarding investors from accidentally sending money to fraudulent accounts.

What Are Validated UPI Handles?

Validated UPI handles are UPI IDs that have been authenticated in association with SEBI-registered intermediaries. In essence, this means:

  • The UPI ID has been checked and mapped to an authorised intermediary
  • Investors can rely on the validation status as an additional security measure
  • The risk of sending funds to imposters using similar-looking UPI IDs is significantly reduced