How to Protect Yourself from Demat Account Fraud
Demat accounts, or Dematerialised accounts, help you store all your investment data, like stocks, bonds, mutual fund investments, etc., helping you track your investments better. As scams and frauds increase around us, it is crucial to safeguard this information, or you might end up with a life-altering dent in your finances.
But how do you avoid these frauds? Let us discuss it.
Know your brokerage firm
Every investment journey should start with research. Before choosing a brokerage firm, thoroughly investigate its history, performance, reputation, and market credibility, and choose a verified firm. Confirm that the broker isn't involved in proprietary trading, which goes against your interests.
Be cautious while signing a POA with your broker
A power of attorney (POA) gives your broker access to your investments and funds, which can be risky for your account safety. So, before you sign a POA, understand the agreement thoroughly to align it with your interests. Assess your broker's reliability and reputation, and consider limited or specific POA agreements to retain control over investments while delegating certain responsibilities.
Understand the available security features
Demat accounts are managed by depository participants (DPs). They provide secure storage for electronic securities. You usually have access to features including two-factor authentication, requiring a password and a one-time password (OTP), digital signatures to authenticate document validity. All these measures safeguard you against unauthorised access.
Read More: What is a Demat Account?
Keep your login information private
Every Demat account has unique login information that should not be shared with anyone but the user. It is best to remember this information and not record it in a place where it is accessible to anyone else. You should also keep changing the password regularly to ensure more safety.
Stay vigilant
Using public wifi and different devices to manage your Demat account can risk your account’s safety. So, make sure you limit exposing your account unnecessarily. Monitor your account transactions, watch for phishing emails and SMS, and never share login details with spam accounts.
Report any unauthorised transactions promptly to protect your investments from fraudulent activities. Remember, the faster you act on suspicious behaviours on your account, the higher the chances of your investments staying safe.
Relocate safely
If you are relocating to a different country or won’t use your Demat account briefly, request your depository participant (DP) to freeze your account. This way, your account cannot be accessed without your request, saving you from potential fraud.
Use the SMS facility
Demat accounts provide an SMS facility that you can use for your safety. Activate notifications for balance updates, transactions, and security alerts, and regularly monitor these SMS messages to swiftly address any unauthorised or suspicious activities, ensuring proactive account management.
Like your bank chequebook, your DIS transfers are shared between two demat accounts, only functional with your signature. It is usually safer to have an e-DIS. However, if you need something else, regularly check entries for legitimacy and promptly report any loss or theft to your depository participant (DP).
What should you do if your account gets breached?
1. Immediately alert your depository participants via their registered email or number.
2. Draft a written complaint, also forwarded to the regulatory body, SEBI.
3. Provide authorities with all the proof available to you, along with an incident report.
4. If there's a false login, reset your password and update your PIN for the demat account and related applications.
5. Thoroughly review your account and Demat statements for more information on suspicious activities.
6. Request to freeze your Demat account until further investigation.
7. Seek expert advice on legal remedies and procedures to report the fraud effectively.
Remember, protecting your Demat account is crucial, and swift action can help lower the impact of fraud.
Conclusion
Digitalisation has made our lives easier to manage, but it also has drawbacks, Demat fraud being one of them. You can avoid these threats with simple measures and by being vigilant with your activities. However, if you become a victim of fraud, do not hesitate to contact the authorities and take the actions required. Filing a report not only helps you reclaim your finances but also saves others from facing similar conditions. Your financial security is in your hands, so make cautious decisions.
Related Articles: How to Open a Demat Account Without a Broker | Factors to Keep in Mind While Opening a Demat account | Factors to Consider When Opening a Demat Account
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