Equentis Wealth Advisory Services, a SEBI-registered financial services company specialising in wealth management, portfolio advisory and capital market solutions, recently hosted an investor awareness seminar in Bengaluru to highlight the growing risks of cybercrime, online investment fraud, corporate misconduct and unethical practices in the equity markets.

The seminar was graced by Dr Satyapal Singh, former Union Minister, Member of Parliament and former Mumbai Police Commissioner, as the Chief Guest. The speakers included Dr Bheemashankar S. Guled, IPS, DIG, CID; M. D. Sharath, Superintendent of Police, CID, Bengaluru, Karnataka, Manish Goel, Managing Director, Equentis Wealth Advisoryand Sanjeev Anand, Whole-Time Director, Equentis Wealth Advisory Services.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Manish Goel, Managing Director, Equentis Wealth Advisory Services, said, “As digital technologies evolve, financial fraud is becoming increasingly sophisticated, with fraudsters using AI-generated content, deepfakes, voice cloning and fake trading platforms to gain investors’ trust. Investors must look beyond promises of high returns and exercise due diligence before making investment decisions. Equally important is the protection of client data, as personal and financial information can be misused for identity theft, impersonation and targeted investment scams. At Equentis, we prioritise robust data security practices, safeguard sensitive client information and strengthen systems to prevent unauthorised access or misuse”.

Building a safer investment ecosystem requires not only investor awareness but also a collective commitment to transparency, accountability and ethical conduct across the financial sector.”

The seminar brought together police officials and financial sector representatives to discuss emerging fraud tactics and practical measures to safeguard investors. Participants were encouraged to verify the credentials of investment platforms and advisers, remain cautious of misleading online promotions, and independently validate investment advice before acting on it.

The central theme of the seminar emphasised that in an increasingly digital investment environment, a convincing pitch or the promise of attractive returns is not a guarantee of a credible investment opportunity. The discussions focused on helping investors recognise fraudulent schemes, verify the authenticity of investment platforms and make informed financial decisions.

A key focus of the discussion was the growing threat of digital deception, including AI-generated deepfakes, face and voice cloning, and fraudulent trading and investment applications. The speakers highlighted how manipulated videos, impersonated voices and deceptively designed applications can make fraudulent investment opportunities appear legitimate. Investors were cautioned against trusting unsolicited calls, videos or applications promising assured returns and were advised to verify investment-related claims through official channels.

The seminar also underscored the importance of ethical conduct and accountability across the financial services industry. It highlighted that sustainable investor confidence depends on transparency, responsible business practices and informed decision-making. Through this initiative, Equentis Wealth Advisory Services reiterated its commitment to promoting investor awareness and encouraging a more informed, vigilant and responsible investment community.