Archive · 20 Jul 2026
SEBI Warns of Rising CEO Impersonation Scams
There is a new type of cyber fraud happening in offices in India.
Scammers pretend to be the CEO or managing director and send messages to employees in the finance department.
They ask for money to be sent to their accounts.
SEBI, which is a government organization, is warning companies about this scam.
They say that the bad people are using two main ways to do this.
The first way is by using voices, fake video calls, and fake social media groups to make it look like they are the boss.
The second way is by sending a special file that takes over the WhatsApp account on the computer.
SEBI advises companies to check with the senior executive before sending any money.
Employees should also be careful not to open files from people they do not know and should close their WhatsApp account on their computer when they are not using it.
Scammers impersonate CEOs or managing directors to trick employees into sending money.
SEBI warns companies about the increasing incidents of CEO impersonation fraud.
Scammers use intelligence-based and technical methods to carry out the scam.
Employees are advised to verify requests with senior executives before sending money.
Employees should be cautious about opening unknown files and closing WhatsApp on computers when not in use.
- Who
- Employees in finance departments, scammers impersonating CEOs or managing directors
- What
- CEO impersonation fraud or 'boss scam'
- When
- Currently, with increasing incidents
- Where
- Offices in India
- Why
- To trick employees into sending money to scammers' accounts
Scammers
SEBI and Companies
Scam Tactics
Scammers
Scammers use intelligence and technical methods to impersonate CEOs and managing directors, tricking employees into sending money.
SEBI and Companies
SEBI warns companies about these scams and advises them to verify requests before sending money.
- Scam Types
- Intelligence-based and technical methods
- Communication Channels
- Email, WhatsApp, social media
- SEBI's Advice
- Verify with senior executives before sending money
- Employee Precautions
- Do not open unknown files, close WhatsApp on computers when not in use
- Increasing Incidents
- Reported by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre