Athira Sethu,
Kochi, 18 August 2026
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has cautioned investors against relying on live trading tips available via social media websites.
As per SEBI, some people offer ‘live trading strategies’ and ‘real-time strategies’ through social media. These individuals provide tips regarding purchasing and selling of shares while the market is operational. But such services could be provided by persons who are unregistered with SEBI as investment advisors.
SEBI has mentioned that some people claim expertise in the stock market and run live trading sessions on social media. These individuals provide instructions to the audience on when to buy and sell stocks. At times, such individuals provide guidance on what kinds of trading strategies are to be followed and what positions should be taken in market indices.
These individuals usually provide live market data while running live trading sessions. They may even demonstrate their trades and provide information about movements in the market. They may also provide expected price targets along with results of their trading activities.
SEBI has highlighted such practices since there is an impression in the minds of investors that these people are qualified and authorized to give investment advice. Taking actions after receiving such advice without verifying whether the person is registered or not is very dangerous.
The stock market is all about taking risk, and no one can ensure that the investor will make money. It is possible for them to suffer losses by following the wrong advice.
SEBI, thus, has advised investors to take precaution while following any tip related to trade in the stock market which comes through the medium of social media. They must find out whether the person who is giving investment advice is registered with SEBI or not.
It is even more necessary in light of the fact that with the advent of social media, anyone can easily share his/her views about the market and trading tips with a lot of people. Investing based on the claim that the person is successful in live trading is not advisable at all.
