Mumbai, Oct. 22 -- The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) on Thursday cautioned investors against fraudulent stock tips and trading recommendations circulated through invitation-only WhatsApp groups, warning that unregistered individuals are posing as market experts to mislead investors through fake profit claims and unauthorised trading calls.

In a press release, the market regulator highlighted that certain unregistered persons are operating closed WhatsApp groups, often using overseas mobile numbers, and offering buy and sell recommendations under the guise of free investor education.

SEBI stated, "The operators of these fraudulent groups pose as market experts, mostly using overseas WhatsApp numbers, and share unauthorise...