The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has issued a fresh warning as fraudulent online trading platforms increase their activity in the country, targeting unsuspecting investors with fake dashboards, fabricated profit claims, and impersonated identities.
According to the regulator, unlicensed websites, mobile applications, and social media-based investment schemes are aggressively promoting guaranteed, risk-free returns in stocks, commodities, and international markets.
Many of these operations mimic legitimate trading platforms, allowing small withdrawals initially to build trust before blocking access when larger sums are deposited.
The SECP highlighted a growing trend of scams misusing the names of licensed brokers, financial institutions, market professionals, social media influencers, senior government officials, and even regulatory bodies. Some schemes also operate under the guise of free advisory or investment-tip services to attract first-time traders, eventually directing them toward unauthorised trading links.
The regulator stressed that all securities and commodities trading in Pakistan must be conducted through SECP-licensed brokers. Verified lists of authorised entities are available on the websites of the SECP, the Pakistan Stock Exchange, and the Pakistan Mercantile Exchange.
Investors have been urged not to transfer funds to unlicensed individuals or platforms and to verify all investment offers through official channels. The SECP also warned that sharing personal or financial information with unknown sources on social media or messaging apps could result in identity theft, misuse of data, and significant financial losses.
