Important Public Advisory regarding fraudulent communications

Important Public Advisory Regarding Fraudulent Communications Misusing ICAI’s Name

Public Advisory
For Members, Students of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), and the General Public

Members, students, and the public are advised to remain cautious against fraudulent individuals or organisations falsely claiming association with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). It has come to notice that certain unauthorised persons are posing as ICAI office bearers, officials, employees, departments, committees, regional councils, branches, or authorised representatives through phone calls, WhatsApp messages, emails, SMSs, and other digital communication platforms.

These misleading communications often relate to matters such as examinations, membership services, articleship and training, empanelment, seminars, webinars, recruitment opportunities, disciplinary proceedings, fee payments, and other Institute-related activities.

Instances have also been observed where such imposters:

• Request confidential personal details, banking information, OTPs, passwords, or sensitive documents in the name of official ICAI procedures.
• Demand payments through unofficial channels by creating unnecessary urgency or fear of adverse consequences.
• Share unauthorised announcements, study material, notices, or messages through WhatsApp groups, emails, social media platforms, and private messaging applications.
• Circulate suspicious links, QR codes, or downloadable files falsely appearing to be connected with ICAI.

These actions are intended to mislead stakeholders and create confusion by falsely portraying such communications as official or approved by ICAI.

ICAI clarifies that:

• The Institute never seeks passwords, OTPs, CVV details, internet banking credentials, or similar confidential information through calls, messages, emails, or social media platforms.
• Official communications are issued only through authorised ICAI communication channels and platforms.
• Payments relating to ICAI services must be made only through official ICAI portals and approved payment systems.

Members, students, and the public are therefore advised to:

• Avoid sharing personal, financial, or confidential information with unknown individuals or entities claiming to represent ICAI.
• Refrain from clicking suspicious links, scanning unknown QR codes, or downloading unverified files or applications.
• Verify all important announcements, circulars, and notices only through official ICAI platforms before relying upon them.
• Report suspicious communications to ICAI along with relevant details such as screenshots, contact numbers, emails, or messages for appropriate examination and action.

It is further informed that misuse of ICAI’s name, logo, identity, or circulation of false information in the name of the Institute may attract legal and criminal consequences under applicable laws. ICAI reserves the right to initiate suitable action against any person or entity involved in such unauthorised activities.

All stakeholders are advised to stay alert and rely solely on official communications issued through authorised ICAI channels.

Announcement

Read More Updates on ICAI