SECP Issues Urgent Warning Over Fake Investment Platforms Using Celebrity Images and WhatsApp Groups

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan has issued a strong warning after uncovering a surge in fraudulent groups promoting illegal investment and trading platforms across social media and messaging apps. According to the SECP, these scams are being aggressively marketed through Facebook pages, YouTube videos, TikTok content, and especially WhatsApp groups, where unsuspecting users are targeted with promises of quick and guaranteed profits.

The regulator revealed that these fraudulent actors are misusing the names of licensed brokerage houses and even displaying photos of well-known celebrities, FinFluencers, and senior executives to give their schemes an appearance of legitimacy. One such illegal platform identified by the SECP is “TSLWEA / TSL WEALTH,” which is falsely impersonating the licensed brokerage firm Topline Securities Limited. Additionally, a WhatsApp group operating under the name “A103-Topline Stock Strategies Hub” has been linked to the same scam network, despite having no affiliation with the genuine company.

The SECP also noted that scammers are now using AI-generated advertisements featuring famous personalities to deceive the public. These ads are designed to appear highly professional, making it difficult for viewers to distinguish between real and fraudulent content. Once individuals join these groups, scammers typically pressure them to transfer money into unverified accounts or digital wallets under the guise of investment opportunities, eventually leading to financial loss.

The Commission advises the public to verify any investment platform through SECP’s official website, confirm the legitimacy of brokerage houses before engaging with them, and avoid joining WhatsApp investment groups promoted through unsolicited messages or suspicious advertisements. It urges citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately to prevent further harm.