Islamabad – September 2025: The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has issued a stern warning to the general public against investing through unlicensed online trading platforms, websites, and mobile applications that promise unrealistically high returns in stock or financial product investments.
The regulator has received numerous complaints from licensed securities brokers and individual investors concerning fraudulent platforms such as Interactive Brokers Group (IBKR), IGIL Securities Country, BMA Capital No.108/BMAC Global Pro, WTIC World Top Investor Competition, and Aviva Securities, among others.
According to the SECP, these platforms are exploiting social media to lure unsuspecting investors with false claims of high profits and negligible risk. The deceptive schemes often use unverified mobile and web-based applications designed to resemble legitimate trading interfaces. In many cases, the fraudsters misuse logos, names, and imagery of established financial institutions and even regulatory bodies to appear credible.
The SECP explained that these platforms typically display fake dashboards showing inflated account balances and fictitious profits. Initially, victims may be allowed to withdraw small sums to build trust. However, once they are convinced to invest larger amounts, the platforms either block access or cease communication, leading to significant financial losses.
“Trading in listed securities and commodities in Pakistan can only be done through SECP-licensed brokers,” emphasized the commission. The SECP advised the public to consult the official websites of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) and the Pakistan Mercantile Exchange Limited (PMEX) to verify the list of authorized market participants.
In response to these complaints, SECP is actively reporting all such unauthorized platforms and their associated bank accounts to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), and the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) for immediate enforcement action.
The commission has urged investors to exercise extreme caution before committing funds to any financial opportunity. “Do not invest with unlicensed individuals or entities. Always verify the credentials of any trading or investment platform,” the SECP stated.
In addition, individuals are strongly advised not to share personal or financial information with unknown sources via social media or messaging platforms, as it may lead to identity theft and financial fraud.
For further details and updates, investors are encouraged to visit the official SECP website at www.secp.gov.pk.
