The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India

May 08, 2026

Advisory Regarding Fraudulent Calls, Emails, WhatsApp Messages and Other Unauthorised Communications

Attention: Members, Students of ICAI and General Public

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has issued an important advisory informing Members, Students and the public about fraudulent activities being carried out by certain individuals and entities falsely claiming association with ICAI.

It has come to the notice of the Institute that some unauthorised persons are impersonating ICAI Office Bearers, officials, employees, departments, committees, regional councils and branch representatives through phone calls, WhatsApp messages and calls, SMSs, emails and various digital communication platforms.

These fraudsters are reportedly contacting stakeholders regarding matters related to examinations, membership services, articleship and training, empanelment, seminars, webinars, recruitment processes, disciplinary proceedings, fee payments and other ICAI-related activities.

ICAI has observed that such individuals are indulging in several misleading and fraudulent practices, including:

• Requesting confidential information such as banking details, passwords, OTPs, personal documents and other sensitive credentials under the pretext of official ICAI procedures.
• Asking for payments or fees through unofficial methods while creating pressure or urgency by threatening adverse consequences.
• Circulating fake notifications, misleading announcements, unauthorised study material and false communications through WhatsApp groups, social media platforms, emails and private messaging channels.
• Sharing suspicious QR codes, files and links falsely claiming to be connected with ICAI.

The Institute has clarified that these communications are completely fake and are intended to mislead Members, Students and the general public by creating a false impression that they are officially approved or issued by ICAI.

ICAI has categorically stated that:

• The Institute never asks for sensitive information such as passwords, OTPs, CVV numbers or internet banking credentials through calls, messages, WhatsApp or emails.
• All official communication is released only through authorised ICAI platforms and communication channels.
• Payments relating to ICAI services must be made only through official ICAI portals and approved payment systems.

In view of the above, ICAI has advised Members, Students and the public to remain cautious and follow the following precautions:

• Do not share any personal, financial or confidential information with unknown persons claiming to represent ICAI.
• Avoid clicking on suspicious links, scanning unknown QR codes or downloading unverified attachments and applications.
• Verify all notices, circulars and announcements only through official ICAI websites and communication channels before relying upon them.
• Immediately report any suspicious communication, calls or messages to ICAI along with screenshots, contact numbers and relevant details for necessary action.

The Institute has further warned that impersonation, misuse of ICAI’s name or logo and circulation of false information in the name of ICAI are punishable offences under law. ICAI has cautioned such fraudulent persons and entities to immediately stop these illegal activities, failing which strict legal and criminal action may be initiated against them.

ICAI has once again urged all Members, Students and the public to stay alert and rely only on official communications issued through authorised ICAI channels.

Secretary, ICAI