First complain directly to the broker, company or intermediary concerned. If they do not resolve it satisfactorily, you can register the complaint on SEBI’s SCORES portal online, attach your documents, and track its status until it is closed.
SCORES (SEBI Complaints Redress System) is SEBI’s online grievance platform for complaints against listed companies and SEBI-registered entities such as brokers, depository participants, mutual funds and research analysts.
A typical process:
- Write to the entity’s grievance email first and keep a copy of your complaint and their reply.
- Register on the SCORES portal or app using your PAN, email and mobile number.
- Choose the entity and the nature of the complaint, for example non-receipt of funds or unauthorised trades.
- Describe the issue clearly with dates and amounts, and upload contract notes, ledger statements and emails.
- Note your registration number and track updates. If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you can request a review.
For example, if a hypothetical broker has not returned ₹25,000 lying in your trading account despite repeated requests, attach your ledger showing the credit balance and your emails asking for payout. Clear documents speed things up a lot.
SCORES does not handle complaints against unregistered tip groups, since they are outside SEBI’s registered entities; those may need to go to cyber crime authorities. For disputes, SEBI also has an online dispute resolution mechanism. Check SEBI’s website for current timelines and steps.
Investor rights and how to use them are explained in our Diploma in Stock Market.