ICAI News – An advisory statement from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), warning about unauthorized calls, e-mails, WhatsApp messages, SMSs and other forms of communication in the name of the organization, has been issued recently. This advisory was issued on 8th May, 2026 after some scams involving impersonations by fraudulent persons of the officials/departments of the institute came into light.
As per ICAI, some persons/entities are posing as office bearers, employees, committee members, regional council members or any authorized official of the institute. These imposters are reportedly contacting people regarding examinations, membership services, training, seminars, webinars, recruitment opportunities, disciplinary matters, fee payments, & other ICAI-related activities.
Fraudsters Targeting Students & Members
ICAI highlighted that these fake communications are being used to create confusion & gain trust by appearing official. In many cases, fraudsters are allegedly asking for confidential information such as bank details, passwords, OTPs, documents, & other personal credentials under the pretext of ICAI procedures. Some have also reportedly demanded payments through unofficial channels while creating unnecessary panic or urgency.
The Institute also warned about misleading notices, unauthorized study material, suspicious links, QR codes, & fake announcements circulating through WhatsApp groups, emails, & social media platforms while falsely claiming an ICAI connection.
ICAI Clarifies What It Never Does
To protect students and members from scams, ICAI clearly stated that it never asks for sensitive information like passwords, OTPs, CVV numbers, or internet banking details through calls, WhatsApp messages, SMSs, or emails. The Institute clarified that official communication is released only through authorized ICAI channels & all payments related to ICAI services must be made through approved portals & official payment systems only.
Advisory for CA Students and Members
ICAI has recommended students, members, and the general public to be cautious and should not give away confidential information to unknown calls/unknown accounts who claim themselves to be from ICAI.
Stakeholders have been advised not to open suspicious links, scan QR codes, or trust any forwarded communication that cannot be authenticated through the notifications and announcements issued by ICAI.
Individuals are also recommended to instantly inform about any suspicious communication by sending screenshots and related information to ICAI for authentication and necessary action.
ICAI has further informed about the potential legal and criminal action that may be taken against any miscommunication or misuse of ICAI’s name, logo, and other communications.
In conclusion, students who are preparing for their examinations and ICAI members dealing with ICAI matters should be very careful and should only trust authentic information provided by ICAI itself.
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