The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan has issued a public warning after receiving ongoing complaints that individuals, particularly senior citizens, are being defrauded through real estate “investment” schemes that solicit deposits by promising lucrative monthly returns and presenting themselves as legitimate. According to the SECP, perpetrators often display Federal Board of Revenue national tax numbers and SECP incorporation certificates to build credibility, while collecting funds in bank accounts of unincorporated entities they control and using registered companies mainly as a façade. The SECP described these arrangements as operating like Ponzi schemes that may pay early investors before collapsing, and stressed that company registration does not authorise deposit-taking, fraudulent investment solicitation, or the offering or guaranteeing of returns on a real estate pretext. It also clarified that it does not regulate real estate investment schemes other than Real Estate Investment Trusts and advised the public to report suspicious activity to law enforcement agencies.
Securites & Exchange Commission of Pakistan 2025-02-07
Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan warns public about fraudulent real estate schemes misusing company registration to solicit deposits
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) warns about fraudulent real estate schemes targeting individuals, especially seniors, with promises of high returns. These schemes misuse Federal Board of Revenue tax numbers and SECP incorporation certificates to appear credible, operating like Ponzi schemes. The SECP stressed that company registration does not authorize deposit-taking or fraudulent activities and urged the public to report suspicious activities to law enforcement.