Have demat account? Beware! Instead of profit, you may lose money to brokers! Read warning

There are many ways to invest in equities, however, the most common is to open a demat account with a stock broking company and manage your portfolio. This account is automatically linked with NSE and BSE, which allow you to buy or sell equities, mutual funds, commodities and securities as per your requirement. However, the Nifty 50 operator always tells you (investors) to review and examine your portfolios periodically. Why? Because instead of receiving money as profit from equity investment, you may end up actually owing money to stock brokers! 

Generally, all we do is buy some stocks, leave it to perform and wait for it to add gains in your portfolio. However, this can take a lot of time! In fact, many investors forget about their demat account, and even what kind of stocks they hold. Leaving their portfolio idle and unused for a long term. However, how would you feel if you haven't done any trading, but receive a message from your bank that it has debited money from your account that was paid to stock brokers. It can be saddening and also very disheartening. But you can always avoid being in such a situation in the first place! Why? Let’s find out! 

It’s necessary even if you do not trade on a daily basis, you always keep a track of your demat account! 

The Nifty 50 index operator, has released a guide to their traders titled, “Suddenly discovered that instead of receiving money you owe your broker? Surprised by the transactions?”

Following which, NSE also guides that, always examine and review your trading account periodically. Also, don’t keep idle funds lying with your stock brokers. Further, don’t give any instructions to your broker for not setting your trading account.

With that, always insist on regular settlement of your account. Also, did you know you can revoke your running account authorization any time and opt for Bill to Bill settlement. 

Hence, to avoid such situation always keep a regular check of your running account. Make sure there are no surplus funds lying idle in your account. Meanwhile, deposit as much is required for a transaction. And finally, remember to settle the account on a monthly basis by settlement of funds and securities. Here's a list of smart practices you can follow to become a smart investor, as per NSE. 

Firstly, always ensure that you fill your KYC form with correct details and strike off all the blank fields. Secondly, make sure you register your mobile number and email address with the stockbroker to receive trade confirmation alerts directly from NSE.

Further, ensure that contract notes are received from the broker whenever you trade. Also, do not share your internet trading account's password with anyone. Because revealing your password to anyone is clearly an open invitation for misuse. There are chances that trades can be made on your behalf without even your knowledge. Also, change your password periodically, especially when you access your account from cyber cafes or public computers. 

Finally, get a clear idea about brokerage and other charges levied by the broker. NSE also points out that there can be chances that instead of receiving money, you might end up owing to the broker. Therefore, invest after making important checks about your broker.