As per the mandatory SEBI regulations, all Asset Management Companies (AMCs) have to maintain a proper identification process for hiring financial agents and advisors. It is called KYD (Know Your Distributor). If you have followed the KYD process with your advisor, then it will be easier to track the advisor. Additionally, all advisors are made to go through the biometric identification process. The advisor can be held liable only in case of concealment or misrepresentation of facts, or if their malicious intent is proved.
To protect yourself you can take the following steps:
Do not go for inexperienced advisors. Take recommendations from other users asking the names of the advisors providing the
best sip plans.
Do a thorough background check for the list of advisors. Ask questions about the sincerity of the advisor and whether they have any record of fraudulent work.
Discuss the investment strategies with your advisor and get a clear idea about the limits and potentials of the investment. If the advisor isn't clear, maybe you could rethink your plans.
To report any fraudulent action:
Reach out to the AMC or the firm to report your advisor.
If the advisor was SEBI registered, you may want to reach out to them too.
Register a complaint on the SEBI website and track the status of the complaint.
Hire a lawyer and register an FIR if the above steps fail.