As per the advertising rules formulated by the Ministry of Law, from 01 November 2011, licensed moneylenders can advertise using these mediums:

• Business or consumer directories (in print or online media)
• Websites of the moneylenders
• Advertisements placed within or on the exterior of the moneylender’s business premises. All other channels are prohibited Medium Not Allowed for Advertisements
• Advertising platforms such as “paid-for links on the internet.
• Advertisements in the form of email and SMS.

In this regard, the medium selected by the moneylenders can also help to differentiate between licensed and unlicensed moneylenders. If you receive SMS, email, or social media platforms, then it could be from an unlicensed moneylender or from a fraudulent lender. You may report such advertisements to Registry at 1800-2255-529 as they will investigate the errant moneylender and if they are found guilty, their licenses will be revoked and even penalize them.