How To Trace Lost Mutual Fund Investments?

Sometimes we end up misplacing critical documents, no matter how cautious we are with them. Yes, we can get duplicate copies for some of these, but the process involves filing police reports and much running around.But with mutual funds, this is not the case, as there is a system in place for tracing lost mutual fund investment documents.

Investors can take any of the following ways given below that explain how to trace lost mutual fund investments:

1. Search with the help of CAS (Consolidated Account Statement)

The Asset Management Company (AMC) owning the fund periodically send investors what is known as the CAS, or the Consolidated Account Statement, on their email address. This makes tracing lost mutual fund investment that much easier.This is why: CAS contains all relevant information such as investor’s folio number, name and residential address, the number of mutual fund units owned, the investment’s Net Asset Value, the type of scheme etc.In case an investor loses the relevant documents, or mistakenly deleted previous CAS-related mails, or not subscribed to the service, the AMC can be requested to produce a duplicate CAS. This is also why it is important to keep the AMC informed of any changes the email address.An alternative to the CAS option to trace lost mutual fund investments documents is contacting the registrar and share transfer agent or RTA (e.g. Karvy or CAMS), who on request will send a consolidated statement of all mutual fund schemes the investor has invested in.

2. Visit the RTA office

Investors can also physically visit the RTA’s office to trace lost mutual fund investments with their problem; they will be required to produce their photo ID proofs and PAN card among other details, mobile number and address. The RTA will release the information asked for after verification.

3. MFCentral

Investors can purchase, redeem, and switch mutual fund units on the MFCentral online platform. If they lose their mutual fund documents, they can trace it on this platform.

4. CAS, for DEMAT account holders

Investors who maintain their accounts in DEMAT form can expect to receive a CAS on their registered E-mail ID on a monthly basis. This CAS will provide a comprehensive overview of their investments, including details of lost mutual fund investments. By accessing their E-mail ID, investors can easily trace the folio number of their lost mutual fund investment. Also Read: Why a Demat Account is Not Necessary For Mutual Fund Investment

5. Using old payment transactions

In the process of locating the folio number for the lost mutual fund investment, investors can rely on their old payment transactions. By referring to the payment receipts received for their previous investments in the fund, they can trace and identify the relevant mutual fund folio. However, it's essential to ensure that the investor's PAN is correctly linked to the investment account. In case of any discrepancies or errors in the mutual fund details, the investor may need to visit the Fund house in person and provide the accurate information along with the payment receipt to resolve the issue.

6. Search with the help of folio number

Investors can also use their folio number to trace the lost documents. Similar to a bank account number, the folio number is a unique number given to an investor by the AMC at the time of investing in a mutual fund scheme. This folio number remains constant for each investor across schemes, as long as the AMC remains the same. If investments are made with a different AMC, the investor’s folio number changes.This folio number makes it easy to track mutual fund investments made by an investor. This can be done in the following ways:

• Through online mode: Investors can log on to the app or website of AMC concerned using his or her given ID code and password, and access details of the holdings by entering the folio number.
• Through AMC office: Investors can physically visit the AMC’s office to trace lost mutual fund investments documents with the folio number and PAN card.
• Through RTA’s website: RTAs have websites that store information on mutual funds. Investors can access these using their folio number, or even PAN number and mobile number.

Two regulations laid down by market regulator SEBI (the Securities and Exchange Board of India) make tracing lost mutual fund investments easier for everyone involved. Let us have a look at these:First, if SIP investment is involved, investor must inform his or her bank of it. The bank will activate the ECS (Electronic Clearance Service) facility, which automatically debits the deposit amounts from the bank account as per the given schedule.But what also happens is that the investor is kept abreast of all bank transactions related to the mutual fund. It is also helpful in case the investor receives regular dividends.The second guideline that can help relates to bank details. Investors are required to provide the MC with the name on the bank account they will be using for dividends and redemption, along with the account number and the IFSC of the bank branch.This is to enable AMCs transfer dividends directly to the investor’s account. However, if the need arises, investors can use this source to trace their lost documents.

In its efforts to digitise India, the government has simplified many people's lives. Investments can be traced sitting in the comfort of home. But what it also means is that digitisation can help in tracing mutual fund investments.For instance, linking PAN with all the investments and banks has helped keep investments safe, but investors can use PAN to track their investments.Similarly, for tracing lost mutual fund investments, the folio number plays a crucial part, thanks to the digital trail. Also Read: Everything You Need To Know About Pan Card