FSMA Issues Warning Against Fraudulent Investment Schemes
Introduction to Current Investment Scams
The Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA) has recently alerted consumers to new complaints regarding companies promoting investment opportunities in wine and precious metals.
These offers, often from fraudulent sources, promise high returns on investment.
Common Types of Fraudulent Offers
Investments in non-traditional assets like precious metals, wine, or champagne are being heavily marketed to the public.
These offers typically involve:
- A digital trading platform presented as a website, with no physical product delivery.
Initial contact through phone calls or emails, usually following online ads, particularly on social media platforms.
Recent Complaints Received by FSMA
In recent weeks, the FSMA has been notified about several companies including:
- Pontils-alinau.com
- www.pratholding.com
- Primalgold / Myeffico Finance
- www.silva-investissements.com
- www.walletpremium.com
These entities are not authorized to provide investment services in Belgium.
Advisory Against Unauthorized Firms
The FSMA strongly advises consumers to avoid engaging with or transferring money to any of the listed companies or any similar unauthorized entities.
Prevention Tips from FSMA
Verify Company Identity and Authorization
- Confirm the identity of the company offering the investment (name, country of origin, headquarters, etc.).
- Check for FSMA authorization via a simple search on FSMA’s website.
- Be cautious of ‘cloned firms’ which mimic legitimate companies but are unconnected. Scrutinize email addresses and contact details to identify such frauds.
Contact FSMA for Assistance
In cases of uncertainty or to report suspicious activities, use the FSMA consumer contact form. The FSMA encourages reporting any contact from unlisted suspicious companies.
Actions if Victimized
If you fall prey to an investment scam, the FSMA recommends filing a complaint with local police or judicial authorities.
Conclusion
Investors should exercise increased vigilance against enticing investment opportunities that sound too good to be true, especially from unverified sources.
Always perform thorough checks and consult with FSMA before proceeding with investments to ensure safety and legality.
For more details, visit the official warning page on the FSMA’s website
