Investment fraud – warnings & protection
Fraudulent trading and crypto platforms promise high, safe returns and allow small early “profits” – until a withdrawal is no longer possible. Find warnings and warning signs here.
Current warnings in this category
Gefälschte Nachrichtenartikel und Social-Media-Anzeigen werben mit angeblichen Aussagen Prominenter für Krypto- oder Investmentplattformen. Die Zitate sind erfunden und führen zu Betrugsplattformen.
→Unseriöse Plattformen versprechen hohe, sichere Renditen mit Krypto, Aktien oder CFDs. Nach ersten „Gewinnen“ werden Nachzahlungen verlangt; Auszahlungen erfolgen nicht. Die BaFin warnt laufend vor nicht zugelassenen Anbietern.
→Common schemes
- Ads with celebrity photos and guaranteed returns; a personal “advisor” stays closely in touch.
- An app/platform shows rising profits, but withdrawals always require new deposits or “taxes”.
- Recovery scam: after the loss, “lawyers” offer to recover the money for an advance fee.
How to protect yourself
- Be sceptical of guaranteed or unusually high returns – high returns always mean high risk.
- Check providers in the company register and the regulator's warning lists before transferring money.
- Install no remote-access software and give no “advisor” access to your account.
Frequently asked questions
How do I recognise dishonest investments?
Warning signs are guaranteed high returns, time pressure, a pushy “advisor”, unclear foreign company locations and missing supervisory authorisation.
I can't withdraw my “profits”.
That's a classic sign of fraud. Pay no further “fees” or “taxes”, secure all records, and file a report.
Someone offers to recover my lost money.
Very likely a recovery scam. Legitimate parties don't demand advance payment to recover allegedly lost money. Don't be deceived a second time.