Abstract：BaFin flags multiple platforms involved in unauthorised trading, investment, and crypto services. Learn how to protect yourself from online financial scams.
Unauthorised Trading Platforms Under BaFin Scrutiny
Germanys Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) has identified a wave of unauthorised online platforms offering financial and crypto investment services without regulatory approval. These websites are often sophisticated, featuring cloned branding, high-yield promises, and aggressive digital marketing strategies.
Among the flagged entities is Quantfinity (quantfinity.ai), allegedly operated by ImmVolution GmbH, a company now undergoing insolvency proceedings. BaFin suspects it of offering banking, investment, and crypto services unlawfully.
Similarly, summerhill.co is being investigated for providing cryptoasset services without BaFins authorisation. No regulatory oversight has been established for the operators behind this platform.
Another notable warning involves Astrix Data (Pty) Ltd, a South African entity using the site trade-markets.co.zaunder the alias “Trade Markets”. BaFin believes the firm may be targeting German investors without the required licensing.
Persistent Scammers Reusing Known Brands
Scams linked to previously exposed brands continue to surface under new domains. One example is Quantum AI, previously warned about multiple times since 2022. The latest version of this scheme appears on yiy.matrosik1.click, which redirects users to a platform labelled “Open AI,” purporting to offer automated trading services.
Likewise, Immediate Edge, another automated trading software with a troubled history, has resurfaced via asdaalraha.com, maintaining the same high-return promises with little regulatory clarity.
These platforms follow a pattern: create landing pages with appealing claims, redirect users through clickfunnels, and bypass regulatory frameworks.
Loan Fraud and Identity Theft in Digital Lending
BaFin also warns against platforms engaging in unauthorised banking activities under the guise of online loans. schmitzonlineservices.com and lendix-finanx.com are currently under investigation for offering online lending products without a valid banking licence. The operators remain unknown and unregistered.
Additionally, BaFin suspects InCoreTrade (incoretrade.online) of identity theft, falsely associating itself with Incore Bank AG. The firm has switched between domains such as incore-fund.com and incore-private.com, a common tactic to avoid detection.
How to Protect Yourself from Financial Scams
With the rise of online investment schemes, it‘s essential to verify any trading or crypto platform before investing. Use trusted sources like WikiFX Broker Search to confirm a broker’s licensing status and avoid being lured by false promises.
Keep in mind:
- Cloned sites may copy the details of legitimate institutions.
- Unauthorized platforms are not covered by compensation schemes.
- Aggressive digital ads and WhatsApp groups are often used to promote fraudulent platforms.
If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
FAQ
Q1: What is BaFin and what does it do?
A1: BaFin is Germanys financial regulatory authority. It oversees banks, investment firms, and insurance providers, and issues warnings against unauthorised activities.
Q2: How can I verify if a broker is authorised?
A2: You can use services like WikiFX Broker Search to check whether a broker is regulated in your region.
Q3: Are cloned websites common in scams?
A3: Yes. Many scammers copy the names, logos, or addresses of legitimate firms to appear trustworthy. Always double-check details.
