The Belgium Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA) issued a public warning about scammers using the FSMA’s name and logo, and those of other supervisors, to mislead consumers. The fraudsters approach victims of investment scams and claim the FSMA can help recover or unblock lost funds, then request payments presented as compensation, taxes or even fines. The FSMA highlighted cases involving a phantom firm, Protectionline, which directs victims to submit a purported compensation claim for FSMA approval and then steers them to fake lookalike websites. It also warned that its logo is being added to fraudulent sites to suggest firms are authorised, reiterated that it is not competent to recover lost investments or demand payments for taxes, and stressed it will not make unsolicited contact, request money transfers or ask for confidential banking credentials; official FSMA emails only come from the fsma.be domain.
Belgium Financial Services and Markets Authority 2025-02-03
Belgium Financial Services and Markets Authority warns of recovery room fraudsters impersonating the FSMA
The Belgium Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA) issued a warning about scammers using its name and logo, and those of other supervisors, to deceive consumers. Fraudsters claim the FSMA can recover lost funds and request payments under false pretenses. The FSMA emphasized it does not recover investments, demand payments, or make unsolicited contact, and official emails only come from the fsma.be domain.