Belgium Financial Services and Markets Authority warns consumers about fraudulent trading platforms and lists suspect websites

Belgium Financial Services and Markets Authority issued a renewed warning on fraudulent online trading platforms that lure investors with promises of quick and easy earnings, including through advertisements on social media that reference celebrities. The alert includes a list of websites the FSMA has observed directing consumers to fraudulent platforms, and a broader list of trading platforms it strongly advises consumers to avoid. The FSMA describes typical approaches used by fraudsters, including fake celebrity ads, recruitment-style websites, fake social media or dating profiles, and seemingly accidental messages via SMS or WhatsApp. Victims are prompted to register and deposit funds, often starting around EUR 250, and may be encouraged to grant remote access to their device, creating risks of viruses or spyware. Platforms then display fictitious profits, apply pressure tactics to secure further deposits, and make meaningful withdrawals difficult or impossible through pretexts such as fees or taxes before ultimately disappearing. Websites highlighted as linking consumers to fraudulent platforms include Gas Folex, Immediate Apex, Immediate DexAir, Immediate GPT, Oil Folex and Proficator, alongside a longer avoidance list that also flags several clone sites. For affected consumers, the FSMA recommends immediately stopping transactions and contact with the platform, notifying their bank if payments were made, reporting the fraud to the FSMA and the police, retaining evidence of communications and transactions, and remaining alert to follow-on “recovery room” scams that offer to recover losses for a fee.