Belgium’s Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA) has issued a warning against the website marketing the BTC20 virtual currency.
The FSMA has become aware of the website https://btc20.com, which distributes the BTC20 virtual currency. Btc20.com indicates that it has an address in Belgium.
However, any advertising disseminated as part of a mass media campaign to promote virtual currencies in Belgium must be notified in advance to the FSMA. BTC20.com has not filed a notification with the FSMA.
Moreover, there are several indications that this is a purely fraudulent offer:
- The FSMA has received several complaints from consumers who state that they have been unable to recover the funds they invested;
- The contact information given by btc20.com does not appear to be valid;
- BTC20.com has not responded to repeated requests for information made by the FSMA.
The FSMA therefore strongly advises against responding to any offers made by this firm.
The regulator notes that investment fraud often lies behind firms that are active in the virtual currency sector.
In order to avoid this type of fraud, the FSMA reiterates its recommendation to investors always to check the identity (company name, home country, registered office, etc.) of the company offering them an investment. If the company cannot be clearly identified, it should not be trusted.
More than ever, then, prudence is necessary. In case of any doubt, and before making any (more) payments, don’t hesitate to contact the FSMA using the consumer contact form. As well, feel free to notify the regulator of any suspicious company that has not yet been the subject of a warning by the FSMA.
