Alert: Fraudulent Emails Posing as MFSA Demand Fake Tax Payments to Release Funds

The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) has warned investors about the fraudulent email address support@mfsa-compliance.com, falsely claiming to originate from the Authority, which the MFSA confirms is not legitimate.

The scam emails demand payment of a supposed capital gains tax on investment profits to release funds. They also threaten that funds will be blocked or returned to the originating institution if payment is not made.

MFSA Clarifications

• Official MFSA correspondence is issued on letterhead and sent via registered mail.
• Genuine MFSA emails only come from addresses ending in @mfsa.mt.
• The MFSA never requests urgent monetary deposits.

Warning Signs of Fraudulent Communication

• Unexpected or unusual contact claiming to be from the MFSA or other authorities.
• Threatening or urgent language demanding payments, personal details, or urging clicks on suspicious links.
• Poor-quality logos, documents, or noticeable spelling/grammar errors.
• References to unlicensed financial service providers.
• Use of non-@mfsa.mt email domains, instant messaging applications, or private numbers claiming to originate from the MFSA.

The MFSA urges the public to remain vigilant when receiving unsolicited emails, even if they appear credible. In case of doubt about the authenticity of a document, email, individual, or entity claiming to represent the MFSA, verify whether the entity is licensed to provide the alleged financial services on the MFSA’s official website.

The Authority reminds investors not to engage in financial transactions unless the provider is authorised. Extra caution is advised when approached through unconventional channels such as phone calls or social media. Last September, the MFSA warned of financial services offered from unconventional sources.