BaFin Warns Against Multiple Identity-Theft Investment Schemes Targeting German Consumers

BaFin warns of fraudulent investment schemes on fake websites, apps, and social media. Scammers on WhatsApp, Instagram, and Telegram offer unauthorised trading services, falsely claiming links to legitimate firms, using fake experts, cloned identities, false authorisation numbers, and misleading documents.

In one case, investors were approached by an individual calling himself “Harrison T Blake,” who directed them to invest via the website polencapital-aml.mzgw(.)cc and the app PCAM.pro. BaFin confirms these operators have no connection to Polen Capital Management LLC in the United States and are providing financial services without authorisation.

Similar schemes have emerged using the name of Guggenheim Investments. Fake groups such as “Guggenheim Learning Group F6” promote “G funds” through the website gfunds-info.com and are led by a fabricated figure known as “Professor Brian Taylor.” None of these activities are associated with Guggenheim or any of its regulated entities.

BaFin has also flagged fraudulent outreach using the email addresses d.schmidt@finra-international.com and support@finra-international.net. These senders pose as FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, USA) and promote unauthorised financial, cryptoasset, and AI-based arbitrage products. BaFin confirms this is another case of identity theft and bears no relation to the real FINRA.

Consumers are reminded that anyone offering financial, investment, or crypto asset services in Germany must hold BaFin authorisation. Scam operators frequently misuse the names of reputable institutions to gain trust, but their websites, apps, and communications are not listed in BaFin’s official company database.

Consumers are reminded that anyone offering financial, investment, or cryptoasset services in Germany must hold BaFin authorisation. Brokersview urges the public to exercise extreme caution when approached online with investment offers.