On December 5, 2022, Italy’s financial markets regulator Consob announced the blocking of access to four online trading websites operating illegally in the country. These platforms are associated with broker scams that lack proper authorization to offer financial services in Italy or the European Union.
This move brings the total number of websites blocked by Consob to 809, marking a continued effort to shield Italian investors from online fraud and unauthorized investment schemes. Since July 2019, under powers granted by the “Growth Decree”, Consob has had the authority to instruct Italian internet service providers to disable access to illegal financial platforms targeting local consumers.
The newly blocked websites are:
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BC Solutions Limited d/b/a EuroInvestPartners
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Sharkoption
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Coconors and Partners LLC d/b/a Honest Capital and its trading platform
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Winnex Consulting
These platforms were promoting high-risk trading products and soliciting Italian investors without proper registration or oversight, posing serious risks to consumer protection and financial stability.
Consob’s consistent action against fraudulent operators highlights its commitment to combating financial cybercrime and protecting retail investors. The regulator also reminds the public to always verify the authorization status of financial intermediaries through its official website or through the EU’s Register of Financial Service Providers before making any investments.
The fight against online investment fraud continues across Europe, and Consob remains at the forefront of these enforcement efforts.
If you have encountered suspicious financial websites, report them to the relevant authorities. Public awareness and cooperation are essential in stopping these illicit operations.