Hanfa warns the public about fraudulent letters sent in its name
The Croatian Financial Services Supervisory Agency (Hanfa) has recently received an increased number of enquiries and information concerning fraudulent activities related to alleged online investments in financial instruments, in which the name and logo of Hanfa are misused and its staff members are mentioned.
Hanfa is aware that its name, data and logo are being misused for fraudulent purposes and has on several occasions informed the public about such cases. Hanfa hereby reiterates that it does not engage in activities related to the recovery of funds lost as a result of fraud, nor does it compensate losses arising from market circumstances, and it is also not involved in tax collection. All documents referring to such or similar activities allegedly carried out by Hanfa are fraudulent and are used for the purpose of attempting fraud. Hanfa also does not cooperate with other entities in connection with the recovery of funds.
Generally, with regard to online investing (which typically precedes the aforementioned activities in which Hanfa is cited), it should be noted that it is not possible to completely prevent citizens from being contacted by various suspicious entities through different digital channels (especially via social networks) and by telephone. However, Hanfa strongly recommends that citizens do not enter into any relationship with entities that are not authorised to provide investment services and perform investment activities in the Republic of Croatia.
The public can use Hanfa’s Registers to verify which companies hold an operating licence, i.e., are registered and regulated by Hanfa, or are authorised to operate in Croatia on the basis of notification. In addition, Hanfa’s website provides the List of suspicious entities for which Hanfa has information indicating that they are contacting Croatian citizens despite not being included in Hanfa’s registers.
Citizens who are victims of criminal offences (fraud) may contact the police or the State Attorney’s Office. It should be noted that Hanfa has released a number of notices and various educational materials regarding financial fraud, some of which are available via these links:
· https://www.hanfa.hr/potrosaci/prijevare/
· https://www.hanfa.hr/consumers/warnings/
