14/11/2025
🚨 Consumer alert: Lessons from a recent crypto scam case
🔐 What happened: A consumer lost €32,000 after being manipulated by fraudsters into transferring Bitcoin to scam wallets. The scammers used screen-sharing to guide the victim through opening a crypto account and making transfers, claiming the money was going to an investment platform.
The Arbiter awarded 50% compensation (€16,000) because the crypto provider had previously blocked one suspicious transaction but then allowed subsequent transfers without discussing concerns with the customer. Both parties shared responsibility for the loss.
💡 Key lessons for consumers:
🚨 If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Before parting with your money, remember that promises of quick, easy profits are classic red flags for scams. Be especially cautious of high-return investment schemes.
🔍 Never share your screen with unknown callers. Screen-sharing gives scammers complete control over your actions. Legitimate companies will never pressure you to share your screen or rush you into financial decisions.
⚠️ Cryptocurrency transactions cannot be reversed. Once you send crypto to an external wallet, it's gone forever. This makes crypto an attractive tool for fraudsters, so take extra time to verify where your money is going.
📚 Understand what you're investing in. Don't invest in products you don't understand, especially in high-risk areas like cryptocurrency. Take time to research and educate yourself before committing funds.
🛡️ Do your due diligence. Even if a company appears legitimate online with fancy websites and claimed licences, verify their credentials through official regulators before investing your money.
Remember: You bear primary responsibility for protecting yourself from scams. Stay vigilant, take your time with financial decisions, and never let anyone pressure you into acting quickly! 💪
This consumer guidance is based on Case ASF 011/2025, decided 31 October 2025 by the Arbiter for Financial Services in Malta. The decision establishes important precedents for consumer protection in cryptocurrency transactions whilst also clarifying consumer responsibilities when receiving fraud warnings from licensed platforms.
👥 You can contact the Office of the Arbiter for Financial Services by calling 80072366 (local landlines only) or +356 21249245. Alternatively call or text on WhatsApp on +356 7921 9961. For more information go to www.financialarbiter.org.mt.