Less than five percent of citizens who fall victim to investment fraud manage to recover their money, it was highlighted on Thursday during the conference of the Croatian Financial Services Supervisory Agency (Hanfa) ‘Don’t Fall for It! How to Recognize Investment Fraud?’
Hanfa’s Management Board member Anamarija Staničić stated that anyone can fall for fraud.
– We are all a target population for this type of fraudster – emphasized Staničić, adding that investment fraud is on the rise and it is not expected that this trend will decrease or reverse. She recommended that citizens arm themselves with information and knowledge to protect themselves.
She noted that most people fall for the promise of quick and large profits. She urges caution and thoughtfulness before making any payments prompted by such promises.
– Take your time and check the information about the person offering such an investment, the investment itself, and verify all available information – emphasized Staničić.
One should ask why that person is offering you such a unique investment opportunity.
– In 99 percent of cases, the answer is because they want to defraud you – said the member of Hanfa’s Management Board.
Before investing, it is necessary to check in Hanfa’s registry whether the company has a license to provide investment services in Croatia.
Hanfa also points out the main signs of investment fraud – excessive promises, guaranteed returns, pressure for quick decisions, unknown or suspicious internet domains, aggressive calls or messages, unregulated companies, fake advertisements, ads on social media, and communication through social media.
Minimal chance of recovering money
After realizing they have been defrauded, citizens should contact the police, Hanfa, or all relevant institutions, including the bank where they have an account, although the possibility of recovering money is minimal, and the percentage of recovered stolen money is less than five percent, said Staničić.
