ESMA fraud: how to spot it and what to do

Frauds and scams using ESMA’s logo/ID — Plain guide

At a glance Fraudsters can misuse ESMA’s name and logo, spoof numbers/emails, and clone ESMA webpages. They may pose as ESMA officials, show fake documents, and pressure you to pay fees or share personal data.

How to recognise a scam

Unexpected outreach (email, call, SMS, social); offers sound too good to be true.

Requests for personal data or money transfers (e.g., “administrative fee”).

Claims they are recovering your funds or “investigating” a firm on ESMA’s behalf.

Uses ESMA branding but contains errors or suspicious links.

ESMA will never approach you to ask for personal details or payments under the pretext of recovering lost funds or paying an administrative fee.

What to do

Do not interact (no clicks, no attachments, no replies).

Keep evidence: screenshots, links, sender/number.

Report to your national authority/police.

If you paid/shared data: contact your bank and file a report.

Official ESMA page: https://www.esma.europa.eu/investor-corner/frauds-and-scams