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BaFin Warns of WhatsApp Investment Fraud Using Fake justTRADE Apps

The regulator details WhatsApp groups with counterfeit trading apps that impersonate justTRADE to divert deposits.

Overview

  • The campaign misuses the names of justTRADE and its partner Sutor Bank while inventing personas called “Tobias Albrecht” and “Lieselotte Thalheim.”
  • Groups labeled “VIP justTRADE” promote a supposed “GreenTech Invest” offer with reported minimum deposits of €20,000 or €50,000.
  • Counterfeit apps distributed via the website h5.ecoinf.vip or through sideloading mimic trading interfaces and show fabricated balances.
  • Scammers use “pig butchering” tactics with small early payouts, then escalate to “recovery scam” demands for taxes or technical fees.
  • BaFin urges checks of provider authorizations in its company database, avoidance of unverified apps, preservation of evidence, and prompt reporting, while justTRADE and Sutor Bank deny any involvement.