The Malta Financial Services Authority has warned that an entity with an internet presence at http://aqa.capital/ is falsely claiming to be associated with a licensed and authorised entity. Fraudsters are using the details of the genuine company in an effort to deceive the public in Malta and abroad.

The authority would like to inform the public that http://aqa.capital/ claims to have a presence in Malta but the MFSA does not believe that to be the case. The MFSA can confirm that http://aqa.capital/ has no association with the authorised and licensed company AQA Capital Ltd (C 70143), which is a Malta-based company,  registered at 171, Old Bakery Street, Valletta.

The MFSA confirms that http://aqa.capital/ is a ‘clone’ of a legitimate entity and that the public should therefore refrain from undertaking any business or transactions with the false entity.

The authority reminded consumers of financial services not to enter into any financial services transaction unless they have ascertained that the entity with whom the transaction is being made is authorised to provide such services by the MFSA or another reputable financial services regulator.

Investors should also be extra cautious when being approached with offers of financial services via unconventional channels such as telephone calls or social media.

A list of entities licensed by the MFSA can be viewed on the official website of the MFSA at http://www.mfsa.com.mt/pages/licenceholders.aspx.