The Malta Financial Services Authority said it has become aware of an entity by the name of Bitcoin & Autotrader which has an internet presence at https://bitcoinautotrader.co/  and a physical address at 361 Triq l-Imdina, Ħal Qormi QRM 9012. The website claims that the entity’s owner and CEO is Jomic Calleja going by the last name Grech. The website claims to be a certified trading platform.

The entity and individual are promoting the provision of the service of buying and selling of virtual financial assets (“VFA”) through the above website and through social media. The provision of the services of buying and selling VFAs is an activity which requires a license under the Virtual Financial Assets Act (CAP 590 of the Laws of Malta) (the ‘Act’).

The authority said that Bitcoin & Autotrader is NOT a Maltese registered company, additionally, Jomic Calleja and the entity are NEITHER operating under the transitory provision in terms of Article 62 of the Act NOR are authorised to provide any financial services in or from Malta.

The MFSA has also become aware of an entity which has an internet presence at http://www.tmseuropechina.com/index.asp. This website is making unauthorised use and reference to the head office address of a Maltese registered company, TMS Brokers Europe Limited. TMS Brokers Europe Limited has voluntarily surrendered its Category 3 Investment Services Licence on 29 April 2019. Fraudsters are using the details of this genuine company in an effort to deceive the public.

The Authority would like to inform the public that http://www.tmseuropechina.com/index.asp claims to have a presence in Malta, which does not seem to be the case. The MFSA can confirm that http://www.tmseuropechina.com/index.asp has NO association with TMS Brokers Europe Limited.

The website http://www.tmseuropechina.com/index.asp therefore appears to be a clone of the website of the legitimate entity and that the public should therefore refrain from undertaking any business or transactions with the false entity.

The MFSA 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. 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.

If you are a victim of a scam or think you might be dealing with an unauthorised entity or any other type of financial scam, first of all stop all transactions with the company and contact the MFSA at https://www.mfsa.mt/about-us/contact/ as soon as a suspicion arises.