BaFin warns captrader.group offers financial services without authorisation, misusing CapTrader GmbH's identity
Germany's Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) warned on 21 October 2026 about offers on the website captrader.group. BaFin suspects the unknown operators are offering financial services on the site without…
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Source: bafin.de · published
What happened
Germany's Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) warned on 21 October 2026 about offers on the website captrader.group. BaFin suspects the unknown operators are offering financial services on the site without the required authorisation. BaFin says that, contrary to the operators' claims, the website is not operated by CapTrader GmbH, which has no connection whatsoever to the website or the services offered; BaFin describes this as a case of identity theft. BaFin and German police warn consumers to be extremely cautious and research thoroughly before investing money online.
What the warning means
In Germany, anyone offering banking business or financial services commercially needs authorisation, and BaFin publishes warnings when it finds offers without it. A BaFin warning is a statement of the regulator's findings that the offer is being made without the required licence; it is not a court judgment. Fraudulent trading and investment websites often reach people through online ads, social media and unsolicited calls, show professional-looking dashboards with rising balances, and pressure customers to add more money. Withdrawals are then delayed or blocked, often with demands for fees, taxes or 'release' payments, and the operators may disappear or move to a new domain.
BaFin and German police advise consumers to be extremely careful when investing money online and to research thoroughly to recognise fraud attempts early. Before investing, check BaFin's company database to see whether a provider is authorised, and be wary of claimed links to real companies, which fraudsters copy to gain trust. Anyone who has transferred money should contact their bank immediately and file a report with the police.
Source
BaFin, "captrader(.)group: Bafin warns about website and identity theft" (published 21 October 2026).
Red flags
- An investment or banking offer from a website that isn't in BaFin's company database.
- Claims of a connection to a real, authorised company that can't be confirmed through that company directly.
- Promises of high returns, or dashboards showing quick profits.
- Fees or taxes demanded before a withdrawal.
- Pressure to invest more or to pay in cryptocurrency.
If you were targeted
- 1Don't invest or send money through the website.
- 2Check whether a provider is authorised in BaFin's company database before investing.
- 3Contact any genuine company through details you find yourself, not those on the website.
- 4If you have transferred money, contact your bank immediately and report the matter to the police.
- 5Be wary of 'recovery' offers that ask for fees to return lost money.