Verify the provider and the precise investment activity against the relevant financial regulator's public register. A commercial licence or a copied licence certificate is not proof of permission to offer that financial service. Check the firm's contact details independently.
Keep agreements, adverts, complete messages, payment references and recipient details. Report suspected fraud through the competent police channel and, where relevant, the regulator. Describe the facts and amounts rather than assuming that every contractual breach establishes a criminal offence.
Assess recovery separately: identify the responsible parties, traceable assets and any basis for urgent protective measures. A civil claim may be pursued in connection with criminal proceedings or through the appropriate civil route, subject to procedural rules. Recovery depends on evidence and enforceable assets.
A practical next step
Prepare a dated payment-and-contact timeline for your bank and legal consultant. Do not send more money to obtain a promised refund without independently verifying the recipient and the stated legal basis.
Official sources
Official warning about unlicensed investment firms and impersonation
Reporting capital-market violations — reporting and recovery are distinct
Criminal Procedure Law — Article 23 on civil claims