Place-a-Trade Scam Warning: Offshore Forex, Not Licensed

In May 2022 the Spanish capital markets authority CNMV added placeatrade.com to its list of entities offering financial products without authorisation. Behind the Place-a-Trade brand is Focus Markets LLC, incorporated in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; in other words, investor money effectively goes to an offshore company with weak regulation.

🧩 The Gap Between Brand, Company and Contract

While the site names Focus Markets LLC as the operator, the customer agreement is reported to mention a group company licensed in Australia. In schemes like this the investor believes they are dealing with a licensed institution; when a dispute arises, they face an offshore company and an overseas arbitration clause. The same group is also reported to operate the AnzoFX and Anzo Capital brands.

⚖️ SPK Authorisation and the Question of Foreign Licences

Place-a-Trade does not appear on the SPK list of authorised intermediary institutions. The foreign licence of one of the group companies is not valid for providing investment services in Türkiye. SPK Decision No. 8/297 of 24.02.2017 treats intermediation from Türkiye for overseas leveraged trading platforms as unauthorised activity.

🔗 Articles on the Same Group and Similar Schemes

🧭 The Legal Process for Victims

For amounts sent abroad, the routes for a refund from an overseas forex firm are assessed; an account relationship set up without authorisation is examined in terms of the invalidity of the account agreementTR. For detailed information and legal support, you can contact Savun Law & Consultancy.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions