Cybercrime Southeast Europe Newsletter No. 65
Fake Investment Apps – A New Massive Scam in 2025
Dear Clients,
In recent months, we have witnessed a new form of investment scams spreading across Europe — including users from the Balkans. These scams involve fake mobile investment apps that closely imitate legitimate platforms such as Binance, Revolut, or eToro in appearance and functionality.
Victims typically encounter these apps through ads on social media or Google searches, then download the app directly via a link or through alternative app stores outside official channels (Play Store, App Store).
How the scam works:
- The user downloads the app and creates an account.
- They enter personal and financial information, including card details.
- They deposit money for “investing,” and the app shows fake portfolio growth.
- When trying to withdraw funds — they are asked for additional payments or the app stops working.
- Contact with “support” disappears, and the money is lost.
According to a Europol warning from June 2025, more than 800 victims across Europe have reported this type of scam, with estimated damages exceeding tens of millions of euros. Individual cases have already been recorded in the region as well.
How to protect yourself:
- Never download apps through links in ads or messages.
- Always use official channels for downloads (Google Play, App Store).
- If an app seems unfamiliar or suspicious — stop the registration process.
- Do not enter card numbers or personal data without thoroughly verifying who is behind the platform.
If you have recently been exposed to this type of communication or possibly downloaded one of these apps and entered your data, we encourage you to contact us. Timely action can be crucial.
Your DefendMe team