The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI), Securities Division has received a complaint from a Washington resident regarding Hftua.top. Further online research showed additional complaints that referenced Hftua.top being a possible scam.
The Hftua.top website recommends downloading TrustWallet, a self-custody wallet for cryptocurrency that also gives you access to various decentralized applications (dApps). The website includes a link to Google Play and the Apple Store to download the application.
The Hftua.top website includes what appears to be an outdated TrustWallet logo.
Preventing Fraud
DFI urges consumers to use caution when using self-custody wallets. The platforms accessed through a self-custody wallet, where the trading occurs, does not mean the platform is legitimate.
DFI also urges consumers to exercise extreme caution before responding to any solicitation offering investment or financial services. Gather as much information as possible about the entity, platform, or individuals offering the investment. NOTE: Do not invest more money than you are willing to lose.
Possible Red Flags
- Was the investment introduced to you by someone you met on social media? Be careful of ones you meet on social media, they can easily fake their identity, provide false information, or impersonate legitimate individuals or entities.
- Were you pressured to invest? Do not give into pressure to invest. Ask questions and always take the time to research the entity, individuals, platform, and investment product(s).
- Were any guarantees made about the return on your investment? All investments come with some degree of risk.
- Did anyone request access to your wallet (i.e. ask for your password or wallet seed phrase) or demand you provide personal or financial information? Never give out any passwords or any personal or financial information such as banking information, Social Security Number, copies of your passport, or any other sensitive information to anyone online or to a website that you do not know is legitimate.
Investment professionals need to be licensed with DFI to offer investments to Washington residents. In addition, most investment products sold need to be registered with DFI. To check the licensing status and to find out if there are any complaints against an investment professional or investment product, please visit FINRA Brokercheck or contact the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions, Securities Division at (360) 902-8760. If you live outside of Washington State, contact your state securities regulator.
Filing a Complaint
If a consumer believes a person or company has violated state law or acted improperly regarding an investment product or service, they may file a complaint with the Securities Division.
Additional Resources
Protecting Yourself from Financial Fraud
Virtual Currency, Cryptocurrency, and Digital Assets Information for Consumers