Is Viva Trade Funds a Legitimate Investment Platform or a Scam?

Viva Trade Funds presents itself as a global financial broker, providing investment opportunities in cryptocurrency, forex, CFDs, and other trading markets. However, a closer investigation reveals that this platform exhibits multiple characteristics of a scam. Viva Trade Funds registered its website domain on January 8, 2022, appearing to be a newly established investment platform. However, its operational methods, company background, and lack of regulatory information all point to the fact that it is a deceptive scam. In this article, we will thoroughly analyze Viva Trade Funds’ fraudulent methods to expose its facade.

Viva Trade Funds’ Company Registration: Fact or Fiction?

On its website, Viva Trade Funds displays two different sets of company registration information. The platform claims to be registered in the UK as ANOVA INVESTMENTS LTD with registration number 11743427. However, it also provides a screenshot showing its registered entity as VIVA & CO LIMITED, registration number SC397571. This conflicting information is a common tactic fraudulent platforms use to create a false sense of legitimacy and confuse investors. However, a closer look reveals numerous inconsistencies and issues with this information.

1. The Truth Behind ANOVA INVESTMENTS LTD

A search on the UK Companies House website confirms the existence of entity number 11743427, named ANOVA INVESTMENTS LTD. However, there is no clear evidence linking ANOVA INVESTMENTS LTD to Viva Trade Funds. Furthermore, ANOVA INVESTMENTS LTD does not indicate any business activities related to financial services, nor does its official website mention any association with Viva Trade Funds. This suggests that Viva Trade Funds may be using ANOVA INVESTMENTS LTD’s registration information without authorization to gain the trust of investors.

2. The Status of VIVA & CO LIMITED

As for entity SC397571, VIVA & CO LIMITED can also be found on the UK Companies House website. However, this company is currently in an “overdue accounts” status. This means that the company has failed to submit the necessary legal and financial documents on time, indicating it is in an unstable state and could be dissolved at any moment. Typically, a legitimate registered entity with the proper financial service credentials would maintain compliance with its company status. Viva Trade Funds’ use of an entity that is in an overdue status is a red flag, suggesting it may be leveraging this company’s name to conduct fraudulent activities.

3. The False Claims of a Financial Services License

In addition to the dubious registration information, Viva Trade Funds claims to have a license to operate financial services in the UK. However, the UK financial market is strictly regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and any financial service provider must be approved and authorized by the FCA. Verification on the FCA’s official website reveals that neither Viva Trade Funds nor its alleged associated companies hold any financial services licenses. This means that Viva Trade Funds’ operations in the UK are illegal and unregulated, putting investors’ funds and rights at risk.

4. The Confusing Tactics of Fraudsters

The two sets of company registration information displayed on Viva Trade Funds’ website are intended to confuse and mislead. Fraudulent platforms often employ multiple identities and false information to obscure their true nature. This tactic aims to take advantage of investors’ unfamiliarity with company registration details and their trust in official institutions. For the average investor, it can be challenging to accurately verify complex company information, which is precisely the vulnerability that scammers exploit.

False Advertising and Inconsistent Information: Typical Tactics of Viva Trade Funds

Further analysis of Viva Trade Funds’ website content reveals that it is filled with falsehoods. For instance, it repeatedly claims to be licensed to provide financial services in the UK, offering a safe and reliable trading environment for investors. However, the reality is that this platform is not subject to any regulatory oversight. By fabricating information, Viva Trade Funds successfully deceives a portion of investors into believing that it is a legitimate and secure platform.

False advertising is one of the most common tactics in financial scams. Fraudsters often take advantage of investors’ lack of financial knowledge and their desire for high returns, creating an illusion of “risk-free” and “guaranteed” profits. They use professionally designed websites, sophisticated trading tools (such as MT4, MT5), and seemingly authentic market data to pose as a professional financial service provider, thereby luring investors. Once investors deposit funds, they often face withdrawal restrictions, additional margin requirements, and other traps, ultimately resulting in the loss of their money.

Viva Trade Funds and Other Scam Platforms: Uncovering Industry Secrets

Viva Trade Funds is not unique in its fraudulent tactics. In recent years, similar cloned brokers have been on the rise. These platforms typically share the following characteristics:

• Misappropriation of Others’ Registration Information: Fraudulently using other companies’ registration details to pose as legitimate firms and gain investors’ trust.
• Imitation of Well-Known Trading Platforms: Faking trading environments like MT4 and MT5 to create a false sense of real trading.
• False Advertising: Attracting unsuspecting investors with promises of high returns and “zero-risk” investments.
• Confusion Over Regulatory Information: Deliberately mixing up company registration and regulatory statuses, making it difficult for investors to verify their legitimacy.

These scam platforms are often operated by international criminal groups with strong disguising and deceitful capabilities. They exploit cross-border regulatory loopholes to carry out illegal activities in unregulated markets. Once investors file complaints or regulatory bodies start investigations, these platforms swiftly shut down their websites and disappear, only to reappear under different names.

Case Study: Similar Scam Operations

To better illustrate the fraudulent nature of Viva Trade Funds, we can look at other similar cases. One such example is “Globe Markets,” a scam platform that employed similar tactics. It claimed to be registered in multiple countries, providing services in forex, cryptocurrency, and more, while boasting licenses from various financial authorities. However, investigations revealed that all of Globe Markets’ licenses were fabricated, and its alleged registered companies did not exist. Many investors who deposited money into the platform experienced account freezes, withdrawal issues, and eventually lost their entire investments.

These scam platforms lure investors by falsifying websites, stealing registration information, and engaging in false advertising. They often allow investors to make small profits initially to build trust. Once investors start depositing larger amounts, the platform restricts withdrawals or outright closes accounts, causing investors to suffer significant losses.

What to Do If You’ve Already Invested in Viva Trade Funds

If you have already invested in Viva Trade Funds, you need to take immediate action to protect your interests and minimize potential losses:

1. Stop Any Further Investment: Avoid depositing more money into the platform to prevent further losses.
2. Gather Evidence: Collect all related trading records, chat logs with customer support, and payment receipts for future claims or reports.
3. Attempt to Contact Customer Support: Submit a withdrawal request to see the platform’s response. If rejected, document the reasons provided in writing.
4. Report to Regulatory Authorities: Report Viva Trade Funds’ illegal activities to the FCA, local police, and financial consumer protection agencies.
5. Seek Legal Advice: Consult a professional lawyer to explore the possibility of recovering losses through legal means.

Investors’ Self-Protection Awareness: Avoiding Scams

When considering investment opportunities in the financial market, investors must remain vigilant. A legitimate trading platform should operate compliantly, possess transparent operating information, have regulatory credentials, and provide client fund protection. Investors should conduct thorough research before choosing a platform, including verifying its regulatory status, understanding its business model, and reviewing user feedback. Be wary of investment opportunities that promise high returns with low risk, as they often conceal significant dangers.

FAQ: Common Questions About Viva Trade Funds and Investment Scams

Q1: Viva Trade Funds claims to be registered in the UK. Why is it considered a scam?

A1: While Viva Trade Funds claims to be registered in the UK, its provided company information does not match reality. More importantly, it is not authorized by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to offer financial services, indicating its operations are not legitimate.

Q2: Why is regulatory information so important?

A2: Regulatory authorities strictly supervise financial service providers to ensure their lawful operation and protect investors’ rights. Unregulated platforms can engage in illegal activities, leaving investors’ funds unprotected.

Q3: Does offering MT4, MT5 trading tools make a platform trustworthy?

A3: Not necessarily. Scam platforms can illegally use or fake MT4, MT5 trading environments. Investors should verify if the platform is under regulatory supervision rather than solely relying on the presence of trading tools.

Q4: What should I do if I can’t withdraw my money from Viva Trade Funds?

A4: Stop further investment immediately, save all transaction records, and report the platform’s illegal activities to financial regulatory authorities. Seek legal assistance if necessary.

Q5: How can I protect myself when investing?

A5: Verify the platform’s regulatory status and registration information before investing, be wary of high return promises, and choose reputable, regulated platforms.

Q6: How can I verify the legitimacy of a trading platform?

A6: Visit the official website of the claimed regulatory authority and check the platform’s registration number. Ensure that the company name and operating address match the information provided by the platform.

More information：https://www.tradradar.com/