The Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has intensified its crackdown on unregistered investment schemes and cryptocurrency platforms, issuing a stern warning to the public about potential scams.
In a recent advisory, the regulator specifically flagged "Ecocapsule," an entity offering investment plans without proper registration or licensing. The scheme promoted two investment levels—"mini" and "large"—with promises of unusually high returns over short periods.
The SEC emphasized that soliciting investments from the public without proper registration and a secondary license is prohibited under Republic Act No. 8799, also known as the Securities Regulation Code.
The Commission also identified several entities operating under the HTX brand, including HTX Cryptocurrency Exchange and Huobi Global, for allegedly offering digital asset trading services without corporate registration or proper authorization.
Beyond traditional investment schemes, the SEC warned about sophisticated digital threats. The regulator cautioned against installing unauthorized application files sent by individuals posing as representatives of legitimate institutions, noting that these files could allow scammers to access sensitive personal information, intercept one-time passwords, and conduct unauthorized transactions using stolen credentials.
The Commission urged the public to report suspicious activities through official channels and announced plans to enhance enforcement actions and financial literacy efforts to better protect investors from fraudulent schemes.