As part of its efforts to combat financial fraud, Consob has ordered the blocking of 11 new websites offering investment services without authorisation.

The following are the websites ordered to be taken down:

- "Aurum-Fix" (website https://ltd-aurum.com and related page https://inv.aurum-fix-corp.com);

- "CloudTrading" (websitehttps://cloudtrading.co and associated page https://my.cloudtrading.co);

- "Topmarketssolutions.com" (website https://topmarketssolutions.com and related page https://client.topmarketssolutions.com);

- The Wealth Company International Fzco (website www.tradetector.com);

- Exclusive Markets Ltd (website www.exclusivemarkets.com);

- "Servelius" (website www.servelius.org and related page https://webtrader.oysteryx-ophonlie.com);

- "Fruenza" (websites https://fruenza.net and https://fruenza.info);

- "Pura Monetivo" (websites https://puramonetivo.com, https://pura-monetivo.com and https://puramonetivo.net).

This brings the total number of websites blocked by Consob since July 2019 – that is, since the Authority was granted the power to order the blocking of websites belonging to unauthorised financial intermediaries – to 1,599. Of these, 136 relate to crypto-related activities.

The Authority has exercised the powers granted by the 'Growth Decree' to block the websites of unauthorised financial intermediaries.

The measures adopted by Consob can be viewed on the website www.consob.it. Internet service providers operating in Italy are currently in the process of blocking access to these websites. For technical reasons, it may take a few days for the block to take effect.

It is important that savers exercise the utmost care when making fully informed investment decisions, adopting common-sense practices that are essential for safeguarding their savings: among these, checking in advance, for websites offering investment services and crypto-assets, that the operator through which the investment is made is authorised and, for offers of financial products and crypto-assets, that the prospectus or white paper has been published.

Consob also draws attention to the evolution of deceptive practices that exploit the internet to steal users' money and personal data: there has been an increase in the use of new tools, such as emails and ‘cloned' websites, fake profiles of politicians and celebrities, and content generated using artificial intelligence systems – such as images, voices or videos – with the aim of inducing investors to make harmful investment choices.

To this end, Consob invites investors to consult the dedicated information sheet containing advice on how to protect themselves from financial fraud in the age of artificial intelligence and reminds them that its website features the ‘Watch for scams!' section, where useful information is available to warn investors against abusive financial schemes.

Global Money Week 2026 kicks off on 16 March, an international awareness campaign on financial, insurance and pension education aimed at young people.

Global Money Week is an annual initiative promoted by the OECD with the aim of raising awareness among the younger generation of the importance of sound financial skills for making responsible decisions. Since 2012, the event has involved over 70 million young people in 176 countries. In Italy, the organisation and coordination of activities are entrusted to the Committee for the Planning and Coordination of Financial Education Activities (Edufin Committee).

The theme of this year's edition is ‘Smart money talks'. Young people often find themselves facing financial choices but are not always comfortable talking about money. Sharing experiences and asking the right people questions, together with a sound understanding of finance, insurance and pensions, can help them develop skills, avoid mistakes and build healthy habits to achieve their own financial well-being.

The first event at which Consob will be present is scheduled for 17 March in Novara, where a conference-show on sustainability will be held at Uni Piemonte Orientale (Novara): "A few words on sustainability". Consob and the science communication company Taxi 1729 will discuss sustainability and provide investors with a basic glossary to help them navigate the world of sustainable finance.