The AMF warns retail investors about the growing number of scams involving fake news articles promoting the merits of pseudo get-rich-quick opportunities
Please note that the French version of this press release was published on 19 August 2026.
In recent days, the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) has detected an increase in fake news websites impersonating French media outlets by using their visual identities and names, as well as the identities of public figures, in order to promote the purported benefits of a fraudulent trading platform, BitKeltTrade. The AMF urges retail investors to exercise the utmost vigilance and not to engage with these websites.
In recent days, several fake websites have appeared, mimicking the visual identity of well-known French media websites (Le Monde, Le Figaro, France Info, TF1, etc.) in an attempt to lend credibility to fake articles claiming to reveal to the general public the ideal solution to get rich quickly. These fake articles feature prominent French figures from the worlds of sport, politics, broadcasting or business, or representatives of authorities, and attribute to them false statements or purported investments made through a trading platform called BitKeltTrade, which claims to rely on artificial intelligence.
In these fake articles, this supposedly ideal investment opportunity, allegedly hidden from the general public, is said to have been revealed following incidents that occurred during television talk shows or interviews. The articles purport to provide proof of the possibility of earning in just a single month more than a bank savings account could yield over one year, with testimonials from fictitious retail investors as supposed evidence. One of the articles even mentions a pseudo-government program that is supposedly t supervised or administered by the AMF.
These websites have only one purpose: to entice readers to click on the link leading to the fraudulent platform and to fill out a contact form so they can be contacted. The AMF recommends that retail investors do not respond to these solicitations and do not provide their contact details.
The BitKeltTrade platform is not currently authorised in the European Union. The AMF would like to remind investors that only companies authorised as investment service providers in the European Union are permitted to offer brokerage services, such as trading in forex or financial instruments. Only crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) authorised in the European Union are permitted to offer crypto-asset purchase and sale, custody or trading platform services to the French public.
The AMF has blacklisted Bitkelttrade.com. Other websites are being analysed.
The fake news websites identified by the AMF include the following addresses:
- https://thryva.cyou
- https://pyrix.cyou
- https://sylith.cyou
- https://vexara.cyou
- https://kaelixithvenixara.cyou
- https://velith.cyou
- https://synithixaraithven.cyou
- https://zentha.cyou
- https://kaelva.cyou
Vigilance on the part of retail investors is essential
More generally, the AMF reminds the public to apply the rules of vigilance before making any investment:
- Be wary of unrealistic promises from trading websites that guarantee quick profits;
- Check that the company is authorised to offer financial services and is not on one of the AMF’s blacklists.
For more informations:
Epargne Info Service: by form
About the AMF
As an independent public authority, the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) protects savings invested in financial products, ensures that investors receive clear and reliable financial information, and maintains orderly financial markets. Through its engagement with European and international regulatory bodies, the AMF contributes to financial stability and effective regulation. The AMF develops and enforces regulatory standards, supervises market participants and market infrastructures, and takes action against misconduct and regulatory breaches. It also supports the transformation of the financial sector, particularly in the areas of innovation and sustainable finance. As an impact-driven regulator, the AMF acts in the public interest.
Regulate finance, reinforce confidence.
Visit our website: https://www.amf-france.org/en
