After a broker loss, a “chargeback” or association site can feel like adult supervision. One reader reached esma-association.com, saw a message name-checking a large bank, and was told to pay €390 as an administrative fee for an arbitration panel. That is the second scam, not the rescue.
The real European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) publishes its own fraud page: it does not run retail refunds, does not chase brokers’ wallets for private clients, and will not ask you to wire an unlocking fee. Official mail ends in @esma.europa.eu; the office is in Paris; phone numbers use the French +33 prefix. Domains that bolt “association”, “commission” or “support” onto the ESMA brand, plus Gmail aliases and Telegram “ESMA support” handles, are props.
ESMA has repeatedly warned that impostors use its logo and staff names after people have already been defrauded. If someone demands money so “the regulator” can release funds, stop. Report the contact to local police and, if useful, to ESMA’s scam-report address listed on esma.europa.eu — then use ordinary bank and national routes, not another prepaid miracle.
If money already left, start at Get help. Ignore paid rescue pitches — Fake recovery.
This article is for general information only. It is not legal or financial advice. Details change. If you have lost money, contact your bank or card issuer and use the routes on the help pages.