НААУ | Ринок віртуальних активів. Захист інвестицій. Перша частина

Introduction to the Event

Overview of the Virtual Assets Market

• The event is hosted by the National Association of Lawyers, focusing on virtual assets and investment protection.

• Key speakers include Yevhen Panchenko from the National Police and legal advisor Vitasuk discussing international cooperation in investigating illegal activities related to virtual assets.

• Ivan Zhabotynskyi will address "Virtual Assets in Enforcement Proceedings: Realities and Prospects."

Role of Lawyers in Virtual Asset Cases

Insights from Pavlo Shykov

• Pavlo Shykov emphasizes the importance of understanding challenges lawyers face when representing clients involved with cryptocurrencies.

• He cites a report indicating that approximately $50 billion worth of cryptocurrency has been illegally obtained, highlighting an increase in crimes involving virtual assets.

Legal Framework for Virtual Assets

• Current legislation on virtual assets is not yet operational; expectations are set for a resolution by year-end to align with European standards.

• The Carf Crypto Set Reporting Framework aims for global tax information exchange regarding cryptocurrencies by January 2026.

Criminal Cases Involving Cryptocurrencies

Specific Challenges Faced

• Criminal cases involving cryptocurrencies have unique characteristics; lawyers may represent either victims or accused parties.

• Victims often include those misled into investing in fraudulent tokens or schemes, emphasizing the need for due diligence.

Types of Fraudulent Activities

• Common scams involve professional fraudsters exploiting inexperienced investors through fake exchanges and phishing attacks.

Victim Support and Prevention Strategies

Addressing Cryptocurrency Theft

• Victims can also be individuals who lose access to their crypto through theft by acquaintances or mishandling sensitive information like seed phrases.

Recommendations for Safety

• Emphasizes preventive measures such as safeguarding personal information about cryptocurrency holdings to mitigate risks associated with theft and extortion.

Legal Challenges in Cryptocurrency Investigations

The Role of Specialists and Resources

• There is a shortage of specialists in blockchain analysis and crime investigation across the country, making it challenging for lawyers to represent clients effectively.

• Lawyers must be prepared to conduct their own blockchain analysis using public resources like Nsan, Blockchair, or specialized software from companies that focus on this area.

Evidence Collection and Communication

• Lawyers should aim to trace the flow of cryptocurrency from wallet to wallet and identify where assets are located, potentially flagging suspicious wallet activity.

• If assets are held on platforms with KYC procedures, it's crucial to communicate promptly with exchanges to block these assets by providing evidence of theft.

Law Enforcement Interaction

• Effective communication with law enforcement is essential as they have specialized channels for contacting exchanges; often exchanges only respond to law enforcement requests.

• Delays can occur when trying to lift account freezes due to court orders since law enforcement may not act quickly.

Supporting Investigative Processes

• Lawyers may need to assist investigators by guiding them in preparing documents for cyber police or courts regarding asset seizures.

• It’s important for lawyers to prepare detailed motions for investigative actions while ensuring they are heard by authorities.

Detailed Reporting Requirements

• When filing criminal complaints, lawyers should include a detailed diagram showing the movement of virtual assets along with evidence linking those assets back to individuals.

• Cases often involve defendants who used cryptocurrency for illegal activities such as drug purchases or corruption-related transactions.

Real Case Examples and Civil Matters

• A real case example illustrates how criminals laundered stolen fiat money through USDT purchases on P2P platforms, leading to legal complications for innocent sellers.

• In civil cases involving property division or divorce where virtual assets are present, there can be significant challenges in proving ownership and transaction history.

Ownership Disputes in Marital Context

• Two scenarios arise: both spouses know about the virtual assets but dispute ownership details; one spouse hides asset existence requiring thorough proof through blockchain transaction tracing.

• Courts require detailed evidence of cryptocurrency holdings during marriage periods; securing claims may necessitate precautionary measures due to lack of access without court orders.

Discussion on Cryptocurrency Legal Practices

Current State of Cryptocurrency Legal Practice

• The speaker emphasizes that the legal practice surrounding cryptocurrency is still developing, and active participation in shaping this practice is encouraged.

• A wide range of issues related to cryptocurrency in legal work is highlighted, including illegal acquisition of virtual assets, taxation, inheritance matters, and property distribution between spouses.

Common Client Inquiries

• The most frequent cases involve representing victims of cryptocurrency theft, often perpetrated by acquaintances who mishandle sensitive information like seed phrases or identifiers.

• Scams are prevalent where professional schemes lead to significant losses for individuals; these criminals often use sophisticated methods to cover their tracks.

Physical Security Concerns

• There are increasing reports of physical attacks on cryptocurrency owners aimed at stealing their digital assets.

• Young individuals displaying their wealth through social media are particularly vulnerable to such crimes; caution regarding personal security is advised.

Trends in Criminal Activity

• The rise in crime rates related to cryptocurrencies is noted not only locally but also internationally, with incidents reported in countries like France.

• Attendees at crypto conferences express concerns for their safety, leading some speakers to withdraw from events due to fear of potential attacks.

Insights from Vladislav Tsvirkun on Specialized Software for Analyzing Crypto Transactions

Introduction to Global Ledger's Expertise

• Vladislav Tsvirkun introduces himself as a representative from Global Ledger and discusses the company's unique position as one of the few firms capable of providing expert testimony in court due to its comprehensive database.

Challenges in Data Management

• Many companies lack complete databases necessary for effective forensic analysis; reliance on incomplete data can undermine legal proceedings.

Company Growth and Services Offered

• Since its inception in 2019, Global Ledger has expanded significantly and focuses primarily on anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF).

Compliance Procedures Support

• The company assists banks with licensing requirements and provides software solutions that facilitate compliance procedures essential for operating within regulatory frameworks.

Distinction Between Fiat and Cryptocurrency Transactions

• A key difference between accepting fiat currency versus cryptocurrency transactions is discussed; understanding these nuances is crucial for legal compliance.

Understanding Cryptocurrency Regulations and Challenges

The Obligation of Businesses in Cryptocurrency

• Businesses accepting cryptocurrency must verify compliance with regulations, countering the misconception that they evade taxes.

• Companies are often required to engage with multiple regulatory bodies globally, especially when operating across continents.

Collaboration with Global Organizations

• The speaker's organization collaborates with the UN and FATF to combat financial crime and track Russian assets under sanctions.

• There is a shortage of specialists in national security sectors, leading to a focus on counter-terrorism efforts over forensic investigations.

The Role of Experts in Legal Proceedings

• A triangular collaboration exists between experts conducting research, lawyers managing cases, and law enforcement agencies for effective communication.

• The organization has provided training expertise to law enforcement in Ukraine as part of European Council initiatives.

Addressing Blockchain Anonymity Issues

• A significant challenge is the anonymity within blockchain transactions; many individuals transitioning from traditional banking underestimate its complexity.

• Compliance with OFAC sanctions is crucial for any state wishing to trade with the U.S., necessitating thorough understanding and adherence.

Research Methodologies and Findings

• The organization conducts extensive research on sanctioned entities like Garantax, producing detailed reports exceeding 100 pages on their operational patterns.

• Visualization capabilities allow for mapping complex networks such as those related to North Korean hacking groups or smart contracts.

Investigative Limitations and Risks

• While visualizing smart contracts is possible, monitoring them depends on their structure; some require additional integration work.

• Open-source investigations have become increasingly challenging due to transaction complexities; distinguishing between individual actions versus exchange activities can be difficult.

Regulatory Insights and Transaction Filtering

• Recent studies conducted for the FCA revealed substantial liquidity risks associated with certain jurisdictions linked to Garantax operations.

• Law enforcement benefits from transaction filtering tools that help identify suspicious activities across various exchanges efficiently.

Insights on Cryptocurrency Regulation and Analytics

Overview of Licensing and Regulatory Challenges

• The speaker emphasizes the absence of speculation in their operations, highlighting a commitment to transparency by providing complete information once a cryptocurrency entry or exit is identified.

• A comprehensive list of jurisdictions with licenses is maintained, particularly relevant for investigations in Ukraine where regulatory challenges hinder effective oversight.

• Ukraine's position in the global cryptocurrency market is discussed, noting that it ranks higher than top five countries with an estimated turnover of $8 billion in 2021.

Importance of Licensing for Investigations

• The need for licensing within Ukraine is stressed as essential for tracking significant trading volumes and ensuring compliance among major exchanges operating there.

• Licensing will facilitate timely responses to inquiries, improving investigative efficiency by establishing clear communication channels with licensed entities.

Enhancing Investigative Capabilities

• The speaker mentions the importance of human involvement in investigations despite advancements in technology; personal connections are crucial for law enforcement agencies.

• A rare precedent from Canada illustrates potential legal avenues for obtaining information through attorney requests, although practical application remains limited.

Advanced Analytical Tools and Monitoring Systems

• Full business analytics capabilities allow regulators to generate detailed reports on all wallets associated with a business, enhancing tax compliance checks and money laundering detection efforts.

• Custom alerts can be set up to monitor unusual transactions, which is particularly beneficial for banks managing large sums that may involve illicit activities.

Automation and Efficiency in Investigations

• Automated systems can notify investigators when stolen funds reach exchanges known to cooperate with law enforcement, significantly increasing operational efficiency amidst high case loads.

• Any account involved in suspicious activity can trigger alerts across various platforms (e.g., email, Telegram), streamlining communication regarding asset freezes or other necessary actions.

Addressing Mixing Services and Cross-chain Transactions

• The discussion touches on the detection of mixing services within blockchain transactions; this serves as a warning signal for legal professionals or authorities to investigate further.

• Emphasis is placed on the necessity of human oversight over AI-generated labels due to accountability issues; automated tools must still rely on verified data sources.

Discussion on Cryptocurrency Mixing and Legal Implications

Overview of Cryptocurrency Mixing

• The speaker discusses how cryptocurrency mixing operates, emphasizing the importance of validating transactions before and after mixing. This process is crucial for understanding the flow of funds in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.

• The complexity of transaction validation is highlighted, noting that it can be influenced by various factors such as geographical location (e.g., Russia or Kazakhstan) and the use of VPNs by individuals.

Collaboration with Law Enforcement

• The need for ongoing collaboration between companies involved in cryptocurrency analysis and law enforcement agencies is stressed. This includes assistance with labeling and probabilistic analysis to enhance investigative capabilities.

• Acknowledgment that there are currently few specialists in this field, often found within companies like Global Edger. Efforts are being made to establish memorandums for emergency assistance to law enforcement.

Legal Framework and Challenges

• The speaker expresses hope for improvements in cooperation with government entities without requiring large financial commitments from either side, aiming for a more predictable support system.

• A question arises regarding the legal requirements for marking transactions, specifically whether a court decision is necessary or if other documents from law enforcement could suffice.

Methodology Behind Transaction Analysis

• It’s clarified that while court decisions are essential for certain labels (like scams), other situations may require heuristic research methodologies to substantiate findings due to the ambiguous legal landscape surrounding cryptocurrency today.

• The discussion touches on U.S. regulations where written permission is required for investigating sanctioned entities, highlighting the complexities faced by analysts working under strict legal frameworks.

Training Initiatives and Market Needs

• The speaker notes that licensing their activities requires access to comprehensive databases which poses significant challenges due to security concerns around sensitive data.

• Emphasis on the necessity of having a robust methodology when presenting findings in court; failure to do so could result in being classified merely as an aggregator without substantial evidence backing their claims.

Educational Outreach

• There’s mention of training initiatives aimed at educating lawyers about cryptocurrency tools and practices through collaborative efforts rather than formal courses alone, indicating a market-driven approach to education.

• Training sessions have been conducted not only for law enforcement but also tailored towards judicial bodies like higher courts, ensuring relevant stakeholders understand how to utilize these analytical tools effectively.

Geographic Focus of Operations

• Finally, the speaker addresses geographic limitations concerning their services, explaining that data generation relies heavily on manual input from users based on company interests across different regions.

Understanding the Role of Private Executors in Virtual Asset Recovery

Insights on Regional Expertise and Challenges

• The speaker emphasizes their understanding of various regions, particularly Europe and Iran, due to their experience with Russian Telegram channels and financial transactions involving North Korea.

• Ivan Zhobotynskyi raises a question about the practical services that can be provided by private executors, highlighting a division between practical capabilities and legal constraints.

Practical vs. Legal Considerations

• Zhobotynskyi categorizes challenges into two groups: practical services available to private executors and legal barriers that may prevent action despite technical capabilities.

• He notes that unlike law enforcement agencies, private executors lack access to information regarding virtual assets, which complicates their ability to enforce claims.

Inquiry About Accessing Information on Virtual Assets

• The speaker describes the difficulty in obtaining information about an individual's virtual wallet on exchanges without prior legal proceedings or specific licensing for inquiries.

• They express hope for future possibilities where such inquiries could be made under certain conditions but acknowledge current limitations in accessing this data legally.

Licensing and Regulatory Framework

• The discussion touches upon the need for licensing frameworks that would allow private executors to request information from exchanges regarding asset ownership.

• Current practices show limited responses from exchanges to private executor inquiries, indicating a significant gap in cooperation between financial institutions and enforcement bodies.

Future Legislative Changes Needed

• The conversation highlights the necessity for new legislation that would enable better access to financial information while balancing commercial confidentiality concerns inherent in exchange operations.

• It is noted that once companies become licensed financial entities, they will be subject to stricter regulations concerning confidentiality and data sharing with authorities.

International Cooperation Challenges

• The complexity of international regulatory frameworks is discussed, emphasizing how different jurisdictions handle requests for asset information through formal channels rather than direct communication with businesses.

• There are significant hurdles in obtaining necessary data from foreign banks or regulators due to varying laws across jurisdictions, complicating cross-border asset recovery efforts.

Discussion on Ukrainian Enforcement Procedures and Digital Assets

Overview of Enforcement Procedures

• The complexities of Ukrainian enforcement procedures are highlighted, particularly in relation to international judicial decisions and the execution of foreign court rulings.

• Mention of CARF as a tool for collecting tax information, emphasizing its specific purpose under OECD standards for tax assessment.

Challenges with Information Disclosure

• Concerns arise regarding the sharing of information obtained through CRS (Common Reporting Standard), questioning compliance with MCAC agreements.

• The issue of personal data disclosure in civil law is raised, noting that digital assets lack clear regulation concerning client data transparency.

Legal Status of Digital Assets

• Clarification that digital assets are recognized under civil law as property, aligning them with existing legal frameworks governing tangible assets.

• The discussion confirms that after amendments to the Civil Code, digital items are acknowledged as objects of civil rights.

Data Protection Regulations

• Introduction to GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), which will be essential for Ukraine's implementation regarding personal data protection.

• Emphasis on technological resilience regulations affecting all financial institutions and their data handling practices.

Decentralized Finance (DeFi) Implications

• The challenges posed by decentralized systems like DAOs (Decentralized Autonomous Organizations), where traditional regulatory frameworks may not apply effectively.

• Reference to FATF comments on DeFi in 2023, highlighting legal implications when smart contracts serve criminal purposes.

Legal Pathways in Civil Matters

• Inquiry into avenues available for addressing commercial disputes without criminal proceedings; current reliance on general provisions is noted.

• Discussion about the limitations faced when dealing with non-Ukrainian entities operating within Ukraine’s jurisdiction.

Challenges of Transnational Legal Frameworks

The Complexity of Jurisdiction in Digital Assets

• The rise of transnationality presents a unique challenge globally, as traditional jurisdictional ties may not apply effectively to digital assets.

• Questions arise regarding the applicability of jurisdictions to smart contracts and whether they qualify as legal transactions under existing laws.

• There is no unified approach to resolving these jurisdictional issues; solutions will require significant effort from various jurisdictions.

Transparency and Information Disclosure

• In the U.S., information disclosure by authorities has often been voluntary, raising concerns about transparency and completeness.

• Tax authorities face limitations in directly using Global Ledger data due to strict regulations on information sources outlined in tax codes.

Challenges with Data Utilization

• While theoretically possible for tax authorities to use Global Ledger data, practical implementation requires confirmation from multiple parties involved in transactions.

• Even if public information is utilized, tax authorities must still verify details with taxpayers and financial institutions before taking action.

Issues in Criminal Proceedings

• Law enforcement faces difficulties retrieving information related to cryptocurrency transactions, especially when dealing with foreign entities like exchanges.

• International cooperation is essential for law enforcement agencies when pursuing cases involving individuals from different jurisdictions.

Expert Insights on Blockchain Transactions

• Experts can provide technical confirmations regarding blockchain activities but are limited in accessing fiat transaction details without proper legal requests.

• There is no established law mandating acceptance of expert opinions from multiple companies; each case relies on available evidence and legal processes.

Transitioning Between Civil and Criminal Cases

• A proposal was made for transitioning from civil or commercial claims into criminal proceedings based on non-compliance with court decisions related to digital wallets.

Discussion on Virtual Assets and International Cooperation

Introduction to the Discussion

• The speaker expresses appreciation for the high level of discourse among various institutions in Ukraine, including law enforcement, private executors, analytical companies, and legal professionals.

• Emphasizes the growing awareness and professional communication regarding virtual assets within legal contexts.

Challenges in Information Gathering

• Highlights a significant issue: there are currently no Ukrainian companies dealing with virtual assets that can provide information about wallet ownership.

• Notes that inquiries will need to be directed to foreign jurisdictions due to the absence of local entities.

Jurisdictions of Interest

• Discusses interesting jurisdictions such as the Marshall Islands and Cayman Islands where financial security is prioritized over transparency in investigations.

• Points out that individuals who store finances in these areas often focus more on asset preservation than resolving civil disputes.

Role of Interpol and Information Exchange

• Describes the speaker's role as part of Ukraine's National Police and its connection to Interpol since 1993, acting as a communication center for international law enforcement.

• Clarifies misconceptions about Interpol's database security; mentions I24x7 as a robust system processing millions of requests without breaches.

European Integration Efforts

• Mentions ongoing efforts to adopt European practices within Ukraine’s law enforcement framework, particularly through collaboration with Europol.

• Outlines plans for establishing unified information exchange mechanisms (SPOCs), aiming for implementation by 2028 across Europe.

Conclusion on Crime Prevention Strategies

• Reiterates the importance of international cooperation in combating crime, emphasizing coordination and information sharing as key components.

• Concludes with an overview of their operational structure involving multiple jurisdictions focused on effective communication between national police forces.

Discussion on Civil Matters and Virtual Assets

Understanding the Challenges in Civil Cases Involving Cryptocurrencies

• The speaker acknowledges an increase in awareness regarding civil matters related to cryptocurrencies, highlighting the complexity of addressing such issues.

• There are challenges in dividing assets stored in various forms, such as tokens or coins, especially when they are locked in liquidity pools with withdrawal restrictions.

• The existing civil code provides a framework for dealing with virtual assets, but many questions remain unanswered due to the evolving nature of these technologies.

Categories of Virtual Assets and Their Implications

• The discussion touches on various categories of blockchain-related items, emphasizing that there are over 100,000 types of tokens and coins available.

• A significant issue is the existence of unregulated exchanges and services that complicate legal recourse for individuals seeking to recover their investments.

Regulatory Concerns and Market Analysis

• The lack of regulatory oversight for illegal exchanges poses a challenge; individuals often have no clear channels for addressing grievances or recovering funds.

• Many informal exchanges operate without proper regulation, further complicating how virtual assets can be divided or returned.

Role of Analytical Companies in Legal Context

• Some companies specialize in analyzing cryptocurrency data, providing valuable insights for lawyers and law enforcement agencies regarding wallet identification.

• These analytical firms possess extensive expertise and information that can assist legal professionals in navigating complex cases involving virtual currencies.

Limitations of Current Research on Virtual Assets

• Current analyses often rely on limited transaction data, leading to incomplete representations of the landscape surrounding virtual assets.

• Studies indicate that most processed wallets belong to centralized exchanges (CEX), while only a small fraction is associated with illicit activities like darknet markets.

Common Criminal Activities Related to Virtual Assets

• Investment fraud and money laundering are prevalent crimes linked to virtual assets due to their perceived anonymity.

• The perception of anonymity has shifted from being an advantage to a concern as criminal activities increasingly exploit this feature within digital currencies.

Challenges in Investigating Virtual Assets

Lack of Expertise in Jurisdictions

• There is a significant shortage of specialists capable of analyzing virtual asset movements and utilizing the appropriate tools for investigations.

• The speaker shares personal experience from over five years in cyber police, emphasizing the repetitive nature of explaining complex data to investigators, prosecutors, and judges.

Complexity of Data Interpretation

• Graphical representations of data can be misleading; they often require extensive explanatory notes to clarify their meaning.

• The need for detailed explanations arises when interpreting transactions involving different cryptocurrencies, such as USDT and Ethereum.

Collaboration with Research Companies

• Currently, there are about five specialized research companies collaborating with law enforcement; however, many focus on tax-related issues rather than criminal investigations.

• The National Police has made progress by increasing the number of specialists who understand complex cases related to virtual assets.

Social Projects and Information Gathering

• Various social projects have been implemented to gather information about cryptocurrency wallets as part of efforts to assist Ukraine amidst ongoing challenges.

• Some platforms openly solicit funds for dubious purposes without needing thorough investigation due to their known fraudulent status.

Emerging Trends in Cybercrime

• Discussion includes trends identified by Internet Organized Crime assessments regarding financial flows linked to virtual assets and crime categories.

• Cryptojacking is highlighted as a hidden form of crime where hackers mine cryptocurrency using compromised servers without the owners' knowledge.

Issues with KYC Compliance

• Circumventing Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations poses significant challenges for law enforcement when tracing stolen virtual assets back to criminals.

• Investigators often encounter situations where they trace funds back only to find an innocent individual who unknowingly sold their account used for illicit activities.

Fraudulent Activities in Cryptocurrency

• The rise of token fraud is noted alongside recommendations for individuals entering the cryptocurrency space, emphasizing awareness and caution during transactions.

• Highlighted is the complexity involved when converting cryptocurrencies into fiat or electronic money, complicating subsequent investigations into fraud cases.

Understanding Cryptocurrency Transactions and Risks

The Nature of Wallet Transactions

• Discusses the complexity of transactions involving wallets that do not belong to the actual victim, highlighting that funds may be stored in a wallet belonging to multiple individuals.

• Emphasizes the prevalence of offline exchange services, such as kiosks, and raises concerns about their legitimacy as they operate in a gray area.

Victim Awareness and Law Enforcement Challenges

• Addresses the challenges faced by law enforcement due to a high volume of cases where victims fail to take basic precautions against becoming victims themselves.

• Stresses the importance of verifying transaction details before handing over funds, urging users to conduct trial transactions or seek expert advice.

Exchange Services and Fraud Risks

• Highlights potential negligence from exchange service owners who may simplify processes at the expense of security, creating opportunities for fraud.

• Introduces the concept of "man-in-the-middle" attacks where fraudulent entities can intercept transactions between legitimate parties.

International Cooperation in Cybercrime Investigations

• Discusses limited avenues for international cooperation in investigating crimes related to virtual assets, emphasizing the need for established communication protocols among jurisdictions.

• Points out that current responses from service providers are often voluntary, leading to inefficiencies in information sharing with law enforcement agencies.

Legal Framework and Procedural Delays

• Describes how legal requests for information can slow down investigations due to bureaucratic processes across different jurisdictions.

• Mentions formal cooperation through prosecutorial channels but notes significant delays in recovering assets once they have been transferred internationally.

Audience Engagement and Questions

• Concludes with an invitation for questions from the audience regarding cryptocurrency risks and law enforcement's role in prevention efforts.

Discussion on Digital Wallet Security and Responsibility

Importance of Awareness in Digital Transactions

• The speaker emphasizes the need for citizens to be informed about digital wallets and their usage, especially when making purchases.

• There is a call for accountability from the state regarding the services offered to taxpayers, highlighting that if a service is provided by the government, it should ensure its safety.

Development of Security Systems

• A question arises about existing systems designed to verify wallet security; the speaker mentions ongoing developments but notes limitations in current technologies.

• The project "Scanfari" is introduced as an example of a system that allows users to check wallet addresses, though it does not guarantee complete protection against scams.

Challenges with Current Technologies

• The speaker discusses how many known scam projects are still able to deceive users due to insufficient browser protections in identifying fraudulent links.

• Historical context is provided regarding phishing attempts, illustrating how even minor changes in URLs can lead users astray.

Future Developments in Security Measures

• Anticipation for advancements in virtual asset security systems is expressed, suggesting that future wallets may include features warning users about potentially dangerous addresses.

• The market for ensuring security around virtual assets has not yet matured at the same pace as the assets themselves.

Collaborative Efforts and Resources Available

• Previous initiatives aimed at consolidating databases for better verification of wallet information are mentioned but faced challenges due to proprietary concerns from analytical companies.

• Public services like Dex Screener and national commission listings provide resources for checking potential scams before investing.