The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (hereinafter referred to as "the Commission") issued a warning on February 28, 2024, alerting the public to a suspicious cryptocurrency product named "Yieldnodes.com masternode pool," which involves cryptocurrency-related staking and fundraising arrangements. The product is operated by Exceptional Media Limited.
Product Information
This product has not been approved by the Commission for sale to the public in Hong Kong and is suspected of violating the Securities and Futures Ordinance. The public in Hong Kong can access information about this product through its website (https://yieldnodes.com) and multiple social media accounts managed on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/official.yieldnodes/), Discord (https://discord.gg/nHCT2xcE/), X (https://twitter.com/YieldnodesOffic/), LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/yieldnodes-com/), and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/yieldnodesofficial/). Reports indicate that some investors have encountered difficulties in retrieving their investments.
Risk Warning
The Commission particularly warns investors to be cautious of "returns" or "staking" arrangements related to virtual assets. Such arrangements may be classified as unapproved collective investment schemes, posing high risks. Investors might not be protected under the Securities and Futures Ordinance and could potentially lose all their investments. Therefore, investors should remain vigilant when making investment decisions.
Legal Provisions
According to the Securities and Futures Ordinance, collective investment schemes not approved by the Commission can generally only be sold to professional investors. Any unlicensed activity or promotion of certain regulated activities may constitute a violation of the law.
Conclusion
The Commission will take appropriate actions against any illegal activities. Investors should pay close attention to related risks and carefully assess and make prudent decisions before participating in any investment scheme.
Previously, on December 13, 2022, in the "Statement on Virtual Asset Arrangements Claiming to Offer Returns to Investors," the Commission reminded investors, especially those involved in virtual asset arrangements, to be aware of the risks that such arrangements might constitute collective investment schemes.
