Scam type
Fake Trading Platforms
Websites and apps that imitate regulated brokers but hold no real market positions.
Warning signs
- • No verifiable regulatory registration
- • Deposits requested to personal or rotating accounts
- • Support only available through messaging apps
- • Domain registered very recently
Tactics used
- • Copying the branding of a legitimate broker
- • Remote-access software installed 'to help' the victim
- • Bonus credits that lock the account balance
If it happened to you
- • Do not install remote-access software or share screens.
- • Capture the platform URL, account ID and every payment reference.
- • Contact your bank or card issuer about a possible chargeback.
- • Report the platform so other users can search it.
What this scam is
A fake trading platform mimics a brokerage interface — charts, balances, leverage and support chat — while no real trades are placed. Deposits go directly to the operator.
How it typically unfolds
- The platform is promoted through ads, referrals or an 'analyst' offering signals.
- Deposits are requested by bank transfer, card or cryptocurrency.
- The interface shows growing balances to encourage further funding.
- Withdrawal requests are delayed, refused, or met with new charges.
Documenting the incident
Before you block anyone, export the conversation and capture profile links, websites, wallet addresses and every payment reference. Then submit a report so the identifiers can be matched against other cases.
ScamGuard Pro provides scam reporting, information and recovery-support services. Recovery outcomes depend on the circumstances of each case and cannot be guaranteed. Anyone promising guaranteed recovery is running a second scam.