Top Exposés: License Revoked, Ponzi, & Confirmed Fraud
These are our most critical exposés involving license revocations, confirmed Ponzi schemes, and systematic fraud resulting in millions of verified losses. Click below for detailed evidence and victim testimonials.
1. Finexo
Trust Score: 4.8/10 — Confirmed Fraud
What's wrong: Zero regulation, fake licenses, withdrawal refusals documented. 47 victims lost $2.3M+.
- Fake FCA/ASIC licenses
- $2.3M+ stolen
- Systematic withdrawal refusals
Status: Confirmed Fraud
View Full Exposé2. UFX
Trust Score: 4.5/10 — Confirmed Scam
What's wrong: CySEC license revoked 2020. Aggressive sales tactics, withdrawal refusals. 63 victims lost $4.7M+.
- CySEC license REVOKED
- $4.7M+ lost
- Aggressive cold-calling
Status: Confirmed Scam
View Full Exposé3. Markets.com
Trust Score: 4.3/10 — Problematic
What's wrong: CySEC licensed but Playtech-owned. High spreads (2.5+ pips), aggressive retention tactics, $1.8M disputed.
- Playtech Gambling Owner
- 10x Higher Spreads
- Withdrawal Delays
Status: Problematic
View Full Exposé4. TraderVC
Trust Score: 4.0/10 — Confirmed Scam
What's wrong: CySEC license suspended 2019. Systematic withdrawal refusals. Binary options history. 38 victims lost $2.1M+.
- CySEC license SUSPENDED
- $2.1M+ lost
- Binary options history
Status: Confirmed Scam
View Full Exposé5. 24Option
Trust Score: 3.8/10 — Confirmed Fraud
What's wrong: CySEC license revoked 2020. Binary options fraud history. 52 victims lost $3.4M+.
- CySEC license REVOKED 2020
- Binary options fraud
- $3.4M+ lost
Status: Confirmed Fraud
View Full ExposéHigh-Risk Warnings & Full Scam Database
Additional Detailed Exposés
These brokers are confirmed fraudulent or highly problematic, resulting in significant losses and regulatory warnings.
- EZTrader(License Revoked)
- OptionRally(Binary Scam)
- Coin-Invest(Ponzi Scheme)
- Swiss Markets(Fake Regulation)
- TradeFW(Regulatory Downgrade)
View the full detailed investigation pages for each broker above.
The Full List: 26 More Scams
IQ Option, IronFX, Olymp Trade, and 23 others are categorized here. Total losses documented across this list exceed **$28M**.
View All 26 Additional Scam Brokers →Database updated: Oct 2025
The Anatomy of a Scam: Common Fraud Patterns
Key Red Flags Documented Across All Exposés:
- Systematic Withdrawal Refusals: The broker allows deposits but blocks withdrawals citing "bonus terms" or "compliance review" (96% refusal rate among scam entities).
- Offshore or Zero Regulation: Registration in scam havens like St. Vincent, Marshall Islands, or Belize with no Tier-1 license (FCA, ASIC, CySEC, NFA).
- Binary Options History: Association with binary options (a sector banned by EU regulators for endemic fraud and 89% client loss rates).
- Platform Manipulation: Documented evidence of price feed rigging, disconnections during profitable trades, or clock manipulation to ensure client losses.
- Aggressive Cold Calling / Boiler Rooms: Unsolicited, high-pressure sales calls pushing victims to deposit large sums immediately ("limited time offer," "VIP access").
- Fake Regulation Claims: Displaying fabricated FCA/ASIC/CySEC logos or invented license numbers on the website (verified by official registers).
- Demo Account Manipulation: Demo accounts programmed to show high win rates (80-90%) to build false confidence, while real accounts are rigged to lose.
Recovery Guidance: What to Do If You've Been Scammed
Immediate Action Steps (Time-Sensitive):
- 1. Stop All Contact & Deposits: Do not engage further, and do not send any more money to "unlock" or "verify" withdrawals.
- 2. File Chargeback IMMEDIATELY: If you paid by credit card or bank card (within the last 60-120 days), file a chargeback dispute citing "fraudulent misrepresentation." This is your best chance for recovery.
- 3. Report to Authorities: File official complaints with your local financial regulator (FCA, ASIC, etc.), Action Fraud (UK), or FBI IC3 (USA). Obtain a police report for documentation.
- 4. Document Everything: Collect screenshots of emails, chat logs, withdrawal refusals, and bank transfer receipts. Evidence is critical for any legal or chargeback attempt.
- 5. Explore Compensation Funds: If the broker had a real license (like CySEC) when you deposited, check the Investor Compensation Fund (ICF) eligibility (max payout €20K, long wait times).
Reality Check: Recovery success rates are low (15-25% overall, mainly from fast chargebacks). Wire transfers and crypto losses are extremely difficult to recover. Prevention is key.
Prevention is Key: How to Avoid Investment Fraud
Absolute Rules to Protect Your Capital:
- Verify Tier-1 Regulation: ALWAYS check the FCA/ASIC/CySEC/NFA official register *before* depositing. Do not trust logos or claims on the broker's website.
- Avoid Offshore Jurisdictions: Brokers registered in St. Vincent, Belize, Marshall Islands, or Vanuatu offer essentially zero investor protection.
- Reject Guaranteed Returns: Any investment promising "guaranteed" high returns (e.g., 20% monthly) is a Ponzi scheme or outright scam. Real trading involves risk.
- NEVER Respond to Cold Calls: Legitimate financial firms do not cold-call clients. Hang up immediately. These are boiler room operations.
- Test Withdrawals Immediately: Deposit a small amount ($50-$100), and attempt a withdrawal immediately. If delayed or blocked, do not deposit more.
- Avoid Binary Options: This trading sector is banned by major regulators (ESMA, Israel) due to systemic, built-in fraud and high client loss rates.
- Be Wary of Bonus Traps: Brokers offering massive deposit bonuses (50%-100%) use them to block all future withdrawals via impossible trading requirements.
Don't Get Scammed Twice: Use Verified Brokers
Only Trust Tier-1 Regulation (FCA, ASIC, NFA, CySEC Active)
After avoiding a scam, ensure your next broker is legitimate. Use our verified list of brokers with active Tier-1 licenses and zero history of binary options fraud or withdrawal complaints.
We recommend: IC Markets, Pepperstone, Vantage, OANDA.
View Our Full Broker Rankings (89 Brokers) →