Learn how to Avoid Getting Scammed by Prop Trading Firms (2024)

Learn how to Avoid Getting Scammed by Prop Trading Firms (1)

It is quite simple to fall for the lifestyle promoted by fictitious traders who assert that they can make five to six figures per month by trading for a few hours a day. While it is true that dealing with legitimate prop trading firms might help traders make money in that way, if investors are not vigilant, it is fairly simple to fall victim to a trading scam. Because the market for prop businesses is currently unregulated, anyone can try to join one online, which has resulted in an increase in shady prop firms that defraud consumers of their hard-earned money.

But first, what is prop trading? Traders must comprehend what prop trading is and what prop firms do in order to determine whether a prop firm is a fraud. To put it simply, prop trading happens when a prop firm hires a prop trader to use the firm’s money to make trades. A financial company known as a prop trading firm invests in the markets using its own funds. Let’s imagine, for illustration, a prop company has $10 million.

All of the prop traders that conduct business with the company share in the funding. Contrary to regular brokers who are employed by a corporation, prop traders who work for prop firms are typically contractors. All gains are split between the trader and the firm, with the majority going to the trader, and the prop trader is required to follow by the firm’s trading policies.

Why are prop trading firms considered scams

Back in 2008, the big banks and institutional prop trading businesses were held responsible for the Global Financial Crisis. As you may be aware, a number of very dubious trades executed at the time by prop firms caused the entire financial market to collapse, resulting in the loss of billions of dollars and even some lives. The Volcker Rule was put in place to stop history from repeating itself, making it very impossible for banks and other financial institutions to operate prop companies like they used to. Because of this, the majority of those companies discontinued all prop trading.

While these laws applied to banks, not all independent prop companies in operation today are covered by the Volcker rule. Prop businesses nowadays are utterly unregulated and far apart from the banking industry. As a result, these internet prop companies are legitimate and not a fraud. Scammers do exist in the sector, though, and they attempt to exploit the current market because there isn’t much oversight. So, how do “Legit” prop firms make money? When a prop firm is legitimate, they will divide winnings with the trader and fund more profitable traders in order to generate revenue.

The OFP solution: Why it’s preferable to sign up with a reputable company to prevent fraud

OFP is one of the best companies for swift funding prop trading. It is one of those legitimate prop companies where a growing number of traders begin trading with OFP each month. What distinguishes a legit prop firm like OFP from a non-legit prop firm? A legitimate prop trading company normally follows a set of rules and regulations that give the traders a certain level of accountability and transparency. Everyone wants to avoid getting scammed, and that is always a possibility when money is involved, so it is always a good idea to conduct a due diligence. In order to prevent being deceived Examine these signs to determine whether a prop firm is fraudulent or not:

  • a meager number of reviews—or none—on reputable websites like Trustpilot.
  • Many reviews on trustworthy websites like Trustpilot, yet they all look incredibly biased and were all posted at the same time (false reviews).
  • Website that lacks professionalism, provides a poor user experience, and has spelling errors.
  • not having a YouTube channel or Instagram account, for example.
  • On the internet, there isn’t much information on the company.
  • It sounds like a get-rich quick program with lots of financing and simple obstacles with 100% profit split accounts.
  • Very little or no client service

The safe way to use prop trading firms

There are only two effective techniques to avoid falling victim to a prop company fraud. Examining all of the reviews on websites like Trustpilot to see what the general public has to say about their experiences with a particular firm is the greatest method to determine if a prop firm is legitimate. Be aware that a prop firm’s legitimacy cannot be determined by the presence of just a few favorable reviews.

Next, a surefire approach to guard against fraud is to be sure one is trading with reputable prop businesses, such OFP, FTMO, etc. Finally, traders should diversify to prevent falling victim to prop businesses’ downfall. Trading separately with one’s own funds avoids placing all of one’s eggs in one basket and relies exclusively on one’s funded account for revenue, just as a sound trading strategy calls for diversity. Traders can lower their risk by implementing the following advice:

  • Join at least two firms, and obtain funded trading accounts.
  • Receive the money for each profitable month and use it to compound a personal account.
  • Utilize tools like MT4 Copier to learn how to use software that makes it easier to automatically copy all trades across one account to another.
  • Join many trusted prop firms and get as many funded accounts as possible
  • Trade and repeat andtrustthe process.

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Learn how to Avoid Getting Scammed by Prop Trading Firms (2024)

FAQs

How to check if prop firm is legit? ›

Review The Evaluation Criteria

Legit prop firms don't offer capital to just anyone. To get funded, you'll need to complete a 1 or 2-Step challenge process that puts your trading to the test. Prop firms that are legit require specific profit targets, requirements, and maximum drawdowns that you must adhere to.

Do prop firms really pay out? ›

The FTMO/MFF ACCOUNT is Connected to The Proprietary Trading's Firms Account Where They Generate Cash Flow If you generate profits on the FTMO/MFF Account, THEY Proprietary Trading firm will keep from 10% to 20% as the Profit Split, and you will be rewarded with up to 90% of achieved profits.

Are there any legitimate prop firms? ›

The Forex Funder is among the most popular prop trading firms globally. The UK-based prop firm offers a 1-step and 2-step evaluation process, which allows traders to choose the most suitable one based on their experience and strategy.

What is the risk of prop trading? ›

Profits from trades are generally divided between the firm and the prop trader; however, the risk distribution is asymmetric. This means that in the event of a loss, the trader bears 100% of the losses, while they don't receive 100% of the profits.

How do I make sure my company is real? ›

  1. Legal & Financial Documents: Look for public records or shared documents to verify their legitimacy.
  2. Licensing: Confirm necessary licenses or registrations.
  3. Incorporation Certificate: Validates the company's legal status.
  4. Employee Credentials: Genuine companies have staff with real credentials.
Oct 5, 2023

How do you know if a broker is scamming you? ›

Let's look at 5 indicators of a forex broker scam that will help you identify these common scam techniques:
  • Check your Broker's Regulatory Info. ...
  • Check Regulator's Website Database and Quality. ...
  • The Broker Guarantees High Immediate Returns. ...
  • The Broker Does Not Respond to Queries. ...
  • Read the Clients' Reviews.
Mar 7, 2024

What are the problems with prop firms? ›

Limited Control Over Capital and Payouts:

- Traders in prop firms often have limited control over the firm's capital. They may need to deposit their own money as collateral or risk management. - Additionally, payouts are subject to the firm's rules, which may restrict a trader's access to profits.

How many people pass funded accounts? ›

5-15% pass rate

Across account levels, probably only around 5-15% of traders ultimately pass funded account evaluations at firms like FTMO and pass verification phases to trade with investor capital.

What are the disadvantages of prop firms? ›

Among many other potential factors, the main disadvantages of prop trading arise from being classified as a market professional, unfavorable profit sharing, and whether your net trading profits are taxed as capital gains or ordinary personal income.

Which prop firm is the best in the USA? ›

Who Are The Best Prop Trading Firms?
  • Best For Stocks Trading (US Only): Funder Trading.
  • Best For Futures Trading (US & Intl): Apex Trader Funding.
  • Best For Options Trading (US ONLY): Funder Trading.
  • Best For Forex Trading: FundedNext.
May 3, 2024

What is the cheapest prop firm? ›

Top Best Cheapest Prop Trading Firms
  • 1) Funded Trading Plus.
  • 2) FTMO.
  • 3) TopStepTrader.
  • 4) Fidelcrest.
  • 5) LuxTradingFirm.
  • 6) OneUp Trader.
  • 7) FTUK.
  • 1) Funded Trading Plus.
Apr 4, 2024

What if you lose prop firm money? ›

When you are trading with a prop firm, your losses are usually limited to the foregone risk of your challenge/account fee. You are generally not liable for the prop firm's lost funds.

Why is prop trading illegal? ›

The Volcker Rule is one of the more controversial pieces of legislation to emerge from the financial crisis. Attached to the Dodd-Frank Act, the rule was intended to limit banks' ability to make speculative investments that do not benefit their customers.

What happens if you lose money on a funded account? ›

On a funded account, losing a large amount of money does not mean much. Even if it results in losing your funded account, you can still try to pass the evaluation at the same firm again or just join another one. Ultimately, you do not risk much and do not lose much.

How to know if an investment company is legit? ›

Use www.BrokerCheck.finra.org to check if a broker is a licensed or if someone has complained about them. Read about and understand any investment before you give someone your money.

How do you look up a company to see if they are legit? ›

If the company has no references or refuses to provide some, choose another company.
  1. Better Business Bureau: Search BBB Business Reviews.
  2. Glo-Bis: Information on Any Company, Anywhere in the World.
  3. Export.gov: Due Diligence Reports.
  4. Department of Commerce: Home Page.
  5. EIN Finder: Find an EIN.
  6. White Pages: Search.

How to spot a fake trading platform? ›

Besides trolling for victims on social media or messaging apps, here are 10 other telltale signs an online trading platform is a fraud:
  1. It isn't registered to trade forex, futures, or options.
  2. Trades crypto, but not registered as a money service business.
  3. No physical address, it's clearly fake, or offshore.

Are prop firm accounts real? ›

Prop firm trading is a legitimate way to make money, but it is not without its risks. Prop firms provide traders with access to a significant amount of capital, typically in exchange for a percentage of the profits generated.

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