How do you avoid bonus and promotion traps?

Deposit bonuses sound like free money and usually come with trading-volume conditions that make withdrawal nearly impossible. Offshore brokers use them most aggressively, and the terms are always written to favour the house.

How do you avoid bonus and promotion traps? — risk-reward diagram
A risk-reward ratio of 1 to 2

Have you taken a bonus?

  • what the conditions actually required
  • whether you ever withdrew the bonus or profits attached to it
  • what you'd tell a beginner offered one today
How do you avoid bonus and promotion traps? — candlestick anatomy diagram
The parts of a candlestick: wick, body, open and close

The pattern is well known; forex scams lists it among the classic hooks.

Background: Forex scams: the warning signs, and how recovery scams work

Fake brokers, signal sellers, account managers and romance-investment schemes all target forex traders. The patterns they share and what to do if you have been caught.

Why do scam brokers ask for a fee before withdrawal?

To extract more money. Genuine brokers deduct any fees from your balance and don't demand separate tax or unlock payments before releasing a withdrawal.

Can someone recover money lost to a forex scam for a fee?

Be very careful. Upfront-fee recovery offers are a common second scam. Contact your bank, your regulator and the police directly instead.

Read the full guide

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