Binary Options Fraud | CFTC (2024)

Binary options — a yes/no position on a future market condition — can be traded on registered U.S. exchanges. But there are many other websites, social media posts, advertisem*nts or online videos that promote unregistered binary options trading platforms. Many times these platforms are operated by offshore companies that are committing fraud. Learn how these frauds work and how to protect yourself.

Fraud Advisory

CFTC and SEC Warn Customers about Fraudulent Schemes

Many online binary option trading platforms operate in violation of the law. Some of these unregistered platforms have refused to credit customer accounts, denied fund reimbursem*nt, committed identity theft, and manipulated their software to generate losing trades for customers.

Conduct a Registration Check

Visit the National Futures Association BASIC Database

BASIC is a free tool you can use to check the registration status and disciplinary history of a derivatives professional or company. Conduct a check before you invest.

Take Action

Submit a Tip

If you have been victimized by an unregistered binary options trading platform, or if you have information about a violation of the Commodity Exchange Act or CFTC regulations, submit your tip here.

Videos

The Truth Behind Binary Options Fraud, Episode 1: Dissecting the Scam

How does binary options fraud work? How can you recognize and avoid it? And what should you do if you suspect you’re being defrauded? We answer these questions and talk to real investors in the first episode of our series, The Truth Behind Binary Options Fraud.

Video Transcript

The Truth Behind Binary Options Fraud, Episode 2: Fraud on a Global Scale

When Nick and Lowell tried to withdraw money from their allegedly insured binary options trading accounts, they hit a wall. Watch their stories to learn the telltale signs of binary options fraud, so you can steer clear.

Video Transcript

Articles

Avoid Unregistered Binary Options Trading Platforms

Lowell Enlow was a contractor for NASA and later operated several insurance agencies throughout Florida. Nick Morrison is a store manager in Central Illinois. Despite their years of investing and financial experience, both men were victims of a sophisticated online fraud.

Unregistered Binary Options Trading Websites Can Snare Savvy Investors

It’s perfectly normal for investors to test out new strategies. But be careful. There are seemingly “easy” or “low-cost” or “low-risk” offers popping up online that are actually frauds designed to drain money from investors’ accounts.

Beware of Binary Options Mobile Apps

Mobile apps make finance more convenient, but some binary option trading apps may be linked to unregistered offshore platforms. Here’s what to watch for.

RED List

Visit the RED List

Foreign entities that have been identified as acting in a capacity that appears to require registration but are not appropriately registered with the CFTC.

Binary Options Fraud | CFTC (2024)

FAQs

Are binary options fraud? ›

Much of the binary options market operates through Internet-based trading platforms that are not necessarily complying with applicable U.S. regulatory requirements and may be engaging in illegal activity.

What is the problem with binary options? ›

Risks of binary options

Binary options promise quick, high returns if you pick the correct price movement. The reality is, if the price doesn't move in the direction you chose, you'll lose 100% of your investment. An ASIC review found up to 80% of binary option investors lost money.

How do I know if binary is legitimate? ›

Check to see if the binary options trading platform itself is registered as an exchange. To determine whether the platform is registered as an exchange, you can check the SEC website regarding Exchanges at www.sec.gov/divisions/ marketreg/mrexchanges.

Are binary options illegal? ›

Binary options are legal and available to trade in the U.S. but they must be traded on a regulated U.S. exchange. These exchanges are Designated Contract Markets (DCMs). Some binary options are listed on registered exchanges or traded on DCMs that are subject to oversight by the CFTC or SEC. Here is a list of DCMs.

How risky is binary trading? ›

However, they may not be the most suitable investment for all beginners. The all-or-nothing nature of binary options can make them quite risky, and the potential for quick losses may not align with some beginner investors' risk tolerance or investment goals.

Do people really make money trading binary options? ›

Binary traders can make money by correctly predicting whether a market will be above a specific price at a specific time. At expiration, you either make a predefined profit or you lose the money you paid to open the trade.

Are binary options just gambling? ›

Another common misconception is equating binary options trading with gambling. While there are risks involved – as with any trading activity – binary options trading is not mere gambling. Successful traders rely on market analysis, economic indicators, and strategic planning rather than luck.

Is it possible to make a living with binary options? ›

Yes, you can make money from binary options trading if you follow the money management rules and do a candlestick chart course.

When were binary options banned? ›

Ban on binary options from 2 July 2019

The marketing, distribution or sale of binary options to retail investors from the European Union are prohibited from 2 July 2018. This measure was implemented by the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) and renewed three times, but ended on 1st July 2019.

Is binary a safe broker? ›

Ultimately, Binarycent is a broker that traders can consider as a viable option for their trading needs, with the confidence that their funds and personal information are being safeguarded in a secure and compliant environment.

Are there any legitimate binary options brokers? ›

Nadex. Nadex (North American Derivatives Exchange) is one of the most popular binary options trading platforms. One of the big reasons for this is that it is regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

How legit is binary? ›

It is extremely risky to trade binary options. It is important to note that binary options are all-or-nothing contracts. When a binary option expires, the investor loses all their money.

How many people lose money in binary options? ›

Between 10 – 30 % of all traders earn money trading binary options. Between 70-90% lose money. The industry contains several brokers who manipulate the results to make sure that none of their clients make money. Some brokers have also been known to deny withdrawal or otherwise steal their client's money.

Can I get rich with binary options? ›

Building wealth from binary options trading, or indeed, any form of trading for that matter is not a day's job. It takes patience, time and a well-structured plan, probably over a number of years, to achieve. As with all investments, a strategy to get rich on trading will be based on “compounding”.

Do you have to pay taxes on binary options? ›

The tax rate for binary options earnings depends on how they're classified. Income from binary options trading as a business will be taxed according to the individual's tax bracket. Capital gains, however, are taxed differently.

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