Overview
Trading scams offer investors the opportunity to trade contracts for differences (CFDs), currencies, commodities, stocks or crypto assets via an online platform or app. The offer is often advertised with automatic trading programs, “signal groups” in messengers or personal support from an experienced “trader”. The trading interface looks like a regular provider and shows prices, positions and profits.
In fraudulent situations, however, this interface is not connected to a real market. Prices and account balances are controlled by the operators: winnings appear first, which motivate further deposits. Later, payouts are tied to conditions – for example, to a certain trading volume after accepting a “bonus” – or the balance is lost within a short period of time due to alleged loss-making transactions.
Not every loss in trading is due to fraud; Trading with leveraged products involves high risks, even with approved providers. A legal examination helps to differentiate between the two. Since the operators of manipulated platforms often operate anonymously from abroad and enforcement against them can be difficult, we include other possible opponents in the review.
Immediate steps
These steps make sense in most cases – regardless of whether you instruct us.
Do not make additional payments or pay any fees or taxes to enable a withdrawal. Don't allow yourself to be persuaded to make payments by announced losses or the threat of account closure.
Report the transaction to your bank or credit card company and ask about a transfer recall or a card complaint. The options depend on the payment method and the time interval.
Save screenshots or exports of trading history, account balances, and all deposit and withdrawal requests. Access to the platform can be blocked at any time.
Uninstall remote maintenance programs and untrusted apps. Then change the passwords for online banking, email and other important accounts.
File a report with the police or via the online watchdog and attach the secured documents. The file number makes communication with banks easier and allows files to be viewed later by a lawyer.
Unsure what to do first in your case?
Legal assessment
We use the documents to check whether there is any evidence that transactions were merely simulated. This depends on whether there is fraud or a – possibly also vulnerable – loss-making transaction with an actually active provider.
The offer of trading transactions with financial instruments generally requires permission under the KWG or the WpIG. Regulatory restrictions also apply to private investors, for example when trading CFDs and binary options. We check whether this has been violated and what the consequences may be.
In the event of deception regarding trading or willingness to pay out, claims from Section 823 Paragraph 2 BGB in conjunction with Section 263 StGB as well as Section 826 BGB come into consideration - provided that those responsible can be identified.
We check whether payments were initiated without your authorization, for example via remote access, and whether a participating institution has violated warning or due diligence obligations in individual cases. A complaints procedure may be considered for card payments.
Depending on the individual case, there may be claims for unjust enrichment or unlawful acts against the owners of the accounts into which your deposits have flowed.
Who may be liable
The operators and the people acting on their behalf can be considered as claimants. However, they are often not identifiable or can only be accessed abroad, which makes enforcement difficult.
A participating institution may come into consideration in individual cases, for example in the case of unauthorized payments or if specific suspicions were ignored. Liability is not the norm and must be carefully examined.
Anyone who has made their account available to receive and forward the funds is eligible for claims for repayment or damages. These people are often easier to identify than the people behind them.
Individuals you have recruited or directed in trading may be eligible depending on their role and level of expertise, provided their identity can be verified.
Whether and against whom claims actually exist depends on the individual case and can only be assessed after reviewing the documents.
Preserve evidence
Do not delete anything – not even out of anger or shame. Your account of events is enough for the initial enquiry; documents can be submitted later.
Our approach
Using the form, you describe to us in a few minutes what happened. You can submit documents later.
We review your details, classify the facts and examine against whom claims may be available.
You receive an honest assessment of prospects, risks and costs – and decide for yourself whether to instruct us.
We implement the agreed strategy: towards banks, payment service providers and other parties involved, and in court if necessary.
FAQ
General guidance – it does not replace advice on your individual case.
A reliable promise is not possible; it depends on the individual case. The decisive factors include the payment method, the timing and the question of which parties can be identified. We examine the possible claims and communicate our assessment openly to you.
The initial assessment of your request is free of charge for you. We will inform you transparently about the costs of further work before you decide to commission us.
Losses are part of the risk in trading and are not in themselves an indication of fraud. It becomes noticeable if the provider does not have permission, refuses payouts for no reason, requires advance payments or third parties control your account. This can usually be classified more precisely based on your documents.
Bonus conditions are often imposed by dubious providers in order to prevent payouts. Whether such clauses have actually been effectively agreed and can withstand legal scrutiny is a question on a case-by-case basis. With simulated trading accounts, this usually doesn't matter anyway.
Don't let yourself be put under pressure and don't pay without having the facts checked. The request to “save” an account by making further deposits is a typical warning sign. Save the message and account information as evidence.
Knowledge centre
Platforms
· Manfred Kühn
The Austrian FMA has warned about Immediate Edge, BaFin lists nine other “Immediate” websites in a warning. What the authorities have published, what that means and what steps those affected should consider now.
Platforms
· Manfred Kühn
On August 10, 2026, the Austrian Financial Market Authority warned against offers from “Quantum AI” – distributed via a website whose address has nothing to do with the brand name. What is proven is why similar names should not be equated and what steps those affected should consider.
Platforms
· Manfred Kühn
On August 21, 2026, the FMA warned against offers from capital equity markets. The provider stated locations in London, Berlin and Vienna. What the authority has published and what steps those affected should check now.
Case review
We will assess which claims may be available and which next steps may make sense.
Your details are treated in confidence. An enquiry does not yet establish a client relationship.
By telephone, by email or via the case review – in confidence and initially without obligation.