Learning Resources

The CFTC’s Reparations Program provides a forum to address complaints and resolve disputes between registered commodity futures trading professionals and their customers.

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.

These frauds commonly involve individuals and firms that are often unregistered and advertise false claims of high profits and low risk.

Trading futures through a commodity pool may have some benefits, but make sure the pool and its operators are properly registered.

There has been a sharp rise in forex trading scams in recent years. Learn signs of potential fraud and the tactics fraudsters commonly use. 

Be on guard for ads that tout high returns with low risk, or high paying careers trading forex.

Owning gold, silver, platinum, or palladium may sound appealing, but cold calls, promises of easy profits, and “financing agreements” could be signs of fraud.

Gold is often pitched as a safe port in the storm, but precious metals prices can be volatile and past performance is a poor predictor of future returns.

Beware of promises of easy profits from commodity futures and options based on seasonal demand and other well-known public information.

Websites that fraudulently promote commodity trading systems and advisory services are on the rise. Watch out for sites that tout trading signals or systems with unrealistically high returns and little risk.

No trading system can guarantee profits. Before trading, check to see if the broker and trading platform are properly registered with the CFTC.

There are plenty of groups and discussions that tout trading signals, systems and platforms. Before you sign up and make an initial deposit, be sure the brokers or advisers are registered.

If you've been harmed by fraud, taking these steps may help you avoid further financial losses, and help with the recovery process.

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. [5:49]

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. [6:28]

There are many ways to ensure a deal is right for you. Bob’s investigation process included online research and meeting with his broker in person. But it didn’t include checking his broker’s or the company’s background — and it cost him. [4:49]

Learn basic information about Bitcoin, the CFTC’s jurisdiction, and how virtual currencies can be a target for fraud and for hackers. If you’re new to Bitcoin, this guide provides an introduction and points you to more information about Bitcoin and its risks.

A quick guide to virtual currencies that covers how they can be purchased, why they are considered commodities, and what types of fraud can be found in the market. Use this guide to explore the world of virtual currencies and learn about potential risks.

The Forex market is volatile and carries substantial risks. It is not the place to put any money that you cannot afford to lose, such as retirement funds, as you can lose most or all of it very quickly.

Commodity pools use money from several investors to trade commodity futures and options. Before investing, be sure the pool and the pool operators are registered. Find out what to ask and how to check.

The CFTC regulates the commodity futures, commodity options, and swaps trading markets. As part of that responsibility, the CFTC has instituted a Whistleblower Program.