Fraud Advisory from the CFTC: Phony Futures and Options Websites

Beware of websites claiming to be the U.S. Federal regulator of futures and options trading, or to be a Federally-regulated entity.

The CFTC has seen an increase in the number of Internet websites fraudulently promoting commodity trading systems and advisory services. These websites falsely claim, among other things, that advertised performance results are based on real trading when, in fact, the results are based on hypothetical trading.

No trading system can guarantee profits! The CFTC urges you to be skeptical when promoters of trading systems and advisory services claim that their products and services will earn high profits with minimal risks. Always remember that whether or not a trading system is used, commodity futures and options are typically high-risk endeavors.

Be warned that systems which trigger frequent trading signals as part of a day trading strategy can result in substantial commissions and fees.

The scams all appear to operate in a similar fashion. A fraudulent website claiming to be a registered commodity broker solicits potential customers to invest in futures or options. The website also directs the potential customer to another fraudulent website claiming to be the Federal agency responsible for the oversight of the U.S. commodity markets. Once the customer agrees to invest, the broker directs the customer to open an account with a fictitious exchange, which falsely claims to be regulated by the United States government. The fictitious exchange then directs the customer to wire funds to a bank account for trading. Customers are led to believe that they have opened online trading accounts with the exchange when, in fact, their funds have been misappropriated.

The websites are slick and professional looking, and the scams are particularly convincing because they appear to offer investors the assurances of industry and U.S. Federal government oversight. The websites even go so far as to allow potential investors to search regulator databases for registration status and to file complaints.

The CFTC warns investors to do independent research before sending funds to a commodity firm. The official websites for the CFTC, the National Futures Association (the self-regulatory organization for the U.S. commodity industry), and the International Organization of Securities Commissions are:

• Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Our website is at http://www.cftc.gov/. You'll find contact information for us on the CFTC website.
   
• National Futures Association (NFA). The Federal commodities laws require that virtually every commodity firm doing business with the U.S. public must be a member of the National Futures Association. You’ll find information on how the NFA registers and governs its member firms on its website at http://www.nfa.futures.org/. You can also check registration status of NFA member firms at the NFA website.
   
• International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO). You'll find a list of international regulators on the International Organization of Securities Commissions website at http://www.iosco.org/.

The CFTC website provides information for customers and tips on investing wisely and avoiding fraud.

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