Scam Broker Shield 2026
Audit online broker safety, verify FCA, BaFin, CySEC & CMVM licenses, inspect official regulator registers, and test any platform with our 5-step safety auditor.

Interactive Brokers

XTB

Trade Republic

DEGIRO

Trading 212

eToro
6 Critical Scam Red Flags to Avoid
Select a warning category below to inspect key indicators and protection steps.
Guaranteed Daily or Monthly Profit Claims
Legitimate regulated brokers never guarantee trading profits or daily fixed returns. Financial markets involve inherent risk.
Unregulated entities promise 'guaranteed 2% daily yields' using automated trading bots.
Audit Any Unlisted Broker (5-Step Safety Test)
Answer 5 quick questions to test if a platform is regulated or displays scam red flags.
Is the broker authorized & registered by a Tier-1 Financial Authority?
(e.g. FCA UK, BaFin Germany, CySEC Cyprus, SEC/FINRA US, CMVM Portugal, ASIC Australia)
Official Government Regulator Directories
Regulated Broker Guides by Country
Select your country of residence to inspect locally authorized brokers and compensation scheme limits.
Frequently asked questions about broker safety
How do I check if an online broker is safe and regulated?
Always look up the broker's registered company name or license number directly on an official regulator database (such as the UK FCA Register, BaFin Register in Germany, or CySEC in Cyprus). Never rely solely on a website logo or marketing claim.
What is the difference between Tier-1 regulation and offshore registration?
Tier-1 regulators (e.g. FCA, BaFin, SEC, CMVM, ASIC) enforce strict capital reserve rules, client fund segregation, independent audits, and investor compensation schemes (e.g. up to €20,000 / £85,000). Offshore jurisdictions (such as St. Vincent or Marshall Islands) offer no investor protection or legal recourse if funds disappear.
What should I do if a broker demands tax or fees before withdrawal?
This is a classic 100% scam red flag. Legitimate brokers deduct valid trading fees or withholding tax automatically from your account balance. Never send external deposits or crypto transfers to 'unlock' withdrawals.
Are my funds protected if a regulated broker goes bankrupt?
Yes. Regulated brokers must hold retail investor funds in segregated accounts at Tier-1 banks. Additionally, statutory investor compensation funds protect retail assets up to €20,000 in the EU, £85,000 in the UK (FSCS), and $500,000 in the US (SIPC).
Safety & Regulatory Disclaimer
BrokerSearcher verifies broker regulation through official public registers (FCA, BaFin, CySEC, CMVM, SEC, ASIC). Regulatory status and investor protection limits are subject to change. Always verify the live legal entity onboarding terms before depositing funds. BrokerSearcher does not provide financial or legal advice.






