Much of the binary options market operates through Internet-based trading platforms that are non necessarily complying with applicable U.S. regulatory requirements and may be engaging in illegal action.
Investors should exist aware of fraudulent promotion schemes involving binary options and binary options trading platforms.
What is a Binary Option?
A binary option is a type of options contract in which the payout depends entirely on the outcome of a yes/no proposition and typically relates to whether the price of a detail asset volition rise above or fall below a specified corporeality. One time the option is acquired, there is no further determination for the holder to make regarding the exercise of the binary pick because binary options exercise automatically. Dissimilar other types of options, a binary pick does not give the holder the right to buy or sell the specified nugget. When the binary option expires, the option holder receives either a pre-adamant corporeality of cash or zilch at all.
Investor Complaints Relating To Fraudulent Binary Options Trading Platforms
The SEC has received numerous complaints of fraud associated with websites that offer an opportunity to buy or trade binary options through Internet-based trading platforms. The complaints fall into at least 3 categories:
- Refusal to credit client accounts or reimburse funds to customers
These complaints typically involve customers who have deposited money into their binary options trading account and who are then encouraged by “brokers” over the phone to deposit additional funds into the client account. When customers afterward endeavour to withdraw their original deposit or the return they take been promised, the trading platforms allegedly cancel customers’ withdrawal requests, refuse to credit their accounts, or ignore their telephone calls and emails.
- Identity theft
These complaints allege that certain Net-based binary options trading platforms may exist collecting client information (including copies of customers’ credit cards, passports, and driver’s licenses) for unspecified uses. Do not provide personal data.
- Manipulation of software to generate losing trades
These complaints allege that the Internet-based binary options trading platforms manipulate the trading software to misconstrue binary options prices and payouts. For example, when a customer’due south trade is “winning,” the countdown to expiration is extended arbitrarily until the trade becomes a loss.
Beware of Overstated Investment Returns for Binary Options
Additionally, some binary options Net-based trading platforms may overstate the average render on investment by advertizing a college average return on investment than a customer should await, given the payout structure.
For instance, a customer may exist asked to pay $50 for a binary choice contract that promises a 50% return if the stock price of XYZ visitor is above $five per share when the selection expires. Assuming a 50/50 chance of winning, the payout construction has been designed in such a way that the expected return on investment is actuallynegative, resulting in anet loss to the client. This is because the consequence if the option expires out of the money (approximately a 100% loss) significantly outweighs the payout if the option expires in the money (approximately a fifty% gain). In this example, an investor could expect — on average — to lose money.
E’er Cheque the Background of a Firm or Financial Professional person
Before investing, check out the background, including registration or license status, of any firm or fiscal professional person you are because dealing with through the SEC’s Investment Adviser Public Disclosure (IAPD) database, bachelor on Investor.gov, and the National Futures Association Background Affiliation Status Information Center’s Bones Search. If yous cannot verify that they are registered, don’t trade with them, don’t give them any money, and don’t share your personal information with them.
Additional Information
Investor Alert: Don’t Invite Investment Scams to Find You
Investor Alert: Binary Options Websites may exist Used for Fraudulent Schemes
Investor Alert: Beware of Government Impersonators Targeting Fraud Victims
Investor Warning: Binary Options and Fraud
The Function of Investor Pedagogy and Advancement has provided this information as a service to investors. It is neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of SEC policy. If you have questions concerning the meaning or awarding of a particular constabulary or rule, please consult with an attorney who specializes in securities law.
Source: https://www.investor.gov/protect-your-investments/fraud/types-fraud/binary-options-fraud
