In the world of online trading, transparency is everything. Execution logs—records of when, how, and at what price trades occur—are a critical component in ensuring brokers operate fairly. However, some unscrupulous platforms engage in the Altered Trade Execution Logs Scam, manipulating or falsifying these logs to cover up slippage, stop hunting, or outright fraud. This scam leaves traders with no way to verify whether their trades were handled properly, often resulting in lost capital and failed dispute claims.

This article reveals how execution logs can be tampered with, how to detect the signs of manipulation, and how to shield your trades from behind-the-scenes abuse.

What Is the Altered Trade Execution Logs Scam?

The Altered Trade Execution Logs Scam occurs when a broker:

• Modifies timestamp data, entry/exit prices, or execution status in the trading history
• Removes failed trades or artificially improves fill prices to mask losses
• Fabricates or hides trade slippage during periods of high volatility
• Blocks access to raw trade data

These doctored logs are designed to misrepresent what really happened during a trade, especially when clients question:

• Stop-loss triggers
• Unexpected execution prices
• Missing trades
• Sudden account balance drops

By altering logs, scam brokers can avoid accountability, deny refunds, and prevent regulatory complaints from gaining traction.

How the Scam Works

Step 1: The Trader Experiences a Suspicious Execution

You might notice:

• A trade closed prematurely
• An unusually bad fill during a news event
• A stop-loss hit despite price never reaching it on external charts

Naturally, you check your trade logs.

Step 2: Execution Logs Appear “Too Clean”

Upon inspection, the logs show:

• Normalised or rounded prices
• “Perfect” fills without slippage—even during volatile periods
• Omission of failed or partially filled orders
• Timestamps that don’t match market movement

In other words, the logs reflect what the broker wants you to see, not what actually happened.

Step 3: Broker Denies Wrongdoing

When you challenge the data:

• The broker says everything is “as per the system”
• Claims logs are final and validated
• Refuses to provide server-side records or tick-level data

In some cases, the support team stops responding entirely.

Step 4: The Trader Cannot Prove Misconduct

Without true execution records:

• Disputes go unresolved
• Regulator complaints lack evidence
• The trader loses trust—and often, funds

Meanwhile, the broker continues exploiting others using the same doctored systems.

Red Flags to Watch For

Logs Only Show Simplified Data

Legitimate logs include:

• Timestamps down to the millisecond
• Order ID and ticket numbers
• Server latency
• Execution path (manual, instant, market, etc.)

If your broker’s logs only show “Open – Close – Profit” without granular data, it’s likely manipulated.

No Access to Tick Data or Server Time

Real-time trading systems track every price tick. If your broker doesn’t allow access to tick data, they could be hiding anomalies.

Execution Prices Do Not Match Market Data

Compare trade fills with independent charts (e.g. TradingView or LMAX). If your trade was filled at a price not seen anywhere else, something’s wrong.

Broker Refuses to Share Trade Confirmation IDs

Each executed trade has a unique identifier. If these are missing or the broker refuses to provide them, it’s a sign of doctored records.

Unusual Trade Gaps During High-Impact Events

If your trades “disappear” or skip during news events or market spikes, your logs may be edited to cover up bad fills.

How to Protect Yourself

Use Platforms That Allow Independent Data Exports

MetaTrader (MT4/MT5) allows traders to export logs and use trade mirroring tools. Avoid web-only brokers with no external record capability.

Keep Your Own Trade Log

Use a spreadsheet or journaling tool to record:

• Entry/exit prices
• Times
• Expected spreads
• Screenshots of the platform before and after major trades

Compare Broker Feeds to Public Data

Run a live chart feed from TradingView, CMC Markets, or a Tier-1 bank and cross-reference execution prices.

Request Server-Side Execution Reports

Regulated brokers must provide full audit trails upon request. If they stall or refuse, escalate the matter.

Withdraw If Data Is Unverifiable

If your broker’s records cannot be independently verified, do not trade further. Withdraw your funds and report the incident.

Conclusion

The Altered Trade Execution Logs Scam is one of the most insidious tactics used to erode trust, conceal fraud, and silence trader complaints. By manipulating trade records, scam brokers remove your ability to fight back, prove misconduct, or even understand what went wrong.

To develop the skills to detect execution fraud, audit trading platforms, and protect your trade data with precision, enrol in our advanced Trading Courses focused on broker forensics, trade validation, and transparent execution practices in high-stakes markets.