In trading, promotions should be designed to benefit and support clients fairly. However, serious concerns arise when a broker runs fake promotions requiring top-up. If traders are lured with false bonus offers that force additional deposits without delivering genuine benefits, it signals deliberate deception and unethical conduct.

Broker runs fake promotions requiring top-up practices are manipulative, misleading, and a major violation of trader trust.

What Does Running Fake Promotions Mean?

This practice refers to:

• Advertising Bonuses That Require Extra Deposits: Traders must add more funds to claim a bonus, but the bonus is never credited or is subject to impossible conditions.
• Using Promotions to Trap Client Funds: Once the top-up is made, traders often find the bonus is denied, locked, or conditional on unreasonable turnover requirements.
• Offering Misleading Incentives: Promotions promise easy rewards but conceal restrictive, undisclosed terms.

Legitimate promotions must be clear, fair, and accessible without misleading traders into unnecessary deposits.

Why Fake Promotions Requiring Top-Up Are a Serious Problem

When brokers run such promotions:

• Trader Funds Are Put at Risk: Deposits are made under false pretences, trapping more client money with the broker.
• Trust Is Completely Broken: Traders lose confidence in the broker’s honesty and reliability.
• Financial Losses May Occur: Traders may be unable to withdraw either the top-up or the promised bonus.
• Regulatory Compliance May Be Breached: Brokers must provide truthful marketing and fair promotion terms under financial regulations.

Promotions must empower, not deceive, clients.

Common Excuses Brokers Might Use

When challenged, brokers may claim:

• “You Didn’t Meet Bonus Conditions”: Without clearly stating these conditions upfront.
• “Limited-Time Offer”: Even though the trader acted within the stated timeframe.
• “System Error in Credit Allocation”: Without offering immediate resolution or proof.

These excuses are invalid if the promotion terms were unclear or misleading at the time of the offer.

How Ethical Brokers Handle Promotions

Professional brokers:

• Provide Transparent Bonus Terms: Clearly stating all conditions, including minimum deposits and turnover requirements.
• Credit Bonuses Fairly: Delivering promotions promptly when conditions are met.
• Respect Client Deposits: Ensuring that promotions never pressure traders into unwanted financial commitments.
• Comply with Regulatory Standards: Adhering strictly to fair advertising and bonus guidelines.

Promotions must be a benefit, not a trap.

How to Protect Yourself Against Fake Promotions

To safeguard your funds and expectations:

• Use Regulated Brokers: Licensed firms must follow strict advertising and promotion regulations.
• Read Bonus Terms Carefully: Always check the detailed conditions before accepting any promotion.
• Be Wary of Deposit-Driven Offers: Genuine promotions should enhance your trading, not trap your money.
• Document All Promotion Communications: Save emails, terms, and chat logs relating to promotional offers.

Being proactive ensures you can defend your trading rights.

What to Do If You Are Caught in a Fake Promotion

If you are misled into topping up for a fake promotion:

1. Request Immediate Clarification: Demand full written terms and an explanation for non-crediting.
2. Submit a Formal Complaint: Escalate the issue through the broker’s internal complaints system.
3. Report to the Regulator: Notify the financial authority about deceptive promotional practices.
4. Warn Other Traders: Share your experience on trusted trading forums and review platforms.
5. Seek Legal Support: If financial harm occurs, a financial lawyer can assist with recovery actions.

You have the right to fair, transparent, and honest trading promotions.

Conclusion

Broker runs fake promotions requiring top-up practices are unethical, manipulative, and must not be tolerated. Traders deserve honest, accessible promotional offers that enhance, not endanger, their trading experience. Brokers who deceive clients through false promotions must be challenged and reported.

To strengthen your trading awareness and learn how to select brokers who offer transparent, fair promotions, explore our Trading Courses and build the skills needed for secure, confident trading.