The “client sent internal system screenshot as proof” tactic is a misdirection scam used by fraudulent brokers when traders raise complaints about trade execution, slippage, rejected orders, or vanished profits. In this setup, the broker provides a screenshot of their own backend system or proprietary console, claiming it shows the “true” version of events—while in reality, these images are easily editable, lack audit verification, and often contradict what traders see in their own platforms.

This isn’t transparency—it’s controlled illusion wrapped in technical jargon.

How the Scam Works

1. Trader Challenges Trade Outcome or Missing Funds
The trader submits a ticket regarding issues like:

• Price never reaching stop-loss or take-profit
• Unauthorised trade closure
• Slippage not shown in the platform
• Balance deductions without visible reason

The trader provides:

• MT4/MT5 screenshots
• Time-stamped logs
• Chart evidence

2. Broker Replies with an ‘Internal Screenshot’ from Their Backend System
Instead of providing platform logs or official audit data, the broker sends:

• A custom screenshot with the firm’s internal UI
• A table showing order ID, timestamps, and status codes
• A marked-up image with “system time,” “execution fill,” or “trigger event” claims

It’s designed to look authoritative and technical—but it’s entirely under the broker’s control.

3. Broker Claims Their System is the ‘Official Source of Truth’
The reply typically includes lines like:

“Our internal trading engine confirms this order executed correctly.”
“The screenshot reflects server-side conditions that may differ from client-side charts.”
“This is what our liquidity provider recorded on our end.”

Yet the data is unverifiable, and the trader cannot audit or cross-reference it independently.

4. Dispute Is Closed Based on the Screenshot
The broker refuses refunds, adjustments, or compensation, stating:

• “Case closed based on server confirmation.”
• “We cannot override system-validated transactions.”
• “The discrepancy is a client-side visual misalignment.”

In reality, the broker’s screenshot is just a static image—no timestamp proof, no log trail, no raw data export.

Real Case: Stop-Loss Hit Claim Backed by Fabricated Backend Screenshot

A trader places a stop-loss on USD/JPY at 149.85. Price on TradingView and MT4 charts shows a low of 149.89—yet the trade closes at 149.85. The trader contacts support. The broker replies with a screenshot showing:

“Our internal server feed registered a micro-spike to 149.847.”

No tick data provided. No chart match. The case is closed. The trader absorbs the loss.

Why This Scam Is So Dangerous

The client sent internal system screenshot as proof tactic is especially harmful because:

• It bypasses client evidence and chart verification
• It presents manipulated visuals as authoritative
• It’s unverifiable by third parties or the client themselves
• It lets brokers justify unfair outcomes with unchallenged ‘evidence’
• It makes the trader feel powerless against a seemingly technical authority

It’s screenshot theatre designed to shut down accountability.

How to Detect the Scam

1. Broker Refuses to Provide Full Raw Server Logs
A real broker should supply:

• Tick-by-tick price feed
• Trade execution timestamps
• Order audit trails

If they give only a cropped image, it’s not credible.

2. Screenshot Has No Source Signature or Log Hashes
Genuine data from regulated platforms includes:

• Server log IDs
• User-specific identifiers
• Hash values to prevent tampering

If these are missing—it’s a visual prop, not proof.

3. Screenshot Contradicts Public Market Data
Compare the broker’s claimed prices with:

• TradingView
• Investing.com
• Your MT4 logs or trade history

If their screenshot shows a price no other source does, it’s likely fabricated.

4. No Ability to Reproduce the Scenario on the Chart
If your platform’s chart doesn’t show the claimed price, spike, or candle—even using the same time zone—the screenshot is untrustworthy.

How to Protect Yourself

1. Always Record Your Trades with Video or Screenshot Tools
Use:

• OBS Studio
• Trade Recorder plugins
• Frequent chart and log exports

This gives you time-stamped evidence to counter false screenshots.

2. Demand Tick-Level Data and Full Trade Logs
Ask for:

• Raw tick feed showing price movement
• Order execution logs (order sent, filled, confirmed)
• Server latency reports

Don’t settle for static images.

3. Escalate Immediately If Screenshot Is Used as Sole Evidence
Reply with:

“A screenshot is not sufficient for audit. Please provide tick-by-tick server logs and a downloadable execution report for independent review.”

If denied—escalate to a regulator.

4. Choose Brokers Regulated by Authorities That Require Auditable Logs
Under FCA, ASIC, or CySEC, brokers must:

• Keep trade records for 5+ years
• Provide dispute resolution tools
• Supply full trade logs when requested

Unregulated brokers hide behind fake screenshots because no one checks them.

Regulatory Expectations

Properly regulated brokers must:

• Provide complete, verifiable audit trails
• Disclose price source data and execution conditions
• Avoid misleading or manipulated data presentation

Screenshots are not valid evidence in regulated disputes—logs and records are.

Conclusion: If Their Only Proof Is a Picture, Their Only Defence Is Deception

The client sent internal system screenshot as proof tactic is a visual manipulation scheme to end disputes on the broker’s terms. If they won’t let you verify it—they’re not showing you the truth.

To learn how to document trades properly, demand real proof, and escalate screenshot-based scams to higher authorities, enrol in our Trading Courses. We’ll teach you how to challenge screenshots with evidence that can’t be faked.