Regulatory credentials are a key factor in choosing a trustworthy forex broker. Scammers know this, and some take deception to the next level by creating Fabricated FX License Registries—fake regulatory websites or databases that falsely verify the broker’s licence, giving traders a false sense of legitimacy. These look professional, often mimic real authorities, and are designed to trick traders into trusting a fraudulent operation.

This article uncovers how fake license registries work, how to identify them, and what every trader should do to avoid falling victim to this highly convincing scam.

What Are Fabricated FX License Registries?

These are counterfeit websites created to resemble legitimate financial regulators. Scam brokers use them to:

• Claim they are “fully licensed”
• Provide a fake registration number
• Offer a clickable “verify licence” link that redirects to the phoney site
• List fake “approved brokers” with only scam companies included

Some are standalone websites; others are simple database pages embedded into the broker’s site to look official.

They mimic real regulators like:

• FCA (UK)
• ASIC (Australia)
• CySEC (Cyprus)
• DFSA (Dubai)
• FSCA (South Africa)

But on closer inspection, none of these are connected to any real authority.

How the Scam Works

Step 1: Broker Claims to Be Regulated

The broker advertises itself as:

“Regulated by the International Financial Compliance Authority (IFCA)”
“Licensed under Registry #6547981 by the Global Trading Commission (GTC)”

These names sound legitimate—but are made up.

Step 2: Verification Link Points to a Fabricated Registry

Clicking the verification badge or licence number leads to:

• A sleek website with official-looking branding
• A search page where the broker shows up with a “Verified” status
• Fake phone numbers, contact forms, or seals

The site is controlled entirely by the scammer and built to reinforce trust.

Step 3: Trader Feels Safe and Deposits

Convinced by the supposed regulation, the trader deposits money and begins trading.

Soon, they encounter:

• Manipulated prices
• Withdrawal delays
• Profit cancellations
• KYC stall tactics

By the time they realise the licence is fake, the broker has their funds and often disappears or rebrands.

Red Flags to Watch For

Unknown Regulatory Body Names

If you’ve never heard of the “International Forex Authority” or “Global Trading Review Commission,” research it. Most don’t exist.

No Government Domain (.gov or .org)

Real regulators use secure domains:

• FCA: fca.org.uk
• ASIC: asic.gov.au
• CySEC: cysec.gov.cy

Fake sites often use .com, .net, or obscure country codes.

Limited or Fake Contact Information

No physical address, only web forms or unverified emails, and no evidence of public oversight or legal authority.

Every Listed Broker Is Unknown

If the registry contains only brokers you’ve never heard of, it’s probably a whitelist built to support a scam network.

Domain Registration Is Recent

Use WHOIS tools to check when the registry site was created. If it’s less than a year old, it’s not a credible regulatory institution.

How to Protect Yourself

Verify Licence With Official Regulator Websites

Manually visit real regulatory bodies like:

• FCA
• ASIC
• CySEC
• FSCA

Search for the broker by name or registration number directly on these platforms.

Ignore On-Site Verification Badges

Scammers embed verification on their own websites. If it doesn’t lead to an official authority page, don’t trust it.

Cross-Check Broker Mentions With Trustworthy Sources

Check independent watchdogs, forums, and review sites. If the broker is unknown or flagged elsewhere, avoid it.

Report Fake Registries Immediately

Send the fake site to real regulators and consumer protection agencies. They can issue warnings or request shutdowns.

Conclusion

Fabricated FX License Registries are one of the most dangerous broker scams because they hide fraud behind a mask of legitimacy. These convincing fake authorities are designed to build trust, mislead diligent traders, and enable long-term financial exploitation.

To learn how to confidently verify broker regulation, spot digital impersonation scams, and protect your capital from synthetic credibility, enrol in our Trading Courses that specialise in regulatory research, broker due diligence, and safe trading practices across international markets.