The incentivised review scam is a deceptive marketing scheme where dishonest brokers or fake trading platforms bribe users with money, bonuses, or access to premium features in exchange for positive online reviews. These reviews are often fake, scripted, or submitted by users who have never traded with the broker—giving the false impression of trustworthiness. In many cases, traders are paid in empty promises, and the broker uses these artificial ratings to trick more victims into signing up.

In this article, we expose how incentivised review scams work, the warning signs to watch out for, and how to avoid being misled by glowing praise bought, not earned.

What Is the Incentivised Review Scam?

In this scam, brokers:

• Offer cash rewards, bonus credit, or contest entries in exchange for 5-star reviews
• Ask users to post on Trustpilot, Google, or Forex forums
• Provide pre-written text or require users to copy-paste positive statements
• Approve bonuses only after the review is published and verified

These reviews flood search results, forums, and review platforms—creating a false reputation that misleads new traders.

How the Scam Works

1. Trader Joins or Follows the Broker

You register with a broker or get invited via:

• Email
• Telegram groups
• Discord or WhatsApp chats
• Affiliate marketers or trading influencers

2. You’re Offered a Reward for a Review

You’re told:

• “Post a 5-star Trustpilot review and get $50”
• “We’ll double your bonus if you write a testimonial”
• “Win a free account if your review gets likes”

You’re often given:

• A template to copy
• Specific keywords or phrases to include
• Instructions to avoid mentioning the reward

3. The Broker Showcases the Reviews

These reviews are then used to:

• Bury negative reviews
• Boost SEO rankings
• Fake social proof for advertising
• Appear trustworthy on scam broker directories

4. The Reward May Never Arrive

After submitting the review, you may be:

• Ignored
• Told it didn’t qualify
• Asked to “do more” to claim your reward
• Or given a non-withdrawable bonus with withdrawal restrictions

Some brokers even threaten to remove your access if you delete or edit the review.

Why Brokers Use Incentivised Reviews

• To counteract real negative feedback
• To create social trust and urgency
• To boost search rankings and visibility
• To attract naive traders who trust online ratings
• To manipulate review platforms that rely on volume

Red Flags of an Incentivised Review Scam

• Brokers offering cash for reviews on social media
• Pre-written review templates provided
• Pressure to leave 5 stars without honest experience
• Promises of bonuses or contest entries for testimonials
• Requests to avoid mentioning compensation in the review
• Reviews with identical wording across platforms

Real Consequences for Victims

• Traders trust fake reviews and sign up with scam brokers
• Honest users lose bonuses they were promised
• Victims are blamed for not “doing their research”
• Real complaints are drowned in fake praise
• Platforms become unreliable due to manipulated content

How to Protect Yourself

1. Don’t Trust Reviews With Incentives

If someone tells you:

• “We’ll pay you to write a 5-star review”
• “Your feedback helps us if it’s positive”

—it’s not about your experience—it’s about their reputation.

2. Check Review Platforms for Authenticity

Look for:

• Verified purchases or trades
• Specific, balanced experiences
• Reviewers who post only about one broker
• Duplicate review patterns or spammy profiles

3. Report Fake Review Campaigns

If you’re approached to post fake reviews:

• Report the broker to Trustpilot, Google, or the relevant platform
• Alert regulators like the FCA or ASIC
• Warn others in trading communities and forums

4. Use Regulated Brokers Only

Reputable brokers under FCA, ASIC, or CySEC:

• Don’t need to bribe users for good reviews
• Rely on transparency and service, not manufactured reputation
• Are subject to advertising and testimonial regulations

Educate Yourself Before Trusting Ratings

Understanding how scam brokers fake trust is crucial. Traders MBA offers trading courses that teach how to evaluate brokers using real criteria—like regulation, platform integrity, spread transparency, and risk disclosures—not fake 5-star reviews.

Conclusion

The incentivised review scam turns online trust into a tool for deception. Reviews should reflect experience—not reward. If a broker has to pay people to praise them, they’ve already failed the most important test: honesty. Because in trading, a five-star reputation should be earned through results—not bought through silence.