The manipulated MA/RSI/indicator values scam is a deceptive tactic where a broker intentionally distorts the technical indicators—such as Moving Averages (MA), Relative Strength Index (RSI), MACD, or Bollinger Bands—displayed within their trading platform. While the price chart may appear normal, the indicators generate misleading signals by being calculated on manipulated or delayed data. This causes traders to enter or exit positions based on faulty analysis, often resulting in losses that benefit the broker, especially in a market maker model.

This is not a data glitch—it’s a calculated attack on the tools traders trust most.

How the Scam Works

1. Broker Offers In-Platform Charting with Popular Indicators
The broker provides an integrated charting platform (MT4/MT5, proprietary web platform, or app) with common indicators like:

• Moving Averages (SMA, EMA)
• RSI
• MACD
• Bollinger Bands
• Stochastic Oscillators

The trader trusts these tools for signal confirmation, trade entries, and exits.

2. Indicators Are Calculated on Deliberately Altered Data
Behind the scenes, the platform:

• Feeds non-live or selectively delayed data into the indicator algorithms
• Filters out specific candles or price points to suppress certain trend signals
• Flattens volatility to make RSI appear neutral
• Slightly shifts indicator values to make a breakout or crossover look imminent or fake

For example, the RSI may show overbought conditions at 70+, even though on an independent chart it is only at 55. Or a 50-day moving average may be plotted lower to signal an early “golden cross” when no such cross exists on legitimate platforms.

3. Trader Executes Based on False Signals
Relying on these indicators, the trader:

• Opens a buy trade expecting a breakout
• Closes a position early on a false divergence
• Misses a clear reversal due to masked indicator flattening

These errors consistently tilt the outcome in the broker’s favour, leading to losses, premature stop-outs, or reduced profits.

4. Trader Realises Discrepancy Only by Comparing to External Charts
The manipulation often goes unnoticed until the trader:

• Cross-checks indicator values on TradingView, MetaTrader from another broker, or third-party analysis platforms
• Notices the indicator setups don’t match
• Confirms that trades they made based on in-platform signals were misinformed

At this stage, the damage is done, and the broker denies wrongdoing, blaming “data feed differences” or “market interpretation variations”.

Why This Scam Is So Dangerous

The manipulated indicator values scam is particularly dangerous because:

• It targets informed traders who rely on TA (technical analysis) to make rational decisions
• It creates false confirmation, leading to misplaced confidence in trades
• It hides in plain sight, with indicators showing values that look plausible but are subtly skewed
• It’s hard to prove, as brokers claim data feed discrepancies or charting latency
• It leads to cumulative losses, as poor entries and exits build over time due to incorrect signals

This tactic turns your own trading system against you, undermining both strategy and psychology.

How to Detect the Scam

1. Cross-Check Indicators with Trusted Platforms
If you rely on in-platform RSI, MA, or MACD for trades, always compare signals with:

• TradingView
• MetaTrader from a different regulated broker
• Broker-independent tools (e.g., FX Blue, Investing.com)

Discrepancies in indicator values (e.g., RSI readings, MA crossover timing) are a major red flag.

2. Look for Inconsistent Trade Outcomes
If your trades frequently fail despite technically valid setups, investigate whether the underlying indicator signals were flawed.

3. Check for Sluggish or Delayed Indicator Updates
Manipulated indicators often:

• Lag behind price movements
• Appear to “stick” or move unnaturally slowly
• Avoid triggering crossovers or threshold breaches at key moments

This suggests data is being throttled or filtered.

4. Review Broker’s Chart Settings and Access Rights
If a broker restricts:

• Access to raw data
• Custom indicator uploads
• Exporting chart history

…it could be a sign they don’t want you to independently validate the platform’s accuracy.

How to Protect Yourself

1. Use External Charting for Decision-Making
Make trading decisions based on indicators from independent sources, even if you execute trades within the broker’s platform. Use:

• TradingView
• Third-party MetaTrader terminals
• Professional analysis tools not provided by the broker

2. Trade with Brokers Offering Raw Price Feeds
Choose regulated brokers with a reputation for:

• True ECN/STP execution
• Unfiltered market data
• Transparency in indicator calculation (MT4/MT5 open-source indicators)

Avoid platforms with “simplified” or “user-friendly” charting tools that lack detail.

3. Keep Records of Indicator Discrepancies
If you suspect indicator manipulation:

• Take screenshots of the in-platform chart and an external chart side-by-side
• Note exact timestamps and values
• File a complaint with the broker or escalate to their regulator

This documentation can support formal action or refund claims.

4. Withdraw Profits Regularly
Don’t leave large balances vulnerable to ongoing manipulation. Withdraw funds once profitable trades are executed—even if you continue trading.

Regulatory Expectations

Under MiFID II, FCA, ASIC, and CySEC standards, brokers must:

• Provide accurate, real-time data to traders
• Not manipulate technical indicators, price feeds, or trade information
• Honour fair market representation, especially for platforms offering integrated analysis
• Allow traders to verify or replicate technical analysis using industry-standard tools

Misrepresenting indicator data is considered a form of platform manipulation, subject to fines, enforcement action, or licence revocation.

Conclusion: If Your Indicators Feel Off, They Probably Are

The manipulated MA/RSI/indicator values scam turns your tools against you by feeding false signals into your trusted strategies. If you’re consistently losing despite solid analysis, validate your indicators externally—what you see on the platform may be deliberately deceptive.

To learn how to identify platform manipulation, verify signals, and protect your capital from technical traps, enrol in our Trading Courses. We’ll help you build strategies that work with reliable data—and not against it.