The no SL/TP functionality scam is a deceptive tactic used by scam brokers to disable or block the use of stop-loss (SL) and take-profit (TP) features on their trading platforms. This leaves traders unable to protect profits or limit losses—forcing them to manually monitor trades, often leading to missed exits, emotional trading, and larger-than-expected losses.

In this article, we uncover how the absence or manipulation of SL/TP functionality is used to control trader outcomes, increase broker profits, and trap users in a system where risk management is impossible by design.

What Are SL and TP in Trading?

• Stop-Loss (SL): An automatic order to close a trade when it hits a predefined loss level
• Take-Profit (TP): An automatic order to close a trade once a set profit target is reached

SL/TP features are basic tools in risk management, helping traders:

• Avoid emotional decision-making
• Lock in profits
• Prevent catastrophic drawdowns
• Trade while away from the screen

When these tools are blocked or removed, the trader is exposed to market movements without protection.

How the No SL/TP Scam Works

1. Platform Disables the Function

You open a trade and attempt to set a stop-loss or take-profit level—but:

• The platform says “feature not available”
• The buttons are greyed out
• The SL/TP options don’t appear at all

Sometimes, the function is only available on demo accounts, not live ones.

2. Broker Claims It’s “User-Based”

Support may say:

• “SL/TP is disabled on micro or standard accounts”
• “Due to market volatility, we’ve temporarily removed it”
• “Only VIP users can set SL/TP levels”
• “Our system is manual to give traders more control”

These are all excuses to force manual exits—and increase broker control over trade outcomes.

3. Sudden Price Spikes Lead to Unmanaged Losses

Without SL/TP:

• Traders walk away from the screen and return to blown accounts
• Profitable positions reverse and wipe out gains
• News events cause instant moves that users can’t manage in time

Meanwhile, the broker profits from:

• Wider spreads
• Slippage
• B-booked trade losses

4. Support Refuses to Enable SL/TP or Fix the Issue

Even after repeated complaints, users are told:

• “We’re working on a fix”
• “Try again after the next update”
• Or are simply ignored

Eventually, many traders are driven to overtrade, revenge trade, or give up altogether.

Why Scam Brokers Disable SL/TP

• To increase the likelihood of liquidation or large losses
• To prevent traders from locking in profits automatically
• To force manual errors or emotional exits
• To avoid honouring profitable orders placed away from price manipulation events
• To gain full control over the timing of entry/exit

Red Flags of No SL/TP Functionality

• SL/TP buttons don’t appear on live accounts
• SL/TP is only available after trade execution—not at order placement
• Platform says “function unavailable” during volatility
• Broker claims SL/TP only works for specific account types
• TP orders mysteriously fail during profitable spikes
• No mention of SL/TP policies in broker documentation

Real Consequences for Victims

• Severe losses due to inability to manage risk
• Lost profits from missed take-profit targets
• Emotional distress from surprise drawdowns
• Overtrading to compensate for unmanaged losses
• Complete loss of capital in fast-moving markets

How to Protect Yourself

1. Only Trade With Brokers That Offer Full Order Functionality

Regulated brokers (FCA, ASIC, CySEC) provide:

• SL/TP features on all account types
• Transparent order management tools
• Platform documentation explaining execution policies

2. Test SL/TP on Demo and Live Accounts

Before committing real capital:

• Set SL/TP levels in demo
• Then try the same on a small live trade
• Monitor if they are triggered properly

If not—withdraw immediately.

3. Document Platform Behaviour

If your trade closes in loss due to lack of SL, and you attempted to set one:

• Screenshot the platform behaviour
• Save emails or chat transcripts
• File a complaint or initiate a chargeback

4. Use External Alerts or Trailing Tools

If SL/TP is blocked but you’re temporarily stuck:

• Use alerts to manage trades manually
• Set conditional orders if the platform allows it
• Keep sessions monitored until you withdraw

Master Risk Management the Right Way

SL and TP are not optional—they’re essential. Traders MBA offers trading courses that teach proper risk controls, platform verification, and how to select brokers who empower you with tools, not trap you without them.

Conclusion

No SL/TP functionality isn’t a feature—it’s a flaw by design. It robs you of control, strips you of discipline, and hands your fate to a system that thrives on your exposure. Real platforms give you power over your trades. Because in trading, if you can’t protect your downside or lock in your upside—you’re not trading, you’re just gambling for someone else’s gain.