The requote scam is a deceptive tactic used by dishonest brokers to manipulate trade execution by frequently offering new prices—called requotes—whenever a trader tries to open or close a position. While requotes can occasionally happen in fast-moving markets, excessive or strategically timed requotes are often a red flag for manipulation, especially when they consistently prevent traders from securing favourable prices.

In this article, we’ll break down how the requote scam works, how it impacts traders, and how you can protect yourself from falling into this hidden cost trap.

What Is a Requote in Trading?

A requote happens when a trader attempts to execute an order at a given price, but the broker responds with a new price—often slightly worse. This usually comes with a message like:

“The price has changed. Do you want to accept the new price?”

Requotes can occur naturally during high volatility, especially with market orders. However, frequent requotes—particularly in one direction—can indicate manipulation.

What Is the Requote Scam?

The requote scam occurs when a broker intentionally delays order execution and consistently provides new quotes that disadvantage the trader. These requotes are not due to actual price changes or liquidity constraints—they are designed to:

• Prevent profitable entries or exits
• Worsen trader execution
• Increase broker profitability, particularly if the broker acts as a market maker and profits when clients lose

How the Requote Scam Works

1. Execution Delay

When you try to open or close a trade, the broker’s system purposely slows down execution by milliseconds or seconds.

2. New Price Offered

By the time the trade request is processed, a new price is shown. This price is usually less favourable—higher if you’re buying, or lower if you’re selling.

3. One-Sided Slippage

Even if the market moves in your favour, the broker rarely lets you benefit. You’re only requoted when the new price benefits them.

4. Psychological Pressure

Frequent requotes cause stress, hesitation, and frustration, often pushing traders to accept worse pricing or overtrade in hopes of making up for lost ground.

Why Brokers Use This Tactic

• To increase trading costs silently
• To prevent scalpers and high-frequency traders from making profits
• To reduce exposure to winning trades
• To trigger stop-losses or avoid take-profits by rejecting advantageous prices

Real-World Impacts on Traders

• Lost profits from missed entries/exits
• Frustration and emotional trading errors
• Unreliable strategy performance
• Inability to scalp or trade around key events
• Overall loss of trust in the platform

Red Flags of a Requote Scam

• Requotes appear often, even in stable markets
• Requotes only happen when price moves in your favour
• No requotes when price moves against you
• Execution logs show inconsistent fill times
• Broker refuses to explain why requotes occur
• Requotes are common on one platform but not on others

How to Protect Yourself

1. Use Regulated Brokers

Stick with brokers authorised by respected regulators like the FCA, ASIC, or CySEC, which enforce fair execution practices.

2. Choose STP or ECN Brokers

These brokers route your orders directly to liquidity providers and don’t interfere with execution. They have no incentive to delay your trades or requote prices.

3. Read the Fine Print

Some brokers disclose in their T&Cs that requotes may occur during certain conditions. However, excessive requotes are never justifiable.

4. Use Platforms With Trade Logs

MetaTrader platforms and other trusted tools provide order logs. Review these to verify if slippage and requotes are legitimate or frequent.

5. Test With a Small Account

Always test new brokers with a small account to see how they handle executions in live conditions before committing large capital.

Genuine Alternatives to Risky Brokers

Knowledge is power in trading—and the best defence against scams is education. Platforms like Traders MBA offer professional trading courses that teach how to evaluate brokers, understand order execution, and avoid platform-based traps like requotes and slippage manipulation.

To protect your capital and build real trading skill, explore the full range of Traders MBA trading courses today.

Conclusion

The requote scam is a subtle but powerful method of broker manipulation that targets trader execution when it matters most. By delaying orders and offering new prices at key moments, dishonest brokers chip away at trader profitability. Recognise the signs, choose your broker wisely, and educate yourself to ensure that every trade is executed fairly and transparently.