The secret account type migration scam is a deceptive broker tactic where your trading account is silently switched to a different account type without your consent or notification. This switch usually moves your account to one with higher spreads, worse execution, restricted features, or limited withdrawal rights. The goal is to covertly change the trading conditions in a way that disadvantages the trader while protecting the broker’s bottom line—all without alerting the user to the change.

This isn’t a system upgrade—it’s a stealth downgrade designed to erode your edge.

How the Scam Works

1. Trader Opens a Live Account Under Standard Conditions
You select a known account type—e.g., ECN, Pro, or Raw Spread—with advertised features like:

• Tight spreads
• Direct market access (DMA)
• Low commission
• Fast execution

You begin trading under these favourable terms.

2. After Making Profits, the Account Is Switched Internally
Without any warning, your account is:

• Migrated to a “B-Book” account
• Reassigned to a “Standard” or “Bonus” type account
• Attached to higher spreads and slippage tolerance
• Marked as “professional” (with fewer protections)

There’s no email, no notification, and no ability to reverse it manually.

3. Trading Conditions Suddenly Worsen
You begin noticing:

• Higher spreads on every trade
• More requotes and slippage
• Delayed execution
• EAs or trading tools disabled
• Withdrawals subject to new limitations

When you raise concerns, the broker says:

“Your account was automatically optimised for your recent activity.”
“You’ve been upgraded to our enhanced account model.”
“The conditions are part of a new client segment you now qualify for.”

In truth, you were migrated to reduce your profitability and increase broker control.

Real Case: ECN Trader Quietly Moved to STP Standard Account

A trader running a high-frequency scalping strategy begins noticing higher slippage and variable spreads after weeks of profit. They discover the account now reflects “Standard STP” rather than “ECN Pro.” Broker support claims:

“This is part of our internal system reassignment to better match client profiles.”

No consent was given. All trades from that point forward suffer significant degradation.

Why This Scam Is So Dangerous

Secret account type migration is especially harmful because:

• It changes your trading environment without your knowledge
• It voids your strategy by altering execution quality
• It introduces hidden costs via spreads or commissions
• It removes key tools like one-click trading or EA support
• It invalidates prior performance assumptions and backtests

It’s sabotage disguised as account management.

How to Detect the Scam

1. Check Your Account Type Regularly in the Platform
Look at the account name under “Navigator” or login credentials. If it no longer says “ECN,” “Pro,” or your original selection—investigate immediately.

2. Watch for Spread and Commission Shifts
Track whether:

• Your spread has widened noticeably
• Commissions disappeared or increased
• Orders are executed slower than before

Compare these with the broker’s published specs for each account type.

3. Trading Tools or EA Settings Suddenly Stop Working
Account migrations often disable:

• EAs
• Auto-trading
• VPS connections
• Custom indicators or tools

If features vanish without warning, check for a backend switch.

4. Withdrawals or Trading Conditions Are Altered Without Notice
If your withdrawal limits or slippage protection change abruptly, your account has likely been switched.

How to Protect Yourself

1. Demand Written Confirmation of Your Account Type at Signup
Ask support to provide:

• Your account category (ECN, STP, etc.)
• Conditions (spreads, commissions, protections)
• A written assurance that no migration will occur without consent

2. Monitor Live vs Demo or Parallel Accounts
Open a second demo or live account of the same type. Compare:

• Execution speed
• Spread
• Platform behaviour

Discrepancies reveal account tampering.

3. Withdraw Profits if Conditions Suddenly Change
If your execution worsens or features are removed, secure your capital first, then escalate.

4. Request Full Trade Logs and Audit Trail
If your account was switched, request:

• Server logs
• Old and new account IDs
• Migration date and reason

These are essential for proving misconduct.

5. Report Silent Migrations to Regulatory Authorities
Regulators require:

• Full client disclosure
• Written agreement for account type changes
• Consistency in account conditions

Submit a complaint with all screenshots, chat logs, and platform changes.

Regulatory Expectations

Under FCA, ASIC, CySEC, and other major bodies:

• Brokers must disclose any material change to account features
• Clients must consent to changes that affect trading conditions
• Account migrations without notice may constitute misrepresentation and unfair dealing

Failure to disclose a change that worsens execution may violate best execution, transparency, and client protection rules.

Conclusion: If They Change Your Account Without Telling You, It’s Not an Upgrade—It’s a Trap

The secret account type migration scam is a silent shift designed to disarm your strategy and drain your profitability. If the account you signed up for no longer matches the one you’re using, you’re trading blind in someone else’s game.

To learn how to verify account integrity, monitor for hidden changes, and hold brokers accountable for backend manipulation, enrol in our Trading Courses. We’ll help you keep your edge—and your original account conditions—intact.