The server timestamp forgery scam is a sophisticated broker manipulation tactic in which trade logs, execution receipts, or account statements are intentionally falsified to display altered timestamps. This forgery creates the illusion that a trade was executed at a valid price or time, when in fact it was delayed, slipped, or manipulated to the broker’s advantage. The tactic allows the broker to cover up backdated trades, hide slippage, or dispute trader complaints by faking platform history.

This isn’t a platform error—it’s forensic tampering designed to defeat evidence.

How the Scam Works

1. Trader Executes a Time-Sensitive Trade
The trader places a market order, often during:

• High volatility (e.g. NFP, CPI, FOMC events)
• Breakouts or scalping setups
• Sessions requiring precision (e.g. low spread windows)

The actual trade is delayed or filled at a significantly worse price.

2. Broker Alters the Execution Timestamp in Trade History
In the trade record (MT4/MT5 ‘History’ tab or exported statement), the timestamp shows:

• A perfectly timed entry
• Alignment with favourable price data
• Zero delay in execution

But this does not match reality—the fill came later, after a market move.

3. Trader Requests Audit or Proof
When a trader raises concerns, the broker provides:

“Full trading logs showing all execution times are accurate.”
“The trade was placed and filled at the stated time.”
“You can verify timestamps in your platform’s trade history.”

The timestamps appear clean—but they’ve been manipulated at the server level.

4. Disputes Are Dismissed Due to ‘Matching Records’
Since the logs match the broker’s platform, support claims no wrongdoing. This makes it nearly impossible for the trader to prove manipulation—unless they have external evidence.

Real Case: 14-Second Delay Hidden by Backdated Timestamp

A trader executes a buy on USD/CHF during a CPI release. In real time, the order is frozen and filled nearly 14 seconds later, after price has moved 23 pips. But in the MT4 history, the trade is timestamped exactly at the moment of the trader’s click. The broker refuses to acknowledge delay, claiming:

“Our execution servers were operating normally, as shown by the timestamped logs.”

The trader is left with a loss and no visible proof.

Why This Scam Is So Dangerous

The server timestamp forgery scam is one of the most insidious broker manipulations because:

• It erases the timeline needed to prove slippage or latency
• It makes trade challenges nearly impossible
• It gives the broker total control over your account’s historical narrative
• It bypasses platform-level protections and accountability
• It weaponises time—your strongest evidence—in their favour

It’s post-trade forgery, done invisibly and deliberately.

How to Detect Timestamp Forgery

1. Record Your Trading Sessions in Real Time
Use screen-recording software to capture:

• The moment you place the trade
• When the fill occurs
• What the platform shows before and after

If timestamps in the log don’t match your video evidence, forgery has occurred.

2. Use External Logging Tools or EA Timestamp Scripts
Install a custom EA or plugin that:

• Records trade execution times separately
• Sends alerts to external servers
• Bypasses platform logs

Compare these logs with the MT4/MT5 report.

3. Check Latency Reports or Ping Logs
If your latency is 50ms but the trade appears to have taken 3 seconds, yet the log shows instant execution—you’ve found a discrepancy.

4. Compare Price Movement with Execution Time
Use TradingView or other charting platforms to match your trade time with market activity. If the log says 12:31:04 but the candle moved at 12:31:16—they backdated the fill.

How to Protect Yourself

1. Use Brokers With Verified FIX API Access or Transparent Execution Records
True ECN/STP brokers provide:

• Trade receipts with millisecond-level timestamps
• Server logs you can request
• No dealing desk interference

2. Log and Export All Trade History After Each Session
Manually save:

• Journal and Expert logs
• Account statements
• Full MT4/MT5 log folders

Keep backups to detect changes or inconsistencies.

3. Avoid Brokers That Refuse Execution Audits
If a broker says:

“We cannot provide timestamp-level execution data,”
or
“Trade logs are proprietary and unavailable,”

…it’s hiding something.

4. Escalate to Regulators with Timestamp Discrepancy Proof
Include:

• Video evidence
• Log comparisons
• Price-time mismatch charts

Submit to regulatory bodies such as:

• FCA
• ASIC
• CySEC
• FSCA

5. Demand Server-Side Trade Logs with Raw Data
Legitimate brokers can provide logs showing:

• Order ID
• Fill time
• Execution latency
• Price slippage metrics

If they refuse or send screenshots only, they’re likely covering up tampering.

Regulatory Standards

Under MiFID II, FCA, ASIC, and other major frameworks:

• Brokers must record trade execution timestamps accurately
• They are required to provide access to audit trails upon request
• Forgery of trade records violates integrity, transparency, and client protection laws

Falsifying timestamps can lead to licence revocation, regulatory fines, or criminal charges.

Conclusion: If They Can Change the Time, They Can Rewrite the Truth

The server timestamp forgery scam is the digital equivalent of rewriting history. It’s done silently, with precision, and leaves the trader powerless—unless they know how to spot the difference between what happened and what was recorded.

To learn how to verify execution integrity, detect timestamp fraud, and preserve irrefutable trading evidence, enrol in our Trading Courses. We’ll show you how to make every second—and every trade—undeniable.