Automated trading bots promise the dream of effortless profits—executing trades around the clock without human emotion. While some bots genuinely offer utility when used with transparency and control, a rising number of fraudsters are exploiting this desire through the Trading Bot Monthly Lease Scam. This scam lures unsuspecting traders into leasing a high-performing bot on a monthly basis, only to deliver underperformance, fake metrics, or total account loss.

In this article, we reveal how the scam works, what red flags to watch for, and how to avoid renting a bot that’s designed to fail from the start.

What Is the Trading Bot Monthly Lease Scam?

The Trading Bot Monthly Lease Scam is a fraudulent business model in which scammers charge users a recurring monthly fee (often $100–$500) to rent access to a “proprietary trading bot”. These bots are marketed as:

• “Institutional-grade” algorithms
• “Tested with 95% accuracy”
• “Passive income generators”

However, the bots either:

• Don’t exist (placebo software)
• Run pre-programmed losing strategies
• Are demo-only or reverse-engineered from fake backtests
• Are designed to wipe capital while collecting lease payments

In many cases, there’s no transparency, no refunds, and no legal accountability.

How the Scam Works

Step 1: Promotion Through Social Media or Private Groups

Scammers run ads or send private DMs on Telegram, Discord, or Instagram, boasting:

• Unrealistic win rates
• 1,000% ROI screenshots
• “VIP clients only” leasing options

They showcase fake testimonials and demo account results with no verifiable performance data.

Step 2: Monthly Lease Payment Required

To use the bot, the trader must:

• Pay a monthly fee (usually in crypto)
• Sign up with a specific unregulated broker (for “bot compatibility”)
• Sometimes give API or trading account access

There’s no free trial, no contract, and often no refund policy.

Step 3: Bot Underperforms or Fails Immediately

After installation, the bot:

• Places erratic or nonsensical trades
• Does nothing at all
• Uses martingale or grid strategies that fail quickly
• Shows performance wildly different from what was advertised

The trader quickly loses their deposit—or the bot stops working entirely.

Step 4: No Support, No Refund, No Accountability

When contacted, the scammers:

• Claim market volatility caused the losses
• Demand more payment for “premium settings” or “updates”
• Ghost the trader altogether

In some cases, the group or website is taken down, and the scam is relaunched under a different name.

Red Flags to Watch For

No Verifiable Track Record

If the bot provider cannot link to a verified live account on platforms like Myfxbook or FX Blue, they’re hiding performance data.

Only Accepts Crypto Payments

Scammers often request payment in Bitcoin, USDT, or other irreversible methods—no refunds, no chargebacks.

No Free Trial or Backtest Sharing

Legitimate bot creators offer backtests, demo trials, or open-source options. Scammers provide vague screenshots and no transparency.

Affiliate Broker Requirement

If you must sign up with a specific broker (often unregulated), it’s usually a commission-based trap.

Vague Terms and Conditions

If there’s no leasing contract or clear usage terms, the seller can disappear without consequences.

How to Protect Yourself

Ask for Verified Live Results

Demand to see long-term, verified performance from third-party platforms. Reject anything based on screenshots or Excel files.

Insist on a Trial Period

Genuine bot developers offer trials or demo accounts. Avoid those who pressure you to pay upfront without testing.

Use a Reputable Broker of Your Choice

If the bot only works with one suspicious broker, it’s likely part of a referral scam.

Never Pay in Crypto Without Protection

If payment must be in crypto, use a smart contract, escrow service, or protected platform. Avoid DMs and private wallets.

Understand the Bot’s Strategy

If the seller can’t explain what the bot does—what indicators it uses, its risk settings, or trade frequency—walk away.

Conclusion

The Trading Bot Monthly Lease Scam preys on the dream of passive trading profits while delivering worthless or destructive automation. With slick marketing, false stats, and pressure tactics, these scams convert hype into recurring payments—leaving traders with empty accounts and no recourse.

To learn how to evaluate bots properly, build your own strategies, and automate trading safely, enrol in expert-led Trading Courses that teach algorithmic trading, performance verification, and risk-managed automation without falling for fake tech.