Below is a comprehensive analysis of United Strategic International LLC, operating as USGForex (official website: https://www.usgforex.com/), based on the requested criteria. This analysis incorporates online complaint information, risk level assessment, website security, WHOIS lookup, IP and hosting analysis, social media presence, red flags, regulatory status, user precautions, potential brand confusion, and website content analysis. The information is synthesized from available web sources and critical evaluation of the platform’s claims and operations.

1. Online Complaint Information ¶

• Complaints and Reviews:
• Forex Peace Army: Reviews on Forex Peace Army indicate significant user dissatisfaction. One user reported that USGForex and its related site (usgfx.com) have been delaying withdrawals for over a year, describing the process as a scam and claiming to have evidence like screen recordings. This suggests potential issues with fund accessibility, a critical concern for traders.
• Trustpilot: USGForex has a 4-star rating on Trustpilot based on only five reviews, which is a small sample size and may not reflect broader user experiences. The limited number of reviews raises questions about the platform’s reach and credibility.
• ForexBrokerz and TheForexReview: Both sources label USGForex as a scam, citing fraudulent practices such as misrepresenting regulatory status and operating as a clone firm. These reviews highlight a pattern of deceptive behavior, including unfulfilled withdrawal requests and misleading claims about licensing.
• Key Complaint Themes:
• Delayed or denied withdrawals, suggesting potential liquidity issues or intentional withholding of funds.
• Misrepresentation of regulatory status, particularly false claims of FCA (UK) regulation.
• Lack of transparency regarding company operations and ownership.

2. Risk Level Assessment ¶

• High-Risk Indicators:
• Unregulated Status: USGForex claims to be regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK but uses a license number (798776) belonging to Union Standard International Group Limited, a different entity with no connection to USGForex. This is a hallmark of a clone website scam.
• Offshore Registration: The platform is registered in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, a jurisdiction known for lax regulatory oversight. Offshore brokers in such regions often lack investor protections, increasing the risk of fraud.
• High Leverage: USGForex offers leverage up to 1:500, which is significantly higher than what reputable regulators like the FCA or ASIC allow (typically capped at 1:30 for retail clients). High leverage can lead to substantial losses, especially for inexperienced traders.
• Clone Website Concerns: The website mimics the design and credentials of a legitimate FCA-regulated broker, increasing the risk of brand confusion and financial loss for users who mistake it for a regulated entity.
• Risk Level: High. The combination of unregulated operations, offshore registration, false regulatory claims, and user complaints about withdrawals points to a platform with significant risks for investors.

3. Website Security Tools ¶

• SSL Certificate:
• The website (https://www.usgforex.com/) uses HTTPS, indicating the presence of an SSL certificate, which encrypts data transmitted between the user and the server. This is a basic security measure expected of any financial platform.
• However, an SSL certificate alone does not guarantee legitimacy, as even scam websites can implement HTTPS.
• Security Posture:
• No specific information is available about additional security measures, such as two-factor authentication (2FA), intrusion detection systems, or regular security audits. Legitimate brokers typically highlight such features to build trust.
• The lack of transparency about security protocols is a red flag, especially for a platform handling sensitive financial data.
• Malware and Phishing Checks:
• Sites like ScamAdviser and Scamvoid offer tools to check for malware, phishing, or spam activity. While no specific malware reports were found for usgforex.com, ScamAdviser notes a low trust score due to the website’s recent registration and hosting on servers with other unreliable websites.

4. WHOIS Lookup ¶

• Domain Information:
• Domain Name: usgforex.com
• Registration Date: The domain is relatively new, with some sources indicating recent registration (exact date not specified in provided data). New domains are often associated with higher scam risks, as they lack a track record.
• Registrar: Not explicitly mentioned, but WHOIS privacy services are likely used, as is common with offshore brokers. This obscures ownership details, reducing transparency.
• Registrant: United Strategic International LLC, based in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The lack of verifiable records for this entity in public registries adds to the anonymity concern.
• Red Flags:
• The use of two domains (usgforex.com and usgfx.global) without clear justification raises suspicions of SEO manipulation or attempts to evade regulatory scrutiny.
• The anonymity provided by WHOIS privacy services is a common tactic among fraudulent platforms.

5. IP and Hosting Analysis ¶

• Hosting Details:
• Server Location: The server hosting usgforex.com is likely located in a jurisdiction with multiple unreliable websites, as noted by ScamAdviser. This suggests a shared hosting environment, which can be a security risk due to potential vulnerabilities in neighboring sites.
• IP Address: Specific IP details are not provided in the sources, but the association with unreliable servers lowers the platform’s trustworthiness.
• Hosting Provider:
• The hosting provider is not explicitly identified, but the presence of other questionable websites on the same server is a negative signal. Legitimate brokers typically use dedicated or reputable hosting services to ensure performance and security.
• Security Implications:
• Shared hosting environments can expose the website to risks like cross-site scripting or data breaches if other hosted sites are compromised.
• The lack of transparency about hosting infrastructure is concerning for a platform claiming to be a leading forex broker.

6. Social Media Presence ¶

• Activity and Engagement:
• No specific information is available about USGForex’s social media presence (e.g., Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn). Legitimate brokers typically maintain active social media accounts to engage with clients and share updates.
• The absence of a verifiable social media footprint is a red flag, as it limits transparency and user interaction.
• Risk Indicators:
• Scammers often avoid social media to minimize exposure to scrutiny or negative reviews. The lack of a social media presence aligns with the platform’s overall anonymity.
• If social media accounts exist, users should verify their authenticity, as fake accounts are common in scam operations.

7. Red Flags and Potential Risk Indicators ¶

• False Regulatory Claims:
• USGForex falsely claims FCA regulation, using a license number belonging to Union Standard International Group Limited (operating at ukusg.co.uk). This is a clear case of a clone website scam, where the platform misuses a legitimate broker’s credentials.
• A 2015 warning from ASIC (Australia) highlighted similar false claims about ASIC regulation, indicating a history of deceptive practices.
• Lack of Transparency:
• The “About Us” page provides no detailed information about the company’s history, leadership, or operational background. This anonymity is unusual for a broker claiming to be “award-winning.”
• No verifiable records exist for United Strategic International LLC in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, raising doubts about the company’s legitimacy.
• Clone Website Concerns:
• The website’s design and content closely resemble those of a legitimate FCA-regulated broker, increasing the risk of brand confusion. Users may deposit funds believing they are dealing with a regulated entity.
• Withdrawal Issues:
• User complaints about delayed or denied withdrawals suggest potential insolvency or intentional fraud. This is a critical red flag for any financial platform.
• High Leverage and Risky Offerings:
• Leverage of 1:500 is excessively high and not permitted by reputable regulators like the FCA or ASIC. This can lead to significant losses, particularly for retail traders.
• Multiple Domains:
• Operating under both usgforex.com and usgfx.global without clear justification is suspicious. This could indicate attempts to evade detection or manipulate search engine rankings.
• Historical Warnings:
• ASIC’s 2015 warning about false regulatory claims and the platform’s association with a bankrupt Australian entity (Union Standard International Group Pty Ltd) further erodes trust.

8. Website Content Analysis ¶

• Claims and Promises:
• USGForex describes itself as a “multi-award-winning, multi-asset forex and CFD broker” offering seamless access to over 60 currency pairs, indices, and commodities on MetaTrader 4 and 5 platforms. These claims are not substantiated with evidence of awards or verifiable achievements.
• The website emphasizes high leverage (1:100 to 1:500), fast execution, and dedicated account managers, which are common marketing tactics used by scam brokers to attract inexperienced traders.
• Partnerships:
• The platform claims a partnership with Trading Central for technical analysis and market insights. However, no evidence confirms this partnership, and such claims are often used to create a false sense of credibility.
• Risk Disclosures:
• The website includes standard risk warnings about forex and CFD trading, stating that these activities carry a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. This is a legal requirement but does not offset other red flags.
• White Label Solutions:
• USGForex offers Limited and Full White Label solutions for regulated financial institutions, which seems inconsistent with its unregulated status. Legitimate white-label providers are typically well-regulated and transparent.
• Content Red Flags:
• The website lacks detailed information about the company’s history, team, or physical office beyond a postbox address in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
• Claims of being “regulated” are misleading, as the platform operates in an unregulated jurisdiction and misuses FCA credentials.

9. Regulatory Status ¶

• Claimed Regulation:
• USGForex claims to be regulated by the FCA (UK) and provides a license number (798776). However, this number belongs to Union Standard International Group Limited, a legitimate FCA-regulated broker with no affiliation to USGForex.
• The platform is registered in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, which does not impose strict regulatory requirements on forex brokers. This is considered Tier-3 regulation, offering minimal investor protection.
• Actual Regulatory Status:
• Unregulated: USGForex is not licensed by any reputable regulatory body (e.g., FCA, ASIC, CySEC). The false FCA claim and offshore registration confirm its unregulated status.
• Historical Regulatory Issues: In 2015, ASIC issued a warning about USGForex’s false claims of ASIC regulation, indicating a pattern of deceptive behavior.
• Investor Protections:
• Unlike brokers regulated by the FCA or CySEC, which offer deposit insurance (e.g., up to £85,000 in the UK or €20,000 in the EU), USGForex provides no such protections due to its unregulated status.

10. User Precautions ¶

To protect themselves, users considering USGForex should take the following precautions:

• Verify Regulatory Status: Check the FCA register (or other regulatory bodies like ASIC, CySEC) directly to confirm a broker’s licensing. Avoid relying on the broker’s website claims.
• Research Reviews: Read user reviews on platforms like Forex Peace Army, Trustpilot, and ForexBrokerz, but be cautious of fake positive reviews. Negative reviews about withdrawals are particularly concerning.
• Start with a Demo Account: Test the platform with a demo account to assess its functionality without risking real funds.
• Avoid High Deposits: Do not deposit large sums, especially given the platform’s withdrawal issues. Start with the minimum deposit ($100) if you choose to proceed.
• Secure Payment Methods: Use payment methods like credit cards, which offer chargeback options, rather than cryptocurrencies or wire transfers, which are harder to recover.
• Report Suspicious Activity: If you encounter issues, report them to financial regulators (e.g., FCA, ASIC) and file complaints with authorities. Contact your bank immediately to cancel cards or reverse transactions if scammed.
• Conduct Due Diligence: Research the broker’s history, domain age, and WHOIS data. Avoid platforms with multiple domains or recent registrations.

11. Potential Brand Confusion ¶

• Clone Website Scam:
• USGForex uses the license number and design elements of Union Standard International Group Limited (FCA-regulated, operating at ukusg.co.uk), creating significant brand confusion. Traders may mistake USGForex for the legitimate broker, leading to financial losses.
• Related Entities:
• The platform is linked to usgfx.global and usgfx.com, the latter associated with a bankrupt Australian company (Union Standard International Group Pty Ltd). The use of similar branding (USG/USGFX) across these entities increases confusion.
• The rebranding from usgfx.global to usgforex.com appears to be an attempt to distance the platform from the bankrupt Australian arm, further complicating the brand landscape.
• Impact:
• Brand confusion heightens the risk of users depositing funds with an unregulated scam broker under the false impression of dealing with a regulated entity.
• The similarity in website design and credentials makes it difficult for inexperienced traders to distinguish between the legitimate and fraudulent platforms.

12. Conclusion and Recommendation ¶

Summary:

• Regulatory Status: Unregulated, with false claims of FCA regulation and a history of misleading ASIC claims. Operates in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, a jurisdiction with minimal oversight.
• Risk Level: High, due to clone website tactics, withdrawal issues, high leverage, and lack of transparency.
• Red Flags: False regulatory claims, multiple domains, anonymous ownership, user complaints about withdrawals, and a history of regulatory warnings.
• Website Security: Basic SSL encryption but no transparency about additional security measures. Shared hosting with unreliable websites increases risks.
• Brand Confusion: Significant risk due to mimicking a legitimate FCA-regulated broker and links to a bankrupt Australian entity.
• User Complaints: Consistent reports of delayed or denied withdrawals, indicating potential fraud or insolvency. Recommendation:
• Avoid USGForex: Given the overwhelming evidence of fraudulent practices, including clone website tactics, false regulatory claims, and user complaints, USGForex is not a safe or trustworthy broker. Traders should avoid depositing funds with this platform.
• Choose Regulated Alternatives: Opt for brokers regulated by Tier-1 authorities like the FCA, ASIC, or CySEC, which offer investor protections such as deposit insurance. Examples include brokers listed on ForexBrokerz or Traders Union with verified regulatory status.
• Exercise Caution: If you have already engaged with USGForex, immediately secure your financial accounts, report issues to regulators, and seek professional advice to recover funds. Avoid further deposits. Final Note: The forex market is inherently risky, and unregulated brokers like USGForex exploit this by offering high leverage and false assurances of safety. Always prioritize due diligence, verify regulatory claims directly with authorities, and consult independent reviews before choosing a broker. If you need personalized guidance, consider booking a consultation with experts like those at Val.Forex for tailored advice on navigating forex trading risks.

This analysis critically examines the available evidence and avoids accepting the platform’s claims at face value. If you require further details or assistance with specific aspects (e.g., checking a regulatory register or analyzing a related broker), please let me know!