Below is a comprehensive analysis of Blackridge Capital Management Ltd. (official website: https://www.blackridgecm.com/) based on the requested criteria, including online complaints, risk assessment, website security, WHOIS lookup, IP and hosting, social media, red flags, regulatory status, user precautions, brand confusion, and website content analysis. The analysis draws on available information, critically evaluates the data, and avoids speculative conclusions.

1. Online Complaint Information ¶

• Trustpilot Reviews: Blackridge Capital Management has mixed reviews on Trustpilot, with 53 reviews and a 4-star rating in some regions. Positive reviews praise the broker’s trading platforms (MT4, cTrader), low commissions, user-friendly website, and timely withdrawals. However, negative reviews raise concerns, including one user claiming inability to withdraw funds, requiring third-party intervention (KR CONSULTANT). The broker responded, labeling this review as fake and denying withdrawal issues. This suggests potential disputes over withdrawal reliability, though the authenticity of negative reviews is contested.
• Forex Peace Army: No reviews are listed for BlackridgeCM on Forex Peace Army, which is unusual for an active broker and may indicate low user engagement or lack of visibility in trader communities.
• WikiFX: User reviews on WikiFX are generally positive, with users citing useful technical indicators on MT4 and profitable trading experiences with account manager support. However, the platform notes the broker’s lack of regulation, which tempers positive feedback.
• Complaint Patterns: The most significant complaint centers on withdrawal issues, though limited in number. The broker’s defensive response to negative reviews (e.g., labeling them as fake) raises questions about transparency in handling disputes. There are no widespread reports of systemic fraud, but the lack of regulation (see below) amplifies the impact of isolated complaints. Assessment: Complaints are limited but concerning, particularly regarding withdrawals. The broker’s response to criticism lacks constructive engagement, and the absence of reviews on some platforms suggests limited user feedback, which could obscure the true extent of issues.

2. Risk Level Assessment ¶

• Scam Detector Rating: Scam Detector assigns blackridgecm.com a medium authoritative score of 63.3, indicating it is “Legitimate. Known. Vetted.” The score is based on factors like domain authority, technology used, and absence from suspicious website lists. However, the review flags risks such as potential malware, spammy email associations, or proximity to suspicious websites (though proximity scores are not specified). Scores above 30 are considered red flags, and while 63.3 is moderate, it advises caution.
• WikiFX Risk Rating: WikiFX rates Blackridge at 1.44/10, citing its lack of valid regulation as a primary risk. The platform labels it a potential scam due to unverifiable registration claims and regulatory warnings (see Regulatory Status).
• Broker’s Risk Disclosure: The website acknowledges trading risks and claims to prioritize client fund safety through segregated accounts and negative balance protection. However, without regulatory oversight, these claims lack enforceable backing. Assessment: The risk level is high due to the absence of regulation, mixed user feedback, and moderate scam risk scores. The broker’s self-reported safety measures are undermined by unverifiable claims and regulatory warnings.

3. Website Security Tools ¶

• SSL Certificate: The website uses an SSL certificate, ensuring encrypted data transmission. However, the specific certificate type (e.g., Domain Validated vs. Extended Validation) is not detailed in the sources. A Domain Validated certificate, common for basic websites, does not verify the organization’s legitimacy, which is a minor red flag for a financial platform.
• Security Practices: The Privacy Policy claims the use of encryption and IT specialists to protect user data. Cookies are used to enhance website functionality and support trading activities. However, there is no mention of advanced security tools like two-factor authentication (2FA) or regular security audits, which are standard for regulated brokers.
• Malware Risks: Scam Detector notes potential malware risks but provides no specific evidence of infections. The absence of widespread reports of malware or phishing suggests this is a precautionary warning rather than a confirmed issue. Assessment: Website security appears adequate with SSL encryption and basic data protection claims, but the lack of detailed information on advanced security measures (e.g., 2FA, audits) and the possibility of a low-validation SSL certificate raise concerns for a financial platform handling sensitive data.

4. WHOIS Lookup ¶

• Domain Information:
• Domain Name: blackridgecm.com
• Registrar: GoDaddy.com, LLC
• Creation Date: March 27, 2018
• Updated Date: March 13, 2019
• Expiry Date: March 27, 2020 (expired, but the website remains active, suggesting renewal not reflected in older WHOIS data)
• Name Servers: lily.ns.cloudflare.com, lou.ns.cloudflare.com
• Domain Status: clientDeleteProhibited, clientRenewProhibited, clientTransferProhibited, clientUpdateProhibited (indicating restricted changes, common for active domains)
• Registrant Information: WHOIS data does not disclose registrant details, likely due to privacy protection services, which is common but reduces transparency for a financial entity. Assessment: The domain is relatively young (created in 2018), and the use of privacy protection obscures ownership, which is a minor red flag for a broker claiming transparency. The domain’s active status and reputable registrar (GoDaddy) are positive, but the lack of registrant transparency aligns with high-risk platforms.

5. IP and Hosting Analysis ¶

• IP Address: 104.27.159.105
• ISP: Cloudflare, Inc. (AS13335)
• Server Location: Not explicitly stated, but Cloudflare’s global CDN suggests distributed hosting, likely in the U.S. or Europe. The lack of a specific server location raises minor concerns, as regulated brokers typically disclose their hosting infrastructure.
• Hosting Risks: Cloudflare is a reputable provider, offering DDoS protection and performance optimization. However, Scam Detector notes potential “proximity to suspicious websites” through shared servers or IP connections, though no specific evidence links blackridgecm.com to malicious sites.
• Traffic Estimation: Statshow.com reports moderate traffic, with no precise visitor or pageview data. The website’s global rank and Tranco rank are not top-tier, suggesting limited prominence compared to established brokers. Assessment: Hosting via Cloudflare is a positive sign of reliability, but the lack of transparency about server location and potential proximity to suspicious sites (per Scam Detector) are minor concerns. Traffic data suggests the broker is not a major player, which may correlate with limited user trust.

6. Social Media Presence ¶

• Official Presence: The website does not prominently link to official social media accounts, which is unusual for a broker aiming to engage clients. No specific mentions of Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn profiles were found in the sources.
• Affiliate Program: Blackridge promotes an affiliate program targeting bloggers, social media influencers, and webmasters, suggesting reliance on social media for marketing. However, there is no evidence of active, verified social media accounts managed by the broker.
• Risk Management: The lack of a visible social media presence limits reputational risks from negative posts but also reduces transparency and user engagement. Social media risk management strategies (e.g., monitoring, crisis response) are not mentioned on the website. Assessment: The absence of a robust social media presence is a red flag, as legitimate brokers typically maintain active, verified accounts to build trust and engage users. The affiliate program suggests social media marketing, but without official accounts, it’s difficult to assess credibility.

7. Red Flags and Potential Risk Indicators ¶

• Lack of Regulation: The most significant red flag is the absence of valid regulatory oversight (see Regulatory Status). Unregulated brokers pose risks of fraud, fund mismanagement, and lack of legal recourse.
• Unverifiable Registration: The broker claims registration in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (registration number 24636 IBC 2018), but no corresponding records were found in the Financial Services Authority (SVG FSA) database. This discrepancy suggests potential misrepresentation.
• Regulatory Warning: Italy’s CONSOB issued a warning on January 18, 2024, stating that Blackridge Capital Management Ltd. offers financial services without authorization, increasing the risk of fraud or identity theft.
• Withdrawal Complaints: Isolated reports of withdrawal issues, even if contested by the broker, indicate potential operational risks.
• Limited Contact Information: The broker provides a phone number (+44-2039660115), email ([email protected]), Skype, and live chat but does not disclose a physical company address, which is atypical for transparent brokers.
• Proximity to Suspicious Sites: Scam Detector’s warning about server or IP proximity to suspicious websites, while not confirmed, adds to the risk profile.
• Mixed Reviews: The presence of both positive and negative reviews, with the broker dismissing criticism as fake, suggests potential issues with customer service or transparency. Assessment: Multiple red flags, including lack of regulation, unverifiable registration, a regulatory warning, and withdrawal complaints, indicate a high-risk broker. The absence of a physical address and limited social media presence further erode trust.

8. Website Content Analysis ¶

• Claims and Offerings:
• The website promotes forex and CFD trading with MT4 and cTrader platforms, leverage up to 1:500, spreads from 0.0 pips, and 24/7 support. It offers trading in forex, metals, cryptocurrencies, oil, gas, indices, and stocks.
• It emphasizes transparency, client fund safety (segregated accounts, negative balance protection), and a wide range of payment methods.
• The “Who We Are” page claims establishment in 2014, but the domain was created in 2018, raising questions about the timeline.
• Privacy Policy: The policy outlines data collection, use of cookies, and sharing with partners (limited to account numbers). It claims compliance with anti-money laundering laws and data protection but lacks specificity about jurisdictions or frameworks (e.g., GDPR). Data may be shared with third parties if required by law, which is standard but vague without regulatory backing.
• Professionalism: The website is user-friendly, with clear navigation and detailed trading conditions. However, the lack of regulatory disclosures, physical address, or executive team information undermines professionalism.
• Risk Disclosures: The site acknowledges trading risks and advises users to understand them, but the absence of regulatory oversight weakens these disclaimers. Assessment: The website presents a professional facade with detailed trading offerings and safety claims, but inconsistencies (e.g., establishment date vs. domain creation) and lack of regulatory transparency raise doubts about credibility. The Privacy Policy is standard but lacks enforceable weight without regulation.

9. Regulatory Status ¶

• Claimed Registration: Blackridge claims to be registered in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (24636 IBC 2018). However, BrokersView and WikiFX found no matching records in the SVG FSA database, suggesting the claim is false or unverifiable.
• Regulatory Warning: On January 18, 2024, Italy’s CONSOB warned that Blackridge Capital Management Ltd. is not authorized to provide financial services, indicating illegal operations in Italy. This warning aligns with the broker’s lack of oversight from major regulators (e.g., FCA, ASIC, CySEC).
• No Valid License: WikiFX and BrokersView confirm Blackridge has no valid regulatory license, labeling it a scam due to the risks of unregulated operations. Unregulated brokers cannot guarantee fund safety or legal recourse, exposing users to fraud and identity theft.
• Self-Reported Standards: The website claims adherence to “the highest regulatory guidelines,” but without a specific regulator, this is meaningless. Assessment: Blackridge Capital Management Ltd. is unregulated, with unverifiable registration claims and a regulatory warning from CONSOB. This is the most critical risk factor, as unregulated brokers operate without oversight, posing significant risks to client funds and data.

10. User Precautions ¶

Given the high-risk profile, users should take the following precautions:

1. Avoid Engagement: Steer clear of Blackridge Capital Management Ltd. due to its lack of regulation, CONSOB warning, and unverifiable registration. Regulated brokers (e.g., FCA, ASIC, CySEC-licensed) are safer alternatives.
2. Verify Regulation: Always check a broker’s regulatory status on official regulator websites (e.g., SVG FSA, CONSOB) before depositing funds.
3. Secure Data: If interacting with the website, ensure your device has updated antivirus software and avoid sharing sensitive information (e.g., bank details, Social Security numbers) unless legitimacy is confirmed.
4. Monitor Accounts: If you’ve already engaged, monitor bank accounts and credit reports for unauthorized activity. Contact your bank and credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) if you suspect fraud.
5. Report Issues: Report withdrawal problems or suspected scams to local authorities, the Federal Trade Commission (1-877-FTC-HELP), or platforms like Trustpilot and WikiFX.
6. Research Reviews: Cross-reference user reviews on multiple platforms (Trustpilot, WikiFX, Forex Peace Army) to assess reliability, but be cautious of fake reviews.
7. Use Demo Accounts: If testing the platform, use a demo account to evaluate functionality without risking real funds. Assessment: Users must exercise extreme caution, prioritizing regulated brokers and robust security practices to mitigate risks associated with Blackridge’s unregulated status and questionable practices.

11. Potential Brand Confusion ¶

• Similar Entities:
• BlackRidge Technology (blackridge.us): A U.S.-based cybersecurity company offering network protection solutions. It has no apparent connection to Blackridge Capital Management Ltd. but shares a similar name, potentially causing confusion.
• Blackridge (blackridgegroup.co.uk): A UK-based contracts management company specializing in building services, unrelated to forex trading. The similar name and UK presence (Blackridge Capital uses a UK phone number) could confuse users.
• Blackridge Research & Consulting (blackridgeresearch.com): A global research firm focused on construction and infrastructure projects. The shared name and financial focus may mislead users seeking investment services.
• Domain Similarity: The domain blackridgecm.com is distinct, but the broker’s claimed UK phone number (+44) and lack of a physical address may lead users to confuse it with UK-based entities like Blackridgegroup.co.uk.
• Risk of Confusion: The broker’s lack of regulatory clarity and vague branding (e.g., no executive team or address) increases the risk of users mistaking it for legitimate entities with similar names, especially in financial or technical sectors. Assessment: The broker’s name is similar to unrelated, legitimate companies in cybersecurity, construction, and research, posing a moderate risk of brand confusion. Users may mistakenly trust Blackridge Capital Management Ltd. based on the reputation of these other entities.

12. Critical Evaluation of Sources and Narrative ¶

• Source Reliability: Sources like Scam Detector, WikiFX, and BrokersView provide objective analyses but rely on algorithms and public data, which may not capture nuanced issues. Trustpilot reviews are user-generated and prone to bias (fake positive or negative reviews). CONSOB’s warning is authoritative, confirming regulatory violations.
• Broker’s Claims: Blackridge’s website emphasizes transparency, safety, and experience since 2014, but these claims are undermined by the 2018 domain creation, unverifiable registration, and lack of regulation. The broker’s dismissal of negative reviews as fake suggests a lack of accountability.
• Narrative Gaps: The absence of a physical address, executive team, or social media presence creates gaps in the broker’s narrative, making it difficult to verify its operations. The lack of reviews on Forex Peace Army and limited traffic data suggest low market presence, which contrasts with the broker’s “multi-award-winning” claims. Assessment: The establishment narrative of Blackridge Capital Management Ltd. is inconsistent and lacks verifiable evidence. Authoritative sources (e.g., CONSOB) confirm regulatory issues, while user reviews and risk assessments highlight operational risks, outweighing the broker’s self-reported claims.

Conclusion ¶

Blackridge Capital Management Ltd. (https://www.blackridgecm.com/) presents a high-risk profile due to its lack of regulation, unverifiable registration in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and a regulatory warning from Italy’s CONSOB. Red flags include withdrawal complaints, limited transparency (no physical address or social media), and potential brand confusion with legitimate entities. While the website is professional and offers popular trading platforms (MT4, cTrader), these are overshadowed by significant risks, including potential fraud and identity theft due to unregulated operations. Website security is adequate but lacks advanced measures, and hosting via Cloudflare is reliable but not immune to proximity risks. User precautions include avoiding engagement, verifying regulation, and securing personal data. The mixed user reviews and moderate scam risk score (63.3) suggest caution, but the absence of oversight is the decisive factor in deeming Blackridge unreliable. Recommendation: Avoid trading with Blackridge Capital Management Ltd. and opt for regulated brokers with verifiable licenses from reputable authorities (e.g., FCA, ASIC, CySEC). If you’ve engaged with the broker, monitor accounts for suspicious activity and report issues to authorities.

Note: This analysis is based on available data as of April 22, 2025, and reflects a critical evaluation of sources. Users should conduct their own due diligence before making financial decisions. If you need further details or specific aspects analyzed, please let me know!