Below is a comprehensive analysis of FxCitizen, the trading name of Universe Citizen Limited, based on the provided criteria and available information. The analysis covers online complaints, risk assessment, website security, WHOIS data, IP and hosting, social media presence, red flags, regulatory status, user precautions, potential brand confusion, and website content.

1. Online Complaint Information ¶

• Complaints and Reviews: Multiple sources report significant user dissatisfaction with FxCitizen:
• Traders on platforms like Forex Peace Army have reported issues such as automatic stop-loss triggers despite sufficient margin, profit cancellations under vague terms (e.g., clause 3.13 regarding orders closed within 2 minutes), and unresponsive customer support when addressing withdrawal issues.
• Specific complaints include accounts not corresponding to real MT4 accounts, trade manipulation, and withdrawal delays or refusals. Users have reported losses, with one mentioning a loss of $8,000 due to unexpected stop-loss actions.
• Reviews on sites like BrokersView and Fundevity highlight price manipulation, account closures, and poor customer support, with some users labeling FxCitizen as a potential scam.
• Some positive reviews exist, particularly from earlier years (e.g., 2010–2017), but these are overshadowed by more recent negative feedback, suggesting a decline in service quality or increased scrutiny.
• Pattern of Issues: The recurring themes are withdrawal problems, trade manipulation, and lack of transparency, which are serious concerns for a broker. Risk Indicator: High, due to consistent complaints about fund access and trade integrity.

2. Risk Level Assessment ¶

• Broker Risk Score: Traders Union assigns FxCitizen a safety score of 2/10 (low security level) and an overall score of 3.53/10, citing its lack of regulation by a reputable authority and negative client feedback.
• Operational Risks:
• Unregulated Status: FxCitizen is not regulated by any recognized financial authority, increasing the risk of fraud or mismanagement.
• High Leverage: Offers leverage up to 1:1000 (and even 1:2000 with bonuses), which is extremely risky, especially for inexperienced traders. High leverage is often a tactic to attract clients but can lead to significant losses.
• Offshore Registration: Registered in Vanuatu, a known tax haven with minimal regulatory oversight, which provides little protection for clients.
• Client Feedback: Negative reviews indicate issues with fund withdrawals, trade execution, and customer service, suggesting operational unreliability. Risk Level: High, due to lack of regulation, high leverage, and reported operational issues.

3. Website Security Tools ¶

• Website Analysis:
• The official website (http://fxcitizen.com/) does not use HTTPS, which is a critical security flaw. Secure websites use HTTPS to encrypt data, and the absence of this protocol raises concerns about data privacy and authenticity.
• No specific information is available on whether FxCitizen employs advanced security measures like two-factor authentication (2FA) or segregated client accounts, though they claim to maintain segregated accounts in top banks.
• The website requires JavaScript to function properly, which can be a security concern if not properly managed, as it may expose users to vulnerabilities like cross-site scripting (XSS).
• Security Alerts: The website’s lack of HTTPS and limited transparency about security protocols suggest inadequate protection for user data. Risk Indicator: Moderate to high, due to the absence of HTTPS and lack of detailed security information.

4. WHOIS Lookup ¶

• WHOIS Data:
• Domain: fxcitizen.com
• Registrant: Universe Citizen Limited
• Location: Registered in Vanuatu, with associated addresses in Hong Kong and New Zealand (e.g., Suite 3372, 24b Moorefield Road, Johnsonville, Wellington, New Zealand, and Flat A, 15/F, Hillier Commercial Building, Hong Kong).
• Issues: The New Zealand address was flagged by the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) as belonging to an accounting firm, not an operational office, indicating misleading advertising.
• Contact Information: Emails provided include [email protected], [email protected], and others, with a phone number (+60166780251). However, complaints about unresponsive support suggest these may not be reliable. Risk Indicator: High, due to misleading address information and offshore registration.

5. IP and Hosting Analysis ¶

• Hosting Information:
• Limited public data is available on the specific IP address or hosting provider for fxcitizen.com.
• The website is reportedly hosted in a way that supports its operations, but no evidence suggests robust hosting security (e.g., DDoS protection or dedicated servers).
• The use of an offshore base (Vanuatu) may imply hosting in jurisdictions with lax data protection laws, increasing risks for user data. Risk Indicator: Moderate, due to lack of transparency about hosting infrastructure.

6. Social Media Presence ¶

• Social Media Activity:
• FxCitizen’s social media presence is not well-documented in the provided sources. There is no mention of active accounts on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.
• Some complaints originate from social media interactions, such as a user being recommended FxCitizen via a Facebook Forex trainer, suggesting the broker may rely on social media for marketing but not necessarily for engagement or support.
• The FDIC guidance on social media risks highlights the need for financial institutions to monitor platforms for negative comments or complaints. FxCitizen’s lack of visible social media engagement may indicate they do not address such risks effectively. Risk Indicator: Moderate, due to limited social media presence and potential for unaddressed negative feedback.

7. Red Flags and Potential Risk Indicators ¶

• Regulatory Warnings:
• New Zealand FMA: Issued a warning against Universe Citizen Limited for false and misleading advertising and lack of a legitimate business presence in New Zealand.
• Hong Kong SFC: Added FxCitizen to its Alert List for operating without a license and targeting Hong Kong investors.
• Italy CONSOB: Warned that FxCitizen offers financial services illegally.
• Unregulated Status: FxCitizen claims regulation by the Vanuatu Finance Service Commission (License No. 14784), but Vanuatu is an offshore jurisdiction with minimal oversight, offering little client protection.
• High Leverage: Offering leverage up to 1:1000 (or 1:2000 with bonuses) is a red flag, as it is often used to lure inexperienced traders into risky positions.
• Withdrawal Issues: Multiple reports of delayed or denied withdrawals, a common tactic among scam brokers.
• Trade Manipulation: Complaints about price manipulation and unexpected stop-loss triggers suggest potential market-making conflicts, as FxCitizen operates as a Market Maker (MM) broker, acting as a counterparty to clients.
• Misleading Advertising: Claims of being a “registered forex white label broker” and associations with other brokers (e.g., IGOFX) are questionable, especially given regulatory warnings.
• Bonus Schemes: Offers like a 30% deposit bonus or 100% margin bonus come with strict trading volume requirements, making withdrawals difficult. Risk Indicator: Very high, due to multiple regulatory warnings, unregulated status, and operational red flags.

8. Website Content Analysis ¶

• Content Overview:
• The website promotes FxCitizen as a Forex and CFD broker offering MetaTrader 5 (MT5), multiple account types (Standard, Premium, Pro), and trading in Forex, indices, commodities, and metals.
• It emphasizes client fund security through segregated accounts and claims to prioritize customer service. However, these claims are undermined by complaints about withdrawals and support.
• The site lacks transparency about regulatory details, fee structures, and trading conditions (e.g., no clear information on demo account conditions).
• The website’s design is described as “too professional” by some, potentially masking underlying issues.
• Issues:
• No HTTPS: Indicates a lack of secure data transmission.
• Limited Information: Key details like commission structures, demo account specifics, and regulatory certificates are either vague or missing.
• Promotional Tactics: Heavy emphasis on bonuses and high leverage may appeal to inexperienced traders but increases risk. Risk Indicator: High, due to lack of transparency and security flaws.

9. Regulatory Status ¶

• Claimed Regulation: FxCitizen claims to be regulated by the Republic of Vanuatu Finance Service Commission (License No. 14784).
• Actual Status:
• Vanuatu is an offshore jurisdiction with low regulatory standards, requiring only a $2,000 minimum capital for registration. This offers minimal client protection compared to regulators like the UK FCA, Cyprus CySEC, or Australia ASIC.
• Warnings from Regulators:
• New Zealand FMA: No legitimate business presence and misleading advertising.
• Hong Kong SFC: Unlicensed and targeting investors illegally.
• Italy CONSOB: Operating without authorization.
• No Tier-1 Regulation: FxCitizen lacks oversight from reputable regulators, a critical factor for broker reliability.
• Parent Company: FxCitizen operates as a white label under IKOFX, which is also regulated by Vanuatu and not well-regarded, further reducing credibility. Risk Indicator: Very high, due to offshore regulation and multiple regulatory warnings.

10. User Precautions ¶

To mitigate risks when considering FxCitizen, users should:

• Avoid Unregulated Brokers: Choose brokers regulated by Tier-1 authorities (e.g., FCA, ASIC, CySEC) for better protection.
• Research Thoroughly: Check reviews on platforms like Forex Peace Army or BrokersView and verify regulatory status on official regulator websites.
• Test with Small Deposits: If engaging with FxCitizen, start with the minimum deposit ($10 for Cent Micro) and avoid large investments until reliability is confirmed.
• Avoid High Leverage: Be cautious with leverage above 1:100, as FxCitizen’s 1:1000 offering is highly risky.
• Secure Transactions: Ensure any platform used has HTTPS and robust security measures. Avoid sharing sensitive information on FxCitizen’s unsecured site.
• Monitor Accounts: Regularly check account activity and reconcile with personal records. Report suspicious activity immediately.
• Beware of Bonuses: Understand the terms of bonuses, as they often come with high trading volume requirements that hinder withdrawals.
• Consult Advisors: Seek advice from independent financial advisors before trading with high-risk brokers like FxCitizen.

11. Potential Brand Confusion ¶

• Name Similarity: FxCitizen’s name may be confused with legitimate financial institutions or brokers, a tactic noted by the Hong Kong SFC for unlicensed entities. For example, it could be mistaken for Citizens Bank or other regulated entities with similar names.
• White Label Confusion: As a white label of IKOFX, FxCitizen may be confused with its parent broker or other white label brokers, complicating accountability.
• Misleading Claims: The broker’s claim of being a “registered forex white label broker” and associations with New Zealand (disproven by FMA) create confusion about its legitimacy. Risk Indicator: Moderate, due to potential for confusion with regulated entities.

12. Additional Notes ¶

• Operational History: FxCitizen has been active since 2010, which suggests longevity but does not guarantee reliability, as scam brokers can operate for years.
• Affiliate Program: The broker relies heavily on affiliates to attract clients, which can lead to aggressive marketing and misleading promises.
• Trading Platform: Uses MetaTrader 5 (MT5), which is reputable, but this does not offset other risks. The lack of MT4 or other platforms may limit user options.
• Educational Resources: Offers webinars, tutorials, and calculators, but these are standard and do not compensate for regulatory or operational shortcomings.

Conclusion ¶

FxCitizen (Universe Citizen Limited) presents significant risks for traders based on the following:

• High-Risk Indicators: Lack of regulation, multiple regulatory warnings (FMA, SFC, CONSOB), and consistent complaints about withdrawals, trade manipulation, and poor support.
• Security Concerns: The website’s lack of HTTPS and limited transparency about security measures increase data privacy risks.
• Regulatory Status: Offshore registration in Vanuatu with no Tier-1 oversight makes it highly risky for client fund protection.
• Red Flags: High leverage, misleading advertising, and operational issues like profit cancellations and withdrawal delays are major concerns.
• User Precautions: Traders should avoid FxCitizen or proceed with extreme caution, using small deposits and avoiding high-leverage trades. Recommendation: Given the numerous red flags, regulatory warnings, and negative user feedback, it is advisable to avoid trading with FxCitizen and instead choose a broker regulated by a reputable authority (e.g., FCA, ASIC, CySEC). If you need assistance finding a reliable broker, consult trusted review platforms or financial advisors. If you require further analysis or specific details (e.g., deeper WHOIS data, social media checks, or comparisons with other brokers), please let me know!