Below is a detailed analysis of Vlom, an online broker with the official website https://vlom.com/, based on the requested criteria. The analysis incorporates online complaint information, risk level assessment, website security tools, WHOIS lookup, IP and hosting analysis, social media presence, red flags, potential risk indicators, website content analysis, regulatory status, user precautions, and potential brand confusion.

1. Online Complaint Information ¶

Numerous online sources report significant complaints about Vlom, particularly regarding its legitimacy and operational practices:

• Scam Allegations: Multiple reviews label Vlom as a scam broker. Platforms like ScamAdviser, ForexPeaceArmy, and WikiFX report user complaints about inability to withdraw funds, aggressive marketing tactics, and financial losses. For example, WikiFX notes two reports of withdrawal issues and scam allegations, marking these as red flags.
• User Experiences: A user on Forex-Ratings.com detailed financial ruin due to Vlom, citing issues with account management, inability to withdraw funds, and misleading promises of profits. Another user mentioned losing significant sums and being pressured to deposit more.
• Negative Feedback: ScamAdviser reports a low trust score for vlom.com, with an average rating of 1.9 stars from 182 reviews across various platforms. Common complaints include lack of transparency, untraceable transactions, and poor customer service.
• Chargeback Recommendations: ScamRecovery.net advises users who lost money to Vlom to pursue chargebacks through their bank or credit card provider, indicating a pattern of disputes with the broker. Summary: The volume and consistency of complaints suggest Vlom is unreliable, with a high likelihood of fraudulent practices. Users frequently report financial losses and difficulties withdrawing funds.

2. Risk Level Assessment ¶

Based on available information, Vlom presents a high-risk profile for the following reasons:

• Unregulated Status: Vlom operates from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), a jurisdiction known for lax regulation. The SVG Financial Services Authority explicitly states it does not regulate forex trading, leaving Vlom unsupervised.
• High Leverage: Vlom offers leverage up to 1:400, which is significantly higher than regulatory caps in jurisdictions like North America (1:50). High leverage increases the risk of substantial losses, especially for inexperienced traders.
• Lack of Transparency: Vlom provides limited information about commissions, spreads, and funding methods, hindering informed decision-making.
• Withdrawal Issues: Reports of delayed or denied withdrawals are common, eroding trust in the platform’s reliability.
• No Demo Account: Unlike legitimate brokers, Vlom does not offer a demo account, forcing users to risk real money without testing the platform. Risk Level: High. The combination of unregulated operations, high leverage, and frequent user complaints indicates significant financial and operational risks.

3. Website Security Tools ¶

An analysis of Vlom’s website security reveals both standard practices and concerning gaps:

• SSL Encryption: Vlom employs SSL encryption, as evidenced by the “https” protocol and a valid SSL certificate. This ensures data transmissions are encrypted, offering basic protection against unauthorized access.
• Segregated Funds: Vlom claims to segregate client funds from operational funds, which could protect user assets in case of insolvency. However, without regulatory oversight, this claim is unverifiable.
• Shared Hosting Concerns: ScamAdviser notes that vlom.com is hosted on a shared server, which can pose security risks for data-sensitive services like financial trading. Shared hosting increases vulnerability to attacks targeting other sites on the same server.
• No Advanced Security Details: The website does not disclose additional security measures, such as two-factor authentication (2FA) or intrusion detection systems, which are standard among reputable brokers. Summary: While Vlom uses SSL encryption and claims to segregate funds, the shared hosting environment and lack of transparency about advanced security measures raise concerns. Security appears adequate but not robust compared to regulated brokers.

4. WHOIS Lookup ¶

A WHOIS lookup provides insights into Vlom’s domain registration and ownership:

• Domain Creation: The vlom.com domain was created in 2001 but updated in January 2023, suggesting a long-standing domain repurposed for current operations.
• Registrar: The domain is registered through GoDaddy.com, a reputable registrar, but this does not inherently validate the broker’s legitimacy.
• Ownership Details: Ownership information is likely hidden via privacy protection services, a common practice but one that reduces transparency. ScamAdviser notes that scammers often use privacy services to conceal their identity.
• Domain Age Misleading: While an older domain (created in 2001) might suggest legitimacy, scammers sometimes purchase aged domains to appear established. The 2023 update aligns with Vlom’s recent activity, raising suspicions of rebranding or repurposing. Summary: The WHOIS data shows an aged domain with recent updates, but hidden ownership details and the potential for repurposing reduce trust. This aligns with patterns observed in scam operations.

5. IP and Hosting Analysis ¶

Analyzing Vlom’s IP and hosting provides further context:

• Hosting Provider: Vlom.com is hosted on a shared server, as noted by ScamAdviser. Shared hosting is cost-effective but less secure for financial services, as vulnerabilities in other hosted sites could compromise Vlom’s infrastructure.
• Server Location: The server location is not explicitly disclosed in the provided data, but Vlom’s operations are based in SVG. Offshore hosting in jurisdictions with lax regulations can be a red flag, as it complicates legal recourse.
• IP Transparency: No specific IP-related issues (e.g., blacklisting) are reported, but the lack of detailed hosting information limits analysis. Summary: The use of shared hosting in an offshore jurisdiction like SVG is concerning for a financial platform. It suggests cost-cutting over security and aligns with practices of unregulated brokers.

6. Social Media Presence ¶

Vlom’s social media presence is limited and raises concerns:

• Official Channels: Vlom claims to offer customer support via social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. However, specific account details are not provided in the source data, and no verified profiles were identified.
• User Feedback: ScamRecovery.net analyzed Vlom’s social media presence and found widespread dissatisfaction. Users on platforms like Facebook and Twitter reported negative experiences, including scams and unresponsive support.
• Lack of Engagement: Legitimate brokers typically maintain active, verified social media profiles with regular updates and user engagement. Vlom’s apparent lack of a robust social media presence or positive engagement is a red flag. Summary: Vlom’s social media presence is minimal, with negative user feedback dominating online discussions. This lack of engagement and transparency is atypical for a legitimate broker.

7. Red Flags and Potential Risk Indicators ¶

Several red flags and risk indicators emerge from the analysis:

• Unregulated Operations: Vlom’s lack of regulation by any recognized financial authority (e.g., FCA, ASIC, CySEC) is a major red flag.
• Offshore Jurisdiction: Operating from SVG, a known haven for scam brokers, increases risk due to the absence of forex regulation.
• Bitcoin Payments: Vlom accepts Bitcoin, which is untraceable and non-refunded, making it a preferred method for scammers.
• High Leverage: Offering 1:400 leverage exceeds regulatory norms in many jurisdictions, posing significant risks to traders.
• No Demo Account: The absence of a demo account prevents users from testing the platform risk-free, a standard feature among reputable brokers.
• Withdrawal Restrictions: Policies like a $50 minimum withdrawal and up to 5-day processing delays are restrictive and user-unfriendly.
• Aggressive Marketing: Reports of “account managers” pressuring users to deposit more money align with tactics used by scam brokers.
• Negative Reviews: Consistent negative feedback across platforms like ForexPeaceArmy, ScamAdviser, and Forex-Ratings.com indicates systemic issues.
• Lack of Transparency: Limited information about ownership, management, commissions, and spreads hinders trust. Summary: Vlom exhibits multiple red flags, including unregulated status, offshore operations, and restrictive policies. These align with characteristics of scam brokers.

8. Website Content Analysis ¶

Analyzing the content of https://vlom.com/ reveals both professional presentation and suspicious elements:

• Professional Design: The website is sleek and colorful, designed to appear legitimate. It promotes trading in currencies, stocks, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, with claims of over 300,000 clients and a proprietary VlomTrader platform.
• Claims of Benefits: Vlom emphasizes low commissions, 1:400 leverage, and access to over 100 currency pairs. It also offers educational resources and mobile apps, which are appealing but common among scam brokers to lure users.
• Vague Information: The website lacks detailed disclosures about spreads, commissions, or management. Claims of “trust and transparency” are not substantiated with verifiable data.
• Suspicious Policies: The Terms and Conditions contain concerning clauses, such as restrictive withdrawal policies and lack of clarity on fund security, which are flagged as scam indicators.
• MetaTrader 5 Claim: Vlom claims to offer MetaTrader 5 (MT5), an industry-standard platform. However, reviewers note that account creation is required to verify this, and some suspect the platform may be modified or fake. Summary: The website is professionally designed to attract users but lacks transparency and contains suspicious policies. Claims of advanced features like MT5 are unverifiable without risking funds.

9. Regulatory Status ¶

Vlom’s regulatory status is a critical concern:

• No Regulation: Vlom is not regulated by any recognized financial authority, such as the FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia), or CySEC (Cyprus). Its SVG base means it operates without forex oversight, as confirmed by the SVG Financial Services Authority.
• Non-Compliance: Vlom’s 1:400 leverage exceeds regulatory caps in jurisdictions like North America (1:50), indicating non-compliance with international standards.
• Lack of Protections: Without regulation, Vlom does not offer protections like negative balance protection, segregated funds (verifiably), or compensation schemes, which are mandatory under regulators like the FCA.
• Offshore Risks: SVG’s lack of forex regulation makes it a popular destination for scam brokers, who can dissolve quickly without accountability. Summary: Vlom’s unregulated status in an offshore jurisdiction is a major red flag, exposing users to high risks without legal recourse or protections.

10. User Precautions ¶

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

• Avoid Investment: Given the high risk and scam allegations, avoid depositing funds with Vlom. Opt for regulated brokers licensed by reputable authorities (e.g., FCA, ASIC, CySEC).
• Verify Regulation: Always check a broker’s regulatory status on official regulator websites (e.g., fca.org.uk, asic.gov.au). Vlom’s lack of regulation should deter investment.
• Research Reviews: Read user reviews on platforms like ForexPeaceArmy, ScamAdviser, and WikiFX. Consistent negative feedback about Vlom indicates unreliability.
• Test with Demo Accounts: Choose brokers offering demo accounts to test platforms risk-free. Vlom’s lack of a demo account is a warning sign.
• Use Traceable Payments: Avoid using Bitcoin or other untraceable payment methods. Use credit/debit cards, which allow chargebacks within 540 days if fraud occurs.
• Be Wary of Pressure: Avoid brokers using aggressive tactics, such as repeated calls from “account managers” pushing deposits.
• Consult Experts: If scammed, contact services like MyChargeBack for assistance with fund recovery. Summary: Users should avoid Vlom due to its high-risk profile. Stick to regulated brokers, verify credentials, and use traceable payment methods to minimize risks.

11. Potential Brand Confusion ¶

Vlom’s branding may cause confusion with other entities, intentionally or otherwise:

• Similar Names:
• Vloom (vloom.pt): A digital marketing agency focused on helping entrepreneurs grow businesses. Its unrelated services and different domain (.pt) reduce confusion, but the similar name could mislead users searching for Vlom.
• VLCM (vlcm.com): A cybersecurity and IT solutions provider. The similar acronym and focus on technology could cause confusion, especially since VLCM emphasizes security, contrasting with Vlom’s questionable practices.
• vLog (vaisala.com): A validation/mapping software by Vaisala for regulatory compliance in GxP environments. The name similarity and focus on compliance could confuse users, as Vlom lacks regulatory oversight.
• vzlom.me: A Montenegro-based domain with no clear purpose, but its name similarity could be exploited by scammers to mimic Vlom.
• Intentional Mimicry: Scam brokers often use names resembling legitimate firms to exploit trust. Vlom’s similarity to VLCM or vLog could be a deliberate attempt to confuse users seeking reputable services.
• Cryptocurrency Risks: ScamAdviser notes that vlom.com may offer cryptocurrency services, a high-risk area where brand confusion is common due to fake platforms mimicking established names. Summary: Vlom’s name is similar to legitimate businesses like Vloom, VLCM, and vLog, potentially causing confusion. This could be intentional to exploit trust, especially in high-risk areas like cryptocurrency trading.

12. Additional Notes ¶

• Criminal Network Allegations: Some reviews suggest Vlom may be part of a larger criminal network, though evidence is anecdotal. This warrants further investigation by users.
• Historical Data: Vlom claims establishment in 2019, but its domain update in 2023 and negative reviews since 2020 suggest a short operational history with consistent issues.
• Comparative Analysis: Legitimate brokers like XTB or Markets.com offer regulated services, demo accounts, and transparent terms, highlighting Vlom’s deficiencies.

Conclusion ¶

Vlom (https://vlom.com/) is a high-risk, unregulated broker with significant red flags indicating potential scam activity. Key concerns include:

• Unregulated Status: Operating from SVG without forex oversight, Vlom lacks protections like segregated funds or compensation schemes.
• User Complaints: Widespread reports of withdrawal issues, financial losses, and aggressive marketing tactics.
• Security and Transparency: Shared hosting, unverifiable claims, and restrictive policies reduce trust.
• Red Flags: High leverage, Bitcoin payments, no demo account, and offshore operations align with scam broker patterns.
• Brand Confusion: Similarity to legitimate firms like VLCM or vLog could mislead users. Recommendation: Avoid Vlom and choose regulated brokers licensed by reputable authorities (e.g., FCA, ASIC). Conduct thorough research, prioritize demo accounts, and use traceable payment methods to protect your funds. If you’ve been scammed by Vlom, pursue chargebacks or consult recovery services like MyChargeBack.

Sources: This analysis draws on web sources provided, including ScamAdviser, WikiFX, Forex-Ratings.com, and others, as cited. Critical examination of these sources reveals a consistent pattern of concerns about Vlom, with no evidence contradicting the scam allegations. Always verify broker credentials independently before investing.