Below is a comprehensive analysis of ForexYard based on the requested criteria, using available information and critical evaluation. The analysis covers online complaints, risk level assessment, website security, WHOIS lookup, IP and hosting, social media, red flags, regulatory status, user precautions, and potential brand confusion, with a focus on the official website http://www.forexyard.com/.

1. Online Complaint Information ¶

Sources of Complaints:
Forex Peace Army (2011, 2015): Users reported significant issues with ForexYard, including delayed withdrawals (e.g., over 20 days) and unresponsive customer support. One user described contacting support over 20 times and sending 25 emails without resolution, labeling ForexYard a “big scam.” Another user received a $100 withdrawal after 30 days and 50 emails, only after filing a dispute with a payment provider.
Forex-Ratings.com (2016): A user complained about withdrawal issues, noting funds were withdrawn but not credited to their Skrill account. Customer support was unresponsive until the fourth attempt, offering no assistance or payment history.
General Observations: Complaints center on withdrawal delays, poor customer service, and lack of transparency. These issues suggest operational inefficiencies or potential intentional stalling, which are common red flags in forex scams.
Analysis:
The consistency of withdrawal-related complaints across multiple years (2011–2016) indicates a pattern of poor service or possible fund mismanagement.
Unresponsive customer support and lack of payment transparency erode trust and align with tactics used by fraudulent brokers, such as delaying or refusing withdrawals.
However, some positive reviews (e.g., on Forex-Ratings.com) praise fast withdrawals and low commissions, suggesting inconsistent experiences or possible manipulated reviews.

2. Risk Level Assessment ¶

Inherent Risks:
Forex trading is high-risk, with 60–70% of retail traders losing money quarterly, per CFTC data.
ForexYard’s focus on leveraged trading (up to customizable levels) amplifies risk, as leverage requirements vary by account size and market conditions, potentially leading to significant losses.
Complaints about withdrawal issues and lack of transparency increase financial risk, as funds may be inaccessible or misused.
Broker-Specific Risks:
Unregulated Status (Recent): A 2024 analysis by Traders Union indicates ForexYard Limited (Fxyard Limited) is not regulated by a Level 3 regulator, and its registration number cannot be verified. This suggests it may be offshore or unregistered, posing a high risk of fund loss.
Closure/Reduced Operations: ForexYard is no longer a primary focus of Safecap Investments Ltd. (acquired in 2011), and its brand promotion has ceased. Some sources (e.g., ForexChurch.com) report it has closed entirely, increasing risk for existing clients who may face difficulties accessing funds.
Opaque Operations: Complaints about unverified management details and lack of transparency in fund handling (e.g., no payment history provided) suggest potential commingling of funds, a practice that violates U.S. regulations and increases risk.
Risk Level: High
Unregulated status, withdrawal issues, and potential closure make ForexYard a high-risk broker. Traders face significant financial and operational risks, particularly with fund security.

3. Website Security Tools ¶

Website Status:
As of April 2025, http://www.forexyard.com/ is inaccessible or no longer operational, based on reports of brand closure and my inability to access the site for real-time analysis.
Historical data (e.g., EasyCounter.com) indicates the site used Drupal CMS and was hosted by Cloud Loadbalancing as a Service (LBaaS) in London.
Security Analysis (Historical):
SSL/TLS: No specific data confirms SSL usage, but reputable brokers typically use HTTPS. If ForexYard lacked SSL, it would be a security red flag, exposing user data to interception.
Google Safe Browsing: EasyCounter.com reported ForexYard as “quite a safe domain” per Google Safe Browsing, but this is contradicted by negative visitor reviews and MyWOT/Siteadvisor ratings.
Malware/Vulnerability Risks: No evidence of malware, but unregulated brokers are more likely to host insecure platforms or distribute malicious software. Traders Union warns against downloading files from unverified brokers due to malware risks.
Current Assessment:
With the website likely defunct, security tools cannot be evaluated directly. The historical lack of transparency and negative reviews suggest inadequate security practices, increasing risks of data breaches or phishing if the site were active.

4. WHOIS Lookup ¶

WHOIS Data (via Whois.com, 2022):
Domain: forexyard.com
Registrar: GoDaddy.com, LLC
Creation Date: June 27, 2005
Expiration Date: December 31, 2022 (likely renewed or expired since)
Registrant: Registration Private (Domains By Proxy, LLC), Tempe, Arizona, USA
Contact: Phone (+1.4806242599), Email (via GoDaddy WHOIS link)
Status: clientTransferProhibited, clientUpdateProhibited, clientRenewProhibited, clientDeleteProhibited
Analysis:
Privacy Protection: Using Domains By Proxy hides registrant details, which is common but reduces transparency. Legitimate brokers typically disclose company details in WHOIS or on their website.
Longevity: The domain’s age (created 2005) suggests established operations, but recent closure reports negate this as a positive factor.
Expiration Risk: If the domain expired in 2022 without renewal, it may have been abandoned or acquired by third parties, increasing risks of phishing or brand impersonation.

5. IP and Hosting Analysis ¶

Hosting Details (via EasyCounter.com):
Provider: Cloud Loadbalancing as a Service-LBaaS (LON) IP Space
Previous Hosts: DEDICATED-SERVERS
CMS: Drupal
Analysis:
Reputable Hosting: Cloud LBaaS is a legitimate provider, suggesting decent infrastructure when the site was active. However, hosting quality alone does not guarantee broker reliability.
Geolocation: Hosting in London aligns with ForexYard’s claimed EU operations (Cyprus-based), but does not confirm regulatory compliance or physical presence.
Risks: If the site is defunct, hosting data is irrelevant. If active, shared hosting environments could pose security risks (e.g., vulnerabilities in Drupal CMS), but no specific issues were reported.

Historical Data:
EasyCounter.com noted poor social media engagement for forexyard.com, with no significant presence on major platforms.
No recent social media accounts (e.g., Twitter/X, Facebook, LinkedIn) are linked to ForexYard, likely due to brand discontinuation.
Analysis:
Lack of Engagement: Minimal social media presence is a red flag, as reputable brokers maintain active accounts for transparency and customer interaction.
Scam Risks: Fraudulent brokers often use social media for unsolicited outreach (e.g., promising high returns). ForexYard’s absence may reflect closure but could also indicate avoidance of scrutiny.
Current Status: Without active social media, there’s no platform for real-time user feedback or scam alerts, increasing reliance on outdated reviews.

7. Red Flags and Potential Risk Indicators ¶

Operational Red Flags:
Withdrawal Delays: Multiple complaints about delayed or unprocessed withdrawals (20–30 days) suggest liquidity issues or intentional stalling.
Unresponsive Support: Poor customer service, with delayed or unhelpful responses, aligns with scam tactics to frustrate clients into abandoning funds.
Brand Discontinuation: Reports of ForexYard closing or no longer being promoted by Safecap Investments Ltd. raise concerns about fund accessibility for existing clients.
Regulatory Red Flags:
Unregulated Status (2024): Traders Union reports ForexYard Limited is not regulated by a Level 3 regulator, and its registration is unverifiable, suggesting offshore or fraudulent operations.
Historical Regulation: ForexYard was regulated by CySEC and MiFID (EU) until at least 2018, but this may no longer apply, especially post-closure.
Opaque Management: Lack of verifiable management details increases distrust, as legitimate brokers disclose leadership for accountability.
Marketing and Transparency:
Lack of Transparency: No clear payment history or fund segregation details, raising concerns about commingling of funds.
Exaggerated Claims: While no direct evidence of “guaranteed profits,” the Refer-a-Friend bonus ($100) and 10% cashback for large deposits could entice risky investments.
Offshore Concerns: Historical reviews noted ForexYard’s Cyprus base as a risk due to “opaque laws” that hinder legal recourse.
Website and Technology:
Defunct Website: If forexyard.com is inaccessible, it’s a major red flag, as active brokers maintain functional websites.
Unverified Software: Automated trading tools (e.g., Autochartist, Algorithmic Trading) lack independent verification, a common issue with “black box” systems in scams.

8. Website Content Analysis ¶

Historical Content (based on reviews):
ForexYard offered trading in forex, CFDs, commodities, stocks, and cryptocurrencies, with platforms like MetaTrader4, ACT, and FX-Trader.
Features included daily market analysis, educational guides, and a demo account (30 days, real-time conditions).
Promotions included a Refer-a-Friend bonus ($100) and 10% cashback for deposits over $10,000.
The site emphasized user-friendly platforms, low spreads (0–1.5 pips), and ECN-based institutional trading with major banks (e.g., JP Morgan).
Analysis:
Positive Aspects: Educational resources and demo accounts are standard for reputable brokers, suggesting some legitimacy in operations.
Concerns: Outdated content (e.g., last market review in 2013) and lack of transparency about fees or risks indicate neglect or deceptive practices.
Risk Disclaimers: ForexYard included risk warnings, but their adequacy is unclear without direct access. Regulated brokers must display clear disclaimers, and any ambiguity is a red flag.
Current Status: If the website is down, content is irrelevant, and users cannot access account details or trading platforms, heightening risks.

9. Regulatory Status ¶

Historical Regulation:
ForexYard was regulated by CySEC (Cyprus) and MiFID (EU) as of 2018, providing some oversight in the EU.
It was acquired by Safecap Investments Ltd. (owner of Markets.com) in 2011, which was also CySEC-regulated.
Current Status (2024):
Traders Union reports ForexYard Limited (Fxyard Limited) is not regulated by a Level 3 regulator, and its registration cannot be verified, suggesting it may be offshore or unregistered.
Reports of brand discontinuation or closure (ForexChurch.com, OnlineForex.net) indicate ForexYard may no longer maintain regulatory compliance.
No evidence of regulation by major authorities like the FCA (UK), CFTC/NFA (USA), or ASIC (Australia). ForexYard explicitly did not accept U.S. clients, likely due to stricter U.S. regulations.
Analysis:
Loss of regulatory status is a critical red flag, as unregulated brokers pose higher risks of fraud, fund mismanagement, or disappearance.
Cyprus’s regulatory environment (CySEC) is less stringent than Tier 1 regulators (e.g., FCA), and its historical base there raised concerns about “opaque laws” hindering legal recourse.
Traders should verify any claimed regulation directly with CySEC or other authorities, as outdated or false claims are common in scams.

10. User Precautions ¶

To mitigate risks when dealing with ForexYard or similar brokers, users should:

Verify Regulation: Check the broker’s license number on the regulator’s website (e.g., CySEC, FCA). Avoid unregulated or offshore brokers.
Research Reviews: Use impartial sources (e.g., Forex Peace Army, ForexBrokers.com) to identify patterns of complaints, especially about withdrawals or support.
Test Withdrawals: Deposit small amounts initially and test withdrawals to confirm reliability before committing significant funds.
Secure Accounts: Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication (if available). Avoid sharing personal or payment details via unsolicited requests.
Avoid High Leverage: Be cautious with customizable leverage, as high leverage amplifies losses. Understand margin requirements fully.
Check Website Status: Confirm the broker’s website is active and secure (HTTPS, valid SSL). A defunct website indicates high risk.
Contact Regulators: If issues arise (e.g., delayed withdrawals), file complaints with regulators (e.g., CySEC, CFTC at 866-366-2382) or payment providers.
Use Demo Accounts: Test the platform with a demo account to assess functionality and transparency without risking real funds.

11. Potential Brand Confusion ¶

Similar Names:
ForexYard.in: A separate entity based in Hyderabad, India, claiming to offer forex and commodity trading software. It is unrelated to ForexYard.com but uses a similar name, potentially causing confusion. No regulatory or operational details are provided, increasing scam risks.
Fxyard Limited: Referenced by Traders Union as an unregulated entity, possibly a rebrand or affiliate of ForexYard Limited, adding to confusion.
Markets.com: ForexYard’s parent company (Safecap Investments Ltd.) owns Markets.com, and the discontinuation of ForexYard may redirect users to Markets.com, causing brand overlap.
Analysis:
Impersonation Risk: Similar domain names (e.g., forexyard.in) could be used by scammers to impersonate the original ForexYard, especially if forexyard.com is defunct.
Offshore Entities: Unregulated entities like Fxyard Limited or ForexYard.in may exploit the ForexYard brand’s historical reputation to lure traders.
User Impact: Traders may mistakenly engage with fraudulent clones or assume Markets.com shares ForexYard’s issues, affecting trust. Always verify the exact domain and regulatory status.

12. Critical Evaluation ¶

Strengths (Historical):
Regulation by CySEC/MiFID (until at least 2018) provided some oversight.
User-friendly platforms (MetaTrader4, FX-Trader) and educational resources supported new traders.
Low spreads (0–1.5 pips) and ECN-based trading were competitive features.
Weaknesses:
Unregulated status as of 2024, with unverifiable registration, suggests high scam potential.
Consistent complaints about withdrawals and support indicate operational failures or intentional misconduct.
Brand discontinuation or closure leaves existing clients vulnerable to fund loss.
Lack of social media presence and defunct website reduce transparency and accessibility.
Skepticism of Narrative:
Positive reviews (e.g., on ReviewForex.net) praising reliability may be outdated or manipulated, as they conflict with widespread complaints.
Claims of regulation or partnerships with major banks (e.g., JP Morgan) lack independent verification and may be exaggerated to build trust.
The forex industry’s history of scams (e.g., commingling funds, fake bots) suggests ForexYard’s issues align with common fraudulent patterns, especially post-regulation loss.

Conclusion ¶

ForexYard (http://www.forexyard.com/) presents significant risks based on available data. Its unregulated status, history of withdrawal delays, poor customer service, and likely closure make it an unreliable choice for traders. The defunct website, lack of social media presence, and potential brand confusion with entities like ForexYard.in or Fxyard Limited further increase risks. Historical regulation and competitive features are outweighed by recent red flags, including unverifiable operations and scam allegations. Recommendation: Avoid ForexYard and its affiliates. Choose brokers with verified Tier 1 regulation (e.g., FCA, CFTC), transparent operations, and strong user reviews. If you are a current client, immediately attempt to withdraw funds and contact regulators (e.g., CySEC, CFTC) if issues arise. Use tools like ForexBrokers.com’s Trust Score or SEON’s fraud prevention to vet brokers. Always prioritize due diligence and skepticism in the high-risk forex industry. If you need further analysis or assistance with alternative brokers, please let me know!

AI risk analysis - ForexYard (2025-04-29 17:35:33)