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AI risk analysis - ETHBTC (2025-04-29 17:35:34)

Below is a comprehensive analysis of ETHBTC Investment Limited, based on the provided criteria, including online complaints, risk 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 official website is https://www.ethbtcforex.com/. The analysis draws on available information, critically evaluating the broker’s legitimacy and risks.

1. Online Complaint Information ¶

ETHBTC Investment Limited has garnered significant negative feedback across various platforms, with consistent reports of fraudulent activities:

Withdrawal Issues: Multiple users report inability to withdraw funds. Complaints include demands for additional fees (e.g., 20–21% of withdrawal amounts as “taxes”) before processing withdrawals, which is a common scam tactic. For example, one user reported being unable to withdraw $50,000 and was asked to pay 20% upfront, while another lost $80,000 with no recourse.
Social Media Scams: Numerous complaints link ETHBTC to scams initiated via social media and dating apps (e.g., Tinder). Victims report being lured by individuals (often posing as women from Hong Kong or Singapore) who convince them to invest via MetaTrader 5 (MT5), only to face withdrawal issues. These schemes often involve fabricated profits displayed on MT5, which are likely manipulated.
Trustpilot Reviews: Trustpilot reviews for ethbtcforex.com are overwhelmingly negative, with users labeling it a “SCAM site” and describing sophisticated Tinder-based scams. Only six reviews are available, all critical, highlighting withdrawal problems and manipulative tactics.
Forex Peace Army: Users on this forum report similar experiences, including a case where a victim sent $7,000 via debit card after being misled by a supposed trader, only to receive fake withdrawal confirmations.
General Sentiment: The volume of complaints across platforms like Forex Peace Army, Trustpilot, and BrokersView indicates a pattern of deceit, with no verifiable positive user experiences. Conclusion: The high number of consistent complaints about withdrawal issues and social media scams strongly suggests ETHBTC operates fraudulently.

2. Risk Level Assessment ¶

Based on the available data, ETHBTC Investment Limited presents a high-risk profile for investors:

Unregulated Status: ETHBTC claims regulation by the National Futures Association (NFA) with a license number (0536274), but checks confirm it is not an NFA member and is unauthorized. This lack of regulation exposes investors to significant financial and legal risks.
High Leverage: The broker offers leverage up to 1:1000, far exceeding regulatory caps (e.g., 1:50 in the U.S. and 1:30 in the EU). High leverage increases financial risk, especially for retail traders, and is a hallmark of unregulated brokers.
Minimum Deposit: A $1,000 minimum deposit is unusually high compared to legitimate brokers offering micro accounts for $10–$100, signaling potential barriers to entry and fund recovery.
Non-Refundable Deposits: ETHBTC accepts payments via wire and crypto transfers, which are not eligible for chargebacks, increasing the risk of fund loss.
Social Media Manipulation: The use of dating apps and social media to lure victims indicates predatory behavior, exploiting trust and emotional manipulation.
Website Suspension: Reports indicate the website (ethbtcforex.com) has been temporarily unavailable or “under construction,” a red flag for operational instability or intentional obfuscation. Risk Level: High. The combination of unregulated operations, high leverage, non-refunded payment methods, and scam reports makes ETHBTC a dangerous choice for investors.

3. Website Security Tools ¶

The security of ethbtcforex.com raises concerns based on available analyses:

Claimed Security: ETHBTC claims to use VeriSign as a network security partner with 256-bit encryption. However, there is no verifiable evidence (e.g., SSL certificate details or VeriSign partnership) to support this claim.
SSL/TLS Status: While the website uses HTTPS, suggesting basic SSL encryption, no specific details about certificate issuers or encryption strength are provided in user-facing content, which is unusual for legitimate brokers emphasizing security.
Malware and Phishing Risks: Related domains (e.g., ethkip.com, ethbt.cc) have been flagged for suspicious activity, including potential malware or phishing risks. While ethbtcforex.com itself isn’t directly flagged for malware, its association with similar domains raises concerns.
Lack of Transparency: The website does not disclose security protocols for protecting user data or funds beyond vague claims, which is inadequate for a financial platform. Legitimate brokers typically detail DDoS protection, two-factor authentication (2FA), and fund segregation policies. Conclusion: The website’s security claims are unsubstantiated, and the lack of transparency about protective measures suggests inadequate safeguards, increasing risks of data breaches or financial loss.

4. WHOIS Lookup ¶

A WHOIS lookup for ethbtcforex.com provides limited insight due to privacy protections:

Domain Registration: The domain was registered on or before January 3, 2021, according to user reports. Exact registration details (e.g., registrar, owner) are redacted for privacy, which is common but suspicious for a financial broker claiming legitimacy.
Registrar: No specific registrar is mentioned in the provided data, but related domains (e.g., ethkip.com) are registered through Gname.com Pte. Ltd., suggesting a possible pattern of using privacy-focused registrars.
Anonymity: The lack of transparent ownership information aligns with complaints about the broker’s anonymity, making it difficult to trace the operators. Legitimate brokers typically provide verifiable company details, including registered addresses and leadership. Conclusion: The anonymized WHOIS data is a red flag, as it obscures accountability and aligns with the broker’s lack of transparency.

5. IP and Hosting Analysis ¶

Limited specific information is available about ethbtcforex.com’s IP and hosting, but general observations can be made:

Hosting Location: The website is reportedly hosted in a country with a high level of fraud and corruption, according to the International Banking Federation. This increases the risk of operational misconduct.
Server Trustworthiness: Related domains (e.g., ethbt.net) are hosted on servers associated with multiple low-trust websites, suggesting ETHBTC may share infrastructure with other potentially malicious sites.
Website Downtime: Reports of the website being “under construction” or suspended indicate unstable hosting or intentional withdrawal from scrutiny, both of which are concerning for a financial platform. Conclusion: The hosting environment appears high-risk due to its association with fraud-prone regions and unstable website availability, further undermining trust in ETHBTC.

ETHBTC’s social media presence is minimal and problematic:

Lack of Official Accounts: No verifiable official social media accounts (e.g., Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook) are linked to ETHBTC Investment Limited. Legitimate brokers typically maintain active, transparent social media profiles.
Scam Operations via Social Media: The broker is heavily associated with scams conducted through dating apps (e.g., Tinder, WhatsApp) and social media platforms, where fraudsters pose as traders or romantic interests to lure victims. These activities are not linked to official ETHBTC accounts but exploit the brand’s platform (MT5).
User Warnings: Social media and forum posts (e.g., Forex Peace Army) actively warn against ETHBTC, with users sharing experiences of being targeted via Tinder or WhatsApp. This negative sentiment dominates online discussions. Conclusion: ETHBTC lacks a legitimate social media presence and is instead tied to predatory scam tactics on social platforms, a major red flag.

7. Red Flags and Potential Risk Indicators ¶

Several red flags indicate ETHBTC is likely a scam:

False Regulatory Claims: Claims of NFA regulation are disproven, as ETHBTC is not registered with the NFA or any other known regulator (e.g., FCA, ASIC).
Anonymity: No verifiable information about the company’s headquarters, leadership, or ownership is provided. Claims of being based in the UK or U.S. are contradictory and unverified.
High Leverage and Poor Trading Conditions: Leverage of 1:1000 and spreads as high as 25 pips are far outside industry norms, designed to exploit traders.
Withdrawal Fees: Demanding 20–21% fees for withdrawals is a classic scam tactic to extract more funds without releasing investments.
Lack of Terms and Conditions: The absence of a Terms and Conditions document or detailed account information prevents users from understanding their rights or obligations.
Social Media Scams: The use of Tinder and WhatsApp to recruit victims is a sophisticated and predatory tactic, exploiting trust.
Website Issues: Temporary unavailability or “under construction” status suggests operational instability or intentional evasion.
Association with Yunma Tianlong: Trustpilot reviews link ETHBTC to Yunma Tianlong, a company associated with other dubious brokers (e.g., Clearing Falcon Knights, GPI Markets), indicating a potential network of scams. Conclusion: The numerous red flags—false regulation, anonymity, predatory tactics, and poor trading conditions—strongly indicate ETHBTC is a scam.

8. Website Content Analysis ¶

The content on ethbtcforex.com is designed to appear professional but contains inconsistencies and deceptive elements:

Professional Claims: The website touts a “professional and experienced technical team” with “20 years of experience” and partnerships with “top banks and financial institutions.” These claims are vague and lack verifiable evidence.
MT5 Platform: ETHBTC emphasizes access to MetaTrader 5, a legitimate trading platform, to gain credibility. However, user reports suggest the platform may be manipulated to show fake profits.
Security Promises: Claims of using VeriSign and 256-bit encryption are not backed by visible certificates or third-party verification.
Vague Offerings: The site mentions trading in forex, precious metals, indices, and crude oil, but lacks detailed account types, spreads, or fee structures, which is unusual for a legitimate broker.
Risk Disclaimer: A generic risk warning about forex trading is included, but it feels perfunctory and does not address the broker’s specific risks (e.g., lack of regulation).
Language Support: The site supports multiple languages (e.g., Chinese, Japanese, Korean), suggesting a focus on Asian markets, which aligns with scam reports targeting these regions. Conclusion: The website’s content is superficially professional but lacks transparency, verifiable details, and critical documentation, aligning with scam characteristics.

9. Regulatory Status ¶

ETHBTC’s regulatory status is a critical point of concern:

Claimed Regulation: ETHBTC claims to be regulated by the NFA (license number 0536274) and sometimes references the “MFA” (likely a typo for NFA).
Verification: Checks with the NFA registry confirm ETHBTC is not a member and is unauthorized. No evidence of regulation by other authorities (e.g., FCA, ASIC, CySEC) exists.
Implications: Operating without regulation means ETHBTC lacks oversight, investor protections, or accountability. Funds deposited with unregulated brokers are at high risk of misappropriation. Conclusion: ETHBTC is unregulated, and its false regulatory claims are a deliberate attempt to mislead investors.

10. User Precautions ¶

To protect against risks associated with ETHBTC or similar brokers, users should:

Verify Regulation: Always check a broker’s regulatory status with reputable authorities (e.g., NFA, FCA, ASIC) using official registries, not the broker’s claims.
Avoid Unregulated Brokers: Choose brokers with proven regulation from Tier-1 jurisdictions (e.g., U.S., UK, Australia) to ensure fund safety and legal recourse.
Be Wary of Social Media: Avoid investment opportunities promoted via dating apps or unsolicited social media contacts, as these are common scam vectors.
Test Withdrawals: Before committing large sums, deposit a small amount and attempt to withdraw it to verify the broker’s legitimacy.
Use Chargeback-Eligible Payments: Prefer payment methods like credit cards over wire or crypto transfers, as they offer chargeback options.
Research Complaints: Check platforms like Trustpilot, Forex Peace Army, and BrokersView for user reviews and scam warnings.
Consult Professionals: Seek advice from independent financial advisors before investing, especially in high-risk forex or crypto markets.
Secure Accounts: If engaging with any broker, enable 2FA, use strong passwords, and monitor accounts for unauthorized activity. Conclusion: Users must exercise extreme caution, prioritizing regulated brokers and avoiding platforms with ETHBTC’s red flags.

11. Potential Brand Confusion ¶

ETHBTC Investment Limited’s branding raises concerns about intentional or incidental confusion:

Cryptocurrency Association: The name “ETHBTC” mimics the ETH/BTC trading pair (Ethereum to Bitcoin), suggesting a cryptocurrency focus. However, ETHBTC primarily offers forex, metals, and indices, with no clear crypto trading services. This appears designed to attract crypto enthusiasts unfamiliar with forex scams.
Similar Domains: Related domains like ethbt.cc, ethbt.net, and ethkip.com are flagged as suspicious or low-trust, potentially part of a network of scam sites using similar branding to confuse users.
Yunma Tianlong Connection: The association with Yunma Tianlong and other brokers (e.g., GPI Markets, Allbright Financial) suggests ETHBTC may be part of a broader scam network, using similar branding to obscure identities.
Legitimate Platform Exploitation: By using MetaTrader 5, a reputable platform, ETHBTC leverages its credibility to appear legitimate, confusing users who trust MT5’s reputation. Conclusion: The “ETHBTC” name and MT5 usage seem deliberately chosen to confuse investors, particularly those interested in cryptocurrencies, while masking the broker’s fraudulent nature.

12. Recent Developments ¶

Recent information (up to April 24, 2025) reinforces ETHBTC’s negative reputation:

Website Status: The site has been reported as “under construction” or suspended, a sign of potential abandonment or evasion of scrutiny.
Ongoing Complaints: Complaints on forums like Forex Peace Army and Trustpilot continue to highlight withdrawal issues and social media scams, with no evidence of resolution or improved practices.
No Positive Updates: There are no reports of ETHBTC gaining legitimate regulation, improving transparency, or addressing user complaints, suggesting ongoing fraudulent operations. Conclusion: Recent developments confirm ETHBTC’s status as a high-risk, likely scam operation with no signs of reform.

Final Assessment ¶

ETHBTC Investment Limited (https://www.ethbtcforex.com/) exhibits overwhelming evidence of being a fraudulent forex broker:

Key Risks: Unregulated status, false NFA claims, high leverage, withdrawal scams, predatory social media tactics, and an anonymous operation.
Red Flags: Lack of transparency, unverifiable security claims, high minimum deposits, non-refunded payment methods, and a history of website instability.
User Impact: Numerous victims report significant financial losses (e.g., $7,000–$80,000), with no clear recourse due to the broker’s anonymity and lack of regulation.
Brand Confusion: The “ETHBTC” name exploits cryptocurrency popularity, misleading users into associating it with legitimate crypto trading.
Recommendation: Avoid ETHBTC Investment Limited at all costs. Investors should prioritize regulated brokers with transparent operations, verifiable contact details, and positive user feedback. User Action: If you’ve engaged with ETHBTC, contact your bank or payment provider immediately to explore chargeback options (though limited for wire/crypto). Report the broker to authorities like the NFA, FCA, or local financial regulators, and share experiences on platforms like Trustpilot or Forex Peace Army to warn others. Critical Note: The pattern of complaints, especially those involving social media scams, suggests ETHBTC may be part of a larger network of fraudulent brokers. Always approach forex brokers with skepticism, verifying every claim independently.

Sources: -,

Additional context from general web analysis and scam detection resources.