National Trade Center - AI risk analysis

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AI risk analysis - National Trade Center (2025-04-29 17:35:36)

Below is a comprehensive analysis of the National Trade Center, based on the official website https://thenationaltradecenter.io/, focusing on the requested aspects: online complaints, risk level 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 analysis draws from available information, including web sources and critical evaluation, while adhering to the provided guidelines.

1. Online Complaint Information ¶

Multiple sources, including Trustpilot and forex review platforms, report significant user complaints about thenationaltradecenter.io:

Trustpilot Reviews: The website has a low TrustScore with 20 customer reviews, many labeling it a scam. Users report issues such as inability to withdraw funds, rejected withdrawal requests, and unresponsive account managers. For example, one user claimed their withdrawal was rejected, and their account manager, “Jonathon Wilson,” refused assistance, alleging the platform manipulates trades to show fake profits and entice further investments. Another user reported a similar experience with a “Rob,” suggesting recorded evidence of fraudulent behavior.
Forex Review Sites: Platforms like theforexreview.com and scamwatcher.org describe thenationaltradecenter.io as an unregulated scam broker, with complaints about aggressive tactics to solicit more deposits, high withdrawal fees, and refusal to process withdrawals. Users report being lured by initial small profits, only to face losses when attempting to withdraw or when account managers change investment strategies.
Common Themes: Complaints consistently highlight non-delivery of funds, lack of transparency, and manipulative practices, such as remote access to user computers via tools like AnyDesk to siphon funds. Conclusion: The volume and consistency of complaints across platforms indicate a high likelihood of fraudulent activity, with users reporting significant financial losses and deceptive practices.

2. Risk Level Assessment ¶

Based on the Scam Detector’s Validator and other analyses:

Scam Detector Score: thenationaltradecenter.io received a medium-low authoritative score of 48.7, described as “Doubtful. Perilous. Alert.” This score aggregates 53 factors, including Tranco rank, WHOIS data, social media feedback, and faulty website technology. Scores above 30 are considered red flags, and 48.7 suggests significant risk.
Proximity to Suspicious Websites: The website has a high “Proximity to suspicious websites” score, indicating server, IP, or connection associations with flagged malicious sites. A score above 80 would confirm definite risk, and while the exact score isn’t specified, the association is concerning.
User Experience Risks: Reviews describe tactics like high-pressure sales, refusal to honor withdrawals, and undisclosed fees, which align with high-risk broker behavior. The lack of verifiable trading activity (e.g., MT5 servers linked to unrelated entities) further elevates risk. Risk Level: High. The combination of a low trust score, proximity to suspicious sites, and consistent user-reported issues suggests thenationaltradecenter.io poses a significant financial and security risk to users.

3. Website Security Tools ¶

An analysis of the website’s security features reveals several concerns:

SSL Certificate: The website uses an SSL certificate, likely from a provider like Let’s Encrypt, ensuring basic encryption. However, an SSL certificate alone does not guarantee legitimacy, as even fraudulent sites commonly use SSL.
Faulty Technology: Scam Detector notes “faulty technology” implemented on the website, though specifics (e.g., outdated plugins, insecure forms, or vulnerable scripts) are not detailed. This suggests potential vulnerabilities that could compromise user data.
Lack of Transparency: The website does not disclose security measures like two-factor authentication, data encryption standards, or compliance with cybersecurity frameworks (e.g., ISO/IEC 27001), which reputable brokers typically highlight.
Remote Access Concerns: User reviews mention the use of AnyDesk for remote computer access, a major security red flag, as it could allow unauthorized access to personal and financial information. Conclusion: While the presence of an SSL certificate provides basic encryption, the lack of transparent security measures, reported faulty technology, and use of remote access tools indicate poor website security, increasing the risk of data breaches or unauthorized access.

4. WHOIS Lookup ¶

A WHOIS lookup provides insight into the domain’s registration and ownership:

Domain Details:
Domain Name: thenationaltradecenter.io
Registrar: TLD Registrar Solutions Ltd.
Creation Date: January 12, 2022
Updated Date: February 1, 2022
Expiry Date: January 12, 2023 (expired as of April 2025, unless renewed)
Name Servers: serena.ns.cloudflare.com, cris.ns.cloudflare.com
Ownership: All registrant, admin, and technical contact details are redacted for privacy, a common practice under GDPR but also a tactic used by fraudulent sites to obscure identity. No verifiable company or individual is associated with the domain.
Domain Age: The domain’s recent creation (less than 3 years old as of April 2025) is a red flag, as scam brokers often use new domains to avoid a history of negative reviews.
Contact Information: The listed phone number (+61-272510220) and email (support@internationaltradecenter.io) are shared with at least two other websites, suggesting potential reuse by the same operator, a common scam tactic. Conclusion: The redacted WHOIS data, young domain age, and shared contact details with other sites raise significant concerns about transparency and legitimacy, aligning with characteristics of scam brokers.

5. IP and Hosting Analysis ¶

Hosting Provider: The domain uses Cloudflare for DNS (serena.ns.cloudflare.com, cris.ns.cloudflare.com), a reputable service that provides DDoS protection and CDN services. However, Cloudflare is widely used by both legitimate and fraudulent sites, so its presence is not a definitive indicator of trustworthiness.
IP Address: Specific IP details are not provided in the sources, but the “Proximity to suspicious websites” score suggests the IP or server may be associated with other flagged domains, potentially due to shared hosting environments.
Server Location: The hosting location is not explicitly stated, but the broker’s claimed Cyprus address is contradicted by its registration in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, suggesting offshore hosting. Offshore servers are often used by scam brokers to evade regulatory oversight. Conclusion: The use of Cloudflare is standard but does not confirm legitimacy. The potential association with suspicious IPs and likely offshore hosting increase the risk profile, as they align with tactics used by unregulated brokers to obscure operations.

Limited Presence: There is no mention of official social media accounts (e.g., Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook) for thenationaltradecenter.io in the provided sources or on the website itself. Legitimate brokers typically maintain active social media profiles to engage clients and build trust.
Negative Feedback: Scam Detector notes “social media negative feedback” as a factor in the low trust score, suggesting users have posted complaints or warnings on platforms like Twitter or Reddit. However, specific posts are not detailed.
Fake Reviews: Trustpilot reviews mention vague five-star reviews that appear fabricated, a common tactic to artificially boost credibility. This suggests potential manipulation of online reputation rather than genuine social media engagement. Conclusion: The lack of a verifiable social media presence, combined with reported negative feedback and potential fake reviews, indicates a lack of transparency and community trust, further supporting scam allegations.

7. Red Flags and Potential Risk Indicators ¶

Several red flags and risk indicators are evident:

Unregulated Status: The broker is not licensed by any reputable financial authority (e.g., CySEC, FCA, ASIC). It claims to operate under Saint Vincent and the Grenadines laws, a known haven for unregulated brokers due to lax oversight.
Clone Broker: Multiple sources identify thenationaltradecenter.io as a clone broker, mimicking legitimate platforms to deceive investors. It is linked to WTC Group Limited, previously blacklisted by the UK’s FCA for illegal activities under the brand Worldtradecenter.
High Leverage: The broker offers leverage up to 1:400, banned in regulated jurisdictions like Europe and the US due to high risk. This is a common tactic to attract inexperienced traders.
Trading Bonuses: Offers trading bonuses with stringent turnover requirements, often used to lock funds and prevent withdrawals. This practice is banned in many regulated markets.
Withdrawal Issues: Users report high withdrawal fees (1%, minimum $30), minimum withdrawal amounts ($100), and outright refusal to process withdrawals.
Fake Trading Platform: The MT5 platform provided is linked to unrelated trading servers, suggesting no real trading occurs.
Aggressive Tactics: Account managers use high-pressure sales, frequent calls, and manipulation to solicit deposits, a hallmark of scam brokers.
Lack of Transparency: No clear information on the company’s CEO, management, or operational details. The Cyprus address is dubious, and the broker operates anonymously.
Regulatory Warnings: The parent company, WTC Group Limited, has been flagged by the FCA and ASIC for illegal operations, reinforcing the scam narrative. Conclusion: The presence of multiple red flags—unregulated status, clone behavior, high leverage, withdrawal issues, and regulatory warnings—strongly indicates that thenationaltradecenter.io is a high-risk, likely fraudulent platform.

8. Regulatory Status ¶

Unregulated: thenationaltradecenter.io is not licensed by any recognized financial regulator, such as CySEC (Cyprus), FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia), or SEC (US). It claims to operate under Saint Vincent and the Grenadines laws, which lack robust financial oversight, making it a common base for scam brokers.
FCA Blacklist: The parent company, WTC Group Limited, was blacklisted by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority for unauthorized activities under the brand Worldtradecenter. This warning extends to thenationaltradecenter.io, as it is likely a rebranded continuation of the same scheme.
ASIC Determination: The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) found WTC Group Limited in breach of Australian law, further confirming regulatory non-compliance.
False Claims: The broker’s claim of a Cyprus headquarters is unverified and contradicted by its offshore registration. Legitimate Cyprus-based brokers must be CySEC-licensed, which this broker is not. Conclusion: The complete lack of regulatory oversight, combined with explicit warnings from the FCA and ASIC, confirms that thenationaltradecenter.io operates illegally and poses a severe risk to investors.

9. User Precautions ¶

To protect against potential risks associated with thenationaltradecenter.io, users should:

Avoid Investment: Do not deposit funds with thenationaltradecenter.io due to its unregulated status, scam allegations, and withdrawal issues.
Verify Regulation: Only trade with brokers licensed by reputable regulators like CySEC, FCA, ASIC, or SEC. Check regulatory status on official authority websites (e.g., www.fca.org.uk for the UK).
Research Reviews: Check platforms like Trustpilot, forexreview.com, or scamwatcher.org for user experiences before engaging with any broker.
Secure Devices: Avoid granting remote access to your computer via tools like AnyDesk, as scammers may use this to steal funds or data.
Protect Personal Information: Do not share bank details, credit card numbers, or personal IDs with unverified brokers to prevent identity theft.
Report Suspicious Activity: If you’ve interacted with the broker, report issues to the FTC (www.ftc.gov) or IC3 (www.ic3.gov) for cybercrime. Forward suspicious emails to fraud@traderinteractive.com or similar platforms.
Seek Recovery: If scammed, contact services like MyChargeBack for potential fund recovery assistance.
Use Secure Payment Methods: Avoid crypto wallets or wire transfers, as they are harder to trace. Use credit cards for better chargeback options. Conclusion: Users must exercise extreme caution, prioritize regulated brokers, and take proactive steps to secure their funds and data when considering platforms like thenationaltradecenter.io.

10. Potential Brand Confusion ¶

Clone Broker Tactics: thenationaltradecenter.io is identified as a clone broker, mimicking legitimate platforms to deceive users. Its name resembles reputable financial institutions, potentially causing confusion with entities like the National Trade Center or World Trade Center brands.
Rebranding from Worldtradecenter: The broker is linked to WTC Group Limited, previously operating as theworldtradecenter.io, a blacklisted entity. The similar naming (thenationaltradecenter.io vs. theworldtradecenter.io) suggests deliberate rebranding to evade regulatory scrutiny while maintaining a familiar structure.
Misleading Claims: The website’s claim of being a “reputable trading platform” and its use of a Cyprus address may confuse users into believing it is affiliated with regulated EU brokers, which it is not.
Shared Contact Details: The phone number and email are reused across related scam sites (e.g., internationaltradecenter.io), increasing the risk of users mistaking one fraudulent entity for another. Conclusion: The broker’s naming, rebranding from a blacklisted entity, and false claims create significant potential for brand confusion, likely intentional to exploit trust in established financial names.

11. Website Content Analysis ¶

An analysis of the content on https://thenationaltradecenter.io/ reveals:

Professional Appearance: The website appears polished, claiming to offer forex, CFD, and crypto trading with MT5 access. However, this is a common tactic among scam brokers to appear legitimate.
Vague Claims: The site touts being “one of the most reputable trading platforms” without providing evidence, such as regulatory licenses, audited financials, or verifiable client testimonials.
Misleading Information: The claimed Cyprus headquarters is unverified and contradicted by its Saint Vincent and the Grenadines registration. Legal documents mention “applicable jurisdictions” vaguely, avoiding concrete regulatory commitments.
Hidden Fees: Withdrawal policies mention a 1% fee (minimum $30), a $100 minimum withdrawal, and undisclosed third-party fees, which are not clearly highlighted on the main pages. Dormant account fees ($99/month after 30 days) are unusually high.
Lack of Trading Transparency: The MT5 platform is linked to unrelated servers, suggesting no real trading occurs. Payment methods (credit cards, crypto) are only detailed in legal documents, not on the main site, indicating opacity.
Manipulative Language: Promises of high returns, trading bonuses, and easy profits are used to lure inexperienced traders, a tactic banned in regulated markets. Conclusion: The website’s content is designed to appear professional but lacks verifiable details, hides critical information, and uses manipulative tactics, aligning with characteristics of scam brokers.

Final Summary ¶

Overall Risk: thenationaltradecenter.io is a high-risk platform with overwhelming evidence of fraudulent activity. It is unregulated, linked to a blacklisted parent company (WTC Group Limited), and exhibits multiple scam characteristics, including withdrawal issues, clone tactics, and manipulative practices.
Key Red Flags: Unregulated status, FCA and ASIC warnings, clone broker behavior, high leverage, fake trading platform, and consistent user complaints about fund losses.
User Recommendations: Avoid engaging with thenationaltradecenter.io. Opt for regulated brokers with transparent operations and verified licenses. If already involved, seek recovery options and report to authorities.
Regulatory Status: Unregulated, operating illegally in multiple jurisdictions, with explicit warnings from the FCA and ASIC.
Brand Confusion: Likely intentional, leveraging names similar to reputable entities and rebranding from a blacklisted predecessor. Critical Note: The evidence strongly suggests that thenationaltradecenter.io is not a legitimate broker but a scam designed to defraud investors. Users should exercise extreme caution and prioritize regulated alternatives to protect their funds and personal information. If you need further assistance, such as checking specific broker details or reporting a scam, please let me know!