Below is a comprehensive analysis of Goldstone Securities (official website: https://goldstonesecurities.com) based on the requested criteria. The analysis draws on available information, including online complaints, risk assessments, regulatory status, and other relevant factors, while critically examining potential issues and red flags. Note that some aspects, such as WHOIS lookup or IP hosting details, may be limited due to restricted access to real-time data, but I will provide insights based on what’s available and flag areas for further investigation.

1. Online Complaint Information ¶

Online reviews and complaints provide a mixed picture of Goldstone Securities, with significant concerns raised by some users alongside positive feedback from others. Key points from complaint analysis include:

• Positive Reviews:
• On Trustpilot, Goldstone Securities has a 4-star rating based on 19 reviews, with users praising fast execution, low forex spreads, and good customer service. Examples include:
• “I’ve started trading with Goldstone Securities last June. I’ve made great profits and I always get the best service” (Trustpilot, 2023).
• “Great customer service. Speedy and free withdrawal and deposit. Very fast execution” (Trustpilot, 2023).
• Users also noted seamless deposits/withdrawals in AED (United Arab Emirates Dirham) and appreciated the platform’s usability for forex trading.
• Negative Reviews and Complaints:
• Scam Allegations: A significant complaint on Trustpilot labels Goldstone Securities as “SCAMMERS,” alleging it operates as an unregulated broker with a cloned Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) license (No. 338674). The reviewer claims the broker was blacklisted by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in 2017 for targeting vulnerable individuals (over 50 years old) and engaging in fraudulent practices. They report issues with withdrawals, stating, “They will never send your withdrawal requests and either just close you off with the promise of returning your funds or forcefully bully you into closing your account.”
• Withdrawal Issues: WikiFX reports complaints about inability to withdraw funds, a common red flag for unregulated brokers.
• High-Pressure Tactics: Some users report aggressive tactics to encourage deposits, with promises of high returns that sound “too good to be true,” a hallmark of scam brokers.
• Criminal Cases: One reviewer mentioned pursuing a criminal case against Goldstone Securities, supported by two money dispute companies, indicating multiple clients have faced issues recovering funds.
• Critical Observations:
• The stark contrast between positive and negative reviews suggests potential review manipulation or selective experiences. Positive reviews often lack specificity, while negative ones provide detailed accounts of fraud, raising concerns about authenticity.
• The FCA blacklist claim (2017) is a serious allegation but lacks corroborating evidence in the provided data. This requires further verification through official FCA records. Risk Level: High, due to serious scam allegations, withdrawal issues, and potential regulatory violations.

2. Risk Level Assessment ¶

Based on available data, Goldstone Securities presents several risk indicators:

• Unregulated Status: Multiple sources confirm Goldstone Securities lacks valid regulatory oversight. WikiFX notes, “It has been verified that this broker currently has no valid regulation,” and labels it a high-risk broker due to a cloned ASIC license and complaints.
• High Leverage: The broker offers leverage up to 1:500, far exceeding regulatory limits in jurisdictions like Europe (1:30) or the US/Canada (1:50). High leverage can lead to significant losses, especially for inexperienced traders, and is often used by unregulated brokers to attract clients.
• Offshore Base: Goldstone Securities is reportedly based in St. Vincent & the Grenadines, a common jurisdiction for unregulated brokers due to lax oversight. This makes fund recovery difficult in case of disputes.
• Website Unavailability: WikiFX notes the broker’s website was recently unavailable, raising concerns about operational reliability.
• Complaints Volume: WikiFX reduced Goldstone’s score due to “too many complaints,” indicating systemic issues. Risk Level: High, driven by lack of regulation, high leverage, offshore operations, and complaint volume.

3. Website Security Tools ¶

Evaluating website security for https://goldstonesecurities.com is critical to assess the safety of user data and transactions. While I cannot perform real-time scans, I can analyze reported security concerns and provide recommendations:

• Shared Server Hosting: ScamAdviser reports that Goldstone Securities’ website is hosted on a shared server, which poses security risks. If one website on the server is compromised, attackers could potentially access others, including sensitive user data.
• Low Tranco Ranking: The website has a low Tranco ranking, indicating limited traffic or trustworthiness compared to established brokers. This can be a red flag for legitimacy.
• SSL/TLS Certificates: While not explicitly mentioned, reputable brokers typically use HTTPS with valid SSL certificates. Users should verify that the site uses a trusted certificate (e.g., via browser padlock or tools like SSL Labs) to ensure data encryption.
• Potential Vulnerabilities: Hosting on a shared server increases the risk of hacking or data breaches, especially for a financial services platform handling sensitive information like banking details. Recommendations:
• Use tools like VirusTotal, Sucuri SiteCheck, or Qualys SSL Labs to scan the website for malware, vulnerabilities, or certificate issues.
• Avoid entering personal or financial information until security is verified.
• Check for two-factor authentication (2FA) and robust privacy policies on the site. Risk Level: Moderate to High, due to shared server risks and lack of detailed security information.

4. WHOIS Lookup ¶

WHOIS data provides insights into domain ownership and registration, but real-time access is unavailable here. Based on general practices and reported information:

• Domain: https://goldstonesecurities.com
• Expected Issues:
• Offshore brokers often use privacy protection services to hide registrant details, a potential red flag.
• If registered recently (e.g., within 1–2 years), it may indicate a new or unstable operation.
• Mismatched or vague registrant information (e.g., not aligned with the broker’s claimed location) can signal fraud. Observations:
• No specific WHOIS data is provided in the references, but the broker’s claimed base in St. Vincent & the Grenadines suggests the domain may be registered through an offshore registrar or with privacy protection.
• ScamAdviser’s analysis (last updated December 2024) does not mention WHOIS details but flags the site for low trustworthiness, possibly linked to domain issues. Recommendations:
• Use WHOIS lookup tools (e.g., ICANN Lookup, Whois.com) to verify:
• Registrant name and location (should match the broker’s claimed identity).
• Domain creation date (recent domains are riskier).
• Privacy protection status (hiding details is a red flag).
• Cross-check with regulatory records to ensure the registrant aligns with licensed entities. Risk Level: Unknown, pending WHOIS verification. Likely Moderate if privacy protection is used.

5. IP and Hosting Analysis ¶

IP and hosting details reveal the infrastructure behind the website, which can indicate reliability or security risks. Key points:

• Shared Server: As noted, the website is hosted on a shared server, which is less secure than dedicated hosting for financial services. Shared servers are cheaper but increase vulnerability to attacks.
• Hosting Location: Not specified in the data, but offshore brokers often use hosting in jurisdictions with lax regulations (e.g., Seychelles, Panama). This can complicate legal recourse if issues arise.
• Potential Risks:
• Shared hosting increases the risk of cross-site attacks or data leaks.
• If hosted in a different country from the broker’s claimed base (St. Vincent & the Grenadines), it could indicate operational inconsistencies. Recommendations:
• Use tools like SecurityTrails, Cloudflare Radar, or WhoIsHostingThis to identify:
• Hosting provider and location.
• IP address and server type (shared vs. dedicated).
• History of downtime or suspicious activity.
• Avoid platforms with inconsistent hosting (e.g., US-based servers for an offshore broker). Risk Level: Moderate to High, due to shared server vulnerabilities.

6. Social Media Analysis ¶

Social media presence can reveal how a broker engages with clients and whether there are signs of legitimacy or fraud. No specific social media data is provided for Goldstone Securities, but I can infer based on patterns and available information:

• Expected Presence:
• Legitimate brokers maintain active, professional social media profiles (e.g., Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram) with regular updates, client engagement, and transparent communication.
• Goldstone Securities claims to offer “Social & Copy Trading” features, suggesting some social media integration or presence.
• Potential Red Flags:
• Fake Accounts: Scam brokers often create fake profiles with paid followers or bots to appear legitimate.
• Aggressive Marketing: Complaints about high-pressure tactics suggest Goldstone may use social media to lure clients with unrealistic promises (e.g., “double your deposit”).
• Lack of Engagement: If profiles exist but show minimal activity or generic content, it could indicate a lack of operational depth.
• Negative Feedback: One reviewer mentioned pursuing a case against an Instagram contact who promoted Goldstone, suggesting potential misuse of social media for fraudulent outreach. Recommendations:
• Search for Goldstone Securities on platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. Check:
• Account creation date (recent accounts are riskier).
• Follower authenticity (use tools like HypeAuditor to detect fake followers).
• Content quality (professional vs. promotional/spammy).
• User comments for complaints or scam allegations.
• Be cautious of unsolicited messages or ads on social media promoting the broker. Risk Level: Moderate, pending verification of social media presence. High if aggressive or fraudulent tactics are confirmed.

7. Red Flags and Potential Risk Indicators ¶

Several red flags and risk indicators emerge from the analysis:

• Unregulated Broker: No valid regulatory license, with a cloned ASIC license reported.
• FCA Blacklist (Alleged): Claimed blacklisting by the FCA in 2017 for scams targeting older individuals. Requires verification.
• Withdrawal Issues: Multiple complaints about inability to withdraw funds, a hallmark of scam brokers.
• High Leverage: Offering 1:500 leverage, which is risky and exceeds regulatory norms.
• Offshore Base: St. Vincent & the Grenadines is a known haven for unregulated brokers, complicating fund recovery.
• Shared Hosting: Increases security risks for user data.
• Contradictory Reviews: Positive reviews conflict with detailed scam allegations, suggesting potential manipulation.
• Website Unavailability: Reported downtime raises concerns about reliability.
• Automated Trading Software: Association with such software is a red flag, as it’s often linked to scams. Risk Level: High, due to multiple serious red flags.

8. Website Content Analysis ¶

Analyzing the content on https://goldstonesecurities.com provides insights into transparency, professionalism, and legitimacy. Key observations based on available data:

• Claims and Offerings:
• The website promotes trading in over 500 instruments, including forex, stocks, crypto, CFDs, options, and futures, with low spreads and fast execution.
• It claims to be a “licensed international brokerage” with “regulatory compliance” and “segregated accounts.” However, these claims are contradicted by reports of no valid regulation.
• Features include AI-driven tools, advanced charting, social/copy trading, and an educational hub with webinars and market analysis.
• Transparency Issues:
• The site includes a risk disclaimer about CFDs and leverage, which is standard but does not offset regulatory concerns.
• No clear mention of regulatory bodies or license numbers on the website (based on available data), which is unusual for a legitimate broker.
• Restricted regions are listed (e.g., US, Iran, Russia), but this is common for offshore brokers and doesn’t confirm legitimacy.
• Professionalism:
• The website uses polished language and modern design, claiming “50k+ active clients” and “$24M monthly investing volume.” These figures are unverified and could be exaggerated to attract clients.
• Lack of verifiable contact details (e.g., physical address, regulatory license) is a red flag.
• Critical Observations:
• Claims of being “fully regulated” are misleading given the cloned ASIC license and lack of oversight.
• Emphasis on high-risk instruments (CFDs, high leverage) without clear risk education suggests targeting inexperienced traders. Risk Level: High, due to misleading claims and lack of regulatory transparency.

9. Regulatory Status ¶

The regulatory status of Goldstone Securities is a critical concern:

• No Valid Regulation: WikiFX confirms Goldstone Securities has no valid regulatory license, with a cloned ASIC license (No. 338674).
• FCA Blacklist (Alleged): A 2017 FCA blacklist is mentioned in complaints but requires verification through official FCA records.
• Offshore Operations: Based in St. Vincent & the Grenadines, which is not regulated by major authorities like the FCA, ASIC, or SEC. This limits investor protection.
• Cloned License: Using a cloned ASIC license suggests intentional deception to appear legitimate. Recommendations:
• Verify regulatory status using official databases:
• FCA Register (UK): https://register.fca.org.uk
• ASIC Connect (Australia): https://connectonline.asic.gov.au
• SEC EDGAR (US): https://www.sec.gov/edgar
• Avoid unregulated brokers, as they offer no recourse for disputes or fund recovery. Risk Level: High, due to confirmed lack of regulation and cloned license.

10. User Precautions ¶

To protect against potential risks when considering Goldstone Securities, users should:

• Verify Regulation: Confirm the broker’s license with reputable regulators (FCA, ASIC, CySEC, etc.). Avoid unregulated brokers.
• Research Complaints: Check platforms like Trustpilot, WikiFX, and Forex Peace Army for user experiences. Focus on detailed negative reviews.
• Test Withdrawals: Start with a small deposit and attempt a withdrawal to verify reliability before committing larger sums.
• Avoid High Leverage: Be cautious of 1:500 leverage, which can lead to rapid losses. Stick to lower leverage (e.g., 1:10) if inexperienced.
• Secure Data: Ensure the website uses HTTPS and a valid SSL certificate. Avoid sharing sensitive information if shared hosting is confirmed.
• Beware of Promises: Ignore claims of guaranteed profits or “double your deposit” schemes, as these are common scam tactics.
• Consult Experts: Seek independent financial, legal, or tax advice before trading, as recommended by the broker’s own disclaimer.
• Report Issues: If scammed, report to regulatory agencies (e.g., FCA, ASIC) and file complaints with dispute resolution firms.

11. Potential Brand Confusion ¶

Goldstone Securities may be confused with other entities, increasing the risk of scams or misidentification:

• Goldstone Financial Group:
• A US-based fiduciary advisory firm (https://goldstonefinancialgroup.com) offering retirement planning and investment services.
• Registered with the SEC as an Investment Advisor, unlike Goldstone Securities.
• Faces its own issues, including FINRA violations and client complaints about high-risk investments (e.g., REITs), but is unrelated to Goldstone Securities.
• Confusion Risk: Similar names and financial services could lead users to mistake one for the other, especially since Goldstone Financial Group has a more established presence.
• Goldberg Entities:
• References mention Goldberg Management and Goldberg Capital Group, both flagged as unregulated or unsafe by sources like BrokerChooser and Traders Union.
• These entities are unrelated but highlight a pattern of similar-sounding names in the financial sector, potentially used to confuse investors.
• Critical Observations:
• The similar naming (Goldstone vs. Goldberg) and focus on financial services could be intentional to exploit brand recognition or confuse users.
• Goldstone Securities’ lack of regulatory transparency exacerbates the risk, as users may assume it’s affiliated with a legitimate firm. Recommendations:
• Double-check the website URL (https://goldstonesecurities.com) and company details before engaging.
• Search for the broker’s exact name and license number to avoid confusion with regulated firms like Goldstone Financial Group.
• Be wary of brokers leveraging similar names to appear legitimate. Risk Level: Moderate, due to potential for confusion with regulated or unrelated entities.

Overall Risk Assessment ¶

Goldstone Securities presents a high-risk profile based on the following:

• Critical Red Flags:
• Unregulated with a cloned ASIC license.
• Alleged FCA blacklist (2017, unverified).
• Withdrawal issues and scam allegations.
• Offshore base in St. Vincent & the Grenadines.
• High leverage (1:500) and association with risky trading software.
• Security Concerns:
• Shared server hosting increases data risks.
• Low website trustworthiness (per ScamAdviser).
• Transparency Issues:
• Misleading claims of being “fully regulated.”
• Contradictory reviews suggest potential manipulation.
• Brand Confusion:
• Risk of mistaking it for Goldstone Financial Group or other entities. Final Recommendation: Avoid trading with Goldstone Securities until its regulatory status is clarified and scam allegations are resolved. Prioritize brokers regulated by top-tier authorities (e.g., FCA, ASIC, SEC) with transparent operations and verified licenses. If already involved, attempt to withdraw funds immediately and consult legal/financial experts for recovery options. Report any issues to regulatory bodies or dispute resolution services.

Limitations and Next Steps ¶

• Data Gaps: Lack of real-time WHOIS, IP, or social media data limits some conclusions. Users should perform these checks independently.
• Verification Needed: The FCA blacklist claim and cloned ASIC license require confirmation through official channels.
• Further Research:
• Check FCA and ASIC databases for regulatory history.
• Scan the website with security tools (e.g., VirusTotal, Sucuri).
• Monitor social media for user complaints or promotional tactics. If you need assistance with specific tools or further investigation, let me know!