In the world of foreign exchange trading ("forex")
forex signals are suggested orders for a currency pair. This suggestion may be made by an automated forex robot or by an expert forex analyst. As the value of a forex signal is time critical they are communicated by fast methods of electronic communication such as tweet, email, RSS, SMS or websites.
Any person considering subscribing to a forex signal service, or undertaking any form of currency trading should be aware of the risk of losses. Financial losses can occur in any financial transaction, but the potential high gains in forex trading have led to unscrupulous selling to investors who are not aware of all the risks.
Commodity futures and options markets in the US are federally regulated by the CFTC (Commodity Future Trading Commission). Advice from CFTC warns potential investors of the risks in forex trading, and the special care needed to understand risk and avoid fraud.
While currency trading is a legitimate and economically vital activity, a number of forms of trading have been touted to defraud the public. For example you are urged to be cautious when firms claim high profits with low risks: usually high profits are only possible if you are prepared to take high risks.
Promoters may claim that trading on margin can lead to high profits with low investment. The downside is that the investor may be liable for losses many times in excess of their investment. CFTC's excellent advice is this: do not trade on margin unless you are 100% sure what it means.
Fraudulent and unscrupulous promoters are particularly fond of targeting those with retirement nest-eggs. If you lose your money to fraud you will not easily get it back. If you have money you cannot afford to lose then do not invest.
Be wary of transferring money on the internet. Many companies offering on-line forex trading are not located in the US and are outside CFTC jurisdiction. They may not display any identification of nationality on their website. If in doubt, do not invest.
Check the company's performance track record. You should be able to get this from any responsible firm. If individuals or firms do not have this information then beware. Also beware of purely verbal information.
Get into contact with other forex traders. Check out any forums or websites where forex services are reviewed.
Look up the fraud page on the CFTC website. Is the firm or person registered with the NFA (National Futures Association) or the CFTC?