FINRA
Protecting Yourself From Regulator Imposter Scams
FINRA says fraudsters pose as regulators, that their communications can be compelling, and that FINRA will never ask for money or request access to your assets.
Some fraudsters pretend to be the regulator, often to win trust after a loss or to ask for a fee. This page summarises one FINRA article on regulator imposters. The article does not mention binary options, so it is used here as general guidance, and this page does not assess any firm.
How the Messages Look
The article was published on 29 April 2026. FINRA states: "Communications from these fraudsters are becoming more sophisticated and can be compelling." It adds: "Some even feature images of fake but realistic-looking FINRA employee badges." A polished message, a badge or an official-looking logo is therefore not proof that the sender is genuine.
What a Real Regulator Will Not Ask For
FINRA says: "While FINRA will never ask you for money, there are scammers who might try to convince you otherwise." It also says: "FINRA, its officers and employees will never offer investment guarantees or request access to your assets." Other regulators publish their own rules about what they will ask, so check each regulator's own pages.
What Happens If You Send Money
The article warns: "If you do send money, the scammer might then ask for additional funds or simply disappear." This matches the follow-up tactics described in binary options recovery scam warnings and exit scam warning signs.
What FINRA Suggests You Do
FINRA's advice, in summary, is to look up the regulator's contact details yourself rather than using those in the message, and to verify any claim before sending money. Reporting steps are in how to report a binary options scam. For related tactics, see phishing scam warnings and binary options scam warning signs. To check whether a firm is authorised, use how to check whether a broker is regulated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a message with an official badge or logo be fake?
FINRA states: "Some even feature images of fake but realistic-looking FINRA employee badges."
Will a genuine regulator ask me to pay money?
FINRA says: "While FINRA will never ask you for money, there are scammers who might try to convince you otherwise."
What can happen after money is sent?
The article warns that the scammer might ask for additional funds or simply disappear.
Does this page address whether an individual could face liability?
This page summarises what the regulators' published guidance says. It does not address whether an individual could face liability. Seek independent legal advice.
Sources and Official References
- FINRA: Protecting Yourself From Regulator Imposter Scams (29 April 2026)
This page summarises what the regulators' published guidance says. It does not address whether an individual could face liability. Seek independent legal advice.
This page summarises what the regulators' published guidance says. It does not address whether an individual could face liability. Seek independent legal advice.