The online forex and CFD trading industry is one of the fastest-growing financial markets worldwide. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most abused. Every year, thousands of unsuspecting traders lose their savings to shady brokers who hide behind offshore regulations, use manipulative practices, and run aggressive bonus traps. One broker that has been repeatedly flagged in trader forums is VT Markets.
This article investigates whether VT Markets is a scam or a legitimate broker, highlighting real complaints, withdrawal delays, offshore loopholes, and regulatory weaknesses. By the end, you’ll know exactly why traders on platforms like ForexPeaceArmy and Trustpilot are calling VT Markets a high-risk broker to avoid in 2025.
What is VT Markets?
VT Markets presents itself as a global forex and CFD broker founded in 2015. It advertises:
- Trading on MT4/MT5 platforms.
- Access to 1,000+ tradable assets (forex, indices, commodities, cryptos).
- “Award-winning” customer service.
- Regulation under ASIC (Australia), FSCA (South Africa), and FSC (Mauritius).
On paper, VT Markets looks legitimate. However, multiple independent sources and trader reviews reveal a very different picture — especially around withdrawals, account restrictions, and fake bonuses.
Trader Complaints About Withdrawals
The number one reason VT Markets is called a scam is its withdrawal issues.
- On Forex Peace Army, dozens of traders claim their profits were blocked. (Forex Peace Army VT Markets Reviews)
- Trustpilot reviews mention payouts being delayed for weeks or outright denied. (Trustpilot VT Markets)
- A pattern emerges: traders can withdraw small sums initially, but once they earn bigger profits, VT Markets introduces “internal control checks” and freezes the account.
This tactic is typical of scam brokers:
- Allow easy deposits.
- Approve small withdrawals to gain trust.
- Block or stall larger withdrawals once the trader is invested heavily.
For an example of why this is dangerous, see our guide: Why Withdrawal Failures Are the #1 Sign of a Scam.
Offshore Regulation & Weak Protections
While VT Markets proudly advertises its ASIC and FSCA regulation, the reality is:
- Most international clients are funneled through Mauritius (FSC) — a weak offshore regulator.
- ASIC protection only applies to Australian residents.
- FSCA has limited enforcement outside South Africa.
👉 This means that if you are trading from Asia, Africa, or Europe, you may have little to no real legal protection.
Compare this to brokers regulated under FCA (UK), CySEC (EU), or MAS (Singapore), where traders enjoy investor compensation schemes and strict capital requirements.
For more insights, read our page: How Offshore Forex Regulation Endangers Traders.
Bonus Traps & Manipulative Practices
VT Markets also promotes aggressive deposit bonuses (20–50%). But here’s the catch:
- To unlock withdrawals tied to the bonus, you must meet unrealistic trading volume requirements.
- If you fail, your profits are wiped out.
This is a classic scam tactic — attract traders with bonuses that look like “free money,” then trap them with impossible conditions.
Moreover, traders complain about manipulated spreads and slippage:
- Spreads suddenly widen during high volatility.
- Stop-loss orders trigger far earlier than expected.
- Demo accounts show smooth trading, but live accounts lose disproportionately.
This is consistent with bucket shop behavior, where brokers profit when their clients lose.
Real User Reviews
Here are some unfiltered trader voices:
“I grew my $1,000 to $1,500, but the moment I requested a withdrawal, my account was blocked for ‘compliance checks.’ Still waiting after 2 months.” — Forex Peace Army
“Their support just copy-pastes answers. Nobody actually helps you. I lost hope of ever withdrawing.” — Trustpilot
“The bonus scheme is a trap. You’ll never reach the required trading volume.” — Reddit trader
These reviews are not isolated incidents — they follow the same recurring story: easy deposit, painful or impossible withdrawal.
For a broader look at similar cases, check: Top Forex Brokers Accused of Scams.
Clone Websites & Impersonation Risks
Another danger surrounding VT Markets is the rise of clone sites. Fraudsters build fake websites that look identical to the real broker to trick people into depositing money.
Even if you land on the official VT Markets site, you’re still at risk — but if you mistakenly use a clone site, your money is gone instantly.
We explain this risk in detail in: How to Spot Clone Forex Broker Websites.
Scam Checklist: Does VT Markets Fit?
| Scam Red Flag | VT Markets? |
|---|---|
| Withdrawal delays / restrictions | ✅ Yes |
| Offshore regulation loopholes | ✅ Yes |
| Aggressive deposit bonuses | ✅ Yes |
| Manipulated spreads & slippage | ✅ Yes |
| Unresponsive customer support | ✅ Yes |
| Clone site risks | ✅ Yes |
Clearly, VT Markets ticks every box we use to identify scam brokers.
What To Do If You’ve Already Deposited
- Stop depositing immediately.
- Collect evidence (emails, chats, transaction records).
- File a chargeback with your bank or card provider.
- Report to regulators like ASIC and FSCA, even if outside jurisdiction.
- Warn others by leaving reviews on Forex Peace Army and Trustpilot.
See our step-by-step guide: How to Recover Money From Scam Brokers.
Final Verdict: VT Markets is a Scam Broker
After reviewing real trader experiences, regulatory gaps, and manipulative tactics, the verdict is clear:
👉 VT Markets is a high-risk, scam-like broker.
It hides behind offshore loopholes, delays withdrawals, traps traders with fake bonuses, and manipulates trading conditions. While it maintains surface-level regulation, the real trading experience tells another story.
Our advice: Avoid VT Markets in 2025 and choose brokers with stronger regulations, transparent fees, and proven withdrawal records.
For safer alternatives, visit: Top Trusted Forex Brokers of 2025.