Publications
The CFTC continually strives to provide effective information and tools to help consumers avoid fraud. Below are some helpful resources on these topics. Bulk orders of certain publications are available free to organizations. If you have questions about any of these resources, please contact [email protected]. These publications should not be resold.
Brochures
Foreign Currency Trading Fraud
The Forex market is volatile and carries substantial risks. It is not the place to put any money that you cannot afford to lose, such as retirement funds, as you can lose most or all of it very quickly. [PDF]
Commodity Pool Fraud
Commodity pools use money from several investors to trade commodity futures and options. Before investing, be sure the pool and the pool operators are registered. Find out what to ask and how to check. [PDF]
Reparations Program
This program provides customers with an inexpensive, expeditious and impartial forum to handle complaints against registered commodity futures professionals or companies. [PDF]
Whistleblower Program
The CFTC regulates the commodity futures, commodity options, and swaps trading markets. As part of that responsibility, the CFTC has instituted a Whistleblower Program. [PDF]
Advisories
Customer Advisory: Beware of “IRS Approved” Virtual Currency IRAs
Be cautious of sales pitches touting “IRS approved” or “IRA approved” virtual currency retirement accounts. Virtual currency prices sometimes experience wild price swings. This volatility is not reduced or limited just because the virtual currencies are held in an IRA. [PDF]
Customer Advisory: Beware Virtual Currency Pump-and-Dump Schemes
Pump-and-dump schemes occur in the largely unregulated cash market for virtual currencies and digital tokens, and typically on platforms that offer a wide array of coin pairings for traders to buy and sell. Learn the warning signs and how these schemes operate. [PDF]
Customer Advisory: There’s Nothing to Like about Scammers on Social Media
Use extra caution when considering trading advice, products or services touted on social media. It’s easy for fraudsters to create a profile that hides their true identity, or use multiple profiles to promote their schemes. Find out what to look for, and how to avoid getting lured into their frauds. [PDF]