ExpertOption
We are investigating ExpertOption for allegedly attempting to conceal critical reviews and adverse news from Google by improperly submitting copyright takedown notices. This includes potential violations such as impersonation, fraud, and perjury.
PARTIES INVOLVED : ExpertOption
ALLEGATIONS : Perjury, Fraud, Impersonation
INCIDENT DATE : 26 Aug 2024
INVESTIGATED BY : Ethan Katz
TOOLS USED : Lumen, SecurityTrails
CASE NO : 9014/A/2024
CRIME TYPE : Intellectual Property Scam
PUBLISHED ON : 23 Nov 2024
Is This About You?
What We Are Investigating?
Our firm is launching a comprehensive investigation into ExpertOption over allegations that it has been suppressing critical reviews and unfavorable Google search results by fraudulently misusing DMCA takedown notices. These actions, if proven, could constitute serious legal violations—including impersonation, fraud, and perjury.
We conducted comprehensive analyses of fraudulent copyright takedown requests, meritless legal complaints, and other unlawful efforts to suppress public access to critical information. Our reporting sheds light on the prevalence and modus operandi of a structured censorship network, often funded and used by criminal enterprises, oligarchs and criminal entities seeking to manipulate public perception and bypass AML checks conducted by financial organisations.
The fake DMCA notices in this investigation appears to have been strategically deployed to remove negative content from Google search results illegally. Based on this pattern, we have reasonable grounds to infer that ExpertOption - or an entity acting at its behest - is directly or indirectly complicit in this cyber crime.
In most such cases, such ops are executed by rogue, fly-by-night 'Online Reputation Management' agencies acting on behalf of their clients. If evidence establishes that the subject knowingly benefited from or facilitated this scam, it may be deemed an 'accomplice' or an 'accessory' to the crime.
What are they trying to censor
ExpertOption, a binary options trading platform, has faced numerous allegations and red flags over the years, raising serious concerns about its legitimacy and business practices. These issues have significantly harmed its reputation, prompting questions about the company’s willingness to go to extreme lengths, including potential cybercrimes, to suppress damaging information.
Major Allegations and Red Flags
Regulatory Scrutiny and Bans:
ExpertOption has been flagged by several financial regulators worldwide. For instance, the Italian regulator CONSOB and the Spanish CNMV have warned investors about the platform, citing unauthorized operations and potential risks to consumers. Such regulatory actions undermine trust and suggest a lack of compliance with financial laws.
Misleading Advertising:
The platform has been accused of using aggressive and misleading marketing tactics, including false promises of high returns and low risks. These practices often target inexperienced traders, luring them into speculative investments without adequately disclosing the risks.
Withdrawal Issues:
Numerous users have reported difficulties in withdrawing funds, with some alleging that their accounts were blocked or funds withheld without explanation. These complaints are consistent with patterns seen in fraudulent schemes, where platforms delay or deny withdrawals to retain user funds.
Lack of Transparency:
ExpertOption has been criticized for its opaque operations, including unclear fee structures and undisclosed conflicts of interest. This lack of transparency erodes user confidence and raises questions about the platform’s integrity.
Association with Scams:
The binary options industry has been rife with scams, and ExpertOption has been linked to several fraudulent schemes. Reports suggest that the platform may have ties to unregulated brokers and offshore entities, further tarnishing its reputation.
Reputational Damage and Motives for Suppression
The cumulative effect of these allegations has severely damaged ExpertOption reputation. Negative news stories and regulatory warnings deter potential users and erode trust among existing clients. For a platform reliant on user deposits and trading activity, such reputational harm can directly impact revenue and long-term viability.
Given the stakes, ExpertOption may have a strong incentive to suppress damaging information. Removing negative content from the internet—whether through legal means or illicit activities like hacking or cyberattacks could help the company maintain a facade of legitimacy. Cybercrimes, such as targeting whistleblowers, journalists, or regulatory bodies, might be seen as a desperate measure to control the narrative and protect its business interests.
Conclusion
ExpertOption history of regulatory warnings, user complaints, and opaque practices paints a troubling picture. While the platform denies wrongdoing, the persistent allegations suggest systemic issues that cannot be ignored. The reputational harm caused by these stories provides a clear motive for the company to suppress negative information, even if it means resorting to unethical or illegal means. As the investigation continues, stakeholders must remain vigilant and demand greater accountability from the platform.
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/44121893
- Aug 26, 2024
- TitanEdge Labs
- https://coinbureau.com/review/expert-option/
- https://www.daytrading.com/expert-option
Evidence Box
Evidence and relevant screenshots related to our investigation
Targeted Content and Red Flags
About the Author
The author is affiliated with TU Dresden and analyzes public databases such as Lumen Database and
Maltego to identify and expose online censorship. In his personal capacity, he and his
team have been actively investigating and reporting on organized crime related
to fraudulent copyright takedown schemes.
Additionally, his team provides
advisory services to major law firms and is frequently consulted on matters
pertaining to intellectual property law.
Escalate This Case
Learn All About Fake Copyright Takedown Scam
Or go directly to the feedback section and share your thoughts
How This Was Done
The fake DMCA notices we found always use the 'back-dated article' technique. With this technique, the wrongful notice sender (or copier) creates a copy of a 'true original' article and back-dates it, creating a 'fake original' article (a copy of the true original) that, at first glance, appears to have been published before the true original
What Happens Next?
Based on the feedback, information, and requests received from all relevant parties, our team will formally notify the affected party of the alleged infringement. Following a thorough review, we will submit a counter-notice to reinstate any link that has been removed by Google, in accordance with applicable legal provisions. Additionally, we will communicate with Google’s Legal Team to ensure appropriate measures are taken to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.
You are Never Alone in Your Fight.
Generate public support against the ones who wronged you!
Recent Investigations
Robert Hellgren
Investigation Ongoing
Dr. Stanley Bernstein
Investigation Ongoing
Melford Capital Partners
Investigation Ongoing
User Reviews
Average Ratings
1.6
Based on 16 ratings
by: Jiraiya Hargrove
Stay far away! They’re not regulated, and their customer service is awful. I got sucked in by their misleading ads and now I’m stuck with nothing.
by: Amira Grayson
ExpertOption is just a scam. I tried withdrawing my funds multiple times, but they keep blocking my account. I’ve lost money and patience!
by: Cassius Rider
This platform is a nightmare! They promise high returns with low risk, but all they do is take your money and make it impossible to withdraw. Don’t trust them!
by: Keith Williamson
The moment you try to withdraw, they freeze your account and stop replying. Classic trap.
by: Ariana Oliver
This app destroyed my savings with manipulated charts and constant “errors.”
by: Brienne Shieldcrest
The amount of fake PR and review scrubbing they do is honestly disturbing. A legit business wouldn’t be allergic to criticism.
by: Percival Moathall
Manipulated trades, blocked accounts, and no response from support. What else do you need to call this a scam?
by: Isabeau Goldspire
They ghost users with withdrawal issues and then flood Google with takedowns to hide it. If you have to censor the truth, maybe it’s because it’s too true. 🙄
by: Leoric Stonewall
ExpertOption’s reputation is in the gutter for good reason. Regulators warned us, users screamed “scam,” and they still keep operating in shady jurisdictions. 🚩
by: Gwendolyn Highkeep
This platform feels like a trap for beginners. Slick interface, but once you deposit? Good luck getting anything back. Feels like a money pit dressed as a trading app.
by: Carlos Rodriguez
They forge signatures, fabricate financial documents, and run deceptive schemes to extract money from unsuspecting victims. If you try to question them, they block you or threaten legal action. I learned the hard way—don’t make the same mistake.
by: Lily Cooper
Don’t download it if you’re reading this. I lost my deposit and any profit I made mostly my deposit, even after contacting their support. They’re just a bunch of frauds making excuses for why they won’t pay. All they do...
by: Lucas Baker
Support is just as bad as the app.
by: Sophia Torres
I tried trading crypto with Expert Options, and at first, it seemed fine—they had trades running for 3 days. After a week and a second deposit, my account showed triple the investment. Then I got an email saying I’d made...
by: Juan Perez
I contacted their support team after noticing discrepancies in my contract, and the response I got was suspicious
by: Anika Choudhury
They have been associated with multiple fraud cases, and their past ventures were shut down due to illegal activities. They just rebrand under a new name and continue the scams. If you’re thinking about dealing with them, just know that...
Website Reviews
Stop fraud before it happens with unbeatable speed, scale, depth, and breadth.
Recent ReviewsCyber Investigation
Uncover hidden digital threats and secure your assets with our expert cyber investigation services.
Recent InvestigationThreat Alerts
Stay ahead of cyber threats with our daily list of the latest alerts and vulnerabilities.
Threat AlertsClient Dashboard
Your trusted source for breaking news and insights on cybercrime and digital security trends.
Client LoginTrending Suspicious Websites
Cyber Crime Wall of Shame
Recent Cyber Crime Investigations