CONTENT FINISHING CHECKLIST
– IS THE TITLE SHORT AND TO THE POINT
– AI SCORE BELOW 30%
– PLAGIARISM BELOW 3%
– CONTENT FLOWS WELL
– GOOD USE OF TABLES
– KEY POINTS
– JOHNSON BOXES
– IS THE ARTICLE INTENT-BASED
CherryTrade Withdrawal Problems: What Traders Should Know
Detail |
Information |
Broker Name |
CherryTrade |
Website Status |
Defunct (ceased operation around 2017) |
Founded |
Around 2013 |
Headquarters |
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (offshore jurisdiction) |
Regulation |
Unregulated; not licensed by FCA, CFTC, ASIC, CySEC, or any Tier-1 regulator |
Key Complaints |
Withdrawal delays, blocked payouts, repeated ID requests, hidden terms |
Regulatory Warnings |
FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia), several EU countries |
Business Model |
Binary Options trading (now widely banned or restricted globally) |
Customer Support Issues |
Unresponsive email, dead phone lines, inactive live chat |
Current Recovery Options |
Chargebacks (limited window), fraud reporting, legal consultation |
Getting to Know CherryTrade
- CherryTrade’s background: CherryTrade was a binary options broker that drew in traders with bold promises of high returns, easy trades, and quick profits. It primarily targeted beginners and semi-experienced traders through sleek advertising and a user-friendly platform.
- Where it was based: The company operated out of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, an offshore location with limited regulatory oversight. This lack of jurisdictional control made it difficult for users to seek help when problems occurred.
- Regulatory status: CherryTrade was not regulated by any major authority such as the FCA (UK), CFTC (US), or ASIC (Australia). This absence of regulation meant users lacked protection and had limited avenues for legal recourse when issues arose.
- Current status: CherryTrade ceased operations around 2017. Despite its closure, traders are still attempting to recover funds and warn others about their experience.
The Real Trouble: Getting Your Money Out
- Main problem: While depositing money into CherryTrade was quick and easy, withdrawing it was another story entirely. This was the most common and troubling issue reported by users.
- Withdrawal delays: Traders often faced extreme delays, with some requests remaining in “pending” status for weeks or even months without any updates. Many never received their money at all.
- Verification loopholes: CherryTrade required users to verify their identity before processing withdrawals. However, the process became repetitive and burdensome, with requests for the same documents being made multiple times—often used as a stalling tactic.
- Surprise deductions: Even when withdrawals were approved, users noticed unexplained fees being deducted. These included:
- Inactivity fees
- Processing charges
- Hidden administrative costs
These fees were often not disclosed clearly at the start, catching users off guard.
Support That Just Vanished
- Customer service promises: CherryTrade advertised 24/7 support through email, phone, and live chat. Unfortunately, traders quickly learned that this support was more or less non-existent.
What actually happened:
- Emails were routinely ignored.
- Live chat was disabled most of the time.
- Phone numbers were either disconnected or redirected endlessly without resolution.
- User experience: Traders were left without updates or answers. Many reported feeling abandoned once they attempted to withdraw funds.
The Red Flags Were Always There
- Lack of transparency: A big warning sign was the absence of a regulatory license. CherryTrade didn’t provide any license number or verification from recognized financial bodies.
- Bonus traps: Traders were lured with account bonuses that came with strings attached. These often required traders to meet high-volume trading requirements before they could withdraw any money.
- Fake reviews: The internet was flooded with overly positive reviews. Upon closer inspection, many turned out to be paid affiliate content, not genuine user experiences.
Regulators Finally Stepped In
- FCA warning: The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) issued an official warning against CherryTrade for operating without authorization. This meant UK-based users had no legal protection.
- ASIC alert: Australia’s financial watchdog, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), also flagged CherryTrade as unlicensed and unsafe for Australian residents.
- Other global warnings: Similar alerts were raised in Canada, New Zealand, and various European nations. Across the board, financial regulators urged people not to engage with CherryTrade.
What You Can Do If You Lost Money
- There’s no guarantee you’ll recover funds, but there are still actions you can take to improve your chances.
- Gather documentation:
- Save all emails with the broker
- Screenshot your account history and withdrawal attempts
- Keep records of your deposits and any communication regarding bonuses or fees
- Report to regulators: File a formal complaint with your country’s financial regulator or ombudsman. Even though CherryTrade is shut down, complaints help build cases that could prevent future scams.
- Contact your bank: If you deposited using a credit card, file a chargeback with your bank or credit card provider. Most allow you to dispute unauthorized or fraudulent charges within 120 days of the transaction.
- Submit cybercrime reports: You can report your case to:
- FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) if you’re in the U.S.
- Action Fraud if you’re based in the UK
- Be wary of recovery scams: Some services claim to recover funds for a fee. Always verify credentials and avoid paying anything upfront. Stick to recovery firms with third-party reviews and regulatory licenses.
How to Stay Safe Next Time
- Check broker regulation: Always verify whether a broker is licensed by a recognized authority such as:
- FCA (UK)
- ASIC (Australia)
- CySEC (Cyprus)
- CFTC (US)
Don’t just take their word for it—look them up on the regulator’s website.
- Understand withdrawal terms: Before making a deposit, read the broker’s terms of service. Avoid platforms that include vague or complex withdrawal conditions, especially those tied to bonuses.
- Avoid flashy promises: If a platform guarantees high profits or zero risks, it’s most likely a scam. Legitimate trading always carries risk, and no broker can promise consistent returns.
- Seek real user feedback: Look for independent reviews on trusted financial forums. Be cautious of glowing testimonials that only appear on the broker’s website or promotional materials.
Conclusion
CherryTrade left a legacy of frustration for thousands of traders. The real damage wasn’t from losing trades—it came from being blocked from withdrawing hard-earned funds. With shady bonus conditions, hidden fees, and non-existent support, it quickly became clear that CherryTrade wasn’t operating with trader interests in mind.
Even though the platform has been shut down, its effects are still being felt. If you were affected, take action by gathering evidence, contacting your bank, and filing reports with the proper authorities. Let this be a wake-up call: always check for proper regulation and clear withdrawal policies before signing up with any trading platform.
Key Takeaway: CherryTrade’s downfall underscores the importance of vetting online brokers. Always prioritize platforms with regulatory oversight, transparent terms, and a reliable reputation. Your money—and peace of mind—depend on it.
FAQs
Is CherryTrade still active today?
No. CherryTrade shut down around 2017 and has not resumed operations since.
Can I still report CherryTrade to authorities?
Yes. You can still file complaints with financial regulators and cybercrime divisions. These reports help track fraudulent platforms and protect others.
What documents should I keep for recovery attempts?
Keep all account screenshots, emails, payment receipts, and withdrawal attempts. These documents are vital when filing disputes or legal complaints.
Can I file a chargeback after 120 days?
Some banks allow exceptions for fraud cases. It’s worth contacting your bank even if the 120-day period has passed.
What signs should I watch out for to avoid scam brokers?
Look for lack of regulation, unclear withdrawal terms, pushy sales tactics, and unrealistic earning claims. These are common red flags of fraudulent brokers.