With more traders flocking to binary options platforms in 2025, Pocket Option remains one of the well-known and widely used brokers in the world.
But with growing concerns surrounding unregulated brokers, withdrawal complaints, and market manipulation, many are asking the same question: Is Pocket Option legit or just another offshore trap?
In this TRU Insight, let’s dive deep into the facts, data, and red flags of Pocket Option review to give you the clearest picture of what you’re really dealing with.
What Is Pocket Option?
Pocket Option is an online binary options broker launched in 2017 and operated by Gembell Limited, a company registered in the Marshall Islands.
The platform offers a quick-entry point into financial trading, promising returns of up to 92% on a single trade, along with a wide variety of assets—forex pairs, cryptocurrencies, stocks, commodities, and even OTC markets.
The platform has grown popular due to its flashy interface, low deposit requirements, and social trading features.
But is popularity a substitute for legitimacy?
Is Pocket Option Regulated?
No. Pocket Option is not regulated by any top-tier financial authority.
Despite operating globally, Pocket Option is only “registered” in the Marshall Islands, which is not a recognized regulatory jurisdiction for financial trading.
The company holds no licenses from reputable bodies like:
- U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)
- UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
- European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA)
- Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)
This unregulated status means users are trading with a broker that is not subject to the oversight, investor protections, or accountability standards enforced by real financial regulators.
Is Pocket Option a Scam?
While Pocket Option is a functioning platform, serious red flags exist that have led many in the trading community to question whether it’s a scam broker in disguise. Here are some troubling factors:
OTC Market Manipulation
Pocket Option heavily promotes its OTC (Over-The-Counter) assets, especially during weekends when traditional markets are closed.
However, there’s growing suspicion—backed by anecdotal evidence and trader experiences—that these OTC markets are manipulated by the platform’s own algorithms.
Many traders report consistent patterns: early wins followed by steady losses until the win rate settles below 50%. This aligns suspiciously well with an algorithm designed to learn user strategies and trade against them—ensuring that over time, the platform profits, not the trader.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re being outsmarted by the market itself, you might not be wrong.
Unregulated Broker
Without regulation, there’s no real recourse if the platform decides to close your account, deny or delay withdrawal, manipulate asset prices, or other unethical broker activities.
If you deal with an unregulated broker, your’re at the mercy of a private company with zero legal obligation to treat you fairly.
Pocket Option Withdrawal Issues
One of the most common complaints across Reddit, Quora, and even YouTube reviews involve delayed or blocked withdrawals.
Some users report being able to withdraw small profits but encountering issues once they try to cash out larger amounts. Others claim to be asked for repeated KYC (Know Your Customer) documentation even after prior verification. This has been a proven approach of unethical brokers to slow down or halt withdrawal altogether.
And because the broker is unregulated, there’s little chance of recovering your money once it’s stuck or withheld.
Closure of Copy Trading Accounts
In 2024, Pocket Option suddenly closed or limited several social/copy trading accounts—some of which had developed large follower bases.
The company offered vague explanation like “violating platform terms,” but refused to provide transparent details or process appeal of those affected users.
This move alienated a large segment of its social trading community and led to accusations claiming that Pocket Option disabled profitable accounts to reduce their liability or exposure to client success.
Are you looking for the best copy trading platform? Check out our review on the 5 Best Copy Trading Platforms in South Africa in 2025.
Not Legit Online Reviews
One look at Pocket Option’s TrustPilot rating might make you feel reassured—until you dig deeper.
Numerous traders allege that the company incentivizes positive reviews. New users are reportedly offered bonuses like:
- Exposure boosters
- Balance prolongators
- Coupons
These are in exchange for leaving glowing 4-star or 5-star reviews. In other words, it’s buying reviews from unsuspecting users to boost its appearance of credibility. This is an effective strategy to deceive users while drowning out legitimate criticism from real traders who’ve experienced issues.
Ask yourself: If a broker is truly legit, why the need to “buy” good reviews?
Pocket Option Demo Account: A Deceptive Preview?
A feature often praised by beginners is the Pocket Option Demo account. It allows users to practice with $10,000 in fake funds and no registration required.
While helpful in theory, it’s misleading in practice.
Traders frequently report a much higher win rate on the demo account than in live trading—especially in OTC markets.
This discrepancy reinforces the assumptions that Pocket Option’s real or live trading environment is manipulated to favor the house, not the trader.
Should You Trust Pocket Option in 2025?
Despite its flashy interface, fast account setup, and frequent bonuses, Pocket Option is not a regulated broker and shows many signs of operating in a questionable, if not outright deceptive, manner.
- No regulatory license
- Suspected OTC algorithm manipulation
- Numerous withdrawal complaints
- Shady review practices
- Sudden account shutdowns (e.g., copy trading)
Trading with Pocket Option is high risk—not because of the market, but because of the broker itself. Your funds are not protected, and you’re operating in a space with no legal safety net.
