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Remember the old saying - "You can't cheat an honest man"? When you want to avoid Forex scams, this is very good advice. The Forex market is much like an ocean filled with whirlpools, undertows, sharks and other hazards. These things don't have to be a danger to you, however, if you learn some simple safety measures. And one guiding principle is that it's hard to scam you if you're not trying to get something for nothing - in other words, staying realistic and honest.

Yes, it can seem like everyone is out to make as much money from you as possible, with as little effort as possible, and there certainly are those individuals around. But with the following 7 tips, you'll be prepared to keep yourself and your money safe. Here's how to avoid Forex scams.

1. Be informed and stay aware
Since it's your money, it's your responsibility to know the ins and outs of Forex trading, including the most common scams now going the rounds. You wouldn't blindly hand over your money to someone who walks up to you in the street and says he's going to make you rich... would you? No, you'd instantly have all sorts of alarm bells going off in your brain. You'd at the very least ask for ID, references and qualifications. So keep your antenna out and your awareness up.

2. Remember what Grandma told you
Didn't she say: “If it seems too good to be true, then it probably is. This has always been a good first rule of thumb for gauging "offers" that come seeking you out. And it will be a good rule for many years to come, so use it. Don't let some sweet talker con you into handing over your hard-earned money. Sometimes a broker may try to convince you he's going to help you turn your money into an enormous bundle almost overnight by using their services. A good question to ask is "Really? Why? And why me?"

3. Listen to your gut feelings
If you get a sneaking hunch that someone may be trying to take advantage of you, then don't hand over your money. Period. Always run checks on anyone you're thinking of dealing with. Simply contact the consumer affairs authorities in your country or get in touch with the registry for brokers and dealers in your own currency exchange market. Be sure you know which company the person works for and contact them to double check what you've been told.

It's your money, and it's your responsibility to keep it safe, no matter what a nice guy that salesman seems.

4. Don't allow yourself to be pressured
There's no rush. Never, never forget that the "deal of a lifetime" comes along about once every two weeks, so never let yourself be hurried into leaping now. The faster a broker wants to part you from your money, the more risk there is that he's got an ulterior motive - your money. Don't listen to stories about ‘the next big thing in Forex trading. If he starts telling you that this is an opportunity to make huge profits but that you've absolutely got to act now or you'll lose it forever, just slow down. Another good deal will come along in a couple of weeks - count on it. Refuse to go along with any time frame that would throw you in over your head. You'll soon see if the broker is applying unnecessary pressure or if he is willing to wait for you to be comfortable.

5. Companies that guarantee no risk ARE a risk
It's a fact: You'll run into risk in any kind of investments, whether stocks or bonds or real estate, and this includes Forex trading. Keep a healthy distance from any company that claims:

* We promise to restore any losses for you.
* You can't lose; your investment is always secure.
* Even with a $5,000 deposit, you won't ever lose more than $200 per day.

No company can guarantee such things. Never, ever deal with one that waves unrealistic promises around. Such claims mark them as either fools or con artists. Either way, it's a good idea to keep your distance.

6. Stay away from anybody that guarantees big profits
Don't be tempted by anyone who claims they'll guarantee you huge profits. You'll find them making statements such as:

* Make $5,000 per week or more, every week.
* Our company always offers the most successful Forex trading on the market.
* You will receive a guaranteed minimum 30% return within your first two months.

Now just stop and think about it for a second. Are these statements likely to be true? More likely they're opportunities to sharpen your judgment and avoid Forex scams; otherwise, you could easily lose your shirt - and your money - extra fast.

7. Seek out your own broker
Brokers and companies who come looking for your business are often promoting something "hot". However, The safest way to find a safe and reputable broker is to contact the regulatory or licensing authorities and request a list for your area. Never answer emails nor click on links promising huge, unrealistic returns on small investments. You can also safely ignore them if they want you to sign up right now for soon-to-expire offers for free accounts or free trading courses. Reputable Forex brokers will still be around when you're ready, and they won't attach all kinds of hidden strings.

If you truly want to avoid Forex scams, you must accept that nothing is free. One way or another there is always a price for everything. Don't ever forget that it's necessary to invest both your time and your money before you can gain a firm mastery of Forex trading. Always be patient and willing to do your due diligence before you ever invest in any offer or opportunity.