How to Avoid Rebate Scams: 6 Checks Before You Sign Up

A trading rebate is simple. The broker pays a partner for referring you, and the partner shares part of it with you. Scams copy that story and then ask for something a real service never needs.

Here are six checks to run on any rebate offer, including ours.

What does a real rebate service need from me?

A real rebate service needs only what links your account to its partner code, such as your account number or UID. It never needs your password, your money or control of your account.

Everything else is handled by the broker. The broker holds your money, runs your account and pays rebates under its partner programme.

Keep that in mind as you read the checks below.

Check 1: Can I verify the partner code myself?

Yes, and you should, before you open an account. A real service shows its partner code or referral link in public, so you can compare it with what the broker shows.

Your rebate depends on your account being linked to that partner. At OKX, a user who "did not sign up using your referral code/referral link" may not be counted as referred, per the OKX Help Center (checked 3 Nov 2026).

So check three things:

• The partner code on the service's site matches the one in the link you use.
• After sign-up, your broker or exchange shows your account under that partner. You can ask the broker's own support.
• The service's site and channels match the list on its official channels page. Ours is on Official channels.

If you already have an account, read How to switch your Exness partner before you change anything.

Check 2: Does anyone ask for my password or 2FA code?

If anyone asks for your trading password, 2FA code or private keys, stop. No rebate needs them.

The CFTC warns that "Many frauds begin on social media" and lists pressure to move to private messaging as a warning sign. The FCA's ScamSmart page asks: "Is it unexpected?" and "Do you feel pressured to act quickly?"

Our own rules are on Official channels: we never message you first, and we never ask for passwords, 2FA codes or private keys.

Check 3: Who actually pays the rebate?

The broker or exchange pays, under its partner programme. A service that says it pays you from its own pocket is describing a different business.

Crypto exchanges say this in their own help pages, checked 3 Nov 2026:

• OKX: "Rebates are calculated based on net fees * commission rate."
• MEXC: commissions are "calculated based on your friend's net trading fees", and paid the next day.

For forex, read How Exness rebates work. Our How it works page explains our part: the broker pays, and RebateFX never holds or sends money.

Check 4: Is the broker on a regulator's register?

Check the broker, not just the rebate service, on the register of the regulator where you live. Use the register's own website, not a link from an advert or a message.

Match the company name too. Brokers can run several companies. For example, the Kenyan CMA list includes Tadenex Limited, trading as Exness.

The FCA also warns that "some firms pretend to be authorised firms, so always use the contact details on the Firm Checker".

Check 5: Are the terms written down, or is it just "up to 90%"?

A big percentage means nothing until you know what it is a percentage of. Ask for the terms in writing before you sign up.

Look for answers to these questions:

• Is the rate a share of the spread, the commission, the exchange fee, or the partner's reward?
• When is it paid, and is there a minimum amount?
• Which accounts and trades are excluded?

Real programmes have exclusions. MEXC, for example, excludes "Fees paid using futures bonuses, deposit/withdrawal fees, or fees from abnormal trading activity" from referral commission.

Each broker page, such as the Exness page and the OKX page, shows a rate only after it has been checked. Until then, it says the rates are being verified. Common exclusions are listed on How it works, and our Terms cover the rest.

Check 6: Am I asked to deposit money with the service?

Never deposit money with a rebate service or an introducing broker (IB). You deposit only into your own account, at the broker, through the broker's own website or app.

The CFTC warns of fake dealers who refuse withdrawals until customers pay more fees, invented taxes or extra investments. It also flags offers that accept only digital assets as payment.

A rebate service has no reason to touch your deposit. RebateFX never accepts deposits, as our About page explains.

What else do people ask about rebate scams?

Someone on Telegram says they are RebateFX support. What do I do? Do not reply with any details. We never message first. Check the handle on Official channels and report it to us through Contact.

Is a rebate that pays daily safer? Not by itself. The payment period is set under the broker's programme. Check who pays, not how often.

Can I see that rebates are really paid? Ask any service for its record. Our payout ledger lists the rebates the broker paid to traders who joined with our code, with account numbers hidden. It starts after the first rebates are paid.

What is the short version?

A real rebate service never needs your password, never takes your deposit, and points to the broker as the payer. Its partner code is public and you can check it.

Before you sign up anywhere, run the six checks. Then compare the written terms on each broker page.