Hey traders
If you’ve been following my posts, you already know we’ve gone over some of the nastier broker-side plugins that make MetaTrader 5 (MT5) such a double-edged sword in the wrong hands. So far, we’ve talked about Price Delay Scam,Reverse Execution, Withdrawal Blockers, and Virtual Dealers. Unfortunately, I’m not yet able to add direct links to my post, so please use the forum’s standard search option using these keywords if you’re interested.Today, let’s talk about something that really messes with your head as a trader: fake price data.
Yep — welcome to the world of the Price Feed Manipulator.
What It Does
The Price Feed Manipulator is a broker-side plugin that modifies the live market data feed sent to your terminal. That means you might think you’re seeing real prices… but you’re not.
The function alters what you see on your chart, your candles, your order book, and — most dangerously — your stop-loss and margin calls.
And no, this isn’t a bug. This is an intentional “feature” that can be toggled, targeted, and timed by the broker.
What It’s Used For (aka “How They Scam You”)
This tool is often used to create non-existent market spikes — a little wick here, a sudden pump there — just enough to:
- Trigger your stop-loss
- Hit your margin call level
- Invalidate your technical setup
- Make you question your strategy
Ever placed a tight stop just outside a support level, only to see a random spike take you out… and no one else saw it? You go check TradingView, investing com, even Bloomberg. Nothing. Price never went there. Except, it did — on your MT5 terminal, courtesy of your broker’s Price Feed Manipulator.
Real Traders, Real Pain
I’ve heard from several traders who said things like:
“Price wicked 20 pips below support and knocked me out — but only on my broker’s chart.”
“My trade got closed from a margin call — but there was zero volatility on any major feed.”
That’s not bad luck. That’s an invisible hand.
Why This Works
MT5 isn’t just a platform — it’s a framework. Brokers license it and host the server-side, meaning they can intercept, modify, and feed you any data they want.
MetaQuotes (the company behind MT5) offers broker-side customization — and while that sounds helpful, it’s like giving the casino the power to change the dice after you’ve rolled.
How To Spot It
Hard to catch, but not impossible:
- Compare live price feeds across at least 2–3 brokers or platforms (like TradingView or cTrader).
- Take screenshots whenever weird price action happens.
- Ask others in trading communities if they saw the same wick or spike.
- Check your broker’s T&Cs — some literally state that price feeds “may differ” from market quotes. That’s your red flag right there.
How To Protect Yourself
- Avoid offshore or unregulated brokers, no matter how shiny their websites are.
- Use demo accounts to test for pricing discrepancies.
- Consider VPS or trade mirroring to run the same trades on multiple platforms.
- Log your trades, chart data, and account statements regularly. Build your receipts.
Final Thoughts
Scammers know that if they can control the data you base your decisions on, they can control the outcomes. The Price Feed Manipulator doesn’t just mess with your trades — it messes with your mind. It makes you doubt your analysis, your skills, even your sanity.
That’s why knowing this stuff matters.
Stay sharp. Ask questions. Don’t let silence be the scammer’s best friend.
More soon.