We started this site because we got burned by a scam. Now we dedicate ourselves to making sure you don't.
In 2019, our founder Marcus T., a software engineer from Austin, Texas, lost $12,000 to a sophisticated Forex "managed account" scam. The platform had a professional website, glowing testimonials, and promised consistent 8% monthly returns. Within six months, it vanished β along with his savings.
After reporting to the FTC and the SEC, and connecting with hundreds of other victims in online forums, Marcus realized the problem wasn't just bad luck β it was a systemic lack of reliable, independent information about which investment platforms could actually be trusted.
In 2021, he launched Legit Investment Guide from his home in Austin with a simple mission: test platforms with real money, publish honest reviews, and help everyday Americans and global investors avoid the traps he fell into.
Founder & Lead Researcher
Former software engineer turned investment researcher. Based in Austin, TX. Has personally tested 200+ investment platforms since 2021 using real capital.
Everything we publish is guided by three non-negotiable principles.
We tell the truth even when it costs us. If a platform pays high affiliate commissions but has problems, we say so. Our ratings are never for sale.
We don't theorize. We deposit actual funds, execute real trades, and attempt real withdrawals before rating any platform. No shortcuts.
When we're uncertain about a platform, we say so publicly and flag it for further review. We would rather lose traffic than endanger a reader's savings.
A lean, dedicated team of researchers, former finance professionals, and tech experts β all based in the United States.
Founder & Lead Researcher
Austin, TX Β· Software engineering background Β· 4+ years in investment research
Senior Financial Analyst
New York, NY Β· Former Wall Street analyst Β· CFA Level II Β· Specializes in regulatory research
Crypto & Blockchain Analyst
San Francisco, CA Β· 6 years in crypto Β· Former Coinbase employee Β· On-chain analysis expert
User Experience Researcher
Chicago, IL Β· Runs our community forum Β· Manages anonymous user review verification
Scam Investigation Lead
Miami, FL Β· Ex-FBI cybercrime analyst Β· Leads our scam detection and reporting division
Our trust score is calculated across seven weighted criteria, each independently assessed by at least two team members.
Verified registration with SEC, FINRA, FCA, ASIC, or equivalent regulators.
We deposit real money and test the withdrawal process for speed and reliability.
2FA, fund segregation, SIPC/FDIC coverage, and SSL/security infrastructure.
Aggregated from Trustpilot, Reddit, our forum, BBB, and app store reviews.
App quality, website reliability, tools, and ease of use for beginners.
Response time, quality of support, and availability (24/7 vs. limited hours).
Company history, news coverage, ownership transparency, and years in operation.
We test with real money. Every platform rated 7.0+ has been funded and tested by our team personally.
We update reviews regularly. Platforms are re-evaluated quarterly or whenever major news breaks.
We disclose relationships. Where we have affiliate arrangements, it is clearly disclosed. Affiliate status never inflates a trust score.
We report to authorities. Every confirmed scam is reported to the FTC, SEC, and relevant state regulators.
We never recommend unregulated platforms for significant investment. Period.
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