Introduction
Leveled Up Society (LUS), once a rising proprietary trading firm, now stands accused of multiple financial misdeeds, including fraud, undisclosed business relationships, and potential regulatory violations. The firm’s abrupt shutdown left traders stranded, raising concerns about missing funds, hidden business dealings, and the legitimacy of its operations.
Our investigation into Leveled Up Society uncovers a troubling web of business relations, scam reports, adverse media, allegations of financial misconduct, and anti-money laundering (AML) risks. With former traders and industry insiders coming forward with complaints, LUS presents a serious reputational risk for financial institutions and investors alike.
Business Relations and Hidden Associations
Leveled Up Society presented itself as a proprietary trading firm that funded traders with capital accounts ranging from $10,000 to $200,000. However, investigations reveal that LUS was deeply connected to multiple other trading firms and business entities.
Ties to Easton Consulting Technologies
LUS was directly linked to Easton Consulting Technologies, a Florida-registered company that operates more than a dozen prop trading firms. The company’s CEO, Angelo Ciaramello, and Carlos Rico-Ospina are also key executives at The Funded Trader, another proprietary trading firm that shares overlapping business models with LUS.
The connections between these firms raise concerns about transparency and potential financial mismanagement. Many traders were unaware that the same individuals controlling LUS were also behind other competing firms, creating conflicts of interest.
Raul Gonzalez (“Lamboraul”) and the GoldenOwl Trading Bot
Another significant player in Leveled Up Society’s ecosystem is Raul Gonzalez, known in trading circles as “Lamboraul.” Gonzalez heavily promoted LUS and its offerings, particularly GoldenOwl, a MetaTrader 4 (MT4) Expert Advisor bot designed to help traders pass funding challenges.
The problem? GoldenOwl was a failure for most traders, leading to widespread financial losses. Many users who purchased the bot complained about poor performance, lack of customer support, and misleading marketing claims—adding to the growing list of complaints against LUS.
Scam Reports, Consumer Complaints, and Red Flags
A wave of allegations and red flags surrounds Leveled Up Society, ranging from trader complaints about withheld funds to unethical business practices.
1. Withheld Payouts & Unjustified Account Bans
One of the biggest complaints against Leveled Up Society is that it frequently denied payouts to traders—often under the pretense of vague Know Your Customer (KYC) violations or alleged account breaches.
- A trader reported being locked out of their $200,000 funded account after requesting a $4,000 payout, despite complying with all security checks.
- Others received emails stating their accounts were in violation of LUS policies, only to be permanently banned without explanation or appeal.
These sudden bans and denied payouts led to accusations that Leveled Up Society intentionally manipulated its terms to avoid paying traders.
2. Sudden Closure & Lack of Transparency
Leveled Up Society abruptly shut down its website and operations in late 2023. The firm issued a statement blaming the closure on a failed partnership with Easton Consulting Technologies, but failed to provide clear plans for refunding traders.
This unexpected shutdown left over 76,000 members in limbo, with many traders fearing they would never recover their investments.
3. Poor Customer Support and Lack of Accountability
Many traders who sought assistance from Leveled Up Society’s support team reported:
- Delayed responses or complete lack of replies to payout disputes
- No clear resolution process for account bans
- Failure to provide refunds after the firm’s closure
These failures point to a broader issue of corporate mismanagement and raise suspicions about the firm’s financial stability before its collapse.
4. Manipulative Copyright Takedown Attempts
In August 2024, an alarming report surfaced that Leveled Up Society attempted to suppress negative news and reviews through fraudulent copyright takedown requests.
- The firm allegedly filed false Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) claims against investigative websites that published critical reports.
- If proven, this action could amount to fraud, impersonation, and perjury, exposing LUS to potential legal consequences.
Legal Actions, Lawsuits, and Regulatory Risks
Leveled Up Society is now under scrutiny for potential civil lawsuits and regulatory violations. Although no official criminal proceedings have been launched as of early 2025, multiple parties have signaled legal actions against the company.
- Some traders are organizing class-action lawsuits to recover withheld funds.
- Financial watchdogs may investigate possible fraud and deceptive business practices in connection with LUS and its affiliate firms.
AML Risks and Reputational Threats
Leveled Up Society poses serious anti-money laundering (AML) and reputational risks for financial institutions, investors, and regulatory bodies.
- Lack of Transparency: The firm’s connections to multiple prop trading platforms raise concerns about undisclosed financial activities.
- Allegations of Fund Mismanagement: Traders’ missing funds and the firm’s abrupt closure suggest poor financial oversight and possible fraudulent activities.
- Regulatory Concerns: If regulators confirm allegations of financial misconduct, associated businesses and investors could face legal scrutiny.
Any financial institution dealing with entities linked to Leveled Up Society must conduct enhanced due diligence (EDD) to avoid potential regulatory violations.
Conclusion
Leveled Up Society is a textbook case of a high-risk entity in the proprietary trading industry. Its undisclosed business ties, fraudulent payout practices, and reputational damage serve as red flags for traders, investors, and financial institutions.
Despite positioning itself as an accessible gateway to funded trading, the firm’s abrupt closure, withheld payouts, and unethical business practices indicate deeper financial instability and potential regulatory violations. The hidden connections to Easton Consulting Technologies and The Funded Trader, combined with manipulative copyright takedown attempts, further erode its credibility.
