Trading Traps

Fakeout

A false move beyond a key level that quickly reverses

A fakeout is a deceptive price move that briefly breaks through a significant level (support, resistance, or trendline) before reversing. It triggers stop losses and traps traders on the wrong side.

✓How to Recognize

  • •Brief penetration of key level
  • •Low volume on the breakout
  • •Long wicks showing rejection
  • •Quick reversal back inside the range

⚡How to Avoid

  • →Wait for candle close beyond the level
  • →Require volume confirmation
  • →Use wider stop losses around key levels
  • →Watch for multiple timeframe confirmation