You open the MQL5 marketplace. Thousands of EAs staring back at you. Ratings 4.5–5 stars. Screenshots of equity curves climbing like Everest. Prices $49–$999. Vendor promises: “Holy Grail found! 1200% return, 3% drawdown, AI-powered, lifetime updates!” You buy one. Run it live. First week: green. Month 2: -38%. Month 3: account zero. Vendor ghosts you.…
