Quote from mschey:
Rule number one....if ain't written it ain't real...if it ain't signed it ain't a deal.....many in this business will promise you the world, few will follow through. Get it in writing.
They can always find another cost or expense to pass through, be wary of that.
If they do take your money....they'll likely take it in small enough amounts so that you have limited options for collecting it, and likely put in conditions that require you to travel to them to litigate the issue.
As for JC....I know nothing about them....who do they clear, what platforms do they offer, what deal are they offering, cap. contribution, etc.