TrueForgeStart with the pages nobody markets: terms of use, risk disclosure and the withdrawal policy. A platform that is comfortable with scrutiny publishes them in full rather than summarising them into three friendly bullet points.
Then look at how returns are described. Language matters: "past performance does not guarantee future results" is a normal disclosure, while a specific monthly percentage presented as an expectation is not.
Finally, test the support channel before you deposit, not after. Ask a concrete question about withdrawal timing and see how quickly and precisely it is answered — that reply is a fair sample of what you will get when it matters.
Reading a statement line by line
A statement is a list of movements, not a verdict. Deposits, withdrawals, positions opened and closed and any fees each appear as their own line, and the balance at the bottom is simply the sum of everything above it.
The lines that matter most
The opening and closing balance for the period, and any line you cannot immediately explain. One unexplained line is worth an email; a pattern of them is worth a phone call.
Fees in plain sight
Anything deducted should appear as its own line with a label. A fee that only shows up as a smaller balance is a reason to ask questions.
Keeping your own record
Download each statement as it is issued rather than relying on the account staying open forever. A folder with twelve files in it answers most questions faster than any support queue, and it is the record you will want if you ever need one.
Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of some or all of the capital you invest. The value of investments can fall as well as rise, and you may get back less than you put in. Do not invest money you cannot afford to lose.