Crypto exchanges are increasingly focusing on safeguarding their customers from scams, particularly older users who may be more vulnerable to fraudulent schemes. Adrian Przelozny, CEO of Independent Reserve, highlighted this growing concern, emphasizing the need for vigilance when it comes to cryptocurrency withdrawals made by seniors.
“If we see an 80-year-old making a crypto withdrawal, they are going to get a call,” Przelozny explained in a recent interview with Cointelegraph. This proactive approach reflects the exchange’s commitment to preventing potential scams, especially among those who may be less familiar with digital assets and online security.
A Dedicated Team to Combat Scams
Przelozny revealed that Independent Reserve has established a specialized compliance team dedicated to identifying and contacting customers who might be at risk of falling victim to scams. The team spends its days reaching out to users who display suspicious activity, such as making multiple small deposits or withdrawals, patterns commonly associated with scam victims.
These calls are designed to probe deeper into the customer’s transactions. The team asks targeted questions like, “Did someone else ask you to open this account?” or “Can you explain the reason for this withdrawal?” Often, this line of questioning helps customers recognize that they might be involved in a scam that initially seemed like a legitimate opportunity.
However, convincing customers that they are being scammed isn’t always straightforward. Przelozny noted that many victims are initially defensive, believing they’ve found a genuine money-making opportunity. “People can get really defensive before they realize they are getting scammed,” he said, underscoring the difficulty of breaking through the excitement that often blinds victims to the reality of their situation.
Intervening Before It’s Too Late
When the compliance team is confident that a customer is being scammed, they don’t wait for the customer to come to the same realization. Instead, they take decisive action by blocking the crypto withdrawal and closing the customer’s account. “If our team is quite sure they are being scammed, even if they [customers] don’t think they are, we won’t allow them to make a crypto withdrawal,” Przelozny stated. The funds are then returned to the customer’s bank account, potentially saving them from significant financial loss.
Vulnerability in Lower-Income Areas
Przelozny also pointed out that individuals from lower-income areas are particularly susceptible to crypto scams. He suggested that the allure of easy money might be more tempting for those with fewer financial resources, making them prime targets for scammers.
This proactive stance by Independent Reserve comes in the wake of alarming statistics from the Australian Federal Police (AFP). On August 28, the AFP reported that Australians lost a staggering $269 million to investment scams over the past year, with nearly half of these scams involving cryptocurrency. Among the most common tactics used were “pig butchering” and deepfakes, which combine modern technology with high-pressure sales tactics to lure victims.
