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Trapped with locked funds after opening trading account

Account Locked After 16 Hours | New Users Raise Alarm Over KYC Policies

By

Isabella Fischer

Feb 17, 2026, 08:48 AM

Edited By

Sophia Kim

Updated

Feb 18, 2026, 02:55 AM

2 minutes to read

A person looking frustrated while staring at a computer screen showing locked funds in a trading account.

A growing coalition of users is raising concerns about a cryptocurrency exchange after multiple reports indicate accounts are locked just hours after funding. A user noted their account was restricted less than 16 hours after depositing $100, sparking allegations of suspicious practices.

User Experience Sparks Outrage

Frustrations are mounting on various forums, with one user stating, "Less than 16 hours in and my money is locked? What gives?" They criticized the abrupt KYC (Know Your Customer) requirements soon after account creation, amplifying skepticism regarding the exchange's intentions.

"Blatant thievery," another commenter exclaimed.

The demand for identity verification, including requests for a selfie with an ID and bank cardβ€”even for deposits that have seen no prior transactionβ€”has drawn sharp scrutiny. One user questioned, "Is it common for exchanges to request to verify a credit card that has never been used?" This highlights inconsistencies in the platform's risk control measures.

Growing Calls for Support and Action

Amidst chaos, a mix of disbelief and solidarity has emerged. An experienced poster advised the disappointed user to reach out to customer support for resolution, emphasizing that many successfully regained access after verifying their identities.

On the flip side, the term "SCAM" resounds across user boards. One comment echoed the sentiment, stating, "I hate this behavior, that's why I took my money and left." This reflects a troubling trend of distrust toward the exchange.

KYC Policies Under Fire

As cryptocurrency exchanges brace for increased scrutiny, they are heightening KYC protocols, with new measures taking effect on February 1, 2026, to strengthen Anti-Money Laundering (AML) practices. However, these developments have stirred further discontent among users who view the stipulations as excessive.

What Users Are Saying

  • "Just chill out and do what they ask," one user reasoned, advocating compliance with KYC.

  • "Maybe there was some suspicious activity on the account," speculating potential reasons for lockdown.

  • "I withdrawed today. My funds are SAFU," reflecting relief from at least some users.

Key Insights

  • πŸ”’ User dissatisfaction is peaking, with many accusing the platform of scam-like behavior.

  • πŸ“ž Contacting support could resolve access issues, but skepticism remains high.

  • πŸ“ˆ Tightening KYC regulations are shaping the crypto ecosystem, causing unrest among users eager for quick transactions.

As the fallout continues, how the exchange responds to user concernsβ€”through transparency and effective communicationβ€”could spell its future. Will it succeed in regaining trust, or will the backlash lead to long-lasting damage?

User Sentiments Echoing History

This situation mirrors past frustrations with online banking security protocols. In the early 2000s, consumers faced similar issues from evolving verification methods. Those banks that listened thrived, while others that failed suffered major losses. Today’s crypto exchanges may face a similar crossroadsβ€”adapt or risk losing their user base.