OTC transaction guide to avoid pitfalls: Is your bank card frozen? Teach you how to self-rescue and minimize losses in the five-digit range.
After making money in the crypto space, just as you transfer the money to your bank card, you receive a freezing notice—such 'surprises' have been experienced by too many people. Some people clearly had their transactions approved by the platform, and the bank did not give any warnings, but two months later suddenly got targeted by the police; some even had their bank cards frozen for six months due to a 'clean transaction', with their funds immobilized.
In fact, the 'freeze traps' in OTC transactions are often hidden in the details. Today, I'll summarize ten years of experience into a guide, explaining why freezes happen, which operations are easy to fall into traps, how to save yourself after being frozen, and how to avoid traps in advance—all in one article, helping you lose less in the five-digit range.
One, why was there 'nothing wrong at the time, but an explosion the next month'? The 'time gap' in police investigations is to blame.
Many people wonder: The platform said there was no problem with the funds during the transaction, and the bank didn't pop up any warnings; how could it be frozen two months later?
The core problem lies in the 'funding chain'. The money you receive may have just been scammed from the victim. For example, the scammer uses victim A's money to buy your coin; during the transaction, A hasn't realized they were scammed or reported it, so the platform and bank cannot detect any issues with this money. But when A reports to the police, they trace the transactions back, and you, as a 'funding transfer station', will naturally be flagged.
Key point: This does not mean you broke the law; it simply means the funding chain has been 'contaminated', and the police need to verify whether you are a fraud accomplice. In most cases, as long as you can prove you are an 'unaware seller', the funds can be unfrozen.
Two, these 5 types of operations are most easily targeted; it's not too late to check yourself now.
Don't think 'regular transactions are safe'; these details may make you an immediate target for police investigation:
- Frequent card changes + unfamiliar IPs: Using Industrial and Commercial Bank today, and China Construction Bank tomorrow, always logging into the platform from unfamiliar networks like internet cafes or hotels, the transaction trail looks like a 'money laundering script';
- Note sensitive words: Directly write 'buy coins', 'USDT', 'digital assets' in the transaction remarks, which essentially tells the bank 'I am engaging in crypto trading', directly triggering risk control.
- Instant transfer to unfamiliar accounts: As soon as the money arrives, immediately transfer it to an unfamiliar account, especially with multiple small amounts coming in and out quickly; abnormal transactions will be flagged.
- Real-name does not match the payer: The buyer's platform real name is 'Zhang San', but the bank card account holder is 'Li Si'; if the other party says 'friend pays'? This kind of 'payment on behalf' carries 90% risk;
- Large transactions late at night: From 2 AM to 5 AM is a peak period for scams; making large transactions during this time will trigger red flags from bank risk control.
Three, don't panic when you receive a freezing notice! This three-step self-rescue method can save your life.
Directly contact the police or bank. Follow these steps first; don't panic and act recklessly:
1. First distinguish between true and false: Be wary of 'fake police' and 'fake banks'.
The police and banks will never ask for your bank card password or verification codes, nor will they ask you to 'transfer a sum of money to prove your innocence.' If someone says 'add me on WeChat to send materials' or 'teach you to operate via remote screen sharing', they are 100% scammers; hang up and call official customer service to verify (call the bank's official hotline, and police call 110 to reach the local police station).
2. Don't transfer money 'privately' for 'settlement'; it must follow official procedures.
Even if it is verified that the money you received is related to fraud, the refund must follow formal procedures: If the police ask you to refund, make sure to request a (notification of the return of funds involved in the case); the money can only be transferred to a public account designated by the police, and after the transfer, you must receive a receipt and a case closure certificate. Never believe 'transferring to my personal account privately will unlock it'—this is a new trick by scammers.
3. The more complete the evidence preparation, the faster the unfreezing.
Organize these materials chronologically; provide whatever the police need:
- Platform transaction records (including order numbers, buyer information, transaction time);
- Chat records with buyers (especially screenshots where the other party promises 'clean funds');
- Bank transaction details (clearly indicating which transactions are involved).
Cooperating with the investigation can actually shorten the freezing time; resisting will only prolong the process.
Four, what happens after freezing? Know the four types of results in advance.
Don't think 'the money is gone' as soon as you get frozen; there are four types of results, knowing early brings peace of mind:
- Optimal solution: Complete materials can prove 'unawareness'; after verification, unfreezing occurs within 24-72 hours without affecting subsequent card usage.
- Common situation: Temporary account control; you can only receive funds but cannot withdraw, and it will be restored after the preliminary investigation of the case (usually 1-3 months);
- Slightly worse situation: The money involved in fraud is frozen, while other funds can be used normally; you have to wait until the case is closed to unfreeze.
- The most troublesome situation: Being placed on the bank's risk control list, and future transfers are always subject to pop-up reviews; it is recommended to get a new card specifically for OTC.
Five, want to avoid pitfalls? 6 habits must be developed.
Rather than panicking afterward, it’s better to take precautions in advance; these few tips have been tested to reduce 90% of the risk:
1. Choose the right platform and buyer: Only use escrow transactions on leading platforms; when selecting buyers, look for 'over 1,000 completed transactions + 98% positive rate + real-name for over 6 months'; directly pass on new accounts.
2. Refuse 'payment on behalf': Only accept money that matches the 'platform's real name and the payer'; if the other party says 'company payment' or 'family payment'? Cancel the transaction directly.
3. Split transactions + choose the right time: Split large transactions into smaller ones under 50,000, operate during the day between 9 AM and 5 PM, and avoid late night and early morning.
4. Note 'desensitization': Ask the buyer to note it as 'shopping payment' or 'service fee'; absolutely do not mention 'coin', 'chain', or 'digital assets';
5. Dedicated bank card: Get a dedicated card only for OTC payments; do not mix it with salary cards or mortgage cards to reduce the risk of 'everything being taken'.
6. Don't help others collect or transfer funds: Even if it's relatives or friends, once there is a problem with the funds, you become a 'co-conspirator'; avoid this pitfall.
Final reminder: The core risk in OTC transactions in the crypto space has never been about whether the 'platform is reliable', but whether the 'funding chain is clean'. Remember, being cautious ensures safety, and avoiding pitfalls in advance is more important than self-rescue afterward.
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