HitBTC Exchange Faces Criticism on Multiple Fronts

HitBTC is among the oldest cryptocurrency exchanges currently in existence. Though perhaps for some this title means little considering the small length of time for which the market has even existed at all, HitBTC has still managed to stick around through the thick and thin of an incredibly volatile and constantly evolving marketplace. In doing so, they have won the trust of tens of thousands of loyal users.

But recent reports have surfaced which may severely negatively impact the public perception of the exchange giant. In particular, two popular names in the cryptocurrency world have recently come forward expressing their disdain in the current practices of HitBTC, some professionals even advocating for an all-out boycott of their services.

I rarely ask for such, but for once I'm going to ask something from my 50k followers. If you could retweet the thread and share any similar issues you've had with @hitbtc, I would greatly appreciate it. #bitcoin $crypto https://t.co/zLfQGmqnIU

— sicarious (@Sicarious_) July 25, 2018

Sicarious is a Twitter personality known for his cryptocurrency analysis and trading skills. Recently, he came out in disgust regarding HitBTC after they allegedly suspended his grandmother’s account without just cause. According to him, the exchange had already seen requisite verification forms, including identification of person, address, and banking information.

Apparently @hitbtc thinks that a 65 year old woman asking her son for help when a sketchy-ass exchange steals her money means she's a front for money launders. She's jumped through EVERY KYC hoop they've thrown at her, but they still refuse to unlock her account. #bitcoin $crypto

— sicarious (@Sicarious_) July 25, 2018

But after having seen all of this information, the exchange froze the 65-year-old woman’s trading account for a whopping three months. While this may not initially seem like a lot, three months in the cryptocurrency world is a significant amount of time, and a lot can happen while a trader is effectually incapacitated on the major markets.

Sicarious alleges that the exchange had spoken with his grandmother on skype following the account being frozen, but they were clear that she would not be allowed back onto the site before the three month suspension is up. According to Sicarious, they likely suspect that she is somehow involved in a money laundering operation, though it is unclear at this point what may have given them this impression.

Meanwhile @hitbtc, she is filing complaints with the @CFTC, the @ILAttyGeneral, and is seeking out legal counsel. She's already lost thousands of dollars due being forced to hold coins that were crashing through supports while her account has been frozen the past 3 months.

— sicarious (@Sicarious_) July 25, 2018

But it isn’t particularly surprising that the exchange is being this meticulous about the verification process. While in the beginning days of cryptocurrencies exchanges could get away with very little verification steps in their signup process, the push for global regulation and the prevalence of crime using cryptocurrencies has caused many exchanges to up their game when it comes to regulatory compliance and identity-checking.

It does appear now that this story is making it's rounds online, HitBTC has finally reach out to Sicarious and his grandmother:

My mom received a heartfelt apology email from @hitbtc's marketing manager, & her account is now unfrozen.

Thank you everybody for your RTs & those who petitioned on her behalf. She's never been on Twitter before & is overwhelmed by the outpouring of support. You guys rock. https://t.co/7jBJ1l4Khx

— sicarious (@Sicarious_) July 26, 2018

John McAfee has long been a respected name in the world of cryptocurrency and crypto technology. Now, the tech professional has come out against, HitBTC, even saying that consumers should boycott them on largely philosophical grounds.

At its core, McAfee’s complaint with HitBTC is that their ridiculous “withdrawal fees.” During a twitter rampage against the company, John lamented that the “buy-in” is higher than the monthly income of some users, meaning that the world of cryptocurrency is made even more inaccessible to those of lower income.

McAfee represents the sentiments of many cryptocurrency-proponents, especially when he works to invoke the original intent of cryptocurrencies to inspire an angry reaction in his readers. It is not hard to recall the beginning days of Bitcoin, when sentiments and hopes were high that this currency may represent an alternative to the capitalist and centralized economics of the past. But now, he argues, exchanges like HitBTC are abusing their power to keep people out—not let them in—of a new financial order.

Here are a few of the tweets from John McAfee towards HitBTC:

The crypto exchanges have become the thing that we have originally fought against. Their power is immense. Hitbtc, for example, has increased suffering for millions of poor people who cannot afford the minimum buy-in since it is greater than their monthly income. Boycott them.

— John McAfee (@officialmcafee) June 28, 2018

The Crypto World must stand together before moving forward! https://t.co/sgvUU81hGL

— John McAfee (@officialmcafee) June 29, 2018

.@hitbtc I will be your worst enemy until you prove that you are aligned with our community and are truly interested in helping the poor. You have not done shit to help access the only free healthcare in the world.

— John McAfee (@officialmcafee) June 29, 2018

I fired the first shot in the war that must be fought. Our exchanges are connected to our banks and our governments. To take down the entire system, we must first take down our exchanges. Distributed exchanges are coming. I have singled out @hitbtc becase they are the worst.

— John McAfee (@officialmcafee) June 30, 2018

Does Hitbtc offer the sevices you expect?

— John McAfee (@officialmcafee) June 30, 2018

And please God it is not money i am asking for. I have more money than God. No . . . .this goes beyond money. It goes into the heart of human comapssion. The questio is – does HitBtc have any. I have written 12 messages to HitBTC with ZERO response.

— John McAfee (@officialmcafee) June 30, 2018

Yes I am an investor in Docademic. I invested as soon as I saw their groundbreaking system. But I do not need their money. I invested to help Docademic. HitBTCs unethical tactics cost me and everyone money. Would you not be irate?

— John McAfee (@officialmcafee) June 30, 2018

36 hours and not a single response from HitBTC. Please God …. does this not tell you something about the character of their CEO? Please see what is happening here.

— John McAfee (@officialmcafee) July 1, 2018

I am asked if I exaggerated in saying .@hitbtc is liable for the death of untold people. CEO of Docademic asked Hitbtc to change their policies to benefit the poor, but it fell on deaf ears. If your not a scam call me. I am brave enough to list my number: 731 608 8837

— John McAfee (@officialmcafee) July 2, 2018

HITBTC has not responded to our requests. We are preparing a legal complaint against HITBTCs service provider and against HITBTC. If you have an issue with HITBTC, then please send details to:

[email protected]

— John McAfee (@officialmcafee) July 10, 2018

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