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Adrian Przelozny, CEO of Independent Reserve, has emphasized the importance of proactive measures by cryptocurrency exchanges to protect users from scams. According to Przelozny, the exchange employs a dedicated team tasked with contacting customers who exhibit suspicious transaction patterns to prevent fraud.
Przelozny highlighted that individuals over the age of 65 are particularly vulnerable to scams, often due to a lack of familiarity with digital technology. In response, Independent Reserve’s compliance team actively monitors transactions and reaches out to users who exhibit unusual behavior, such as frequent small deposits or withdrawals. The objective is to identify and warn scam victims before significant harm occurs.
In contrast, recent data from Lloyds Bank in the United Kingdom indicates that younger individuals, specifically those aged 25–34, represent the largest demographic of {crypto} scam victims in the UK. This suggests that scam tactics may vary by age group and region.
Przelozny detailed that while some scam victims may initially be defensive or resistant to the notion that they are being deceived, the compliance team is trained to ask pertinent questions that often help individuals recognize fraudulent schemes. If there is a strong suspicion that a customer is involved in a scam, Independent Reserve’s protocol includes halting any further crypto transactions, closing the account, and advising the user to transfer their funds back to a secure account.
Additionally, Przelozny noted that individuals from lower-income areas are often more susceptible to scams, possibly due to a heightened appeal of seemingly easy financial gains. Despite the rare instances where legitimate transactions might be incorrectly flagged, Przelozny asserted that the approach prioritizes the overall safety and well-being of customers.
On August 28, the Australian Federal Police reported significant losses due to investment scams over the past year, with a substantial portion related to cryptocurrency. Scammers have increasingly employed advanced technology, including techniques such as pig butchering and deepfakes, to deceive individuals with promises of high returns and minimal risk, as stated by AFP Assistant Commissioner Richard Chin.
