Warning about OKX exchange: Funds held hostage, withdrawals disabled without not

[mishax1]

On March 20, 2023, I woke up to a nightmare on OKX exchange.
They disabled my withdrawals/deposit without notice, claiming there was a change in their terms of service (TOS).
To make matters worse, they hold my funds hostage and refused to provide me with the updated TOS, which they claimed was the reason for the withdrawal freeze.

I reached out to their customer service, but they offered no solution except to perform identity verification, which was not the issue at hand.
I reminded them that their actions were illegal and requested them to release my funds or provide me with the updated TOS.
However, they kept giving me the runaround, and to this day, I am yet to receive any satisfactory response.

" Due to the adherence of compliance policies, we hereby regretfully inform that unverified users are unable to perform any withdrawals for the time being, and we are no longer supporting one-off / temporary withdrawal requests.  "

Previously, OKX always allowed unverified accounts to trade and even had a specific KYC0 level account type with a 10BTC daily withdrawal limit.

Beware of OKX exchange's unethical practices. They can hold your funds hostage, disable withdrawals without notice, and even change their TOS without notifying you.

I urge other users to be cautious when using OKX, as they have shown a disregard for their users' rights and wellbeing.

Another friend of mine is in the same situation, so I assume this affects all unverified accounts.

It is astonishing how exchanges of this size are treating their clients in such a manner.

edit: they removed me from their telegram and delete my messages for bringing this up without saying anything, effectively acting like scammers.

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[OmegaStarScream]

What kind of verification were you asked to do though? I experienced the same thing yesterday[1] and although I didn't complete the verification,  it looks like you just need to give some personal info (without submitting your ID or selfie).

[1] https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5414539.msg61959028#msg61959028

[Oshosondy]

What kind of verification were you asked to do though? I experienced the same thing yesterday[1] and although I didn't complete the verification,  it looks like you just need to give some personal info (without submitting your ID or selfie).

[1] https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5414539.msg61959028#msg61959028

See this hugeblack post, possibly ID document may be verified too before you can be able to withdraw.

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5445748.msg61962510#msg61962510

I would have tested this myself, but I do not have any money on OKX because I am not trading for now and I do not leave money on exchanges. I hope to know what other people that have coins on OKX would talk about this.

Probably I may be moving fully to Kucoin, I just do not know. From Binance to OKX, now from OKX to Kucoin, the more the KYC regulation.

[mishax1]

What kind of verification were you asked to do though? I experienced the same thing yesterday[1] and although I didn't complete the verification,  it looks like you just need to give some personal info (without submitting your ID or selfie).

[1] https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5414539.msg61959028#msg61959028

They request the level1 verification. I assume this is for the basic info. Yet it is possible they would ask for further documentation depending on the nationality.. I don't know.

[mishax1]

My first concern was that OKX never provided a notice about the change BEFORE blocking the funds, which is shady and not a trustworthy practice towards clients.

Who know how they would treat customers in the future if they allow themselves these stuff.

Kraken and Binance did allow customers to withdraw their funds instead of forcing you to do kyc.

[rat03gopoh]

My first concern was that OKX never provided a notice about the change BEFORE blocking the funds,

Indeed no, and they're still trying to look fine on all their social media accounts.
This policy looks rushed from their statement^[1]

Apologize for any inconvenience caused Nokotamo. Our customer safety is always given as priority. Due to security reasons the restriction decision for no KYC has been uplifted recently.

. My mind tells me that they are in a hurry due to certain regulatory pressures even if they have to risk losing some users, the threat may be strong enough to end the service. Idk


1. https://t.me/okxofficial_english/1/4905143

[mishax1]

My first concern was that OKX never provided a notice about the change BEFORE blocking the funds,

Indeed no, and they're still trying to look fine on all their social media accounts.
This policy looks rushed from their statement^[1]

Apologize for any inconvenience caused Nokotamo. Our customer safety is always given as priority. Due to security reasons the restriction decision for no KYC has been uplifted recently.

. My mind tells me that they are in a hurry due to certain regulatory pressures even if they have to risk losing some users, the threat may be strong enough to end the service. Idk


1. https://t.me/okxofficial_english/1/4905143

Thanks for the headsup, I was banned from this telegram group and my messages deleted after raising my claims.

[rat03gopoh]

Thanks for the headsup, I was banned from this telegram group and my messages deleted after raising my claims.

The only way is to do what they ask one last time and close the account if it is worth the amount of money you wanna withdraw, before they ask for crazier requirements.
Overall, not great service for an exchange as big as OKX. I see some users are starting to bother they a lot with sudden KYC related question.

[hugeblack]

My mind tells me that they are in a hurry due to certain regulatory pressures even if they have to risk losing some users, the threat may be strong enough to end the service. Idk


1. https://t.me/okxofficial_english/1/4905143

Unfortunately, this is the way by which KYC applied in Binance. Since this announcement and about 6 months later, KYC (l3) was mandatory for everyone, so I believe that this platform is moving in the same direction.

Probably I may be moving fully to Kucoin, I just do not know. From Binance to OKX, now from OKX to Kucoin, the more the KYC regulation.

Kucoin has some legal issues that may lead them to enforce identity verification^[1].


[1] New York Attorney General Sues KuCoin

[stompix]

I reached out to their customer service, but they offered no solution except to perform identity verification, which was not the issue at hand.

Actually, it is the issue at hand.

You could accuse them of enforcing unfair terms and conditions (at least under EU regulations), as just because something is written in the ToS doesn't mean that is a valid request and that they can act on it at their discretion, but in this case, they are covered. Any change in the operating mode, requirements to be met by clients, and many other things in a financial institution that is made to comply with any monetary regulation or international agreements where this one operates can be made without a prior announcement.
The writing was on the wall for all those no KYC exchanges for a long time, I'm more surprised they lasted this long.

Anyhow, there is absolutely nothing you're going to be able to do in this case, either forfeit your coins or go through verification, any of your requests will just hit a brick wall from now and you're going to get just automated responses.

[Darker45]

All this time, I'm thinking OKX is better than Binance, or at least a better alternative. If this controversy is confirmed, they're apparently much worse. Although I care a little whenever an exchange implements compulsory KYC, I kind of understand this direction because they're actually left with no choice. But to implement it without informing users in advance, and, worse, locking funds all of a sudden in line with the new rules, it's not just unfair; it's almost just a subtle way to steal money from customers.

[mishax1]

I reached out to their customer service, but they offered no solution except to perform identity verification, which was not the issue at hand.

Actually, it is the issue at hand.

You could accuse them of enforcing unfair terms and conditions (at least under EU regulations), as just because something is written in the ToS doesn't mean that is a valid request and that they can act on it at their discretion, but in this case, they are covered. Any change in the operating mode, requirements to be met by clients, and many other things in a financial institution that is made to comply with any monetary regulation or international agreements where this one operates can be made without a prior announcement.
The writing was on the wall for all those no KYC exchanges for a long time, I'm more surprised they lasted this long.

Anyhow, there is absolutely nothing you're going to be able to do in this case, either forfeit your coins or go through verification, any of your requests will just hit a brick wall from now and you're going to get just automated responses.

That little difference between OKx and Binance/Kraken, they DID ALLOW you to withdraw your funds and did not hold your funds hostage.

The same thing happen with Bittrex, after 7 years of trading there, they blocked my funds and disabled all active orders, said: don't send us any more messages until you do the verification.

[mishax1]

update:
OKX still fails to provide a proper response about the mandatory verification for existing users.

"We understand that the request for identity verification may have come as a surprise, and we apologize for any inconvenience it may have caused. We want to assure you that this is not a sudden request, as our Terms of Service (ToS) clause 7.1 requires users to provide accurate information when signing up.
 
As a cryptocurrency exchange, we recognize the challenges of navigating regulations in the industry. Therefore, we have been working to establish a balance between promoting the crypto ecosystem while staying compliant with jurisdictions. In November 2022, we implemented a policy where new users are no longer allowed to access our service without KYC, and now we have made KYC mandatory for all our users."

7.1 Account Registration and Identity Verification: in order to use any of the Services, you are required to provide accurate information for all fields on the registration page to verify your identity, along with affirming these Terms. By registering an account with OKX, You agree and represent that You will use the Account only for yourself, and not on behalf of any third party, unless approved by OKX. You agree to provide us with authentic information at registration and on an ongoing basis for the purposes of identity verification and the detection of money laundering, terrorist financing, fraud, or any other financial crime, including without limitation a copy of your government issued photo ID and evidence of residency such as a utility bill or bank statement. If any such information changes, it is your obligation to update such information as soon as possible.

This section referring to new registration and is missing any mention to current unverified clients.

They continue with threats to mark my account as suspicious:

"Please be aware that this is a platform-wide transition and we advise compliance with at least KYC level 1 to access basic features. Continued resistance may raise suspicions and potentially trigger a risk flag, prompting an investigation and a thorough review of your account."

edit:
They acknowledge it is infact missing from their TOS 

Regarding the KYC requirement, we would like to clarify that it is a new adoption that we have just implemented as part of our efforts to comply with legal and regulatory obligations. We are sorry if this requirement has caused you any inconvenience or if you find it offensive to be asked to comply with ID verification.
 
We would like to direct your attention to our Terms of Service (ToS), which explains why we are implementing this requirement and how we reserve our rights to do so. We acknowledge that the ToS may not outline all the site function limitations in one post, and we are open to revising the terms if you believe that the criteria is necessary to be present.
 
We understand that our previous response may have come across as defensive, and we would like to clarify that we take full responsibility for the implementation of this requirement. Our intention was not to push the responsibility away, but to explain the reasons behind this decision and how it is in line with our legal and regulatory obligations.

[NotATether]

They request the level1 verification. I assume this is for the basic info. Yet it is possible they would ask for further documentation depending on the nationality.. I don't know.

Most exchanges would make that a level2 verification so you would simply be able to fill in name, address, phone number, etc. to be able to complete level1.

I've never used OKX but this appears to be how it works at other exchanges and also at casinos.

You should complete the level1, otherwise they're going to find an excuse to seize your money for good.

[dansus021]

After what happened to you I do believe to gain back your account you need to do full KYC including of your home address.

But is this happening all sudden? Usually, things like this happen when you get money from "Suspicious" at least they will say like this or you keep changing IP Address because it happens to me when I do trade on binance.

and Term of service usually asked to user first before the apply the new one

[hugeblack]

update:
OKX still fails to provide a proper response about the mandatory verification for existing users.

Their behavior is illogical because they prevented clouds in order to complete the first level of verification of identity. I expected to put my time before applying any adjustments to leave the option for you to withdraw your money.
I used them for a while, but with the last changes, I expect at any moment that the verification of the compulsory identity will be.