Freewallet org scams US citizens

FRWT report
6 min readSep 27, 2024

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The Freewallet scam is one of the more egregious examples of fraud in the cryptocurrency space, preying primarily on American citizens and other unsuspecting users. Freewallet presents itself as a convenient, user-friendly wallet for various cryptocurrencies, with mobile applications and a sleek interface designed to attract new or less experienced cryptocurrency users. However, beneath the appealing surface lies a series of unethical practices that have resulted in the theft of significant sums of money from countless clients. The company’s actions have caused widespread financial harm, and the fact that most of the victims are U.S. citizens raises concerns about consumer protection in the fast-growing digital currency world.

To understand the nature of the Freewallet scam, one must first recognize how digital wallets typically function in the world of cryptocurrency. A wallet should give users full control over their funds through private keys. This is the digital equivalent of owning a vault where only the person with the key can access the assets inside. However, Freewallet operates differently from most legitimate services. When users deposit their cryptocurrency into Freewallet, they unknowingly relinquish control of their private keys to the company. In other words, users are no longer in direct possession of their funds. Instead, Freewallet holds the private keys, making the users’ assets essentially locked away, accessible only by the company itself.

This structure sets the stage for the rampant abuses that Freewallet is known for. When users try to access their funds, they often find themselves met with unexplained delays, restrictions, or outright refusals. Clients have reported that their withdrawals are frequently blocked or significantly delayed without any legitimate reason. In many cases, the customer service team at Freewallet provides vague responses or ignores complaints altogether, leaving users frustrated and helpless. Eventually, many clients come to realize that their cryptocurrency has effectively been stolen by the platform, as they are unable to recover their funds.

The issue of unauthorized freezing or withholding of user funds has been widespread. Many victims have reported their accounts being locked for arbitrary reasons, such as claims of suspicious activity or the need for further verification. These are common tactics used by Freewallet to stall clients from accessing their funds. In reality, these claims are often fabricated or exaggerated to justify the platform’s seizure of assets. The verification process, when demanded, tends to be opaque, overly burdensome, and lengthy, designed to deter users from pursuing their funds further.

Another disturbing aspect of Freewallet’s operations involves the unauthorized conversion of cryptocurrencies. Several users have reported instances where their cryptocurrency balances were mysteriously converted from one type of asset to another without their consent. For example, someone may deposit Bitcoin into Freewallet, but upon attempting to withdraw, they discover that their balance has been converted into Ethereum or some other coin. The problem here is twofold. First, the users never authorized this conversion, and second, they often end up losing significant value in the process due to unfavorable exchange rates or market fluctuations. In some cases, Freewallet has reportedly even used internal conversion rates that are far worse than those available on legitimate exchanges, further depleting the value of the victims’ assets.

The scam becomes even more apparent when users attempt to withdraw their funds after these unauthorized conversions. Withdrawal requests are met with prolonged delays or are denied outright, with Freewallet blaming technical issues, liquidity problems, or regulatory concerns. In reality, these excuses are designed to obscure the company’s true intent: to hold onto the funds as long as possible or outright steal them. Over time, many users find themselves unable to recover their assets at all, leaving them at a total loss.

One of the most troubling aspects of this scam is that many of the victims are American citizens, who have found little recourse in recovering their stolen funds. Cryptocurrency regulation in the U.S. remains somewhat fragmented, and the decentralized nature of digital currencies often makes it difficult for traditional legal and regulatory bodies to intervene. Nonetheless, there are avenues that victims can pursue to seek justice, though they can be complex and time-consuming.

Victims of Freewallet’s fraudulent activities should be aware that there are authorities within the U.S. that can assist in such cases. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is one such agency. The FTC is tasked with protecting consumers from unfair or deceptive business practices, including fraud in the financial sector. While cryptocurrency-related cases are a relatively new area for the FTC, the agency has the capacity to investigate scams that involve misleading advertising, unauthorized financial transactions, or failure to deliver promised services. Filing a complaint with the FTC can prompt an investigation, especially if a significant number of similar reports are submitted by other victims.

In addition to the FTC, victims can also report cryptocurrency-related fraud to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Although the SEC’s primary focus is on regulating securities and ensuring fair practices in investment markets, they have increasingly become involved in the cryptocurrency space, especially when it involves token sales or assets that may be considered securities under U.S. law. If Freewallet is found to be engaging in activities that fall under the SEC’s purview, the agency can pursue enforcement actions, which may include freezing assets, imposing fines, or shutting down operations.

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is another agency that might be relevant to victims of Freewallet’s schemes. The CFTC regulates commodity markets, and cryptocurrencies are sometimes treated as commodities. If Freewallet is involved in manipulating prices or engaging in fraudulent practices related to cryptocurrency trading, the CFTC can initiate investigations and impose sanctions. While regulatory actions can take time, they are essential steps in holding Freewallet accountable for its fraudulent practices.

Moreover, victims should consider contacting their state’s Attorney General’s office. Each state has its own consumer protection laws, and many state Attorneys General have been involved in investigating and prosecuting cryptocurrency fraud cases. By reporting the scam to local authorities, victims can potentially benefit from state-level enforcement efforts, which may be more agile than federal responses.

Freewallet’s exploitation of its users is a troubling example of how unscrupulous companies can take advantage of the lack of regulation in the cryptocurrency space. By operating under the guise of a legitimate service, Freewallet has lured in countless users — many of them U.S. citizens — only to rob them of their assets. The company’s tactics of withholding funds, engaging in unauthorized transactions, and providing minimal customer support are clear indications of its fraudulent nature. As the cryptocurrency market continues to grow, it is imperative that regulators and law enforcement agencies work together to crack down on such scams and provide better protection for consumers.

For the victims of Freewallet, pursuing justice can feel like an uphill battle, but it is essential to take action. By reporting these fraudulent activities to the appropriate authorities, victims can help to shine a light on the company’s unethical practices and prevent others from falling into the same trap. The rise of cryptocurrency has opened up exciting new possibilities for financial innovation, but it has also exposed a darker side of the industry, where bad actors like Freewallet thrive. It is up to both consumers and regulators to ensure that this space becomes safer and more secure for everyone involved.

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