#美联储重启降息步伐 Received a call from the police about crypto? Three tips to help you stay calm

It was lunchtime when my phone suddenly rang: “Hello, this is the Yantai City Public Security Bureau...” As soon as I heard those words, my palms started sweating. Even after years in the crypto space, your heart still skips a beat in situations like this. But don’t lose your composure—if you keep a few key points in mind, you can handle it with confidence.

Understand the boundaries: Trading itself isn’t a problem

When the police question the legality of your transactions, you need to know where you stand. Buying and selling virtual assets between individuals is not illegal—this is basic knowledge. But here’s the premise: your funds must come from legitimate sources. If you receive dirty money, you’ll be held responsible.

So when you respond, focus on two things—you’re an ordinary investor, and all your transactions are done through legitimate channels. Whether it’s through a platform or private deals, as long as the process is compliant, there’s no need to feel guilty.

Staying calm is more effective than being confrontational

If the police mention that the funds you received might be problematic and ask you to cooperate in returning them, don’t get emotional. The more you rush to explain, the more complicated things get.

The right approach is to show your willingness: “I’m happy to fully cooperate with the investigation, and I’ll follow your instructions on how to proceed.” Then, proactively provide your transaction records and transfer receipts as solid proof. The more efficiently you cooperate, the faster the case can be resolved, and the less likely other bank cards will get involved. Stubbornly resisting will only turn a small problem into a big one.

Two types of account freezes

Here’s a detail many people don’t know: account freezing comes in different levels.

If you’re found to be directly involved in illegal activity, all your accounts could be affected. But if you just happened to receive problematic funds during regular transactions, usually only the receiving card gets frozen.

The key is, again—actively cooperate with the investigation. As long as you can prove your innocence, you won’t end up with a criminal record. But if you refuse to cooperate, the situation changes immediately, and measures will escalate accordingly.

Three habits for staying safe

At the end of the day, trading crypto isn’t like buying groceries—every transfer can come with risks. If you want to earn money safely, these three things need to become habits:

First, check if the other party’s identity is reliable—preferably someone who’s gone through real-name verification. Review your transaction history for any suspicious large deposits or withdrawals. Double-check wallet addresses to avoid costly mistakes due to typos.

The crypto space is deep and complex. Staying cautious is the key to lasting success. Protect your wallet, and don’t get caught up in someone else’s trouble because of a moment’s carelessness.