Below is a comprehensive analysis of Blocktrade (official website: http://blocktrade.com/), a cryptocurrency exchange platform, based on the requested criteria: online complaints, risk level assessment, website security, WHOIS lookup, IP and hosting analysis, social media presence, red flags, potential risk indicators, website content, regulatory status, user precautions, and potential brand confusion. This analysis draws from available web information, critical evaluation, and industry-standard practices, ensuring a balanced perspective. Note that while I aim to provide a thorough and factual assessment, some aspects (e.g., real-time server logs or unpublished complaints) are beyond my access, and I will rely on publicly available data up to April 21, 2025.

1. Online Complaint Information ¶

Online complaints provide insight into user experiences and potential issues with a platform. Based on available data:

• Trustpilot Reviews ():
• Blocktrade has a 4-star rating on Trustpilot based on 331 reviews as of June 23, 2024. This suggests a generally positive user sentiment but not without issues.
• Positive feedback highlights the platform’s ease of use, low fees, and gamified trading experience. Users appreciate the zero-trading-fee model and customer support in multiple languages.
• Negative complaints include:
• Withdrawal Issues: One user reported being unable to withdraw over €1,250 due to an IBAN registration issue, with no response from support since January 24 (Ticket #79938). This indicates potential delays or inefficiencies in customer support.
• Account Management: A user mentioned difficulties accessing a deceased relative’s account, requiring extensive legal documentation (e.g., notary certificate and identification of the deceased). While this reflects compliance with legal standards, it may frustrate users seeking quick resolution.
• Spam Calls and GDPR Concerns: A reviewer claimed that after registering, they received no confirmation email but were spammed with calls. The platform allegedly refused to delete personal data per GDPR, leading to a report to the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). This raises concerns about data privacy practices.
• Trading Complexity and Losses: Some users found the trading interface complicated, leading to financial losses, and criticized the support team for being unresponsive.
• ScamAdviser and Scam Detector (,):
• ScamAdviser notes that blocktrade.com has been searched 531 times, with the last update on September 2, 2024. It highlights the domain’s long registration period (several years) as a positive trust signal but warns that scammers can hijack older domains.
• Scam Detector assigns blocktrade.com a medium trust score of 58.1/100, labeling it “Active. Medium-Risk.” The score is based on 53 factors, including potential phishing or spamming risks. Red flags include proximity to suspicious websites (though not necessarily controlled by Blocktrade) and user reports of unsolicited communications.
• Other Sources ():
• Traders Union (April 1, 2025) gives Blocktrade a low overall score of 2.83/10, citing user dissatisfaction and high-risk status. Most clients reportedly are not satisfied, though specific complaint details are not elaborated. Summary: Complaints focus on withdrawal delays, unresponsive support, complex trading interfaces, and data privacy concerns. While Blocktrade has a decent Trustpilot rating, unresolved issues and GDPR-related allegations suggest operational weaknesses. Users should approach with caution, especially for large transactions or sensitive data.

2. Risk Level Assessment ¶

A risk level assessment evaluates the platform’s trustworthiness and potential hazards for users:

• Traders Union Risk Score (): Rated 2.83/10, indicating high risk due to user dissatisfaction and operational issues. This contrasts with a strong security score of 9.75/10, suggesting robust technical safeguards but poor user experience.
• Scam Detector Risk Score (): Medium risk (58.1/100), driven by factors like potential phishing risks and proximity to suspicious websites. The “Active. Medium-Risk” tag implies caution but not outright fraud.
• User-Reported Risks (,):
• High-risk investment warnings appear in Trustpilot reviews, with some users losing money due to trading complexity or platform issues.
• ScamAdviser mentions general risks of online scams, such as fake investment opportunities, which could apply to any crypto platform but are not specific to Blocktrade.
• Industry Context: Cryptocurrency exchanges inherently carry high risks due to market volatility, regulatory scrutiny, and cyber threats. Blocktrade’s gamified model and zero-fee structure may attract novice traders, increasing the risk of uninformed losses. Summary: Blocktrade is classified as medium to high risk due to user complaints, operational issues, and the inherent volatility of crypto trading. However, its regulatory compliance (see below) mitigates some concerns. Users should weigh the platform’s features against these risks.

3. Website Security Tools ¶

Website security is critical for protecting user data and funds on a crypto exchange. Analysis of blocktrade.com’s security:

• SSL/TLS Encryption: The website uses HTTPS (confirmed via manual inspection of http://blocktrade.com/), indicating secure data transmission. This is standard for financial platforms and aligns with industry best practices.
• Security Features (,):
• Blocktrade claims to employ “highest security standards” and uses strict procedures to prevent unauthorized access, alteration, or destruction of data. Funds are insured and stored securely, per their website.
• The platform mandates Know Your Customer (KYC) verification, requiring government-issued ID and proof of address, which enhances security but may delay onboarding.
• Privacy Policy Caveats ():
• Blocktrade acknowledges that internet and blockchain transmissions are not completely secure, and they cannot guarantee data security during transmission. This is a standard disclaimer but highlights potential vulnerabilities.
• Data may be transferred to third-party service providers (e.g., for hosting or payment processing), some of which may be outside the European Economic Area (EEA), where data protection standards may be weaker.
• ScamAdviser Insights (): The platform supports payment methods with money-back guarantees (e.g., Mastercard, Visa, PayPal), which adds a layer of consumer protection. Summary: Blocktrade implements standard security measures (HTTPS, KYC, insured funds) but acknowledges inherent risks in data transmission. Users should ensure strong personal security practices (e.g., unique passwords, two-factor authentication if offered) to complement platform safeguards.

4. WHOIS Lookup ¶

WHOIS data provides information about domain ownership and registration:

• Domain: blocktrade.com
• Registrar: GoDaddy.com, LLC (a reputable registrar)
• Tech Contact ():
• Name: Registration Private
• Organization: Domains By Proxy, LLC
• Address: 2155 E Warner Rd, Tempe, Arizona, 85284, USA
• Phone: +1.4806242599
• Email: Available via GoDaddy’s WHOIS lookup (https://www.godaddy.com/whois/results.aspx?domain=blocktrade.com)
• Registration Details ():
• The domain has been registered for several years, a positive trust signal as long-term registrations suggest business stability.
• Exact registration and expiration dates are not provided in the sources, but ScamAdviser notes it as an older domain, reducing the likelihood of it being a fly-by-night operation.
• Privacy Protection: The use of Domains By Proxy for WHOIS privacy is common for legitimate businesses to protect owner identities from spam or harassment. However, it reduces transparency, which some users may view as a minor red flag. Summary: The WHOIS data indicates a stable, long-registered domain with privacy protection, hosted by a reputable registrar. No immediate concerns arise, but users may prefer more transparent ownership details.

5. IP and Hosting Analysis ¶

IP and hosting details reveal the technical infrastructure behind the website:

• Hosting Provider: Not explicitly stated in the sources, but Blocktrade’s privacy policy mentions third-party providers for system hosting, IT security, and cloud storage (). These providers may be located outside the EEA, introducing potential data security risks.
• IP Address: Specific IP details are unavailable in the provided data. Typically, a reverse IP lookup or tools like Cloudflare or AWS could reveal more, but Blocktrade’s use of third-party hosting suggests a distributed infrastructure, common for crypto exchanges.
• Scam Detector Proximity Warning (): The platform’s IP or hosting environment has a “Proximity to Suspicious Websites” score, indicating that its server may be near or share infrastructure with questionable sites. This does not confirm malicious intent but warrants caution, as shared hosting can increase vulnerability to collateral attacks.
• Performance: The website is reported to have low organic traffic (2,398 monthly visitors, per), which may reflect limited marketing or niche targeting rather than hosting issues. No downtime or performance complaints were noted. Summary: Limited data on IP and hosting specifics hinders a full analysis. The use of third-party hosting and proximity to suspicious sites raises minor concerns, but no evidence suggests critical vulnerabilities. Users should monitor for unusual website behavior (e.g., slow loading or redirects).

6. Social Media Presence ¶

Social media activity reflects a platform’s engagement and reputation:

• Official Channels (, �arrowsweb:17⁊):
• Facebook: Blocktrade’s page (https://www.facebook.com) has 6,666 likes and 419 talking about it, indicating moderate engagement. Posts focus on the gamified trading experience.
• X (Twitter): Blocktrade has 7,562 followers and follows 91 accounts, with 1,581 tweets since joining in January 2018. This shows consistent activity but a relatively small follower base for a crypto exchange.
• Telegram: The Telegram community has 1,286 members, offering a platform for investor discussions.
• LinkedIn: Blocktrade’s page has 6,982 followers, with posts about fundraising (e.g., CONDA Capital) and events like pitch sessions in Vienna.
• Reddit: An unofficial subreddit (r/BlockTrade) exists, with updates on the platform’s rebranding and licensing efforts ().
• Engagement Metrics ():
• The small follower base on X and Telegram suggests limited mainstream traction compared to larger exchanges like Binance or Coinbase.
• The LinkedIn presence is stronger, targeting investors and professionals, aligning with Blocktrade’s fundraising efforts.
• Content: Social media posts emphasize regulatory compliance, zero fees, and the gamified platform. No significant controversies were noted on official channels, but user comments on Reddit mention past rebranding confusion (from Hedge Token to Blocktrade). Summary: Blocktrade maintains an active but modest social media presence, with a focus on investor engagement and platform updates. The small follower base may reflect a niche audience or limited marketing. Users should verify official channels to avoid phishing scams.

7. Red Flags and Potential Risk Indicators ¶

Red flags and risk indicators highlight areas of concern that could affect user trust:

• User Complaints ():
• Unresolved withdrawal issues and unresponsive support are significant red flags, as timely fund access is critical for crypto exchanges.
• Alleged GDPR violations (refusal to delete user data) suggest potential non-compliance with EU data protection laws, a serious concern for privacy-conscious users.
• Scam Detector Findings ():
• Proximity to suspicious websites and a medium trust score indicate potential risks in the platform’s digital ecosystem.
• Reports of unsolicited communications (e.g., spam calls) align with user complaints and suggest weak data handling practices.
• Trading Complexity (): The gamified interface, while innovative, has been criticized for being overly complex, leading to user losses. This may disproportionately affect novice traders.
• Data Privacy Risks (): The possibility of data transfers to non-EEA countries with weaker protections is a risk, especially given the platform’s admission that blockchain transmissions are not fully secure.
• Limited Transparency: The use of WHOIS privacy and lack of detailed hosting information reduces transparency, though this is common in the industry.
• High-Risk Investment Warnings (,): Blocktrade’s fundraising campaigns (e.g., CONDA Capital) warn of significant risks, including total loss of investment, which is standard for crypto but notable for retail investors. Summary: Key red flags include withdrawal delays, unresponsive support, GDPR concerns, and trading complexity. While not indicative of a scam, these issues suggest operational and user experience challenges. Users should proceed cautiously, especially with large investments.

8. Website Content Analysis ¶

Analyzing blocktrade.com’s content provides insight into its offerings, transparency, and user focus:

• Core Offerings (,):
• Blocktrade is marketed as the “first gamified crypto exchange in Europe,” offering zero trading fees, over 50 cryptocurrencies, and plans to expand to 100+ digital assets, including tokenized real-world assets (e.g., precious metals).
• Features include a user-friendly interface, one-click trading, advanced charting tools, and a gaming hub with NFT avatars and leaderboards.
• The platform offers up to 6% APY on BTEX token holdings and plans to integrate with SKAi2 for global crypto payments.
• Educational Resources (): Blocktrade Academy provides webinars, blog articles, and market trend insights, catering to both novice and experienced traders.
• Transparency (,):
• The website clearly lists its regulatory status, office addresses (Luxembourg, Italy, Slovenia), and company registrations (e.g., Blocktrade SA, Reg: B248375).
• Terms of Use warn of risks (e.g., market volatility, hacking, regulatory changes) and disclaim guarantees of uninterrupted service or error-free operation.
• Risk Disclosures (): The platform emphasizes that users must assess their financial situation and risk tolerance, as it does not provide investment advice.
• Potential Misleading Claims: Claims like “most user-friendly and fun way to buy and sell cryptocurrency” () may oversimplify the risks, especially given user complaints about trading complexity. Summary: The website is transparent about its offerings, regulatory status, and risks, with a strong focus on gamification and user engagement. However, user complaints about complexity and support suggest that the “user-friendly” claim may not fully align with all experiences.

9. Regulatory Status ¶

Regulatory compliance is crucial for crypto exchanges to ensure legitimacy and user protection:

• Registrations and Licenses (,):
• Blocktrade is registered as a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) with Slovenian and Italian regulators and complies with AML5 guidelines.
• It operates under:
• Blocktrade SA (Luxembourg, Reg: B248375)
• Blocktrade S.r.l. (Italy, OAM License: PSV71, Reg: 12528050961)
• BlocktradeOperations OÜ (Slovenia, Reg: 9204911000)
• The platform is regulated by the Estonian Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and adheres to EU financial regulations, ensuring strong investor protection.
• KYC/AML Compliance (): Mandatory KYC verification and adherence to Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations enhance legitimacy but may delay onboarding (verification takes hours to days).
• Past Licensing Efforts (,):
• Blocktrade has pursued a MiFID II license (for investment firms) in Liechtenstein, with applications pending as of 2019. No recent updates confirm approval.
• Plans to become a TT Exchange Office Operator and TT Protector under Liechtenstein’s Blockchain Act were noted in 2019, aiming for comprehensive crypto and tokenized securities services.
• Geographic Restrictions (): Services are unavailable in high-risk jurisdictions (e.g., USA, Iran, Nigeria), aligning with regulatory compliance but limiting global reach. Summary: Blocktrade demonstrates strong regulatory compliance as an EU-registered VASP with clear AML/KYC processes. Its licensing efforts (e.g., MiFID II) show ambition, but unconfirmed approvals temper expectations. Users can trust its EU regulatory framework but should verify local availability.

10. User Precautions ¶

To mitigate risks when using Blocktrade, users should adopt the following precautions:

• Verify Account Security: Enable two-factor authentication (if available) and use strong, unique passwords. Monitor for phishing attempts, especially given reports of unsolicited calls.
• Start Small: Begin with small deposits to test withdrawal processes, given complaints about delays. Avoid large investments until confident in the platform’s reliability.
• Research Investments: The gamified interface may appeal to novices, but users should thoroughly understand crypto trading risks. Use Blocktrade Academy resources to build knowledge.
• Check Support Responsiveness: Contact support ([email protected]) with a test query to gauge response time before committing significant funds.
• Monitor Data Privacy: Be cautious about sharing sensitive personal data, given GDPR-related complaints. Request data deletion if necessary and verify compliance.
• Confirm Regulatory Status: Ensure Blocktrade is available and compliant in your jurisdiction, as services are restricted in some countries.
• Backup Records: Maintain records of all transactions and communications with support, especially for withdrawals or account disputes. Summary: Users should approach Blocktrade cautiously, testing the platform with small transactions, securing their accounts, and staying informed about risks and regulatory status.

11. Potential Brand Confusion ¶

Brand confusion arises when similar names or branding cause users to mistake one entity for another, potentially leading to scams or misinformed decisions:

• Blocktrade vs. Block Trade (,):
• “Block trade” refers to a large, privately negotiated securities transaction, often in traditional finance (e.g., stocks or bonds). This is unrelated to Blocktrade, a crypto exchange.
• Confusion may occur among users unfamiliar with finance terminology, as “block trade” is a common term, and Blocktrade’s name could imply a broader trading platform.
• Example: A user searching for “block trade” might land on Blocktrade’s website, expecting services related to institutional securities trading.
• Blocktrade Token (BTT) (,):
• Blocktrade’s native BTT token may be confused with other tokens, such as BitTorrent (BTT), a well-known cryptocurrency. This could lead to accidental investments in the wrong asset.
• The rebranding from Hedge Token to Blocktrade (2018) caused some confusion among early users, as noted on Reddit, though this is less relevant today.
• Similar Platforms: Blocktrade’s gamified model and zero-fee structure resemble other crypto exchanges (e.g., Poloniex,), but no direct brand imitation was noted. Users should verify the official URL (http://blocktrade.com/) to avoid phishing sites.
• Domain Similarity: No evidence suggests Blocktrade mimics another brand’s domain, but users should beware of typo-squatting (e.g., blocktrades.com or blocktrade.io), a common scam tactic in crypto. Summary: Potential brand confusion exists between Blocktrade and the financial term “block trade” or similar tokens like BitTorrent (BTT). Users should double-check the official website and token details to avoid mistakes or scams.

Overall Assessment ¶

Strengths:

• Regulatory compliance as an EU-registered VASP with AML/KYC adherence.
• Transparent website with clear company details, risk disclosures, and educational resources.
• Innovative gamified trading model with zero fees and diverse asset offerings.
• Decent Trustpilot rating (4 stars) and active social media presence. Weaknesses:
• User complaints about withdrawal delays, unresponsive support, and trading complexity.
• GDPR-related allegations and data privacy concerns (e.g., spam calls, non-EEA data transfers).
• Medium to high risk rating due to operational issues and crypto market volatility.
• Limited transparency in hosting and modest social media traction. Risk Level: Medium to high, suitable for cautious users who understand crypto risks and verify platform reliability. Recommendations:
• Use Blocktrade for small-scale trading initially, testing withdrawals and support.
• Leverage educational resources but independently research investments.
• Monitor account activity and data privacy, especially given complaint history.
• Confirm the official website (http://blocktrade.com/) to avoid phishing or brand confusion. Final Note: Blocktrade appears legitimate with strong regulatory backing, but operational issues and user complaints warrant caution. It’s best suited for EU-based traders comfortable with crypto risks and willing to navigate potential support challenges. Always conduct due diligence and consult financial advisors before investing. If you need further details or specific analyses (e.g., deeper social media sentiment or real-time complaint tracking), let me know, and I can refine the response or search for additional data!