Below is a comprehensive analysis of Graviex (https://graviex.net/), a cryptocurrency exchange, based on the provided criteria: online complaints, risk level assessment, website security, WHOIS lookup, IP and hosting analysis, social media presence, red flags, regulatory status, user precautions, potential brand confusion, and website content. The analysis draws on available information, including user reviews, technical data, and industry context, while critically evaluating the findings.

1. Online Complaint Information ¶

Graviex has garnered significant negative feedback across platforms like Trustpilot, ScamAdviser, and other review sites, with a consistent pattern of user complaints. Key issues include:

• Withdrawal Issues: Multiple users report being unable to withdraw funds, particularly for specific cryptocurrencies like ARRR, SHND, and TELOS. For example, users cited high withdrawal fees (e.g., 20 ARRR coins, ~$27.20) and restrictions that prevented withdrawing smaller amounts, leaving funds “stuck in limbo.” Some allege Graviex blocks withdrawals and shifts blame to coin developers.
• Lost Funds: Several users claim Graviex failed to process withdrawals, with coins not appearing on the blockchain, and customer support dismissing complaints by claiming the issue lies with coin developers. One user reported losing $7,000 CAD in Bitcoin due to a mishandled BTCP snapshot, alleging Graviex retained funds for profit.
• Poor Customer Support: Complaints highlight slow or unhelpful responses, with support tickets often receiving generic replies (e.g., “try withdrawing a smaller amount”). Some users waited weeks without resolution.
• Suspicious Reviews: Positive reviews on Trustpilot are flagged as suspicious, with accusations of Graviex paying for fake reviews from “new” accounts, particularly from Nigeria, raising concerns about credibility.
• Trustpilot Rating: Graviex has a low TrustScore, with 33 reviews averaging 1.8 stars, indicating widespread dissatisfaction. Summary: The volume and consistency of complaints about withdrawal issues, lost funds, and poor support suggest significant operational or ethical concerns. Allegations of fake reviews further erode trust.

2. Risk Level Assessment ¶

Graviex is assessed as a medium-to-high-risk platform based on the following factors:

• ScamAdviser Trust Score: Graviex scores 70/100, indicating medium-to-low risk but not outright legitimacy. The score is based on 40 data points, including contact details, server location, and online reviews. However, the automated nature of this score necessitates manual due diligence.
• Scam Detector Score: Graviex scores 80.9/100, tagged as “Fair. Valid. Known.” This suggests lower scam probability but notes proximity to suspicious websites (score not specified but flagged as a concern).
• User-Reported Losses: Reports of significant financial losses (e.g., $700,500 in one case, $7,000 CAD in another) indicate high financial risk for users.
• Operational Risks: Low trading volume ($90,820.13 in 24h as of Coinpaprika data) and reliance on the Gravio project, which lacks mainstream traction, increase the risk of insolvency or operational failure.
• Offshore Status: As an offshore broker, Graviex lacks transparency about its leadership and financial backing, a common risk factor for unregulated platforms. Summary: While automated tools assign moderate trust scores, user complaints and offshore status elevate the risk profile. Graviex is particularly risky for users holding smaller balances or trading less liquid coins.

3. Website Security Tools ¶

Graviex’s website security appears adequate but not exceptional, based on available data:

• SSL Certificate: As of August 2020, Graviex used a Let’s Encrypt SSL certificate, which expired on September 27, 2020. There’s no recent data confirming renewal, but an active SSL is standard for exchanges. Expired or misconfigured SSL certificates increase the risk of data interception.
• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Graviex offers 2FA via SMS and Google Authenticator, aligning with industry standards to protect user accounts.
• Cold Storage: Graviex claims to store the majority of user funds in cold storage, reducing the risk of hacking. However, user complaints about inaccessible funds raise doubts about the effectiveness of this measure.
• KYC Verification: Graviex requires Know Your Customer (KYC) verification before trading, which adds a layer of security but may deter privacy-conscious users.
• Web Application Firewall (WAF): Hosted on Cloudflare, Graviex benefits from Cloudflare’s DDoS protection and WAF, enhancing resistance to cyberattacks. Potential Red Flags:
• The expired SSL certificate in 2020 suggests potential lapses in maintenance.
• User reports of funds not leaving the exchange (despite blockchain claims) indicate possible internal security or operational issues. Summary: Graviex implements standard security measures (2FA, cold storage, Cloudflare), but historical SSL issues and user complaints about fund access suggest gaps in execution or transparency.

4. WHOIS Lookup ¶

The WHOIS data for graviex.net provides insight into its registration and ownership:

• Domain Name: graviex.net
• Registrar: Regional Network Information Center, JSC dba RU-CENTER (Russia)
• Creation Date: November 1, 2017
• Expiry Date: November 1, 2024 (potentially expired or due for renewal soon)
• Updated Date: October 31, 2023
• Name Servers: joan.ns.cloudflare.com, tim.ns.cloudflare.com
• Domain Status: clientTransferProhibited (prevents unauthorized transfers)
• DNSSEC: Unsigned (lacking additional security against DNS spoofing)
• Registrant Details: Likely hidden for privacy, as is common with Cloudflare-hosted domains. Analysis:
• The Russian registrar and long registration history (since 2017) suggest a degree of stability, but the lack of public registrant details reduces transparency.
• The unsigned DNSSEC status is a minor security concern, as it increases vulnerability to DNS-based attacks.
• The domain’s impending expiry (November 2024) could pose risks if not renewed, though this is speculative without current data. Summary: The WHOIS data aligns with a typical cryptocurrency exchange but lacks transparency due to hidden registrant details. The Russian registrar and unsigned DNSSEC are minor concerns.

5. IP and Hosting Analysis ¶

Graviex’s hosting infrastructure is tied to Cloudflare, a reputable provider:

• Hosting Provider: Cloudflare, Inc., US (AS13335, CLOUDFLARENET)
• IP Address: Not explicitly listed in provided data, but Cloudflare’s CDN distributes traffic across multiple IPs, enhancing performance and security.
• Server Location: Likely distributed globally via Cloudflare’s network, though Graviex’s data center is reportedly in Russia.
• Security Features: Cloudflare provides DDoS protection, DNSSEC (if enabled), and a WAF, reducing risks of downtime or attacks.
• Other Websites on Server: Cloudflare hosts millions of sites, so co-hosted sites are not a significant concern unless flagged as malicious. ScamAdviser notes a moderate “Proximity to Suspicious Websites” score, but no specific malicious links are confirmed. Analysis:
• Cloudflare’s infrastructure is robust, offering high uptime and protection against common web attacks.
• The Russian data center raises geopolitical concerns, as Russia’s regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies is complex and may expose users to jurisdictional risks.
• The “Proximity to Suspicious Websites” flag is vague and requires further investigation to confirm relevance. Summary: Hosting via Cloudflare is a strong point, but the Russian data center and vague “suspicious proximity” flag introduce minor risks.

6. Social Media Presence ¶

Graviex maintains an active presence on social media, but user sentiment is mixed:

• Platforms: Graviex is active on Twitter (now X) and Telegram, with communities for user support and updates.
• Community Engagement: The Telegram channel is cited in complaints for poor practices, such as requiring users to share selfies with credentials publicly, raising privacy concerns.
• User Sentiment: Social media reviews mirror Trustpilot complaints, with users alleging scams, fake trading volume, and unresponsive support. Positive posts are often flagged as suspicious or paid.
• Public Statements: Graviex’s privacy policy warns that it may publicize user data (e.g., trading logs) if users post “slanderous” content on social media, a heavy-handed approach that could deter criticism. Analysis:
• The active Telegram and Twitter presence is typical for crypto exchanges, but the Telegram channel’s handling of sensitive user data is a red flag.
• Allegations of fake reviews and manipulated sentiment suggest Graviex may be attempting to artificially bolster its reputation. Summary: Graviex’s social media presence is active but marred by privacy concerns and accusations of manipulated reviews, reducing trust.

7. Red Flags and Potential Risk Indicators ¶

Several red flags emerge from the analysis:

• Withdrawal Restrictions: High fees, minimum withdrawal limits, and blocked withdrawals (e.g., ARRR, SHND) are frequently reported, suggesting possible liquidity issues or intentional fund retention.
• Fake Trading Volume: Users report suspicious trading patterns, such as orders being filled only after bids are canceled, indicating potential wash trading or market manipulation.
• Lack of Transparency: Graviex provides no clear information about its leadership, financial status, or operational headquarters, a common issue with offshore brokers.
• Suspicious Reviews: Allegations of paid positive reviews from new accounts undermine credibility.
• Offshore Status: Operating as an offshore entity increases the risk of regulatory evasion and lack of recourse for users.
• Privacy Policy Concerns: The threat to disclose user data in response to criticism is unusual and could violate privacy norms.
• Low Trading Volume: With only $90,820.13 in 24h volume, Graviex lacks the liquidity of major exchanges, increasing the risk of price manipulation or insolvency. Summary: Multiple red flags, including withdrawal issues, fake volume, and lack of transparency, indicate significant risks for users.

8. Regulatory Status ¶

Graviex’s regulatory status is unclear, which is a major concern:

• No Clear Regulation: There is no evidence that Graviex is licensed or regulated by any recognized financial authority (e.g., SEC, FCA, or Russian Central Bank).
• Offshore Broker: As an offshore entity, Graviex likely operates outside stringent regulatory frameworks, increasing the risk of non-compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) or consumer protection laws.
• KYC Requirements: While Graviex enforces KYC, this is not necessarily tied to regulatory compliance and may simply be a security measure.
• Russian Jurisdiction: Russia’s cryptocurrency regulations are evolving, with strict laws on digital assets. Graviex’s Russian base may expose it to regulatory crackdowns or geopolitical risks. Summary: The lack of clear regulatory oversight, combined with offshore status, makes Graviex a risky choice for users seeking legal protections.

9. User Precautions ¶

To mitigate risks when using Graviex, users should consider the following precautions:

• Conduct Due Diligence: Research Graviex thoroughly, including recent user reviews and withdrawal experiences, before depositing funds.
• Start Small: Deposit only what you can afford to lose, especially given reports of withdrawal issues.
• Verify Withdrawals: Test withdrawals with small amounts to ensure funds can be accessed before committing larger sums.
• Use 2FA: Enable two-factor authentication to secure your account.
• Monitor Fees: Be aware of high withdrawal fees and minimums, particularly for delisted coins.
• Avoid Sensitive Data Sharing: Do not share selfies or credentials on public Telegram channels, as requested by Graviex support.
• Backup Funds: Store most funds in a personal wallet (preferably hardware) rather than on the exchange.
• Check Regulatory Status: Confirm Graviex’s compliance with local laws in your jurisdiction before trading.
• Report Issues: If funds are lost or withdrawals fail, file complaints with consumer protection agencies or crypto scam reporting platforms. Summary: Users must exercise extreme caution, prioritizing small transactions, secure storage, and vigilance for withdrawal issues.

10. Potential Brand Confusion ¶

Graviex’s branding could be confused with other entities, increasing the risk of phishing or scams:

• Similar Domains: WHOIS data lists numerous similar domains (e.g., graviex.com, graviex.org, raviex.net, graviex.biz). These could be used for phishing or to impersonate the legitimate site.
• Gravy Analytics: A recent data breach at Gravy Analytics, a US location-tracking firm, could cause confusion due to the similar name. Gravy Analytics is unrelated to Graviex, but users searching for Graviex might encounter news about the breach, leading to misplaced distrust.
• Graydaxe: A cybersecurity platform (graydaxe.com) has a phonetically similar name, potentially causing confusion for users seeking Graviex. Graydaxe is unrelated and focuses on vulnerability management.
• Gravio Project: Graviex is tied to the Gravio project, a location-based assistant ecosystem. Lack of clarity about this relationship could confuse users about the exchange’s purpose or legitimacy. Analysis:
• The existence of similar domains increases the risk of phishing attacks, especially if scammers register typo-squatted domains.
• Confusion with Gravy Analytics or Graydaxe is less likely but could occur in casual searches, particularly given the Gravy Analytics breach. Summary: Graviex faces moderate risk of brand confusion due to similar domains and unrelated entities with comparable names. Users should verify the URL (https://graviex.net/) carefully.

11. Website Content Analysis ¶

Graviex’s website (https://graviex.net/) presents itself as a cryptocurrency exchange with the following features:

• Purpose: Operates as a Bitcoin and altcoin exchange, supporting 137 currencies and 142 trading pairs.
• User Interface: Described as user-friendly with a robust charting system and mobile app for trading on the go.
• Fees: Charges a flat 0.2% trading fee for makers and takers, competitive with industry averages. BTC withdrawal fees (0.0004 BTC) are lower than the global average (0.0008 BTC).
• Fiat Support: Supports fiat deposits/withdrawals (USD, EUR, RUB) via Payeer, making it an entry-level exchange.
• Privacy Policy: Allows Graviex to publicize user data (e.g., trading logs) if users post “slanderous” content, raising ethical concerns.
• Gravio Project: The site emphasizes its connection to the Gravio project, a location-based assistant ecosystem, which may confuse users expecting a standalone exchange. Red Flags:
• The privacy policy’s threat to disclose user data is highly unusual and could deter users.
• The focus on the Gravio project may obscure the exchange’s primary function, suggesting a lack of focus.
• User complaints about withdrawal issues contradict the site’s claims of “no delays in withdrawals.” Summary: The website presents a professional exchange with competitive fees and fiat support, but the privacy policy and Gravio connection raise concerns. User experiences contradict some claims, undermining credibility.

12. Critical Evaluation ¶

While Graviex offers features like low fees, 2FA, and fiat support, the following issues overshadow its positives:

• Consistent user complaints about withdrawals and lost funds suggest operational or ethical failures.
• The offshore status and lack of regulatory oversight increase the risk of insolvency or fraud.
• Suspicious review patterns and fake trading volume allegations point to potential manipulation.
• The Russian base and vague “suspicious website proximity” flag add geopolitical and technical risks.
• The privacy policy’s aggressive stance on user criticism is a significant ethical red flag. Graviex’s trust scores (70–80.9) from automated tools are misleading given the volume of user complaints and red flags. The exchange may function for some users (e.g., those trading liquid coins with small amounts), but the risks are substantial, particularly for less experienced traders or those holding niche altcoins.

Recommendations ¶

• Avoid for High-Value Transactions: Given the risk of withdrawal issues and lost funds, Graviex is not suitable for significant investments.
• Use Reputable Alternatives: Consider regulated exchanges like Coinbase, Binance, or Kraken, which offer better transparency and recourse.
• Monitor Activity: If using Graviex, regularly check account activity, test withdrawals, and avoid storing large balances.
• Report Scams: If funds are lost, report to platforms like ScamAdviser, Trustpilot, or local authorities.

Conclusion ¶

Graviex (https://graviex.net/) presents significant risks due to widespread user complaints, withdrawal issues, lack of regulatory oversight, and offshore status. While it offers competitive fees and standard security measures, red flags like fake reviews, suspicious trading volume, and an aggressive privacy policy undermine its legitimacy. Users should exercise extreme caution, prioritize small transactions, and consider safer alternatives. Always verify the URL to avoid phishing and monitor accounts closely if engaging with the platform. Sources: