AMLHome · Exchange freezes
OKX froze my crypto: why and what to do
OKX blocked your deposit "pending review"? Here is why it happens and what to do, step by step.
OKX runs strict screening of incoming funds and freezes deposits with a sanctions, mixer or stolen-funds trail. P2P USDT transfers are a frequent block zone.
Why OKX freezes funds
- OFAC sanctions — the sender address is on the SDN list. This is almost always a block.
- Link to a mixer (Tornado Cash and others), a darknet market or stolen funds.
- Issuer freeze — Tether/Circle blacklisted the token address itself.
- Retroactive — a strict threshold — sanctions/mixer means a freeze and a source-of-funds request.
What to do if OKX already froze your funds
- Do not panic and do not create new deposits to the same account.
- Collect proof of the source of funds: where the crypto came from, deal screenshots.
- Generate an AML report for the address — it shows whether the source is clean and is attached to your appeal.
- Submit a support request explaining the origin of the funds.
How to never get caught again
Screen the counterparty wallet before the deal — in 10 seconds. If the address is risky, just ask for another wallet. That is cheaper and faster than weeks of unblocking.
FAQ
Will OKX return the frozen funds?
If the source is clean and you prove its origin, there is a chance, but the process is long. The exchange gives no guarantees. Prevention (checking before the deal) is more reliable.
How do I check a counterparty before the deal?
Paste their wallet address into the form below — get a verdict in 10 seconds: accept the transfer or ask for another wallet.