Some people seem to think that when it comes to taxes, there’s always a bit of wiggle room when it comes to determining what is tax-deductible. Others are scared to death of the IRS and are willing to go to any length to keep the IRS happy. Today, we are going to examine the IRS definition of a day trader and what it might mean for those that make money trading cryptocurrency.

Remember that you are always welcome to reach out to the Exolix team if you have a question that wasn’t answered in the FAQ section or if you have something to add to the discussion. Alright, let’s get into it.

## Who Does the IRS Consider a Securities Trader?

There are many people who make a living from day trading. In fact, it’s something that’s been getting more and more traction in recent years as many new online trading platforms have popped up. The rise of cryptocurrencies (cryptos are securities in the eyes of the IRS) has also impacted the day trader game in a meaningful way.

Now, it is very important to establish that there are three key points to the IRS definition of a day trader. In order to be categorized as someone who trades securities, you need to:

1.  Try to profit from day-to-day market fluctuations. In other words, you make money thanks to shifts in prices of the above-mentioned securities and not from capital growth or payment of dividends;

2.  Be active in the market;

3.  Trade continuously and regularly.

Further points to consider:

*   Are your holding periods for cryptos (or any securities) purchased and sold short? Are they long?

*   Do you trade every day? What’s the volume?

*   Do you make a living off of trading? Is it possible for you to make a living off of it?

*   How much time do you spend trading?

Even if you consider yourself a day trader, you might not necessarily fit the IRS day trader definition. If your crypto trading activities don’t amount to a full-fledged business, then you are classified as an investor, not a trader.

It’s pivotal to understand that you can be a day trader in some areas and an investor in others. It’s sometimes difficult to make a distinction between the two, and that is why it’s essential to keep all the records related to your trading activities. That way, you can always point to the data that proves you’re an investor, not a trader.

## IRS Day Traders - Further Clarifications

Even after thoroughly examining Publication 550, there are still some uncertainties related to the question “What does the IRS consider a day trader?” Still, there are questions that you can ask yourself to gauge how well you fit their definition. Let’s expand on some of the things mentioned before.

*   The first question to ask is how much time you spend on trading activities. There’s a common opinion that you have to spend at least 18 hours per week to fall under the category of a day trader. That being said, it can be a little murky, but 18 is the absolute minimum that you see mentioned in various legal opinions.

*   How many trades typically occur within a year? You have to have at least 1,000-1,200 trades in a 12-month period.

*   Are you interested in short trades only? Trying to profit from day-to-day market fluctuations is exactly what you do when you make short trades, so if you buy and sell on the same day (day trading), after a few days or weeks (short-term trading), then you fit the IRS’ description of a day trader. Keep in mind that holding assets for a month or more might put your day trader status into question.

*   Did you actually make a profit from your trading? When you subtract all the expenses, such as, for instance, withdrawal fees, paid software costs, and crypto advisor payments. Whilst it’s perfectly understandable if you had a bad year and landed in the red, you need to have at least three profitable years out of the last five.

*   Can you say that day crypto trading is your main job? It’s a big question that many crypto traders struggle with. At the end of the day, if you can’t point to evidence that clearly depicts your day trading has made you a living from it, then you are not a day trader. At least not in the eyes of the IRS.

Be sure to examine all the [information](https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc429) that the IRS itself offers on this subject. Their website is the best source of tax-related information you can find and it provides detailed explanations, so be sure to check out the link.

## Cryptocurrency Day Trading and Tax Implications

Now we can take a break from dissecting the question “What does the IRS consider a day trader?” Let’s return to the real world and talk about day trading and its tax implications.

Day trading in the cryptocurrency market doesn’t differ much from regular day trading in stocks. It’s a short-term strategy that is risky but may potentially yield higher returns compared to holding your cryptocurrencies in a volatile market. Day traders buy and sell cryptos on the same day in order to make money off abrupt market movements.

If you are trading in the US, you are required to report every single one of the transactions in any event: whether it was a net loss or a net gain. At the end of the year, you’ll owe taxes based on whether or not you’re in the green if there’s any actual gain. It is possible for you to take advantage of a [tax deduction of up to $3,000](https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc409) if you end up losing money.

Remember that only the overall net gain is taxed, so you don’t have to worry about calculating taxes based on every profitable transaction. Based on your income tax rate, financial losses to taxes can be rather insignificant, so it would still make sense for you to buy, sell, convert, and exchange cryptocurrency in order to make a profit.

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Even after thoroughly examining Publication 550, there are still some uncertainties related to the question like What does the IRS consider a day trader?

Who is considered a day trader by IRS?

Some people seem to think that when it comes to taxes, there’s always a bit of wiggle room when it comes to determining what is tax-deductible.

The US Department of Justice confiscated $3.3 billion from an American who robbed a trading platform for 50 thousand Bitcoins; two scammers of the Estonian crypto mafia who stole $575 million were arrested; a gang of fake brokers deceived 17 thousand Spaniards out of 2.4 billion euros in crypto; in China, 63 people were arrested for laundering 12 billion yuan using cryptocurrencies. And all these events took place in 2022, and they’re not even the biggest cases.  

  

Between January 2021 and March 2022, 46,000 people reported cryptocurrency scams, as the [Federal Trade Commission](https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/data-visualizations/data-spotlight/2022/06/reports-show-scammers-cashing-crypto-craze) states. According to a report by Chainalysis, a company working with blockchain technology, cryptocurrencies worth the equivalent of $14 billion were stolen in 2021. Another $329 million was lost in Q1 2022. From January to November 2022, investors lost more than $4.3 billion worth of cryptocurrency, as was reported by Privacy Affairs researchers.

  

Cryptocurrencies and their users face a huge number of fraudulent activities, which leads to massive distrust of cryptocurrencies. Fraud can be divided into several categories, from scams on users for tiny amounts for deanonymization to hacking corporate servers and stealing billions. Let’s figure out what the most common cryptocurrency scams are and how you can protect yourself and your money with Exolix.            

The Most Common Crypto Scams 
-----------------------------

A cryptocurrency scam is the work of fraudsters who deceive users with the help of cryptocurrencies, digital assets that can be used as a means of payment. Here is a list of the most common crypto scams:

*   Rug Pull scams
    
*   Phishing scams
    
*   Cryptocurrency giveaway scams
    
*   Ponzi schemes
    
*   Fake crypto exchange websites 
    

Let’s talk about each of them in more detail.

### Rug Pull Scams 

A Rug Pull in crypto is a fraudulent scheme where the creators pump up a new project and then withdraw liquidity, which was received from ordinary depositors. Eventually, trading stops, and scammers disappear with the stolen funds. Thus, depositors are left with useless tokens with no value. A popular case was the Squid coin scam — the scammers gained almost $3 million from the investors.

  

### Phishing Scams

Phishing scams are a long-standing favorite among fraudsters. They seek to gain access to your account data and crypto keys. Phishing scammers often use links to fake websites where they can then steal account details. They can impersonate well-known companies like retail stores or banks, post links to social media or even contact victims directly. For example, they can send an email or message that a withdrawal has been initiated and provide a link to cancel the transaction. Do not click on links that you are not sure about, and do not enter your data on unknown websites.

### Giveaway Scams

Social media cryptocurrency giveaway scams include fake communities and celebrity accounts promoting a giveaway. There can be fraudulent sites asking for verification to receive Bitcoin or other tokens. The verification includes making a payment to prove that your account is legitimate. The scammers promise to send back double what you send them. 

  

These scams often cause FOMO, which is about making victims think they’re missing out. They offer a limited amount of crypto, such as “1,000 ETH,” and use bots and fake accounts to imitate that people are actually receiving money. The hurry makes users conduct irrational transactions. 

### Ponzi Schemes 

A Ponzi scheme lures in new investors with the promise of high returns. It is similar to financial pyramids. At its core, scammers using Ponzi schemes pay older investors with the money they get from new ones. This scheme runs in circles, as there are few or no legitimate investments. Sooner or later, schemes collapse if users try to withdraw money, especially during bearish market cycles. 

### Fake Exchange Websites & Wallets

As it is clear from the name of this fraudulent scheme, the websites and cryptocurrency wallets that the user gets to are not real and verified. You can get there by clicking on the links in social media, ads, or search results. Also, there are a lot of fake products on the net, such as cheap Bitcoin or cryptocurrencies with discounts. Don’t get fooled by this; it’s 100% fraud. Always double-check the URL and use trusted websites. 

The Most Common Bitcoin Scams 
------------------------------

Apart from some popular crypto scams, which are universal and can apply to Bitcoin as well, there are several specific cases. Let’s consider the most common Bitcoin scams.

*   Bitcoin investment schemes
    
*   Romance scams 
    
*   Old-school Bitcoin scams
    

### Bitcoin Investment Schemes 

Investment scams involve luring people to send their cryptocurrency to a scammer with promises of huge profits. If you follow their request, say goodbye to your crypto. Investment scams include pumping and dumping schemes. A fraudster tempts you to buy cryptocurrency at a low price, promising that the value of the asset will soon skyrocket. This can refer to BTC as the main currency on the market and obscure little-known crypto.

### Romance Scams 

Scammers may use dating sites and applications to make naive victims believe that they want a real long-term relationship, usually strictly online. When trust is gained, conversations often turn to cryptocurrency opportunities and the possible transfer of crypto coins. 

The scammer asks to buy or give money in cryptocurrency. After receiving them, the fraudster disappears. The Federal Trade Commission found that about 20% of the money lost in love scams was in crypto.

### Old-School Scams

An example is an unwanted phone call or email from someone claiming to be a tax inspector. Scammers will try to convince you that you owe money, and you will face a lawsuit if you do not transfer a certain amount of Bitcoins to them. There are also Bitcoin blackmail scams:

fraudsters pretend to be hackers with some compromising evidence. One of the common variants of this fraud is an unsolicited email, the sender of which claims that he is a hacker who has gained access to your computer.

How to Avoid Crypto Scams     
------------------------------

*   Remember that there are always risks and no guaranteed returns in crypto investments.    
    
*   Never trust schemes that promise returns that sound too good and promising to be true.    
    
*   Thoroughly research any product, coin or token history, community website, and reviews before buying it. 
    
*   Never make purchases when you are in a hurry, overexcited, or too nervous. Try to reason about your choice. 
    
*   Do not trust any unsolicited emails and phone calls from strangers.
    
*   Choose only well-known and popular crypto exchanges, such as Binance, Huobi, and Exolix. 
    
*   Install and regularly update antivirus software to protect yourself against malware and unauthorized access.

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Do not trade, swap, convert, or buy cryptocurrency on an unknown website; always identify the team members who are behind the project. Try to protect your personal information

Top 8 Crypto Scams and How to Avoid 

Between January 2021 and March 2022, 46,000 people reported cryptocurrency scams, as the Federal Trade Commission states. According to a report by Chainalysis, a company working with blockchain technology, cryptocurrencies worth the equivalent of $14 billion were stolen in 2021.

The Most Common Crypto Scams & How to Avoid Them	

TOMORROW \[noun\] / to·mor·row – Future in a broad sense.

It feels odd talking about what tomorrow might bring when discussing this year's challenges and successes, but we believe that past events, in particular overcoming difficulties and gaining experience, can say a lot about a project.

The year 2022 was an enormous transition for us. We have a vision, a clear goal that we strive to achieve every day. Our goal is to make Exolix one of the most favorable and respected cryptocurrency platforms out there. We don't make bold claims, saying that we will oust Binance in the long run, but it's clear that there's a huge potential here. We can evolve, grow, and get better. Thanks to our new partners and beloved clients, the groundwork has already been set.

Our Goal for Tomorrow:

Do better, get better, and make our friends a little happier.

Now, before we get to discuss our future once again, let's catch up on what we've been up to this past year.

Results of the Year
-------------------

### Part 1: New Partners

Brokering a new partnership is not always easy since it can be tough to balance your expectations with the realities of cooperation. We have all been there.

Now, it's safe to say that EVERY new partner that we've gained has been nothing short of incredible. Here are the business allies that will help us in the coming years:

1.  Exodus. A Huge Crypto Wallet for Desktop & Mobile which is used worldwide by more than a million users.
    
2.  Edge Wallet. A great way to manage all your cryptocurrency assets and swap them too.
    
3.  Сonstellation Network. An ambitious network with no fees and a burning desire to shape the future of Web3.
    
4.  Bittab. A life-saving widget with real-time exchange rates.
    
5.  CoinVault Wallet. A cryptocurrency wallet that meets the highest security standards.
    
6.  Stargazer Wallet. An outstanding wallet with huge potential.
    
7.  GetBlock. Blockchain node provider with an eye on the future.
    
8.  Trocador. Anonymous, fast transactions – just like in the old days.
    
9.  Moneroj. Monero-centric resource with great data.
    
10.  Tezotopia. An NFT-powered RTS that everyone will be talking about.
    
11.  Dokwallet. A multi-currency wallet that allows you to convert, store, and earn.
    

  

Any other year, this would have been the crowning achievement, but 2022 really was a year of transition – transition to greater goals.

### Part 2: New Coins

Moving to popular and not-so-popular demands, we modestly updated our exchange and added almost 100 popular altcoins. Of course, we are not going to vouch for every project or coin as the future of crypto, but we've been able to expose many of our users to new, promising projects.

Becoming more involved with different projects, coins, and trading pairs is a great way to push yourself in a positive direction. Every crypto can be a great tool that helps you build an awesome portfolio and perhaps get richer.

### Part 3: Selected 2022 Highlights

*   A floating rate option was added and it was a resounding success. We helped many people to save and make money.
    
*   Blog was launched, and we surely hope that it's going to become a major cryptocurrency-themed blog eventually. Yes, we are talking about the [Exolix Blog](https://exolix.com/blog). We aim to educate and analyze but also predict and discuss the future of the cryptocurrency world.
    
*   3 important sections were added: Markets, Currencies, and Trending Exchange Pairs. Each of them helped make the site a more informative and useful place for its users.
    
*   As much as 100% of our site's design enjoyed an overhaul. Do you like the newer, slicker look of the site? We think that the Exolix home page looks more vibrant than ever before!
    

The inwards-facing improvements are one thing, but what about our work with partners and attracting new partners?

In 2022, we expanded and improved our affiliate program. We overcame past mistakes and conjured up a way to achieve all the goals we were seeking: simplicity, transparency, equality, and profitability. We boast the best rates among leading exchange sites, and we come up with tailored plans for registered affiliates. We also take great care of our business partners, so the magnificent ten discussed above are in great hands.

### Part 4: Navigating Uncertainty

While the declines and rises of the cryptocurrency world are completely unpredictable, some of the global events that took place in 2022 were truly shocking and not in a good way. Dismayed, confused, and taken by surprise, we still managed to grow and achieve breakthroughs. We hope this will bring at least some degree of stability to our beloved customers.

*   We released an app on Android. Today, it is [available in Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.exolix.app&hl=en_GB&gl=US) and has over 1k downloads and no negative reviews. Our app is a way to make it easier to manage and swap your assets on the go.
    
*   We launched a newsletter with the latest updates, the newest promotional deals, and news pertaining to the cryptocurrency world. It's now easier than ever to stay on top of all goings-on in the world of crypto.
    
*   We added new contests. In tough times, it's very important to give people   
        a) something that will keep them occupied/distracted/motivated;  
        b) a chance to win money.   
    Our contests combine the best of both worlds.
    
*   We expanded our team. Our operation is still on track, even with the turbulent changes in the world. We now employ 30 team members that have vast experience in the blockchain world. They bring forth their own individual ideas and recommendations to help shape a better future for Exolix.
    

Rounding Up the Year in Review
------------------------------

Being involved in the cryptocurrency industry has never been an easy task. It's a tough road full of pros and cons and rapid changes which sometimes make things unbearable. As mentioned before, we have a clear vision for tomorrow – a better tomorrow – for Exolix, and we can assure everyone that we are working tirelessly to bring that brighter future to life. Over the past few years, we have made a name for our project by putting the customers in the spotlight.

Remember: you are not a faceless ID or a number; you are our client. Your successes, failures, complaints, and ideas were all a part of Exolix's growth over the years. We wouldn't have gotten this far without you, so thank you.

In the upcoming year, we will continue to bring forth advancements and propel ourselves to the next level. Be prepared to witness new events, new achievements, and hopefully, a whole lot of new partners. Keep your eyes and ears open.

"Tomorrow belongs to those who can hear it coming." 

\- David Bowie

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Our goal is to make Exolix one of the most favorable and respected cryptocurrency platforms out there. 

Year in Review | Exolix

The year 2022 was an enormous transition for us. We have a vision, a clear goal that we strive to achieve every day. Our goal is to make Exolix one of the most favorable and respected cryptocurrency platforms out there. 

Year in Review: Exolix

Giving or receiving cryptocurrency as a present would have been unthought of a few years ago. It's perfectly natural to do so today. However, like with any new investment, it is critical to conduct thorough research and comprehend all of the potential consequences.

Ordinary people may now buy and trade digital assets through popular platforms and exchanges like Exolix. Numerous platforms have made crypto gifting even easier by improving this function and feature for their customers.

However, if you receive cryptocurrency as a present, there are several points you need to think about, according to industry professionals.

Is a Crypto Gift Taxable?
-------------------------

Is a gift received taxable? Is receiving money as a gift taxable in the form of cryptocurrency? What tax applies to receiving crypto as a gift? There are so many questions about crypto gifts. 

When a person receives a crypto gift, it is not taxed. However, if the receiver later sells or otherwise disposes of the coin, the activity must be reported on their tax form. Because the gift recipient's cost basis in the cryptocurrency will normally be equivalent to the giver's, the giver should show evidence to the recipient so that they understand their tax basis in the gifted coin.

Bitcoin and other coins are considered property and taxed similarly to gold or equities. That is why one may need to pay tax originating from the cryptocurrency received the previous year if it was sold for a profit. Receiving cryptocurrency as a gift is not a taxable event in itself.

What to Think about upon Receiving Crypto as a Gift
---------------------------------------------------

Is gifting crypto a taxable event? While the sender may be exempt from the gift tax, recipients may be liable to pay taxes on this cryptocurrency in the future, even if they dispose of it immediately after receiving it. This is determined by the gains and losses on the cryptocurrency when the gift receiver sells or transfers it. In other words, how much value the asset gained or lost in a certain period. So, is receiving crypto as a gift taxable for the recipient? It might be, and if you are the recipient, you should think about the tax implications.

When the gifted cryptocurrency appreciates over time, you will generate a capital gain once you sell or transfer it. The period of time you hold it has a difference in how much tax is payable, too. Any cryptocurrency kept for less than one year is considered a short-term gain. It is a long-term gain if you hold it for longer than one year. These distinctions can influence what tax rate is administered. The tax rate also differs according to your total taxable income, in addition to potential limitations on the amount you can deduct in capital losses in the event your coin drops in price.

Receiving a Cryptocurrency Gift
-------------------------------

Upon receiving cryptocurrency in the form of a gift, it's generally a smart option to plan ahead and gather and document a few crucial data points. Whether you do your own taxes or hire a tax professional, maintaining a comprehensive history of transactions will prove helpful at tax reporting time.

Selling a Cryptocurrency Gift
-----------------------------

When you decide to sell, convert, swap, or otherwise dispose of cryptocurrency received as a gift, it is taxed. In principle, if you sell your cryptocurrency for a price greater than what your gifter paid for it, you must pay tax on capital gains.

These regulations may be rather complex, so it's suggested that you consult a tax adviser before making any choices or filing a return.

Usually, there are no tax consequences for receiving cryptocurrency as a gift, but this changes when you sell, convert, or transfer the cryptocurrency. These are taxable situations, and you must declare your profits and losses along with paying any capital gains taxes owed.

This is when things become tricky. When selling a Bitcoin gift, your cost basis might vary based on the circumstances. Below are a few frequent instances.

1.  The gift has gained value, and the value is now greater than the cost basis of the gifter.
    

If the value of your gift has risen since you got it, the cost basis is the same as the giver's;

2.  Your asset has increased in value, yet the price is less than that of the giver's cost basis.
    

It's feasible that perhaps the value of the cryptocurrency gift has increased after you got it, although it's still less than the initial cost basis. There would not be either a capital gain or loss to declare in this circumstance;

3.  Your gift's price has decreased.
    

When the price of the gift has decreased since you got it, the basis would be the lesser of the gifter's cost basis or the crypto fair market value at the moment the present was given.

4.  You are unaware of the initial cost basis for the gift.
    

If determining the initial holder's cost basis is not possible, the cost basis is equivalent to the fair market value at the time you got the cryptocurrency gift.

If such regulations appear complicated, it's because they are. Finally, because every case is unique, it's a good idea to consult with a tax adviser about the tax liabilities upon receiving or prior to selling a crypto gift or submitting your taxes.

Conclusion
----------

Because cryptocurrency is a new and developing asset class, be sure to expect numerous changes to how it is regulated in the coming years, which means it is definitely a good idea to consult tax specialists who have expertise in and understanding of cryptocurrency  in any complicated tax filing process.

  

---

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Giving or receiving cryptocurrency as a present would have been unthought of a few years ago. It's perfectly natural to do so today. However, like with any new investment, it is critical to conduct thorough research and comprehend all of the potential consequences.

Is Receiving Crypto as a Gift Taxable? | Exolix

Giving or receiving cryptocurrency as a present would have been unthought of a few years ago. It's perfectly natural to do so today. However, like with any new investment, it is critical to conduct thorough research and comprehend all of the potential consequences.


Is Receiving Crypto as a Gift Taxable?

When you study decentralized finance and blockchain technology, you may come across the term “dusting.” When it comes to crypto, what is dusting? This is a niche yet important question. In the technically developed world, сyber attacks on users have become more complex and harder to detect than ever. Let’s dive deeper into the concept of dust and sophisticated dusting attacks using Bitcoin as an example. 

Since Bitcoin is decentralized and open, anyone can join the network and create a wallet without providing personal information. This contributes to making Bitcoin somewhat anonymous, but unfortunately, not completely. Although it is not always easy to reveal a user’s identity behind each address, all Bitcoin transactions are posted publicly, so any person who wants to see it can do so. Since Bitcoin is not a closed private ledger, it is often subject to dusting attacks that aim at deanonymizing users.

What Is Cryptocurrency Dust?
----------------------------

Dust in the crypto world refers to a tiny amount of coins or tokens. Users often don’t notice that this small amount has been deposited into their accounts. Let’s take Bitcoin as an example. The smallest amount of a Bitcoin is 1 Satoshi, while 1 BTC equals 100,000,000 Satoshi. In this case, the term dust may apply to any amount between one and several thousand Satoshi.

### Why Is There So Much Cryptocurrency Dust?

On the crypto exchange, the tiny amounts of tokens or coins that get stuck on a user’s account are also called dust. They inevitably appear when users execute trading orders and convert or swap tokens. Traders do not like them since dust balances are not exchangeable; however, Binance users can easily convert them to BNB with a 2% fee.

  

When it comes to Bitcoin, there is no single definition of dust, as each software or client may apply varying thresholds. To have some more clarification, the Bitcoin Core defined dust as a transaction output that is lower than a transaction fee. That’s why there is a concept of a dust limit. From a technical point of view, the dust limit is usually anything from 294 to 546 Satoshi. This means that any transaction that is equal to or is less than this will be marked as spam and will most likely be canceled by the validating nodes.

Bitcoin Dust Attack
-------------------

BTC dust attack refers to an activity when an attacker attempts to break the privacy of crypto users by sending so-called dust transactions to their wallets. Although the term dusting attack was initially only used when talking about Bitcoin, this type of malicious activity is also possible with other cryptocurrencies which run on the top of traceable public blockchains. 

The most effective way to protect yourself from BTC dust attacks:

*   Simply do not move, send, or transact any funds you received if you are not sure about their source. If you don’t move them, the attackers cannot make the connections they need to identify the wallet owner. 
    
*   Considering that BTC wallets do not require personal data, every transfer made between two parties is likely to remain anonymous. 
    
*   Ideally, a new Bitcoin should be created for every new transaction or currency exchange to preserve users’ privacy.
    

How Does a Bitcoin Dusting Attack Work?
---------------------------------------

Any crypto wallet has multiple addresses, and the first step of a dusting attack is to reach as many targets as possible. A large number of targeted users receive dust transactions, and then attackers trace down the funds they send. It is not an easy task since they need to perform an analysis of a huge amount of data to understand which addresses belong to the same wallet and the same user. 

  

The eventual purpose of dusting is to link wallets to companies and individuals. The knowledge that attackers get during this process can be used against the crypto owner either through phishing attacks or cyber extortion threats. 

  

Interestingly, dusting is not always related to these threats because authorities and governmental agencies may crack the flow of cryptocurrency funds inside the country or between countries and ultimately detect illegal activity. Some research labs and even private centralized companies also may use it to deanonymize networks and collect the statistics they need. 

Key Takeaways
-------------

Privacy is becoming more and more valuable for all of us, and this is especially true for cryptocurrency holders and traders. The industry is connected with finance, and people want to stay secure.

  

The Bitcoin blockchain is virtually impossible to crack or disrupt, but user wallets often pose a serious problem. As a rule, users don’t provide personal information when creating a new wallet, so they will not be able to prove theft if an attacker gets access to their coins or to return anonymity if someone reveals their identity. 

  

Dusting and some other deanonymization attacks are not the only problems, so it is also important to be aware of security threats that exist in the crypto space, for example, ransomware and phishing.

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The term dust attack refers to thoughtful multi-stage schemes of personal data extraction made by hackers. Users receive a small amount of crypto; meanwhile, attackers try to detect who the wallet owner is and deanonymize him or her.

What Is Bitcoin Dust & Why Is There So Much of It? | Exolix

What Is Bitcoin Dust & Why Is There So Much of It?

What Is a Bitcoin ATM and How Does It Work?
-------------------------------------------

A terminal, such as an ATM or BTM, is identical to a standard ATM. It differs from traditional ATMs because it enables customers to purchase Bitcoin in exchange for cash or a bank card. Users may also sell Bitcoin for cash at some BTMs.  
  

On February 18, 2014, the very first US Bitcoin ATM was set up in Albuquerque, New Mexico. That ATM was operating for only one month before being shut down.

  

Bitcoin, like cryptocurrencies in general, has subsequently encountered several regulatory obstacles. Eventually, crypto market participants reached an agreement that Bitcoin ATMs must follow the same rules as ordinary ATMs.

  

Depending on the transaction amount, the Bitcoin ATM may require your mobile number to deliver an SMS confirmation code. You may be required to verify your ID before the transaction. The amount limits, as well as specific identification and security requirements, may vary significantly for different ATM operators.

  

Furthermore, many Bitcoin ATMs no longer provide the anonymity they formerly offered. This is due to legislation that requires people to prove their identities before dealing, particularly with significant sums.

  

90% of worldwide Bitcoin ATMs are located in North America.

Bitcoin ATMs: How Do They Work?
-------------------------------

Bitcoin ATMs, or BTMs, are divided into two categories:

1.  One-way exchange devices that allow you to only buy or only sell cryptocurrencies.
    
2.  Two-way devices that allow you to both buy and sell crypto.
    

  

To enable the conversion of Bitcoin into cash, BTMs must be connected to the internet. BTMs generally transfer funds using a public key on the blockchain network. Country- and operator-specific Bitcoin ATMs may require you to scan government-issued ID, especially when processing large sums.

What Do You Need to Use a Bitcoin ATM for?
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Bitcoin transactions made via ATMs are conducted on the blockchain network, the same as all other crypto transactions. BTMs use a QR code to transfer crypto to your Bitcoin wallet. Banks do not control them because they are not linked to a bank account. Despite this fact, they are still subject to similar rules and restrictions issued by country-specific governmental financial regulators.

  

Visitors are required to enter/scan the QR code of their Bitcoin wallet address. The acquired Bitcoins can then be sent to the wallet. Within a few minutes of the execution, the transfer will appear in your crypto wallet.

  

Depending on the specific BTM, you can either buy or sell Bitcoin. However, in most cases, buying or selling Bitcoin is similar to accepting cash with a bank card.

What Is a Bitcoin ATM Used for? 
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Let’s explore the benefits of a Bitcoin ATM:

*   Bitcoin ATMs are a fantastic entry point into cryptocurrency for those who are not crypto-savvy.
    
*   It’s a quick and easy way to purchase and/or sell Bitcoin.
    
*   Certain machines (in some regions) do not need identification verification, allowing you to remain anonymous.
    
*   BTMs provide access to crypto transactions for people who, for some reason, are not a part of the financial system. A BTM can help convert your cash straight into crypto.
    
*   Because there are so many BTMs throughout the world, it’s an easy way to exchange Bitcoin for fiat.
    

Disadvantages of Using a Bitcoin ATM
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*   Transaction costs are quite high. Bitcoin ATM fees for purchasing or selling Bitcoin may reach 20%.
    
*   Since most Bitcoin ATMs limit deposit and withdrawal amounts, they may not be suitable for large transactions.
    
*   As most ATMs need ID verification, the purchase will not be entirely anonymous.
    
*   There are also stricter purchasing limitations when compared to a crypto exchange like Exolix.
    
*   On the occasion that something unexpected happens, there is minimal to no customer help. 
    

  

Ultimately, if you want to buy or convert a certain amount of Bitcoins and don’t mind paying considerable fees, a Bitcoin ATM might be a viable option for you—assuming there are BTMs in your region. Alternatively, using the Exolix exchange or buying Bitcoin through any type of channel you currently have are also both viable solutions.

  

There is, however, important information you should know regarding Bitcoin ATMs. While Bitcoin ATMs have existed for some time, they remain an exciting phenomenon that causes both interest and skepticism.

Where Can You Find Bitcoin ATMs?
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Crypto ATMs may be found all over the world; however, the major part of them are in the United States. Numerous apps monitor the locations of crypto ATMs.

  
There are more than 34,000 crypto ATMs in the United States alone, and even more in Canada. There are tens of Bitcoin ATM operators, each with their own set of features and functionality. The top three operators in the US are Bitcoin Depot, CoinCloud and COINFLIP, which manage almost half of all Bitcoin ATMs nationwide.

How Do You Use a Bitcoin ATM?
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###  1. Enter your phone number

First, you find a BTM, which may look very similar to a regular ATM. Before proceeding with your transaction, you are usually asked for your phone number to obtain a verification code.

### 2\. Verify your identity

Every BTM must have some form of identity verification, including scanning a government-issued ID and/or confirming a phone number, as required by law. Confirm your identification with the verification code sent to your phone number. Then, enter that passcode into the BTM. This measure was included by BTM operators to discourage users from entering fake phone numbers into the machines.

### 3\. Scan your wallet QR code

A Bitcoin address is required to use a Bitcoin ATM. The QR code defines your wallet address; therefore, you must scan it to instruct the Bitcoin ATM where to transfer your BTC.

### 4\. Insert cash and verify the amount

At this step, you produce the amount of cash you want to exchange for Bitcoin. You just insert your money into the machine’s designated slot, similar to a traditional ATM that takes cash deposits.

### 5\. Complete the transaction

Because it takes several network confirmations to conduct the transaction, this could take up to an hour for the crypto to be shown in your account.

A Few Fascinating Facts Regarding This Technology
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*   The pace at which BTMs are reaching offline users is high.
    
*   Bitcoin ATM technology is at an early stage. It always develops in tandem with the improvement of security procedures and changes in legislation that must be followed.
    
*   Nevertheless, BTMs have made significant progress since the initial device was introduced in downtown Vancouver, Canada, back in 2013. Their number has risen significantly, indicating that the population is also increasingly embracing Bitcoin.
    

Summary
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As the world becomes more digital, especially in the field of financial transactions, the crypto industry is projected to grow at an annual rate of 59% from 2022 to 2027, according to a recent report published by Research and Markets. They expect the crypto ATM market to grow from its current $46.4 million to $472 million over the coming five years. 

  

BTMs are popular because they are easy to use, convenient, and innovative. Bitcoin ATM charges are one of the key issues. However, the BTM fees will most definitely go down as healthy market competition grows. 

  

If you intend to purchase, sell, or swap Bitcoin for fiat in a Bitcoin ATM, do your research first to determine which Bitcoin ATMs have the lowest fees. Also, make sure that you enter the correct information, as there is no way to reverse or cancel the operations, even if there are mistakes.

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A Bitcoin ATM, also known as a BTM, is a popular way to buy or cash out Bitcoin without going through traditional channels. They have gained popularity in line with the growing value of coins and the level of confidence throughout the years.

Bitcoin ATMs: What You Need to Know Before Buying Bitcoin at an ATM

A Bitcoin ATM, also known as a BTM, is a popular way to buy or cash out Bitcoin without going through traditional channels. They have gained popularity in line with the growing value of coins and the level of confidence throughout the years.


The Exolix cryptocurrency blog is dedicated to providing useful trading tips, guides. More guides, trading tips and latest crypto news.

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