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Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency forum Bitcointalk.org have raised a few eyebrows with their new KYC procedure which asks some very intimate details, but is everything what it seems?

KYCs are a fundamental part of any online finance organisation, and we are used to providing personal details with institutions to ensure everything is secure and above board. However, at what stage do you say no?

What if someone asked you about your previous crimes or romantic relationships? How about your bank details or addresses of your crypto?

Bitcointalk.org have put that to the test today via a “New KYC” procedure displayed on their site. However, there may be more to it than meets the eye, and we think they might be having a bit of a laugh at our expense. That is considering today’s date. April 1st. April Fool’s Day.

The KYC they have posted starts of very innocently. The normal stuff you might expect. Full name, address, country etc. Then things get a little bit stranger.

It then begins asking you your net worth and income and will detect your exact coordinates. At this point, you might be thinking, “Weird flex, but ok.” However, the further down we get the more bizarre it becomes.

The real red flags come when it begins asking you “secret questions” that are common at banking and payment services such as your mothers maiden name or name of your first pet, as well as your blood type. Next up, gender, where you can opt to be an “Attack Helicopter”. I mean, we are all for inclusivity, but that is a bridge too far perhaps?

What Do You Think? Suspicious?

The last section first asks you to list all your Bitcoin and Alt Coin addresses, thus giving up access to where they can be found and used. Before asking you to detail your previous crimes, specifying you must provide at least one. As well as “past present and future romantic partners”, informing you they might be contacted for more information.

It then asks you for your credit card number, three numbers on the back of your card (CVV number) and expiration date, which of course, gives them all they need to use your card online. Finally, you then have to opt-in to share the details you provide with a list of organisations including The FBI, Facebook, Interpol and “your parents”.

By this point, it is pretty clear this is likely a joke. Haha Bitcointalk, very funny.

Considering the seriousness of details they have asked though, and how legitimate it seems at place value, perhaps this joke is a bit too far? Hopefully, not too many people have been suckered in and they confirm this is a joke before long to avoid any larger issues.

Hats off them though, they very nearly got us. Better luck next year guys.

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