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What can I do if someone asks me to pay for a cryptographic key on a USDT transaction that actually reached me but will not be unlocked unless I pay?

FAQ | Updated 2026-03-18

In most cases, it is a scam

Requests to pay for a so-called key, unlock fee, or release commission to make USDT spendable are typically fraudulent.

What to verify on-chain

  • Confirm that an incoming transaction (TXID) actually exists for your address.
  • Check whether the token is genuine USDT on the correct contract or just a fake token.
  • Make sure you have enough network gas or fees (TRX, ETH, or BNB) to move legitimate funds.

What to do

  • Do not pay anything to unknown senders or websites.
  • Verify the token contract and transaction history on a trusted blockchain explorer.
  • If it is a spam or fake token, ignore it and do not interact with it.
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