Recently, quite a few people in the crypto community have been called in for “tea” (questioning) due to virtual asset transactions. After coming back, they all mentioned being asked three tough questions.

First: “Are you aware that virtual currencies are not protected by law?” — In other words, the state won’t handle civil disputes, but holding and trading them is not illegal in itself; you bear the risk.

Second: “Why do the involved funds need to be returned?” — Once the system flags funds as problematic, you need to negotiate with the victim about the amount and reach an agreement before the freeze can be lifted. This is standard procedure and doesn’t mean you’re guilty.

Third: “Will failing to cooperate leave a criminal record?” — If you’re cleared of suspicion, usually there’s no record left. However, account freezes are a risk control measure; if your card is flagged as involved, it could affect your other accounts under the same name.

Now that regulations are tightening, why are people still getting their withdrawals frozen? The root cause is unreliable channels. If you casually ask someone to help with a transfer, it’s easy to trigger the bank’s risk controls, which leads to a lot of trouble explaining things.

A truly safe withdrawal needs to meet three criteria: you can clearly explain the source, the transaction path is traceable, and the purpose is reasonable. Reliable channels typically look like this—there are real transaction records that can be traced, the sender’s identity is clear, the fund flow is compliant, and there’s no excessive splitting of funds.

Which is safer, bank cards or e-wallets? Bank cards are a key focus of regulatory scrutiny; frequent large transactions are easily flagged. E-wallets are more like everyday spending tools and are more decentralized, but you still need to ensure the purpose is genuine and the frequency is reasonable. The key isn’t which one you use, but whether you can clearly explain the origin and flow of funds and keep proper evidence.

Money only counts when it lands safely in your pocket. Don’t take risks just to save a little on fees or get a slightly better exchange rate. Keep your funds clear, make sure the path is compliant, and minimize the chance of being misjudged—this is the long-term solution. If you’re not sure whether your operations are compliant, it’s best to consult a professional to clarify things and make sure your money gets into your pocket safely.