The Illusion of a Simple Swap

Changelly, operating alongside its alleged partner CriptoInterCambio (CIC), positions itself as an instant cryptocurrency exchange platform, promising fast, easy, and secure swaps. This review cuts through that marketing to investigate a growing wave of user allegations. Our analysis reveals a dangerous pattern of behavior that points to a potential scam operation, designed to confiscate user funds. This article will detail the critical red flags and provide a crucial resource for victims seeking to recover stolen crypto.

Red Flags and Warning Signs: A Pattern of Theft

The “Compliance” Smokecreen
The most prevalent and damaging complaint against Changelly/CIC is the abuse of so-called “compliance checks.”

• Account and Fund Freezes: After users deposit cryptocurrency for an exchange, their transactions are frequently halted. They are then contacted by “compliance officers” from CriptoInterCambio (CIC), demanding intrusive and often impossible-to-provide KYC (Know Your Customer) documentation.
• Unverifiable Partnership: The relationship between Changelly and CIC is murky. CIC appears as the enforcement arm, yet there is no transparent corporate link. This setup allows Changelly to distance itself from the aggressive fund confiscation carried out by CIC.
• Moving Goalposts: Even when users provide requested documents, CIC often demands additional, unreasonable proof of funds or source of wealth, effectively creating an unwinnable scenario designed to justify permanent fund seizure.

Website and Operational Opacity

• Lack of True Support: While Changelly has a website and support tickets, user reports indicate that once CIC is involved, standard support becomes unresponsive. All communication is funneled to unverified CIC email addresses, stripping users of any platform-based recourse.
• No Regulatory Framework: These entities are not registered financial service providers with major regulators like the SEC or FCA. They operate in a gray area, using “compliance” as a weapon rather than a legitimate, regulated process.

User Testimonies and Overwhelming Evidence
Independent forums, complaint boards (like Trustpilot and Reddit), and even our own investigation reveal a consistent, alarming narrative:

• Stolen Funds: Hundreds of users report identical experiences: deposit crypto, transaction gets held, CIC demands KYC, and funds are never returned.
• Phishing for Data: The excessive documentation requests may also serve as a sophisticated phishing operation to gather sensitive personal data for identity theft.
• Lack of Resolution: There is no documented case of a user successfully navigating the CIC “compliance” process and receiving their funds in a timely manner. The end result is always financial loss.

Manipulative Terms of Service
Buried in Changelly’s Terms of Service are clauses that grant them broad discretion to freeze transactions and demand verification at their sole discretion. Users, by using the service, inadvertently agree to these terms, which are then weaponized by CIC to justify holding funds indefinitely.

Pros (The Bait)

• The Changelly website and interface are user-friendly, creating an illusion of legitimacy.
• The initial swap rate quotes are competitive (used as bait before the freeze).

Cons (The Switch)

• Systematic fund freezes under the pretext of compliance.
• Unverifiable third-party entity (CIC) handling disputes and confiscating assets.
• Complete lack of effective customer support once a problem arises.
• Overwhelming volume of user complaints alleging theft.
• Operates without meaningful financial regulatory oversight.

Safe Alternatives for Crypto Swapping

To avoid this risk entirely, use well-established, transparent, and reputable cryptocurrency exchanges that have clear, upfront KYC policies. Consider platforms like:

• Kraken
• Coinbase Exchange
• Binance (for non-US users)
  For decentralized options with no custody, use well-audited Decentralized Exchanges (DEXs) like Uniswap or Curve Finance, understanding the different risks involved. For more on choosing a secure platform, read our guide on avoiding cryptocurrency scams.

Final Verdict: A Predatory Operation

Our investigation leads to a clear and urgent warning: Changelly, in conjunction with CriptoInterCambio (CIC), operates a predatory system designed to confiscate user cryptocurrency. The pattern is consistent and well-documented. We strongly advise all users to avoid Changelly and CIC entirely. The risk of having your crypto stolen is unacceptably high.

Assistance for Victims: You Are Not Alone

If Changelly or CriptoInterCambio (CIC) has frozen your transaction and confiscated your cryptocurrency, immediate action is critical. Reclaim Block (reclaimblock.com) specializes in assisting victims of crypto swap scams and offers free consultation and recovery assistance. Their expertise in dealing with these specific fraudulent schemes can provide you with a pathway to potentially recover your stolen assets.