Reddit user proposes Zero-KYC mechanism to counter P2P crypto scams

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A Reddit user has introduced a novel proposal to enhance security in peer-to-peer (P2P) crypto markets without relying on traditional Know Your Customer (KYC) processes. The “Zero-KYC Assurance Mechanism for Fiduciary Money Transfer” (ZKAM-FMT) aims to prevent man-in-the-middle (MitM) scams while preserving user privacy.

The ZKAM-FMT proposal addresses a common concern in the crypto community: the balance between security and privacy. Traditional KYC procedures, while effective in preventing fraud, are often viewed as invasive and burdensome by users who prioritize anonymity in their transactions.

At its core, the ZKAM-FMT suggests implementing an integrated browser within P2P market applications. This browser would verify crucial transaction details such as amount, transfer title, and account number without storing sensitive user data or directly interacting with banking systems. The mechanism aims to ensure proper fund handling while mitigating privacy concerns. The developer behind this, pseudonymously known as ShadowOfHarbinger, is a contributing researcher to Bitcoin Cash. The proposal was initially posted on the r/Monero subreddit.

Scams and bad actors

The proposal targets a specific type of MitM scam where a bad actor intercepts transactions between honest parties. In these scenarios, the scammer tricks a buyer into transferring funds to a fake seller account, then manipulates the real seller into releasing crypto to the scammer’s wallet. This leaves the buyer without their purchase and potentially exposes the seller to legal risks.

While the ZKAM-FMT offers a fresh approach to scam prevention, it faces implementation challenges. Integration with banking websites could prove complicated due to frequent updates and the nature of banking platforms. The proposal’s creator also acknowledges a significant limitation: its ineffectiveness for users who prefer mobile banking apps over traditional websites.

How to prevent fraud in the crypto industry

The debate around KYC and age-based fraud prevention continues in the broader crypto industry. Adrian Przelozny, CEO of Independent Reserve, recently stated that older users, particularly those over 65, are more likely to fall victim to crypto scams. However, data from Lloyds Bank in the UK suggests that younger users aged 25-34 comprise a quarter of all crypto scam victims.

The ZKAM-FMT proposal shows us the ongoing challenge of balancing security and privacy in the crypto space, alongside other solutions such as chain abstraction. Innovative solutions such as this Zero-KYC mechanism may play a crucial role in creating safer P2P markets without compromising user anonymity.

Despite this, however, the scale and efficiency of adoption for such kinds of proposals would largely depend on overcoming technical hurdles while also gathering and gaining support from both users and platform operators in the crypto ecosystem.

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