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Account lockout: coinbase troubles with identity verification

Locked Out of Coinbase Account | User Faces Endless Recovery Loop

By

Leonardo Gomes

Jul 18, 2025, 07:43 PM

Edited By

Diego Silva

2 minutes needed to read

A person looking stressed while trying to access a locked Coinbase account on a laptop, surrounded by papers and a phone.
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A frustrated Coinbase account holder reveals an alarming situation where they cannot access their account due to verification issues. The individual initially locked their account after noticing odd activity. Now, they can't recover it because of outdated verification methods and conflicting address details.

Identity Verification Woes

After locking their account to secure their funds, the user encountered a horror show of verification obstacles. They were first prompted to verify their identity via a text to an old phone number. This phone number had been switched off long ago. Next, they attempted to provide their driver's license as proof of identity. Unfortunately, Coinbase flagged the license because it lists a PO Box instead of a physical address, even though it was valid during the account's initial setup.

"It’s a loop that is endless. I can’t get in touch with anyone from Coinbase to resolve the situation," the user expressed in their complaint.

Support System Breakdown

The individual’s frustrations grew further when they attempted to contact Coinbase support. They were directed to submit a ticket online, requiring login accreditation, which leads back to the verification issues.

Commenters on user boards empathize, with one stating, "So sad. This is my story, something I’ll never forget until I die of how I was defrauded."

Community Reactions

Among the comments, threads show mixed sentiments. Some users offered suggestions to create support tickets to resolve similar issues. Others shared horror stories of losing significant investments, fueling the discourse around trustworthiness and reliability:

  • "Have you created a support ticket with them?"

  • "Hurry up now, I'll advice to contact this company."

  • "If you're having issues, be cautious and reach out directly."

The community is rallying around the plight of affected individuals. Such experiences underscore ongoing concerns about crypto exchange platforms and the difficulties in accessing money during emergencies.

Key Takeaways

  • β–³ The user is trapped in a verification loop, unable to access funds.

  • β–½ Attempts to contact support are overly cumbersome and ineffective.

  • β€» "I can’t continue to invest into the account, every week that goes by is more money I’m losing."

As exchanges like Coinbase grow in user volume and reach, support systems must also adapt. The situation raises a pressing question: How can crypto platforms enhance user security without sacrificing accessibility?

Future Visibility

There's a strong chance that Coinbase and similar exchanges will need to overhaul their identity verification processes. As user frustrations rise, experts estimate around 60% of platforms may adopt more flexible methods, incorporating modern verification technology like biometric systems. If these changes happen, it could reduce the burden on customers and improve access to funds, especially in urgent situations. Additionally, regulatory pressures could push for more transparent support channels. This way, users can avoid frustrating loops just to secure their investments, creating a more trustworthy environment in the crypto industry.

Historical Echoes

A fresh parallel can be drawn with the telephone service chaos during the early days of the internet. Just as customers struggled to connect their dial-up lines, people today face their own struggles with digital access through exchanges. At that time, many found themselves trapped in a cycle of technical outages and confusing customer service lines, ultimately prompting reform in communication technology. History shows that when enough voices come together over a shared struggle, change can emerge, paving the way for systems that prioritize user experience.