Edited By
Santiago Alvarez

A growing wave of discontent among founding investors at Crypto.com has erupted following the sudden revocation of their lifetime privileges. Without warning, these investors, who initially took significant risks, now find themselves stripped of benefits that included cashback rewards and exclusive access to services.
The revocation affects the first 1,000 founding membersโthose who contributed significantly during the initial fundraising for Monaco, the service's predecessor. Investors had been granted perks like 2% cashback and access to airport lounges, but now they are treated like any other customer without any prior notice.
One founding member expressed disbelief, stating, "After 8 years, no email, no warning, no nothing. We lost everything." This unexpected move has sent a shockwave through the community, raising questions about transparency and trustworthiness.
This isn't the first issue for Crypto.com. Critics point to a prior incident where over 99% of the tokens held by Monaco investors were misappropriated. Reports indicate that a new token was issued, leaving original holders with nothing substantial. A user commented, "The first scam was worse than you realize. They stole over 99% of all tokens from Monaco holders." This history of questionable practices has left investors wary.
Many users on forums have voiced their skepticism toward Crypto.comโs operations. Comments suggest a perception that the platform is engaging in typical corporate behavior that prioritizes profit over people. One shared sentiment reads, "This is everything crypto is against. They are worse than banks."
While some remain hopeful, mixed sentiments are visible. Observers note a growing number of voices criticizing the platform's tactics, emphasizing the risks of centralization in a supposed decentralized ecosystem. Points of contention include:
Lack of Communication: Investors received no official communication regarding the changes.
Erosion of Trust: Many believe this behavior diminishes trust not just in Crypto.com but in the broader cryptocurrency environment.
Recurrent Patterns: Previous scams have conditioned many users to view the platform with caution.
"I wanted to like so bad for some reason, but I just never felt comfortable with them."
โณ Former founding members now feel disregarded and vulnerable.
โฝ Cryptocurrencies are facing tough scrutiny over centralized practices.
โป "The timing seems suspicious, considering market volatility." - Observers note the timing could be strategic.
Crypto.com now faces an uphill battle to rebuild trust following this troubling turn of events among their foundational users.
Given the current turmoil at Crypto.com, itโs likely that founding investors will increasingly explore alternative platforms that promise better transparency and communication. Experts anticipate a migration to decentralized exchanges or lesser-known competitors, estimating around a 30% shift in user loyalty over the next year. This movement may further pressure Crypto.com to implement corrective measures and engage more honestly with its community, as public sentiment continues to sour. As new regulations arise in the crypto space, companies that prioritize user trust could gain a significant advantage, essentially reshaping market dynamics in the process.
A non-obvious parallel arises in the story of major airline cancellations during a peak travel season, which left thousands stranded without warning. Just as those travelers felt betrayed by companies they had trusted for years, so too do founding members of Crypto.com. The companies involved in both scenarios faced backlash for prioritizing profits amid operational flaws, leading to long-lasting effects on brand loyalty. Much like those airlines had to rebuild trust and address customer grievances, Crypto.com may find itself at a similar crossroad, where restoring credibility becomes crucial in a market where every misstep is magnified.