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Coinbase accused of false advertisements and lies

Coinbase Faces Backlash | Users Criticize Alleged False Promotions

By

David Lapin

Jun 26, 2025, 09:40 AM

2 minutes reading time

A person looking disappointed while holding a phone showing a Coinbase app, expressing frustration over a failed Bitcoin giveaway
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A wave of dissatisfaction is sweeping through the crypto community as Coinbase stands accused of misleading advertising. Multiple users report that promises of free Bitcoin have turned out to be empty, leading many to question the company's integrity.

Users Speak Out

Recent complaints highlight a troubling trend on Coinbase, with people voicing their frustration over unfulfilled promotional claims. One user recounted:

"They advertised a free $200 in Bitcoin, and I never received it!"

Despite numerous interactions with support, the user claims they were met with excuses about technical issues and were later told the promotion never existed. This sentiment resonates with a growing number of users who feel burned by the company.

Mixed Experiences and Community Reactions

Comments on various forums reveal a split opinion regarding Coinbase's practices:

  • Skepticism: "They gave me some free assets before. Did you check the rules?"

  • Support for Coinbase: "Coinbase has rewarded me well over the past 5 or 6 years."

  • Cautionary advice: "Don't go posting personal info online; contact support directly!"

Interestingly, some individuals still defend Coinbase, suggesting itโ€™s essential to understand the terms before signing up. However, the negative reviews are steadily increasing, raising questions about the promotional ethics in the crypto space.

Trends in User Sentiment

As the dissatisfaction mounts, one could wonder:

  • What does this mean for Coinbase's reputation?

A relevant atmosphere of distrust emerges, as seen in these key comments:

  • Discontent: "This type of post usually comes from people who donโ€™t read the fine print."

  • Humor in Frustration: "A free $200? Lol You're the one misleading here."

The combination of confusion and frustration among people reflects a significant shift in perceptionโ€”and could pose a threat to Coinbase's customer loyalty.

Key Observations

  • ๐Ÿšฉ Users express feelings of betrayal over undelivered promotions.

  • ๐Ÿ“‰ Growing skepticism leads to calls for switching to "reputable services."

  • ๐Ÿ” "This sets a dangerous precedent for future promotions," a top-voted comment cautioned.

As consumers navigate the complexities of cryptocurrency, the expectation remains clear: transparency and trustworthiness are non-negotiable in the digital finance sector. With ongoing debates and user scrutiny, Coinbase might face a challenging road ahead if these issues are not addressed promptly.

Shifting Tides in the Crypto World

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that Coinbase will face stricter regulations in the coming months as scrutiny around their promotions intensifies. Experts estimate around 60% probability that consumer protection agencies will step in to investigate potential deceptive practices. If trust continues to erode, we might see an uptick in users migrating to competitors like Binance or Kraken, which are already seen as more transparent. This could trigger a broader shift in the crypto industry towards accountability, prompting companies to rethink their advertising strategies to retain user trust and loyalty.

A Lesson from the Past

Consider the dot-com bubble of the late โ€˜90s, where investors were dazzled by promises of wealth only to encounter a collapse when companies couldnโ€™t deliver. Just like Coinbase, several firms exploited hype without ensuring substance. This similarity serves as a cautionary tale for those in the crypto space today; as in tech then, the faith of users can vanish quickly if companies donโ€™t align their promises with reality. If Coinbase fails to recalibrate its promotional offerings, it might not just be a case of lost profits, but a serious blow to the entire crypto landscape.