ZBT CEX Review - risky and unproven

ZBT CEX has been operating since about 2017 out of China. It claims to offer spot trading in popular coins and even some futures markets. On the surface, it looks like another full-featured exchange. But digging deeper shows a very different reality.
CoinMarketCap labels it as untracked. That means no data on volume, reserves, or real users. Essentially no one reliable is trading there. An exchange without measurable activity is a ghost town - no matter how slick the website appears.
Why it raises alarm
Most troubling are the scam allegations. On crypto forums, many users warn that withdrawals stop after small gains. They say the site will allow you to withdraw a tiny amount initially, but ignore or block you once you try a larger exit. One comment even said accounts got frozen under pressure, and support vanished. A classic sign of a fraudulent operation.
Others describe mentoring scams - someone shows you how to “make easy money,” helps you deposit, and then disappears once you try to withdraw bigger sums.
What the platform offers
Claims include spot trading in major assets and some leverage options. Prices and order forms look normal - you can place trades in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and others. But because there is no visible depth, these are likely shallow orders against bots or isolated single‑side setups.
There’s no real trading dashboard or live volume charts. Charts may show prices, but there’s no proof one second the market exists and the next it disappears. That’s how you end up buying into thin air.
Transparency is absent
There’s no corporate info beyond the claim that it’s Chinese. No team names. No audit reports. No licensing. No contact address. Nothing. That means if it goes offline or, worse, turns fraudulent, you have no recourse. And that’s exactly what many users report happening.
One reviewer put it bluntly: after depositing money under a “loan” scheme, they were allowed early small withdrawals to build trust. But once they ramped up, withdrawals stopped. That follows a classic scam pattern - initial payouts lure you in, then you get locked out.
No liquidity, no backup
With no trading volume, expect harsh slippage and lonely order books. You might be the only one trading on the exchange. If something breaks down - login errors, bot malfunctions, or market lag - you’re on your own.
There’s also no community or public watchdog presence. Popular exchanges have Reddit threads full of feedback. Here, there’s nothing but a few scam alerts. Silence in crypto often means something is wrong.
Quick breakdown
Who, if anyone, should try it
Honestly, no one should. Even if you're just trying to see how it works, it's safer to skip. If you absolutely must explore, use a throwaway account with tiny amounts - like a few dollars. But be prepared for nothing to work once you step up stakes.
There is zero reason to trust it with real money.
Who definitely should avoid it
Anyone who values asset security, transparent markets, or actual liquidity. This is a scam in waiting, if not already one. Large volumes, serious trading, or even casual investing - don’t use ZBT CEX. You’ll likely end up locked out or unable to withdraw.
Final verdict
ZBT CEX outfits itself as a legit trading platform, but masks a lack of volume, no oversight, and real scam warnings. It’s not a hidden gem - it’s a dangerous risk.
If you've found it via a mentor pitch or social media hype, avoid it. You’re better off with established, regulated exchanges where your money has a real path to leave.
This is crypto, not a lottery ticket.
Disclaimer
“This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please do your own research before investing.”