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Crypto is something that you hear a lot about lately, but I've never gotten a grasp on what it is or how buy it and use it. Is there a good non-jewed video I could watch or something I could read that explains it and shows you how to get into it? I've tried to watch a few videos but they're all over the place. There's a ton of foreign concepts to me like wallets, block chain, etc.

Crypto is something that you hear a lot about lately, but I've never gotten a grasp on what it is or how buy it and use it. Is there a good non-jewed video I could watch or something I could read that explains it and shows you how to get into it? I've tried to watch a few videos but they're all over the place. There's a ton of foreign concepts to me like wallets, block chain, etc.

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[–] • 1 pt

Ok thank you. Lots of stuff.

One more question, if you need an ID to buy crypto then how is it anonymous? Is that a myth? I personally don't need it to be real anonymous but it would be nice to have to option for certain things.

[–] • 1 pt

You can create a wallet and trade centralized cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum without an ID. There are many different websites that do this. The problem comes when you want to cash out your crypto for cash through an exchange such as coinbase.

Most reliable and trusted exchanges are KYC which means they follow banking/finance laws and require customer information to validate their identity and most likely store it on record in case of fraudulent activity. Some exchanges allow you to send crypto to your bank without ID, but the risk is high they aren't legit and they are often limit your transaction amount.

Is crypto on the Bitcoin or Ethereum blockchain anonymous?

Absolutely not, it's open book accounting. However, the blockchain only contains the public keys (numbers represented through QR codes) and their transaction history. If someone figures out that a public key belongs to a certain person then they can be actively tracked and monitored. You can bet all law enforcement and FBI have already been doing this.

What is anonymous?

Privacy-based tokens such as Monero (XMR) are designed to be more anonymous and do a better job at hiding your identity and transaction information. Not much experience with that crypto but seems to be the best bet for anonymous transactions. Assuming that there aren't any hidden backdoor methods for FBI to crack it.

[–] • 0 pt

I cashed out of my (meager) Bitcoin winnings buy buying some real money (gold) from an online metals dealer who accepted crypto. No special ID requirements, just place an order normally.

[–] • 1 pt

if you need an ID to buy crypto then how is it anonymous

You only need an ID from companies that require an ID. Coinbase, for example, wants to stay on the good side of the law, so they'll do everything they can to keep authorities from giving them hard questions to answer.

If I say "send me money via cash/check/moneyapp/giftcard/etc, and I'll send you bitcoin," then your name is never tied to your account. Similar to buying stuff on Craigslist vs Walmart.

And yes, there's websites that coordinate meeting in person for transactions. Problem is, finding an individual person to sell you bitcoin is a lot harder and slightly higher market value than just going to coinbase.