Just In: AntPool to Refund $3 Million in Bitcoin Transaction Fee

AntPool plans to refund a $3 million Bitcoin fee by December 10, showing responsibility in the crypto space and bolstering user trust.
Bitcoin (BTC) Price Drop Risks $250 Mln Long Liquidation

AntPool, a Bitcoin mining entity, has announced its intention to refund a $3 million transaction fee. This fee, initially perceived as an error, was part of a Bitcoin transaction processed last week. AntPool’s decision comes as a relief to the user who mistakenly paid this exorbitant amount. The mining giant’s risk control system played a crucial role, having frozen the fee immediately upon detecting the anomaly during the transaction’s packaging.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Verification Steps for the Affected User

AntPool has established a straightforward verification process for the rightful refund recipient. The individual must use a signing tool like Electrum or Bitcoin Core. The step involves using the private key linked to the address that initiated the transaction. The user must sign a message with the word “AntPool” and forward this signed text to the support team of AntPool by December 10. This process ensures that the refund reaches the legitimate claimant.

The transaction in question, recorded in block 818087, involved the transfer of 139.42 BTC, valued at approximately $5.1 million at the time. However, due to an error, a substantial portion of this amount, 83.64 BTC, was inadvertently allocated as a transaction fee. This left the recipient with a mere 55.77 BTC, roughly $2 million. Notably, this incident isn’t isolated since, in September, a similar situation arose when F2Pool consented to refund a $500,000 fee that Paxos, a crypto firm, accidentally paid for a $2,000 transaction.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Rising Transaction Fees on the Bitcoin Network

The Bitcoin network has recently seen a notable rise in transaction fees, as reported by Coingape. Ycharts data indicates a significant jump from $1.15 at the end of October to an average of $6.7, marking an over fivefold increase. Contributing to these spikes, the excitement around Bitcoin Ordinals, digital assets similar to NFTs inscribed on satoshis, has heightened activity on the network, pushing fees to peak at $18 in early November.

Advertisement
Advertisement

AntPool’s Gesture: A Positive Signal for User Trust

This move by AntPool not only rectifies a costly mistake but also sends a strong message about the responsibility and user-centric approach of significant players in the cryptocurrency space. It underscores the importance of safeguards and responsive measures in the ever-evolving digital currency ecosystem. As the Bitcoin community continues to navigate the complexities of blockchain technology, such accountability and user support are critical for maintaining trust and stability in the system.

Read Also: LUNC Perpetual Contract Launch: Is Terra Classic (LUNC) Set For A Bullish Surge?

Advertisement
Kelvin Munene Murithi
Kelvin Munene is a crypto and finance journalist with over 5 years of experience, offering in-depth market analysis and expert commentary . With a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Actuarial Science from Mount Kenya University, Kelvin is known for his meticulous research and strong writing skills, particularly in cryptocurrency, blockchain, and financial markets. His work has been featured across top industry publications such as Coingape, Cryptobasic, MetaNews, Cryptotimes, Coinedition, TheCoinrepublic, Cryptotale, and Analytics Insight among others, where he consistently provides timely updates and insightful content. Kelvin’s focus lies in uncovering emerging trends in the crypto space, delivering factual and data-driven analyses that help readers make informed decisions. His expertise extends across market cycles, technological innovations, and regulatory shifts that shape the crypto landscape. Beyond his professional achievements, Kelvin has a passion for chess, traveling, and exploring new adventures.
Why trust CoinGape: CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights to our readers. Our journalists and analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.
Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.