U2E-free removed 44,035 USDT and later demanded another 76,000

On November 29, 2021, 44,035 USDT disappeared from my Coinbase Wallet after I had interacted with the U2E-free mining pool. Its customer service claimed I had been selected for a smart-contract period running through December 5 and would receive my funds back with eight ETH plus daily interest. I had never agreed to pledge more money.

When the stated period ended, I requested the return of my funds. At first I was told it would take about 24 hours. The explanation then changed: I supposedly had to add 76,000 USDT to recover what had been taken. Later the demand was reduced to 16,000 USDT to unfreeze the 44,035.

I refused to add more. The changing thresholds made it clear that sending another payment would not give me control of the original funds. The balance and promised reward were being used to pressure me into another deposit.

I am warning users that a surprise pledge or lucky-user contract is not a benefit when the operator can remove wallet assets and condition their return on fresh USDT. Preserve the contract approval and on-chain destination, and do not pay an unfreeze demand.