Cryptoasset Anti-Financial Crime Specialist (CCAS) Certification Practice Test

Which factors would indicate a high-risk customer?

1. An individual using a virtual private network (VPN) or proxy

2. Direct sending exposure to a known scam address

3. An individual bulking payments into one transaction

4. An individual opening a new account funded by small deposits

The correct answer is: An individual using a virtual private network (VPN) or proxy

An individual using a virtual private network (VPN) or proxy is an indicator of potential high risk because these tools can mask a user's true location and identity, often suggesting intent to obscure one's activities. In the context of anti-crime measures, such behavior might be associated with attempts to bypass regulatory scrutiny or engage in illicit activities, raising a red flag for financial institutions. A customer who utilizes VPNs or proxies may be trying to hide their digital footprint, which is a concern for compliance when assessing client behavior and transaction legitimacy. In contrast, the other options present different scenarios that may also suggest risk but may not indicate it as clearly as the usage of VPNs. For example, direct sending exposure to a known scam address is indeed a serious concern, and bulking payments into one transaction can complicate transaction monitoring. However, the use of VPNs or proxies is often directly linked to identity concealment, making it a very distinct and commonly recognized red flag.