P2P Trading: How to Stay Safe

Peer-to-peer (P2P) trading is gaining popularity in cryptocurrency trading. However, traders need to be aware of the potential risks involved. By understanding these risks, traders can take necessary precautions to safeguard themselves against possible losses and confidently navigate the process. This article will explore several precautionary measures traders can adopt to protect their interests. Whether you're a seasoned trader or new to the P2P trading scene, these insights will provide valuable guidance on when and how to implement these precautions effectively.

Basics 

Decentralized peer-to-peer (P2P) cryptocurrency trading refers to the direct buying and selling of digital currencies without the involvement of a third-party intermediary. P2P platforms serve as virtual marketplaces, enabling users to exchange cryptocurrency directly. This decentralized approach grants users greater control over their funds and protects their identities during transactions.

While P2P trading offers numerous advantages, users must be fully aware of the potential risks involved. It is essential to stay vigilant and informed to mitigate these risks. Some risks associated with P2P trading include fraudulent proof of payment, chargeback scams, erroneous transfers, man-in-the-middle attacks, triangulation fraud, and phishing attempts. By understanding these risks and adopting appropriate security measures, users can confidently navigate the P2P trading landscape and protect their assets.

How Safe Is Peer-to-Peer Trading?

Like any form of trading, P2P trading entails specific risks that vary depending on the exchange and its security protocols. While older P2P platforms historically faced greater vulnerability to theft and scams, modern P2P exchanges have significantly enhanced their safety measures.

Major P2P exchanges today prioritize user protection by implementing robust security features such as escrow services, frequent security updates, and rigorous identity verification processes. These measures are designed to mitigate risks and ensure a secure trading environment for users.

Nonetheless, it is crucial to acknowledge that all trading activities, including P2P trading, carry inherent risks. Despite appropriate safeguards, traders should remain mindful of potential risks and exercise caution throughout their trading journey. By staying informed and adopting responsible trading practices, individuals can navigate the P2P trading landscape more confidently and minimize potential vulnerabilities.

P2P Scams: What Are They?

Bogus Payment Confirmation or Manipulated SMS

Fraudsters may tamper with receipts electronically to deceive you into believing they have made a payment, persuading you to release your crypto assets to them. One illustration is the SMS deception, where criminals falsify text messages to inform victims of received payment.

Tips to evade this scam: Sellers should only finalize transactions after verifying that the payment has been credited to their wallet or bank account.

Deceitful Chargeback Fraud

An ill-intentioned individual may exploit the chargeback feature on their preferred payment platform to reverse the payment upon obtaining your assets. Often, they attempt to pay through a third-party account. Some payment methods, such as checks and online wallets, facilitate chargeback requests.

Tips to avoid this scam: Refrain from accepting payments from third-party accounts. If it does occur, file an appeal with the platform and initiate a refund to the buyer's account.

Misdirected Transfers

Similar to chargeback fraud, scammers may endeavor to steal your assets by contacting their bank and reporting an erroneous transaction, requesting a reversal. Some scammers may even employ intimidation tactics to dissuade you from reporting the incident, falsely claiming that selling cryptocurrency is unlawful.

Tips to avoid this scam: Stay firm in the face of intimidation. Collect evidence systematically, such as screenshots of your correspondence and transaction with the perpetrator.

Man-in-the-Middle Attacks

In a man-in-the-middle attack, a bad actor inserts themself between a user and an application, organization, or another individual. He communicates on behalf of that counterparty to steal assets or sensitive information like private keys. The main categories of man-in-the-middle attacks include romance, investment, and e-commerce scams.

Scams Associated With Romance

In this situation, an individual with malicious intent assumes a false identity and establishes a fabricated online connection with their target. Gradually building trust, they cunningly manipulate the victim into assisting them with their purported financial difficulties. 

This scam can involve coercing the victim into sending money or cryptocurrency or divulging sensitive information, such as private keys. However, once the scammer achieves their nefarious objectives, they abruptly sever all contact, leaving the victim deceived and betrayed.

Involvement in Investment Scams

Perpetrators of investment scams manipulate their victims by persuading them to invest in a specific venture. By positioning themselves as intermediaries between the victim and the investment opportunity, scammers gain control over the victim's funds, which they can divert under the guise of "investment."

E-Commerce Deception

An e-commerce scam involves fraudsters posing as online sellers offering attractive products at discounted prices. They coerce victims into making cryptocurrency payments to their wallets, only to vanish without delivering the promised goods.

Preventing this scam: Refrain from engaging in trading requests on social media platforms. Limit communication with counterparts to official channels before and during transactions.

Triangulation Scam Schemes

Triangulation scams occur when two fraudulent individuals simultaneously place orders with the same seller, intentionally confusing them into releasing more cryptocurrency than has been paid for.

For example, Buyer A places an order for 5,000 TUSD worth of crypto (Order A), while Buyer B places an order for the equivalent of 6,000 TUSD (Order B). Buyer B transfers 5,000 TUSD to the seller, while Buyer A marks Order A as paid. The seller then releases the crypto to Buyer A, completing Order A for 5,000 TUSD. Buyer B sends an additional 1,000 TUSD to the seller, provides payment proof for the 5,000 TUSD received from Buyer A plus 1,000 TUSD, and compels the seller to release digital assets for Order B. Ultimately, the seller realizes they have released 5,000 + 6,000 = 11,000 TUSD worth of crypto but have only been paid 6,000 TUSD.

Avoiding this scam: Always verify that you have received full payment for all pending P2P transactions by checking your bank account or wallet.

Phishing Scam Attacks

Phishing is a malicious attack where scammers employ fake profiles to deceive users into sending assets or information to them. For instance, a fraudster might impersonate a customer service representative from a P2P platform to access private information or crypto accounts.

Preventing this scam: Exercise caution when encountering security alerts regarding your account through email or text messages. Refrain from clicking on unknown links until you have verified their source. Seek assistance exclusively from the official P2P exchange.

Identifying Risks During P2P Trading

Before Initiating Trades

• Thoroughly review P2P advertising profiles. 
• Scrutinize potential trading partners before engaging in transactions with them. 
• Consider factors such as the number of trades (high or low), completion rates (above or below 80%), and feedback from merchants or users.
• Carefully evaluate advertisements. 
• Assess each P2P advertisement to ensure it aligns with your needs and objectives. 
• Pay attention to price, quantity, accepted payment methods, trading restrictions, and terms and conditions. 
• Suspicion may arise if there is a significant disparity between the P2P and market prices on other trading platforms.

During Trading

Exercise caution when engaging with a P2P buyer. Look out for the following warning signs:

• The buyer is pressuring you to release the crypto.
• The buyer requested unnecessary information.
• The buyer needs to be more responsive.
• The buyer is asking for a loan.
• The buyer wants to pay less or more than the agreed amount in the order.
• The buyer suggested communication outside the P2P platform.
• The buyer proposed payment through a third party.

Stay vigilant when interacting with a P2P seller. Watch for the following red flags:

• The seller is asking you to cancel the order after payment.
• The seller is suggesting communication outside the P2P platform.
• The seller is proposing trades outside the P2P platform.
• The seller is requesting an additional commission.

After Trading

When dealing with a P2P buyer, be cautious if:

• You still need to receive the asset you paid for.
• You receive a bounced check from the buyer.
• Your bank account gets blocked after receiving payment.
• The buyer initiates a chargeback after you've transferred cryptocurrency.

General Tips to Protect Against Scams

• Trade on reputable platforms that offer robust safety features.
• Choose platforms with risk management features, KYC protocols, escrow services, customer support, and automated payment processes.
• Utilize the block feature to prevent interactions with suspicious users.
• Communicate solely through the P2P platform to avoid fraudulent disputes.
• Double-check transactions and scrutinize receipts for signs of digital alteration.
• Take screenshots of communication and transaction proofs for record-keeping.
• Target your advertisements to specific trusted individuals within your crypto network.
• Block suspicious parties to safeguard against fraudulent behavior.
• If issues arise, seek customer support and provide relevant evidence for an appeal.

Conclusion

Maintaining a high level of awareness regarding the potential risks involved in P2P transactions is crucial for safeguarding your assets. This involves familiarizing yourself with the terms and conditions of agreements, staying vigilant for warning signs, and opting for platforms with comprehensive safety measures.

Exercise caution when participating in P2P transactions, and don't hesitate to contact customer support if you encounter any doubts or apprehensions. By adopting a mindful approach and implementing necessary precautions, you can confidently reap the rewards of P2P transactions while mitigating potential risks.