Most P2P scams reuse the same handful of tricks. Learn to spot them and you can trade with confidence.
The biggest red flag: going off-platform
Almost every scam starts by pulling you away from the platform’s protection. If someone asks you to pay "directly," chat on another app, or send goods or codes before the trade is locked in, stop. Escrow only protects you while the payment is held on-platform.
Other warning signs
- Urgency and pressure — "send it now or I cancel." Real trades do not rush you.
- Overpayment tricks — "I sent too much, refund the difference." The original payment is fake or will reverse.
- Too good to be true — rates far better than everyone else hide a catch.
- Requests for your password, codes, or private key — never share these with anyone.
The rules that keep you safe
- Keep all payment, chat and delivery on the platform.
- Check the other person’s reputation first.
- Never confirm an order you have not actually received.
- If something feels wrong, do not proceed — open a dispute.
For the complete safety checklist, read how to stay safe trading online and is P2P trading safe.