Since the banning of cryptocurrency transactions with banks in 2021, Nigerians turned to using peer-to-peer (p2p) trading platforms for their transactions. These platforms offer an easier way to convert, buy, or sell cryptocurrency in the country. Even after the ban was lifted last year, Nigerians still prefer using p2p platforms over banks. However, there's been a rise in scammers flooding these exchanges, making it difficult to distinguish between legitimate traders and scammers. These scammers manipulate these platforms, adding fake testimonials to their profiles. As Nigerians become more familiar with cryptocurrency platforms and exchanges, they become more vulnerable to scams.
Just yesterday, I read a
post where someone shared a story about a friend who fell victim to a scammer on an exchange. The friend engaged in a discussion with the trader, who then persuaded her to invest, claiming to have a way to make thousands of dollars. Unfortunately, she sent him the funds and lost contact with him afterward.
You might wonder why she didn't report him to exchange officials. She did report him, but he hasn't been heard of, and the exchange couldn't help her. The lesson here is that when using online platforms filled with unknown entities, we should be cautious, especially regarding offers promising easy money online. Legitimate opportunities are rare and usually offer minimal returns over time.
I've compiled some methods to help newbies and members avoid being scammed on p2p exchanges during transactions:
- Avoid unnecessary discussions with traders:
Engaging in unnecessary conversations can lead to scams, as seen in the story shared earlier. Simply conduct your trades and avoid prolonged discussions. - Don't share personal information or contact the trader: Sharing personal information can make you vulnerable to scams. Recently, I encountered a similar situation where a trader demanded my phone number, before he would send my funds which seemed suspicious. I decided to provide a fake number and immediately I received my money. Be cautious and avoid sharing unnecessary personal details.
- Consider using online microfinance banks:
These banks offer faster transactions without the issues associated with traditional banks. Examples include Opay, Kuda Bank, Palmpay, and Moniepoint Microfinance Bank. Using these banks can help avoid situations where scam traders claim your bank has issues to delay transactions. - Don't release funds without confirming receipt:Always confirm you have received funds before releasing them. Even these exchange has a notification that you shouldn't Releasing funds without confirmation or puts your money at risk of being lost permanently. Many have fallen victim to scams due to releasing funds prematurely.
- Ensure a stable data connection:
Before initiating a transaction, ensure you have a stable data connection. This ensures you can confirm receipt without being deceived by scammers. Additionally, keep your bank app open during the transaction process.
By following these practices, I've managed to avoid falling victim to scams, and I hope others can benefit from these steps as well. Stay vigilant and cautious when conducting transactions on centralized exchanges or platforms.
Thank you op, when it comes to cryptocurrency peer-to-peer exchange it's important to take some precautions to avoid scam. If I may?
In addition to what OP said, here are a few more tips for us to hold on to.
(1) research: before engaging in any exchange, thoroughly research the platform and the person you're trading with. Look for reviews and verify their credentials.
(2) secure platform: choose a reputable and secure platform for your transactions. Look for platforms that has a strong security measures in place.
(3) escrow service: consider using an escrow service that holds the funds until both parties have completed the transaction. This adds an extra layer of security and minimizes the risk of fraud.
(4) communication: maintain clear and open communication with the person you're trading with, discuss the terms of the transaction, ask questions and clarify any doubt before proceeding, if your communication pass like this na you know wetin you dey find.
(5) start small o: when trading with a new person, it's a good idea to start with smaller amount to test the waters, once there is trust, you can gradually increase the transaction size.
(6) trust your instincts: if something feels off or too good to be true, trust your instincts and proceed with caution, if a deal seem too risky or suspicious it's better to walk away.
Remember, it's always better to be safe than sorry, stay vigilant and take these precautions to protect yourself from potential scam.
You did well on this very topic I can't not just said is for newbie because sometimes one may be carried away due to some unknown factor that can leads to such conversation, but I still hold on to this very one avoiding unnecessary discussion allot of people have fall into prey during transaction on this very aspects even, a friend told me how he was scammed through discussion the scammers where just recording all the information suddenly he received alert on his email that unknown body is entry. Most of this discussion is to be sure if really what they have in mind to achieve, if truly the credentials are correct as they hack your account. My opinion is for one to ask questions when necessary mostly in the area of transaction, to any trusted friend who engage on the Bitcoin if he lack ideas or read more on the forum and others site to be more cautious on the danger before carrying out any action for those with less knowledge using P2P as means of exchange.