Hello! I want to share an important tip that many people overlook in P2P trading. Recently, I’ve been hearing more and more stories about a classic scam called the "triangle." The concept is simple but cunning, so it’s better to know about it in advance.



The thing is, in this scheme, you can become a victim even if you haven't done anything wrong. Here's how it works: the scammer creates an ad to sell something expensive — like an iPhone, for example. A buyer finds the ad and is ready to send the money. But instead of providing their own details, the scammer gives the P2P trader’s details (this is you or someone else). The victim sends the money thinking they’re paying for the item. Meanwhile, you, unaware, send crypto to the scammer. As a result: the victim is left without the item, you’re left without the crypto, and the scammer has the money. And now the police are interested in your story.

How to avoid falling into this trap? Here’s what I would recommend:

First — pay close attention to profiles. If you’re trading on major platforms, look for users who have been active for at least a month and have a decent transaction history. A hundred orders is already a good sign. Major exchanges have filters for this, don’t hesitate to use them.

Second — set clear conditions. In your offer description, write something like: “Only from the card owner themselves, no third parties accepted.” This will weed out half of the suspicious attempts.

Third — if the money still arrives from an unfamiliar person, don’t rush. Ask for confirmation, such as a photo of the card or even a transfer of one ruble with an explanation. Genuine people usually help, but scammers will just disappear from the chat.

Fourth — never send crypto back until you’re sure. Always coordinate with the platform’s support, especially if something seems strange. This is your protection.

Overall, the triangle in P2P is one of the most unpleasant traps because you look guilty even if you just got caught in a situation. So it’s better to stay alert, verify your counterparts, set stricter conditions, and not rush. If something still goes wrong — contact support immediately, without delay. Stay cautious out there!
View Original
This page may contain third-party content, which is provided for information purposes only (not representations/warranties) and should not be considered as an endorsement of its views by Gate, nor as financial or professional advice. See Disclaimer for details.
  • Reward
  • Comment
  • Repost
  • Share
Comment
Add a comment
Add a comment
No comments
  • Pin