Hi! 👋 Recently, I noticed that more and more people in the crypto community are running into the same problem when trading via P2P platforms. This is about a scheme people call the triangle—and it really is dangerous. I want to share how it works and how not to fall into the trap.

The essence is simple: the scammer creates an ad to sell some item (usually a gadget) at an attractive price. The victim takes the bait and is ready to transfer money. But here’s the catch—the scammer gives the victim your payment details. The victim sends you money, thinking they’re paying for a phone. Meanwhile, you, without realizing the trick, send cryptocurrency to the scammer for their “purchase.” In the end: the scammer gets the crypto and disappears, the victim is left without the item, and you’re left with a conversation with the police. That’s the kind of p2p triangle you get.

What surprises me is that this scheme comes up fairly often, and many traders don’t know how to recognize it. I’ve seen a few cases where regular people fell into this trap just because they didn’t check the counterparty’s profile.

So here’s what I recommend you do. First, always look at the user’s rating and history. The person should be registered for at least a month and have a decent number of successful trades behind them. If the profile is new or has a low rating—that’s a red flag. Second, in your ad, be sure to include the condition: I accept money only from the buyer themselves; I don’t take payments from third parties. This immediately cuts off attempts to use you as cover.

If you still receive a payment from an unknown person, don’t rush to send crypto. Ask for proof—photo of the card, screenshot of the payment, anything. Scammers usually disappear at exactly this stage, because then they risk being exposed. The main thing is to coordinate all actions with the platform’s support so you have documentation in case of a dispute.

The triangle in p2p trading is a real threat, but it’s easy to avoid if you stay careful. Trade with verified people, set clear rules, and don’t rush. If something still goes wrong—contact support right away and open a dispute. Take care of yourself, crypto folks! 🔒