P2P Triangles: how not to become a pawn in other people's schemes (and keep your freedom)

P2P exchangers have turned into a minefield — 9 out of 10 “makers” are either scammers or use you as an unwitting intermediary. Let’s break down two deadly scenarios and how to avoid them.

Black triangle: when your details become a tool of crime

Scheme:

1. A fraudster deceives a victim (sells an “iPhone” on Avito, demands prepayment).
2. Provides your payment details obtained during a P2P transaction.
3. The victim transfers money to you, believing they are paying for a product.

Consequences:

• An obligation to return funds — you will have to prove that you are not a scammer;
• Criminal liability under Article 159 of the Criminal Code — even chat screenshots do not guarantee acquittal;
• Account blocking under Federal Law 115-FZ. In addition, there is now a risk of being included in the Central Bank’s “suspicious details” registry, which limits transfers to 100,000 rubles.

• White triangle: hidden risks of “legal” arbitrage
  

  The scheme here is more complex. A buyer finds your USDT selling offer, then looks for someone willing to buy crypto at a higher price. Your payment details are passed to a third party, whose funds may be anything: payments from online casinos, transfers from dubious services, or even proceeds from criminal activity.

  Problems begin when these third parties believe they were deceived and file complaints with banks or law enforcement. Your accounts get frozen, and you spend months proving that you simply wanted to sell cryptocurrency.

• Why P2P is no longer safe
  

  2024 statistics are disappointing: 92% of active “makers” on major P2P platforms use triangular schemes in one way or another. Even verified merchant status does not guarantee protection — such statuses are easy to buy.

  Banks are increasingly freezing accounts on suspicion of money laundering, and law enforcement agencies are paying closer attention to crypto-related transfers. An ordinary P2P transaction can turn into a lengthy investigation involving police and tax authorities.

• How to protect yourself
  

  1. 1) Avoid P2P exchanges altogether, especially when dealing with large amounts.
  2. 2) Verify the source of funds — payments from unknown senders are a red flag.
  3. 3) Use licensed services where payment details belong to the platform itself, not random individuals.
  4. 4) And best of all — exchange with Cashers: we send payments only from personal cards of premium banking products that have never been exposed to “dirty” funds.