If you’ve ever traded crypto P2P in Nigeria, then you know, it’s not for the faint-hearted. One minute you’re looking for the best rates, the next minute you’re scrutinizing someone’s profile wondering, “Is this person legit, or just another scammer with a convincing setup?”

With over 22 million Nigerians actively using or owning crypto, it’s no surprise that peer-to-peer trading has become a hot zone—not just for buyers and sellers, but also for fraudsters looking to feast. Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned trader, one small mistake can cost you big.

But don’t worry, this isn’t one of those “crypto is dangerous” lectures. We’re here to break down the red flags, the street-smart tactics, and everything you need to know to stay ten steps ahead of P2P scams in Nigeria.

Use Of Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Trading Platforms In Nigeria

So, why the focus on P2P scams specifically? Simple — peer-to-peer trading is the most common way Nigerians buy and sell crypto today.

Unlike countries like Switzerland, Malta, or Singapore, where crypto is openly embraced and integrated into the financial system — Nigeria took a different route. In 2021, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) placed restrictions on cryptocurrency transactions, effectively banning banks from facilitating crypto-related activities.

Yes, it sounds ironic. A country with one of the largest crypto user bases in the world isn’t officially crypto-friendly. That means you can’t buy or sell crypto directly through your bank, and using your Naira card on most exchanges? Forget it.

Because of this, crypto platforms had to adapt. And the workaround? Peer-to-peer (P2P) trading. It allows users to trade directly with one another, bypassing traditional banking rails. But with that freedom comes risk, and unfortunately, P2P scams have become a serious problem for everyday users.

See Also: How To Make Money Online With P2P Trading In Nigeria

What Is Peer-to-Peer (P2P) in Crypto?

P2P, short for peer-to-peer, is a method of trading crypto directly between two users, without any intermediaries like banks or payment processors. Think of it as a digital version of a local market: instead of walking up to a stall, you log onto a platform like Binance, find a seller or buyer, and make the trade yourself.

crypto p2p trading

P2P trading

The platform simply acts as a meeting point. You’re the one actually transacting — usually with someone you’ve never met. And as you might guess, trading with strangers online comes with risks.

Most platforms try to reduce these risks by verifying users through KYC (Know Your Customer) checks. But even with ID verification, fraudsters still find ways to beat the system; and that’s where many P2P scams begin.

How Does P2P Trading Work in Crypto?

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Let’s say you want to buy Bitcoin using Naira. You log into a P2P-enabled exchange, head to the marketplace, and search for a seller offering the rate and amount you want. Once you find a match, you place an order.

The process usually goes like this:

  1. You initiate the trade.
  2. The exchange locks the seller’s crypto in escrow (meaning they can’t access it while the transaction is ongoing).
  3. You send the Naira to the seller through a bank transfer or other agreed method.
  4. The seller confirms they’ve received the payment.
  5. The exchange releases the crypto to your wallet.

Sounds smooth, right?

Now, here’s where things can go wrong: imagine you send the money, but the seller never confirms payment — or claims they didn’t receive it. If you’re unlucky and the platform’s dispute system is slow or flawed, you could end up losing both your money and the crypto.

That’s why understanding how P2P works — and knowing the red flags — is key to avoiding scams. But don’t panic, we’re getting into the practical tips next.

5 Ways To Avoid Crypto P2P Scams In Nigeria

Here are five practical ways to deter peer-to-peer scams in Nigeria:

1. Check Ratings and Reviews

One of the easiest ways to spot a shady trader? Their reviews. P2P platforms allow users to leave feedback after a trade, so take advantage of that.

Before you initiate any trade, check the seller or buyer’s ratings, trade history, and user comments. If you see a pattern of complaints or negative reviews, that’s a big red flag. Trust is earned, not assumed.

2. Stick to Trusted P2P Platforms

There are tons of platforms out there, but not all of them are secure or reputable. Some don’t have proper fraud protection or reliable dispute systems.

To reduce your risk, stick with established, well-known exchanges that have clear user policies, escrow protection, and strong community feedback.

3. Never Send Payment Outside the Platform

This is a classic scam move. A seller might say, “Let’s complete the transaction outside the platform” or ask you to send money to a different account. Don’t fall for it. If you send funds outside the platform’s secure system, you lose all protection — and if anything goes wrong, there’s no one to step in. Always stick to the official payment channels provided within the platform.

4. Double-Check Everything Before You Confirm

Slow down before hitting that “buy” or “confirm” button. Make sure the amount, coin type, payment account, and wallet address are all correct.

Rushing is how mistakes — and scams — happen. Take a moment to crosscheck the details so you don’t end up losing your funds over a simple oversight.

5. Or Better Yet
 Don’t Use P2P at All

Yep, we said it. The safest way to avoid P2P scams is to skip P2P entirely.

Instead of trading with strangers and stressing over fraud, you can use an Over-The-Counter (OTC) platform like Breet. It’s faster, safer, and more straightforward. With Breet, there’s no back-and-forth, no sketchy buyers or sellers, and no need to worry about ratings or reviews.

You simply sell your crypto and receive your Naira (or Cedis, if you’re in Ghana) directly in your bank account within minutes. No stress. No scams. Just peace of mind.

Also Read: How to Sell Bitcoin P2P – 6 Simple Steps

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About P2P Scams in Nigeria

1. Can I completely avoid P2P scams?

The only way to fully avoid P2P scams is to not use P2P at all.
Instead, consider using OTC (Over-The-Counter) crypto platforms like Breet, where you sell or convert crypto directly — no middlemen, no back-and-forth, and no scammers.

2. What platforms are safest for P2P trading?

Stick to well-known, regulated platforms like Binance P2P, Paxful, or Bybit. They typically offer better security, dispute resolution, and escrow systems. But even with these, you still need to stay alert.

3. How can I tell if a P2P trader is legit?

Look for these signs:

  • Verified identity badges
  • High ratings and positive reviews
  • A strong trade history (number of successful trades)

If a trader lacks these, or rushes you to move outside the platform, that’s a red flag.

4. What should I do if I get scammed in P2P Trading?

Immediately:

  • Report the incident to the platform’s support team
  • Submit all transaction receipts, chat logs, and payment proofs
  • Avoid interacting further with the scammer

The sooner you report, the higher your chances of recovery. Some platforms may freeze the scammer’s account during investigation.

5. What are escrows in P2P Trading, and how do they protect me?

Escrow is a secure holding system provided by the P2P platform. When you initiate a trade, your crypto is temporarily held by the platform until both sides complete their part (payment confirmation, etc.,). This helps prevent the seller from vanishing after you’ve paid.

Conclusion

P2P crypto trading isn’t going anywhere — it’s still one of the most widely used methods in Nigeria. But like every market, it comes with its risks. Knowing how to spot red flags and protect yourself is key to staying safe.

That said, if you ever get tired of the back-and-forth or just want a simpler, scam-free way to convert crypto to cash, Breet offers a reliable alternative. With Breet’s OTC system, you can trade directly and get cash directly into your bank account without dealing with shady P2P traders.

In the end, it’s all about what works best for you — just make sure it’s safe.

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