• 2 min read

How to Prevent Common OTC Trading Scams?

Chapter 1: Basic Scam Tactics & Countermeasures

1) SMS Scam

How it works:

  • The scammer places an order, stalls you in chat, then sends a forged “payment received” SMS and clicks “Paid” to trick you into releasing assets.

Countermeasure:
✅ Never rely on SMS. Always log in to online banking/mobile app and verify actual account balance before releasing.

2) “Pay-on-Behalf” (Proxy Payment) Scam

How it works:

  • The scammer uses Alipay/WeChat “request to pay on your behalf”, making you think funds were transferred.
  • Or uses a QR code with a preset higher amount (e.g., 5,000 instead of 500) to make you overpay.

Countermeasures:
✅ Refuse any “pay-on-behalf” requests; accept normal transfers only.
✅ Double-check the exact amount before confirming/scanning.

3) Fake Screenshot (Photoshopped Receipt)

How it works:

  • The scammer fakes transfer vouchers/screenshots to push you to release.

Countermeasure:
✅ Actual arrival prevails. Confirm inside your banking app—never by screenshot alone.

4) Wrong-Account Transfer Scam

How it works:

  • The scammer pays to an accomplice’s account, then shows you that screenshot to force release.

Countermeasure:
✅ Only your own incoming ledger matters. No actual credit, no release.

5) Multi-Order Confusion

How it works:

  • The scammer places multiple same-amount orders; marks “Paid” on one unpaid order to confuse you.

Countermeasure:
✅ Verify order details vs. bank ledger. Payer’s name must match platform KYC.

6) Forged Alipay Feature Abuse

How it works:

  • Marks “Paid” without paying, then sends Alipay “collect from Alipay account” request to trick you into clicking “Pay now.”

Countermeasure:
✅ Reject unknown collection requests. Don’t release under pressure.

Chapter 2: Intermediate Scam Tactics & Countermeasures

1) Same-Amount “Switch” (A/B) Scam

How it works:

  • A and B place two orders of the same amount.
    • A pays but doesn’t mark Paid.
    • B doesn’t pay but does mark Paid, then submits A’s proof to push release.
  • If you don’t check payer identity, you might release to B.

Countermeasure:
✅ Match paying account info to the actual buyer of that order.

2) Partial Payment Scam

How it works:

  • Order is 10,000, scammer only pays 1,000 and pressures you to release full amount.

Countermeasures:
✅ Full amount must arrive; partial credit = no release.
✅ If unsure, contact support to verify whether it’s a newbie mistake.

Chapter 3: Advanced Scam Tactics & Countermeasures

1) Fake Escrow (Infiltration) Scam

How it works:

  • A builds trust via private chat, claims to buy, introduces a “guarantor” B.
  • B impersonates support/staff/KOL to gain trust and steal assets.

Countermeasure:
✅ Platform support never provides escrow/guarantee. Any “guarantee trade” request is fraud.

2) Fake Ad “Cross-Payment” Scam

How it works:

  • A posts a low-price ad to lure B, but asks B to pay a third account.
  • C pays and gets scammed; A/C may not know each other; B becomes the middle victim.

Countermeasure:
✅ Only pay the order counterparty, and payer name must match KYC.

Chapter 4: Safe Trading Tips

  • Complete all trades on-platform; no off-platform deals.
  • Use KYC-matching accounts for payment; info must be consistent.
  • Actual arrival is the only basis—screenshots are not proof.
  • No proxy pay, no non-KYC funds, no third-party accounts.
  • If anything seems suspicious, contact support immediately; do not release assets lightly.

Tebbit is committed to a secure environment, but fund security is ultimately in your hands. Stay vigilant, follow safety rules, and avoid unnecessary losses!