Cryptocurrency beginners, take note: one small mistake can result in significant financial loss. Today, a friend learned this the hard way when a simple USDT transfer went wrong, costing $36,880. This serves as a stark reminder for everyone in the crypto space—attention to detail is non-negotiable. ⚠️
The Costly Mistake 🚨
The plan was straightforward: transfer $36,880 in USDT from a KuCoin wallet to a business partner’s OKX wallet using the ERC20 network. However, during the process, he accidentally selected the Polygon network instead of ERC20.
The transfer was confirmed, and the funds left his wallet—but they never arrived at the recipient’s. Since OKX doesn’t support USDT deposits on the Polygon network, the funds are now unrecoverable. 💔

Key Lessons 📚
1. Network Mismatch: The recipient’s wallet required ERC20, but the sender mistakenly used the Polygon network.
2. Irreversible Transactions: Unlike traditional banking, cryptocurrency transfers are final and cannot be undone if an error occurs.
How to Avoid Similar Losses 🛡️
1. Double-Check Wallet Details: Always verify the recipient’s wallet address and the specified network before confirming a transaction.
2. Ensure Network Compatibility: Make sure the sending and receiving wallets are compatible with the chosen blockchain network.
3. Perform a Test Transfer: For large amounts, send a small test payment first to confirm everything is set up correctly. ✅
Cryptocurrency offers immense opportunities, but it requires vigilance and responsibility. Take every step seriously—your financial security depends on it. 🔒