In cryptocurrency trading, security is certainly the most concerning issue for every investor, especially when trading USDT, how to avoid encountering 'black U' merchants has become a focus for everyone.
Today, I will share some practical tips to help everyone identify potential illegal merchants and ensure the safety of funds.
1. Trace the source of USDT and check the blockchain history.
Using a blockchain explorer (like Etherscan or Tronscan) to track the flow of USDT from the merchant can help you identify suspicious transactions. If the merchant's wallet address has frequent large transfers or funds from suspicious addresses, then this USDT may be 'black U'. Be especially cautious with merchants that transfer through multiple addresses.
2. Is there excessive price fluctuation? Beware of black U.
The normal price of USDT should be close to the global market. If the merchant's quote is more than 5% lower than the market price without reasonable market changes to support it, it may be a signal of 'black U'. Black U merchants often offer low prices or extreme discounts to attract transactions, which may hide illegal activities like money laundering.
3. Non-compliance with KYC and unusual transaction methods.
Regular merchants typically require KYC (Know Your Customer) to ensure compliance with transactions. If a merchant does not require identity verification, allows anonymous transactions, or uses informal payment methods (such as personal wallets or P2P transactions), it is very likely to be 'black U'. Remember, non-compliant merchants are often the source of risks.
4. Background investigation of the merchant is necessary.
Before choosing a merchant, it is recommended to check feedback about the merchant through social media or community forums (such as Reddit, Twitter, Telegram). If the merchant's information is unclear or there are no positive reviews, it is likely a risk point. Legitimate merchants will provide clear contact information and background.
5. High commissions and zero-risk promises are signs of a scam.
Some black U merchants may attract investors by promising 'high returns' and 'zero risks'. Remember, any 'high return' needs to be supported by a compliant business model; if not, it often indicates the presence of a scam. When investing, do not trust baseless promises.
6. Reverse transaction testing to check the reliability of the merchant.
If you suspect that a merchant is using black U for transactions, you can first purchase USDT through other legitimate channels and then compare it with the merchant's quote. If you find that the merchant's price is abnormal or there are issues during the transaction, you should be cautious. Additionally, split large transactions into smaller ones to test the merchant’s handling capacity, and stop the transaction immediately if any abnormalities occur.
7. Pay attention to the USDT version and avoid unstable currencies.
When choosing a merchant, also pay attention to the version of USDT they provide (such as TRC-20 or ERC-20). Some illegal merchants may use uncommon versions and provide unstable exchange methods, making it difficult for funds to circulate. Ensure that the USDT provided by the merchant is a mainstream version and can circulate stably.