Avoiding Account Freezes in P2P Transactions: A Call for Patience and Understanding
In Pakistan’s P2P transaction ecosystem, one common challenge is the frequent freezing of bank accounts. Here’s why it happens and how we can address it:
When verified merchants request identity documents like ID cards, selfies, videos, or other proofs, many users feel offended. They assume, “I’ve already done my KYC; why are they asking again? Are they accusing me of being a scammer?” However, this verification isn’t personal—it’s a protective measure. Merchants ensure the buyer isn’t involved in fraudulent activities because if their account gets flagged due to suspicious transactions, it creates a chain reaction. Anyone linked to that scammer could also face account freezes.
The biggest problem here is impatience. Some users don’t wait even an hour before filing an appeal. “The merchant hasn’t replied in 15 minutes? Time to dispute!” This impatience only worsens the situation. Merchants might be handling multiple orders and need time to respond. Giving them at least an hour can prevent unnecessary escalations.
Another issue is ignoring the merchant’s terms and starting arguments in chats. This adds unnecessary pressure to merchants who are already managing multiple buyers.
How can we help reduce account freezes?
1. Be Patient: Give the merchant time to respond—at least one hour—before raising disputes.
2. Read the Terms: Understand and respect the merchant’s policies before proceeding.
3. Cooperate with Verification: Sharing additional documents ensures a smoother and safer transaction.
Patience, understanding, and cooperation can make the P2P ecosystem safer for everyone. Let’s work together to reduce issues like account freezes and improve trust in the system.
