Can you get scammed on LocalBitcoins?

Ebimo Dogubo
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Aug 15, 2021

LocalBitcoins is the largest peer-to-peer service that connects Bitcoin buyers and sellers that reside nearby, allowing for face-to-face and online transactions. The site also offers an escrow service, which is intended to assure the fairness of all user transactions.

Jeremiah Kangas, a programmer, and entrepreneur, launched the firm in 2012, making it one of the industry's earliest exchanges. It now works in 248 countries and 13774 cities worldwide, with headquarters in Helsinki, Finland.

In this article, I will be telling you all you need to know about local Bitcoins from the verification, fees, user experience, security and also answering the question if you can get scammed on LocalBitcoin.

Verification

LocalBitcoins respects the anonymity of Bitcoin by not requiring any personal information or requiring I.D. verification.

Signing up requires simply an email address. While no personal information is required for the exchange, some vendors or purchasers may seek identification to complete the transaction. When it comes to fiat currencies, users are allowed to trade in any currency, which means you can purchase Bitcoins for your local fiat currency if someone is ready to take it. The exchange only accepts fiat cash for Bitcoin transactions. There is no support for altcoins.

Fees for using LocalBitcoins

Keeping things simple, LocalBitcoins leaves everything at the users' discretion. There is no difference in fees. All trades are subject to a 1% fee. The vendor pays the fee.

Of course, all transactions are subject to the usual Bitcoin network fees. Sellers are allowed to choose their own BTC price, therefore they typically cover transaction fees by charging higher exchange rates.

The User Experience

Many users on LocalBitcoins are defrauded, particularly as a result of peer-to-peer interaction. Many fraud claims have surfaced on the internet, tarnishing the image of LocalBitcoins. The exchange is still a fantastic location to purchase or sell Bitcoins, but the user has to stay safe and educate themselves about the possible risks of peer-to-peer trading. The trading site also has a section for fraud and scam alerts, where users may share their experiences with other traders.

LocalBitcoins Safety

With two-factor authentication, HTTPS encryption, and Login Guard, the interaction is highly secure. There is a wonderful white hat program for security researchers at LocalBitcoins as well.

In 2015, the trading platform was hacked. They offer SMS and email alerts, and the coins in Escrow are stored online on the site. For email communication, PGP encryption is utilized.

Pros of LocalBitcoin

1. Private

2. Quick Easy to use

Cons of LocalBitcoin

1. You have to look out for scammers

2. ID verification is now needed.

3. Large purchasers are not recommended.

Analysis of LocalBitcoins Trading

Instead of a traditional brokerage business model, the exchange is a peer-to-peer network that links vendors with buyers in the local region. Advertisements for selling or purchasing Bitcoins are posted on the site by traders, who provide exchange rates and acceptable payment methods. Other users respond to these advertisements and arrange to meet the trader in person or online to complete the deal.

It also has a reputation system, as well as a feedback system, to help users discern between real merchants and scammers.

The trading platform also provides an escrow service to aid in the establishment of trust between the parties, as well as a conflict-resolution service to assist users in resolving any disputes.

Users are encouraged to exercise caution when trading on LocalBitcoins since they may be defrauded. After all, the transaction is done between two people. When it comes to trading, there are a few things to keep an eye on.

The seller must fulfill the following requirements:

1. Has a feedback rating of 98% or higher

2. Has traded more than 100BTC in the past Has completed at least 100 transactions

3. Has an account that is more than a year old

4. Is this a verified seller?

5. Is regarded as trustworthy by ten or more individuals

Can you get scammed on LocalBitcoins?

Many users on LocalBitcoins are scammed, particularly as a result of peer-to-peer interaction. There are several fraud allegations all over the internet, which have harmed the image of LocalBitcoins. The trading site also has a section for fraud and scam alerts, where users may share their experiences with other traders. Overall, a fantastic exchange, although perhaps not the greatest option for novices.

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Comments (3)

Lucy Feng

Sep 28, 2024

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