How to check if a swap site is connected to a known scam before you use it

05 September 2026

Check the site's domain name against public scam databases and look for its registration history. Then verify that real, independent users have confirmed receiving funds from it over time. These two steps catch most fraudulent swap operations before you send them a single satoshi.

Scammers register domains in bulk and abandon them quickly. A site that was created three weeks ago and claims to have processed millions in volume is almost certainly lying. Use a WHOIS lookup tool to see when the domain was registered. If the registration date is within the last six months, treat the site with extreme caution. Look at the registrant country and privacy settings too. Many scam domains use free privacy services from jurisdictions that ignore fraud complaints.

Cross-reference the domain with multiple scam reporting sites. Do not rely on a single database. Scammers pay to have their domains removed from some lists. Check at least three independent sources. The most useful ones maintain lists of addresses that have been reported for non-delivery. If you find the site's deposit address in any such list, do not use it.

Search for the site's full URL plus the word "scam" or "review" on social media platforms and forums. Filter by recent posts. A scam operation often gets dozens of complaints within its first month of operation. Look for patterns: multiple users describing the same problem, such as funds being held for "verification" indefinitely, or support teams that stop responding after a deposit arrives.

Check whether the site publishes a physical address and verifiable business registration. Many legitimate swap providers operate from countries with clear regulatory frameworks. Scam sites typically list a fake address or none at all. Use street view to check any address they provide. A "London office" that maps to a residential flat or a vacant lot is a red flag.

Examine the site's code for telltale signs of a template. Many scam swap sites use identical front-end code bought from underground forums. Look at the HTML source for comments or file paths that reference a generic template name. If the site's design looks polished but the terms of service are riddled with grammar errors, that mismatch is suspicious.

Do not trust Trustpilot or similar user review platforms for swap sites. Scammers buy fake five-star reviews in batches. The real reviews that survive moderation are often negative, but scammers also flood these platforms with positive ratings. Instead, look for independent discussions on cryptocurrency forums where users post transaction hashes as proof of delivery.

Finally, check if the site's deposit address has any transaction history on a block explorer. A brand-new address that appears in no prior transactions is normal. An address that has received many small deposits but sent none onward is a strong warning sign. That pattern matches a collection wallet that never pays out.

If you have done all these checks and the site still seems plausible, the next step is to read the full guide on swapping crypto safely. That page covers what to do when your instincts say maybe but the evidence is thin.

Back to nft markets