Merchant, sizing, evidence: what each line of defence blocks
Done properly they cut the odds of being dragged in or scammed; whether an account is frozen is still decided by the bank and the authorities.High volume, a completion rate near 100%, an account open for a year, and a price that isn't suspiciously good — that's a merchant worth trading with. Learn what the numbers mean and which red flags actually matter. How to vet a merchant →
Keep each trade modest, don't cram many into one day, and use a dedicated account for P2P — not the one that holds your salary or pays your rent. Spread the risk and cut the ties. How to size trades →
Save the order screenshot, the payment receipt, and the chat log — all three. If your account is ever frozen or a payment is disputed, this is what gets it released and proves you acted in good faith. What to keep →
How a freeze actually happens
Understand the chain and you'll see what each defence is blocking.
Note: whether an account is frozen, and for how long, is decided by your bank and the authorities — we only cover how to lower the risk and protect yourself. Read the full response guide →. This isn't legal advice; local rules apply.
Eight self-checks and calculators
Everything runs in your browser; if it is your first visit, start with the freeze-risk check.Account-freeze risk check
Answer a few questions and get a risk level for this trade, plus which defence to shore up. Runs locally in your browser — nothing is uploaded.
Just published
Before you chase anyone, work out whether the hold is your bank's own decision or an order from outside.The Card Works but the Money Will Not Move: Bank Block vs Law-Enforcement Freeze
Same stuck balance, two different machines: a bank acting on its own monitoring, or an authority that obtained an order. Who started it, what the clock looks like and what the bank will say, with the UK's seven working days and 31-day moratorium as the worked example.
Where to start before your first USDT
Written for anyone buying their first USDT with local money.How to Buy USDT on Binance P2P Safely: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide
The one to read first. Choosing a merchant, paying, confirming release, and what to do when something goes wrong — the whole flow, with every risk point marked.