While fraud in C2C trading is uncommon, it does happen. Knowing how to file an appeal correctly can help you recover losses as much as possible. If you don't have a Binance account yet, register on Binance now, and we recommend downloading the Binance APP for easy management.
Common C2C Scam Methods
Fake Payment Screenshots: A buyer sends a forged transfer screenshot claiming they've paid, trying to trick you into releasing coins. Always confirm actual receipt in your banking app before releasing coins. Scammers typically use image editing software to create convincing payment screenshots, or even forge bank SMS notifications. The only reliable verification method is logging into your banking app to check your balance changes.
Pressuring You to Release Coins Before Payment: The counterparty uses various excuses to rush you into releasing coins early, claiming the payment is "being processed" or "the bank is experiencing delays." Remember — never release coins until you've received the money. Normal bank transfers (whether bank card, Alipay, or WeChat) arrive instantly; there's no such thing as "the money is on its way."
Off-Platform Transaction Lures: The counterparty asks to complete the transaction through channels outside the platform, bypassing Binance's protection mechanism. Common tactics include "the platform fees are too high, let's trade privately" or "add me on WeChat, it's more convenient." Once you leave the platform, Binance cannot intervene if something goes wrong, and your funds have no protection whatsoever.
Fake Customer Service Scams: Someone impersonates Binance customer service and contacts you, claiming your order has an issue that needs "verification," requesting you to transfer funds to a specific account or provide verification codes. Real Binance customer service will never proactively contact you to request money or verification codes.
Low-Price Trap: Certain merchants attract you with prices significantly below market rate. After you pay, they delay releasing coins indefinitely, eventually using various tactics to cancel the transaction or get you to pay extra.
How to File an Appeal
Step 1: Find the "Appeal" button on the order details page and initiate an appeal. Note that appeals must be filed within the order's validity period — you may not be able to appeal after it expires.
Step 2: Select the reason for the appeal and describe your issue in detail. Clearly explain what happened, including the timeline, specific actions taken, and the counterparty's behavior.
Step 3: Upload relevant evidence, including chat record screenshots, bank statement screenshots, transfer receipts, etc. The more evidence you provide, the higher the success rate. We recommend uploading the following materials:
- Transfer records from your banking app (showing amount, time, and recipient information)
- Chat record screenshots with the merchant
- Binance order details screenshot
- If available, records of bank customer service confirming the receipt
Step 4: After submitting the appeal, Binance's customer service team will investigate. During the investigation, related assets will be frozen on the platform pending the outcome. Customer service usually responds within 24 hours; complex cases may take 2-3 business days.
Things to Keep in Mind During the Appeal
- File the appeal within the order's specified time window — don't miss it
- Evidence provided must be authentic — fabricating evidence will result in account penalties or permanent bans
- Be patient and cooperate with the customer service investigation, responding promptly to inquiries. Customer service may ask you to provide additional supporting materials
- Don't negotiate with the counterparty outside the platform during the appeal — all communication should go through the platform
- If you're dissatisfied with the initial ruling, you can request an escalation
After a Successful Appeal
If the appeal succeeds, the frozen cryptocurrency will be released to your account. The counterparty's violation will be recorded, and severe cases may result in trading restrictions or account bans. If your financial loss cannot be recovered through the platform, we recommend preserving all evidence and filing a report with your local police.
Prevention First
Choosing reputable trading partners, insisting on platform-only transactions, and confirming receipt before releasing coins are the three key principles for avoiding scams. If anything seems suspicious, it's better to cancel the transaction than take the risk. Here are some additional preventive tips:
- Beginners should start with small transactions — don't jump straight into large amounts
- If the counterparty behaves abnormally during a transaction (rushing, threatening, or trying to exchange contact info), raise your guard immediately
- Regularly update your Binance APP to the latest version to ensure security features are up to date
- Enable all Binance security verifications (Google Authenticator, SMS verification, email verification) to prevent account theft