Crypto Swap Safety Checklist: 10 Things to Verify Before You Send
Almost every lost swap comes from a small, avoidable mistake. Use this checklist before you press send. It takes two minutes and can save you the whole amount.
1. Confirm the website
Type the address yourself or use a bookmark. Fake sites copy popular services and show up in ads and search results. Check the domain letter by letter.
2. Check the coin and the network
For tokens such as USDT or USDC, the network matters as much as the coin. TRC20, ERC20 and Solana addresses are not interchangeable. The order page always shows the network next to the coin.
3. Verify your receiving address
Paste the address with the copy button, never retype it. Compare the first four and last four characters with your wallet. Clipboard-hijacking malware silently replaces copied addresses, so this check matters.
4. Add a refund address you control
If a swap cannot complete, funds are returned to this address. Use a wallet you control, not an exchange deposit address, and make sure it is on the same network as the coin you send.
5. Send the exact amount
The order page shows the amount to send. Sending far less than the minimum or a different amount can delay or complicate the swap. Wallet fees are usually deducted on top, so account for them.
6. Watch the timer
Deposit addresses are valid for a limited time. Send within the countdown. If the window expires, do not send to the old address. Start a new swap instead.
7. Include the memo or tag when required
Some coins need a memo or destination tag. When the order page shows one, it is required. Leaving it out can leave your deposit unmatched.
8. Keep gas in the sending wallet
Token transfers need the native coin for fees: ETH for ERC20, TRX for TRC20, SOL for Solana. A wallet holding only USDT cannot send it.
9. Save your swap ID
Your swap ID lets you track progress and gives support something to look up. Save it before you close the page.
10. Never share secrets
A swap service never needs your seed phrase, private key or wallet password. Anyone who asks for them is trying to steal your funds. Support only needs your swap ID.
Red flags
- Someone contacts you first and offers help or a "better rate".
- Pressure to hurry or to move to a private chat.
- A request to install software or approve a wallet connection to "unlock" your swap.
Follow these steps and swaps become routine. When you are ready, start a swap, or track an existing one.