How can I check a swap site is real before I send anything

07 September 2026

You check a swap site is real by verifying its domain name character by character, reading independent discussion threads about it, and sending a tiny test amount first. These three checks catch nearly every fake site.

Why domain verification matters

Fake swap sites copy real domains with small changes. A fake might use "wswap" with a zero instead of an "o", or add an extra letter, or use a different top-level domain like .org when the real site uses .site. Phishing sites also appear on search results above the real site if they pay for ads. Never click a search ad for a swap site. Type the address yourself or use a bookmark you have saved from a source you trust.

Reading independent discussion

Search cryptocurrency forums, Reddit threads, or Telegram groups for the site's name. Look for people who have used it recently and describe their experience. Do not trust testimonials on the site itself. Fake sites often copy those from real ones. Watch for accounts that only praise one site or that post the same message across multiple threads. A real site will have a mix of experiences, including complaints about slow service during high traffic.

The test transaction is the actual check

No amount of reading tells you with certainty that the site will send your coins back. Only a small test does. Send the smallest amount the site allows for the coin you want to swap. For most coins that is a few dollars worth. Include the correct memo or destination tag if the receiving coin requires one. Wait for the swap to complete. If the site sends your coins to the correct address, you have strong evidence it is real.

What a test also reveals

A failed test tells you something important. If the site asks for more money to "unlock" your coins or demands a "minimum deposit" after you sent the test, it is a scam. Real swap sites do not hold coins hostage. They either complete the swap or refund you minus network fees. A test also shows you the actual time a swap takes, which varies by network congestion, and confirms you entered the receiving address correctly.

The limits of checking

No check is absolute. A real site can be hacked or its operators can turn malicious later. A site that is real today can vanish tomorrow. That is why you never send more than you can afford to lose, even after ten successful swaps. The test transaction reduces risk but does not remove it.

What to check on the site itself

Look for a clear privacy policy and terms of service. Real sites usually link to these in the footer. Read them. A fake site often has vague or stolen text. Check whether the site uses HTTPS and that the certificate matches the domain. That is not proof - anyone can get a free HTTPS certificate - but its absence is a red flag.

When you are ready to send a real swap

Once the test succeeds, you send your real amount. The site will generate a deposit address for your coins. That address comes from the site's own wallets, which it rotates for each swap. [What a swap actually does with your coins] explains why those addresses change and how the site moves your coins through its system. Reading that page after you have verified the site gives you the full picture of what happens after you click send.

A final point on trust

Trust in a swap site is earned in small, testable steps. No shortcut exists. If a site promises a "verified" badge from a third party, verify that badge independently. Scammers create fake badges. If a site claims to be the "original" or "only" version, check multiple sources. The safest approach is to treat every swap site as potentially fake until a test proves otherwise.

Back to prediction markets