6 Ways to Spot Fake USDT Transactions- Cubex

Cryptocurrency

October 23, 2025
By Cubex

USDT (Tether) is one of the most popular stablecoins in the crypto world. It’s basically a digital version of the U.S. dollar and many Nigerians now use it for savings, payments, and trading.
But as more people use USDT, scammers are also getting smarter with fake transactions meant to deceive unsuspecting users.

From fake payment screenshots to tokens that never reach your wallet, these scams can look very real at first glance. Even careful people sometimes fall for them.

That’s why knowing how to spot fake USDT transactions is a must for anyone using crypto today. It’s not just about protecting your money, it’s about understanding how real transactions work, so you can quickly tell when something feels off.

In this article, I’ll uncover six easy ways to confirm if a USDT transfer is genuine or fake

Key takeaway

The rise in crypto use across Nigeria has led to more fake USDT transactions.
Never rely on screenshots or payment alerts and always confirm that tokens appear in your actual wallet balance.
Genuine USDT tokens have the correct contract address, verified logo, and clear transaction history.
If you’re unsure, test with a small amount first.
Staying alert and double-checking every detail can save you from losing your crypto.

How to Spot Fake USDT Transactions

1. Check the Transaction Address

Every real USDT transaction can be traced on the blockchain. That’s your first clue.

Each blockchain network (TRC20, ERC20, or BEP20) has its own official USDT contract address. Scammers often create fake tokens with similar names to confuse you.

Before sending or accepting USDT, verify the contract address on trusted explorers like Etherscan, Tronscan, or BscScan.

If the address looks slightly different, lacks a verified checkmark, or has very few holders that’s a red flag.
Real USDT tokens are always tied to official Tether contracts and can be traced easily.

In short, if the address doesn’t match what’s listed on Tether’s official website, don’t proceed.

2. Confirm That the Money Reaches Your Wallet

One of the most common tricks out there is sending fake payment alerts that look just like real USDT transfers. You might get a screenshot or a message that says “Payment completed,” but when you check your wallet, nothing has changed.

Don’t be carried away by what someone shows you the only thing that truly matters is what’s in your wallet.

After any transaction, always open your wallet and check your balance or transaction history yourself. If the money doesn’t show up, it simply means no USDT was sent, no matter how real the message looks.

Real transfers usually reflect within a few minutes and can always be confirmed on a blockchain explorer. Taking a few seconds to double-check can save you from losing your hard-earned money.

3. Examine the USDT Logo and Token Appearance

Not every token called “USDT” is the real deal. Some fake ones are made to look just like it, but if you look closely, you’ll spot small differences.

When you open your wallet, check the token’s logo and the tiny verification mark beside it. The real Tether token has a green “T” logo and a verified checkmark next to it.

If the logo looks dull or grey, the spelling seems off, or there’s no checkmark at all. It’s likely a fake. Taking a few seconds to check can save you from losing your hard-earned money.

4. Check the Market Cap and Token Details

Every real crypto token including USDT shows details like its market cap and total supply when you open it in your wallet or check it on a blockchain explorer.

These numbers confirm that the token is real and active on the blockchain.

If you can’t find this information or the figures look strangely low, that’s a big red flag. Fake tokens often leave out these details because they aren’t connected to any real network.

So before trusting any token, take a moment to check that it shows a market cap, total supply, and verified contract address.

5. Missing Token Information

A true USDT usually shows basic public numbers where you can check things like 24-hour trading volume, market cap, and how many coins are in circulation.

If you open a token and none of that shows up, no volume, no supply, no stats then you need to stop. That’s a strong sign it could be a fake or a clone.

When you’re unsure, take a few seconds to double-check. A quick look now can save you from regret.

6. Trace the Transaction and Source

Each time someone sends you USDT, they should also give you a transaction hash, a special mix of numbers and letters that’s created for every crypto transfer.

You can use this hash to confirm the transaction yourself on sites like Etherscan (for ERC20) or Tronscan (for TRC20). Just paste the hash, and you’ll see all the details of who sent it, who received it, how much was sent, when it happened, and if it’s confirmed.

If nothing shows up or the details don’t match what you were told, then the transaction isn’t real.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I confirm if a USDT transaction is real?

To be sure a USDT transaction is real, check the transaction hash on a trusted blockchain explorer like Etherscan (for ERC20) or Tronscan (for TRC20). A genuine transfer will clearly show the sender, receiver, amount, and confirmation status.

Can fake USDT show up in my wallet?

No, fake USDT can’t appear in your real wallet. Scammers usually use fake screenshots or cloned apps to make it look like you’ve received funds. Always trust what you see in your actual wallet, not pictures or messages.

Where can I safely trade or sell USDT in Nigeria?

Stick with trusted platforms like Cubex, which offer strong security and protect you from the scams that often happen on unverified peer-to-peer platforms.

Conclusion

Fake USDT transactions can look real at first but a few careful checks can help you spot the difference.

Always confirm transactions on the blockchain, review token details, and never depend on screenshots or payment alerts.

In crypto, staying alert is your strongest protection.
Before you send, receive, or sell USDT, take a moment to double-check because one small mistake can cost you far more than money.