Recently, I’ve seen many people getting caught in scams and losing their U tokens in the exchange community. Today, I’ll summarize these pitfalls to help everyone avoid detours.

**What is Black U?**

Black U, simply put, is USDT from illicit sources. These funds may have gone through various dirty channels—money laundering routes used by scam groups, chip exchanges on gambling platforms, fund pools in pyramid schemes… In short, it’s a contaminated stablecoin.

**Why is Black U so troublesome?**

The most severe issue is at the exchange level. Western countries have very detailed tracking of virtual assets. Once Black U is flagged and listed, it gets frozen immediately upon entering an exchange, and your money is gone. You can’t even use it. That’s the most exhausting part.

**How to avoid Black U pitfalls?**

I’ve compiled some practical experiences, all learned through painful lessons:

First, develop the habit—check the on-chain blacklist before trading. There are many tools available now for this. Don’t consider it a hassle; this step is truly crucial.

Second, never touch the addresses of projects that have run away. Even if they don’t appear flagged on the surface, that doesn’t mean they’re safe; risks are hidden too deep.

Third, be very cautious of USDT with abnormally low prices. Black market operators and scam projects often dump these coins at low prices to offload them. Trying to get a bargain usually results in losses. Orders that are obviously below market price are basically traps.

Fourth, always choose reputable OTC traders. Prefer those who have been in the business for years and have a solid reputation. They care about their reputation and tend to be more cautious. New traders or those rushing to make quick deals may accept any coin, risking more.

Fifth, pay attention to the history of wallet links—new wallets are more likely to cause problems. Criminals often use new wallets for each operation to evade tracking. If the counterparty’s wallet looks very new, be extra cautious.

Sixth, be especially careful when trading on small exchanges. Some people exploit regulatory loopholes of small exchanges to launder money. Coins bought there might have been washed multiple times.

**Summary:**

The core logic is to check, ask, and think more. Review this checklist before every transaction; over time, you’ll develop a risk intuition. The crypto market is full of opportunities, but also many traps. Protecting your wallet is more important than anything else.