How P2P disputes work

What happens when buyer and seller disagree — and what evidence to provide.

Intermediate 4 min readUpdated 5/27/2026

If a buyer and seller disagree, either can open a dispute. While a dispute is open, the crypto stays locked in escrow — no one can move it until it's resolved.

What to provide

Payment transaction ID / M-Pesa code
A clear screenshot of the payment from your own app
The account holder name on both sides
The exact amount and time
Any relevant chat messages

How it's resolved

A Coinwaka reviewer checks the evidence — name match, amount match, time, transaction reference, and whether "paid" was marked before money was actually sent. The reviewer then releases the crypto to the rightful party or returns it.

Avoid disputes

Pay/receive only in your own verified name.
Confirm real payment before releasing.
Keep all communication and payment inside the order.

Beginner 3 min

Never release crypto before payment confirmation

The single most important P2P safety rule for sellers.

Beginner 4 min

How Coinwaka P2P escrow protects you

Escrow holds the crypto until payment is confirmed, protecting both buyer and seller.