should I be concerned about the history of bitcoins when buying them ?

[Bitox888]

If I purchase bitcoins via p2p, can I get some problems if the bitcoins I get were involved in some criminal activity ? If yes then how do I avoid such situation ?

[mk4]

Not much. If it just so happens that a certain platform you sent your funds to asks you about where the funds came from, just say you bought it P2P. Though this rarely happens as far as I know. As long as buying P2P is not illegal where you're from.

[Solosanz]

IIRC there's a news that lead you a problem when you bought a coins from criminal, but I didn't remember where's the sources. I guess it depends how much you bought, let's say you bought from a hacker that stole 2 BTC and you bought 1 BTC from him, the another 1 BTC he send to other wallet. If chainalysis can track the source and linked with your identity, then it's possible you will have a trouble since they suspect you're the criminal.

To avoid it depends on how good you hide your trace and your privacy concern, of course Bitcoin mixers will help in this case.

Use decentralized exchange e.g. Bisq don't use the centralized one that ask your KYC.

[buwaytress]

I'd like to say no, but you probably should be concerned if you live in the US and intend to use those BTC later on with a regulated service. That's because more and more people and services are being sanctioned, watched, blocked, blacklisted, and if you're linked, who knows if they'll only deny you service, might even not give your coins back.

If you're buying direct p2p, then you'd be better off doing it at a place where you can look up a little of their history and reputation (so a place like Bisq works great). Or something like LBC since you'd be getting it off the site's wallet anyway.

Even better, after you buy, use ChipMixer to lose any association you might have had with the seller.

[avikz]

If I purchase bitcoins via p2p, can I get some problems if the bitcoins I get were involved in some criminal activity ? If yes then how do I avoid such situation ?

I do not see a reason for concern unless you are at fault. Because while buying from a p2p platform, it is impossible for the buyer to know the origin of the bitcoin or whether it is a criminal proceed. You should have the purchase record in the p2p platform so nothing to worry there. But while buying from a reputed p2p platform like localbitcoins, always check the ratings and feedbacks of a particular seller. You will quite easily find a seller with great ratings and feedback.

Also check if the seller is a regular one by checking the most recent feedbacks. Sometimes, you will find a seller suddenly woke up after a long time which needs to be avoided. But if you are buying from a regular seller, you should not face any issue. It's extremely rare!

[KennyR]

History of the previous transactions weren't required when you're involved with P2P transaction. There is very minimal chance of such issues. If you're an unlucky person to face such a problem you've got the perfect data in your hands. Show the transaction involved, so that it'll redirect to the person from whom you've made the purchase. If you're that feared, then find a mixing service once after buying.

If the transaction is connected with any of the exchange hacked fund, then there is chances for freezing of funds.

[Falconer]

If I purchase bitcoins via p2p, can I get some problems if the bitcoins I get were involved in some criminal activity ? If yes then how do I avoid such situation ?

Smart criminals (e.g. hackers or other illegal activities) may clean their bitcoin history before selling it on the P2P exchange. They will probably use a mixer to remove traces and if that has been done then you will be safe to buy bitcoin. Indeed you will be advised to check the reputation of the seller first before making a transaction, this will make it safer for you to own bitcoin. But it would be great if you put this advice into practice.

Even better, after you buy, use ChipMixer to lose any association you might have had with the seller.

[Marvell1]

If I purchase bitcoins via p2p, can I get some problems if the bitcoins I get were involved in some criminal activity ? If yes then how do I avoid such situation ?

I do not see a reason for concern unless you are at fault. Because while buying from a p2p platform, it is impossible for the buyer to know the origin of the bitcoin or whether it is a criminal proceed. You should have the purchase record in the p2p platform so nothing to worry there. But while buying from a reputed p2p platform like localbitcoins, always check the ratings and feedbacks of a particular seller. You will quite easily find a seller with great ratings and feedback.

Also check if the seller is a regular one by checking the most recent feedbacks. Sometimes, you will find a seller suddenly woke up after a long time which needs to be avoided. But if you are buying from a regular seller, you should not face any issue. It's extremely rare!

This is the action I always use, Whether you are trading on any of the exchanges, just check trader ratings and feedback and always only trade on accounts with 98% or 99% high ratings. Limit trading on accounts that get lots of negative feedback and low success rates, you will avoid unfortunate problems.

I trade on Binance regularly and I feel safe with it even though this is a centralized exchange and requires KYC to trade, but this helps us avoid frauds and scams, criminal assets.

[BlackHatCoiner]

If I purchase bitcoins via p2p, can I get some problems if the bitcoins I get were involved in some criminal activity ?

As long as you avoid centralized exchanges, which treat bitcoin as non-fungible and demand blackmail you to give them your personal info to proceed, it's extremely unlikely you will ever get yourself into trouble. No peer looks for your bitcoin's history.

If yes then how do I avoid such situation ?

If you don't feel confident with having your peer's history, mix them. And I recommend you to do this more regularly, such as for the money you'll send to your peer; to make yourself untraceable. Mix, for the sake of your privacy.

Here's a list of reputable mixers: 2022 List Bitcoin Mixers Bitcoin Tumblers Websites.

[Darker45]

It is possible that you can get what they call as tainted or dirty Bitcoin.

How to avoid it? You might not want to hear the answer, but I guess the best way is to use platforms which are compliant with the latest policies and government regulations on cryptocurrency. With this, even if you are using P2P, you are less likely to get a dirty Bitcoin. The EU's 5AMLD, for example, covers P2P platforms. The law even extends to the UK.

Supposing you failed to avoid it, you can always resort to using coin mixers.

However, and this is my personal stand on the matter, Bitcoin is designed to be fungible. Any single Bitcoin is the same with the rest. They're all identical. All 21 million Bitcoin are the same and equal. That is why I think there should be a form of resistance on our part, and continue not to label coins as if they aren't equal. While it is admittedly hard, non-custodial, decentralized, and anonymous platforms should be strongly preferred. Otherwise, this revolutionary alternative currency of ours will eventually bow down to the old system and lose its spirit.

[TheNineClub]

If I purchase bitcoins via p2p, can I get some problems if the bitcoins I get were involved in some criminal activity ? If yes then how do I avoid such situation ?

Not really, no. From a moral perspective, there is also nothing to worry about because that principle could be aplied to FIAT as well. How could we possible know the background of the money that gies through our hands. I would argue that it's more likely that it has a criminal past than BTC.

[cheezcarls]

If I purchase bitcoins via p2p, can I get some problems if the bitcoins I get were involved in some criminal activity ? If yes then how do I avoid such situation ?

I do not see a reason for concern unless you are at fault. Because while buying from a p2p platform, it is impossible for the buyer to know the origin of the bitcoin or whether it is a criminal proceed. You should have the purchase record in the p2p platform so nothing to worry there. But while buying from a reputed p2p platform like localbitcoins, always check the ratings and feedbacks of a particular seller. You will quite easily find a seller with great ratings and feedback.

Also check if the seller is a regular one by checking the most recent feedbacks. Sometimes, you will find a seller suddenly woke up after a long time which needs to be avoided. But if you are buying from a regular seller, you should not face any issue. It's extremely rare!

This is the action I always use, Whether you are trading on any of the exchanges, just check trader ratings and feedback and always only trade on accounts with 98% or 99% high ratings. Limit trading on accounts that get lots of negative feedback and low success rates, you will avoid unfortunate problems.

I trade on Binance regularly and I feel safe with it even though this is a centralized exchange and requires KYC to trade, but this helps us avoid frauds and scams, criminal assets.

Yes I focus on those traders where they have higher ratings between 98 to 99% when doing P2P with Binance. In the Philippines, the Filipinos are still prone to being in a rush rather than checking the ratings of the one they wanted to do P2P. In the end, they got scammed easily because of choosing a trader with lower ratings.

Recently, I have seen someone got victimized lately by a trader with only 50% rating because well, you know, in a rush rather than checking the ratings, especially believing the fake SMS confirmation text.

Only choose sellers who are regularly doing P2P with high ratings. I’ve never been scammed because of that, but of course, these scammers are leveling up their scamming skills so we need to be always extra careful.

[Bitox888]

Use decentralized exchange e.g. Bisq don't use the centralized one that ask your KYC.

I am going to buy it from a guy I dont know. So I wont use exchange but I dont know the guy and I have no idea where he got his bitcoins from.

[trapatalce]

How would anyone know if those specific coins were used in any illegal activity?

[Bitox888]

Here's a list of reputable mixers: 2022 List Bitcoin Mixers Bitcoin Tumblers Websites.
[/quote]

cant I just use Samourai's mixing functions ?

How would anyone know if those specific coins were used in any illegal activity?

bitcoin is an open book, there is just a question of identities of ppl owning them, but I am no criminal, it will be easy to find out my identiy if needed.

[BlackHatCoiner]

cant I just use Samourai's mixing functions ?

Samourai doesn't have a good reputation when it comes to privacy. I wouldn't choose it; if you want to give it a try, do it with a Dojo installed. Otherwise, you'll have to hand out your master public key, which nullifies your mixing. Definitely don't go with Wasabi, as they're now censoring certain UTXOs.

To avoid installing wallet software etc., just use a mixer.

[Cling18]

I don't think the history will affect your purchase. It's actually been happening for lots of times but since you aren't involved in such criminal activity, you shouldn't be bothered about the it but if you seek assurance, then you could check it and buy from a different trader if that will give you peace of mind. You just have to make sure that you're purchasing from an exchange and not from an unknown person from other platforms.

[Upgrade00]

How would anyone know if those specific coins were used in any illegal activity?

Cause the blockchain is completely transparent.

If a hacker breaches a centralizes exchange and transfers Bitcoin from the coldwallet of the exchange into an address the had created, this particular transaction can be tracked as well as the wallet the inputs were sent to, from then on, any other transactions those inputs were used in can also be monitored.

You can do this yourself by visiting a blockchain explorer like blockchair.com

If I purchase bitcoins via p2p, can I get some problems if the bitcoins I get were involved in some criminal activity ? If yes then how do I avoid such situation ?

• Theoretically, you should not get into any trouble as long as you can prove that you had nothing to do with it, with proof of transaction and communication with the other party.
• How to avoid such situation would be by keeping records if your transactions should they be needed.
Also, do not trade directly (physically) with someone except you explicitly trust this person.

[Bitstar_coin]

Why don't you just use a mixer if you are not very sure? There is a popular one here in the forum Chipmixer that renders this service, enquire about the process to mix your coins and get it done with. If you are in a country where you feel this can have a negative impact later then a mixer is your best option. But you should first try and buy from a reputable p2p platform, that way the probability of buying a stolen coin is less.

[sheenshane]

Here's a list of reputable mixers: 2022 List Bitcoin Mixers Bitcoin Tumblers Websites.

cant I just use Samourai's mixing functions ?

This wallet doesn't have the same function on Bitcoin mixers, this is just a wallet that isn't a perfect way of taking care of your privacy.
Reputable Bitcoin mixers are still good to go for any pseudonymous transactions but when it comes to completely be anonymous, that's impossible to happen.

This is very common in crypto and the fact is, we can't hide it in every transaction, everything is traceable and even you think Bitcoin mixers are enough to clean dirty Bitcoin, to protect your privacy but isn't.  As many people say, (when there's smoke there's a fire), what is the purpose of using Bitcoin mixers and using P2P exchange if there has nothing to hide.  So that's was expected if you keep using these, you can get dirty Bitcoin, like darknet or even black market.

But I think this isn't something to worry about, we have many dirty transactions that have been considered as clean.  If you heard Silkroad raided and seized a huge amount of Bitcoin, the government put it on auction, and those who have to buy Bitcoin consider it clean.
If you have doubt, you can call these agencies that studied Bitcoin blockchain transactions to confirm Bitcoin transaction is clean.

• Chainalysis
• ScoreChain
• CipherTrace
• Elliptic

[Findingnemo]

If I purchase bitcoins via p2p, can I get some problems if the bitcoins I get were involved in some criminal activity ? If yes then how do I avoid such situation ?

If you're buying the coins from the p2p platform then you no need to worry because the funds you bought will be credited into the platforms wallet then you can withdraw it to your own address so you won't be charged for any criminal activities because seller didn't deposit the funds directly to your wallet but you should be careful if you're buying coins from someone personally.

But the real problem is while selling those coins you may get lot of problems because you don't know the source of Fiat coming to your wallet that is why choose the reputed trader while selling Bitcoin.

[yhiaali3]

To avoid such situations you have to make sure your identity is well hidden, using “mixers” and decentralized exchanges, though if the bitcoin you got involved in some illegal activity they can still track your wallet address and you will suffer a lot to deposit these bitcoins to central exchanges or If you want to sell it and convert to cash when the bitcoin rises, for example. Some centralized platforms have the ability to know the addresses of mixers and they block you if you get caught and you will lose your money. So always the best solution is to use decentralized exchanges.

[Jody.Drummer]

If I purchase bitcoins via p2p, can I get some problems if the bitcoins I get were involved in some criminal activity ? If yes then how do I avoid such situation ?

Since you are buying on P2P, let's say the seller is getting Bitcoin from a criminal act.

First, you are just a buyer with the reason you do not know the history of the seller at all.

Second, pay attention to before/after transactions:
for example, if you know that Bitcoin sellers in P2P are criminals but you keep buying then you are considered involved.

However, if the other way around, if you find out that the seller is a criminal after you buy, then I think you have the power of proof where you are just a buyer just making a transaction.

[so98nn]

If I purchase bitcoins via p2p, can I get some problems if the bitcoins I get were involved in some criminal activity ? If yes then how do I avoid such situation ?

Well, those bitcoins might have been transferred many many many times before they might reach you! Basically the nodes that will keep creating further will have the connection to previous transaction (input and output, multiple) giving you extra layer of security. Yup many of them will say it could be traced but not down to the seed which was involved with criminal activity, cause that’s just impossible. It’s more or less mixing the coins continuously.

If you still think you received the coins which were involved with criminal activity then just hit Chipmixer, mix your coins and you have fresh lot of coins.

[topman21]

Not much. If it just so happens that a certain platform you sent your funds to asks you about where the funds came from, just say you bought it P2P. Though this rarely happens as far as I know. As long as buying P2P is not illegal where you're from.

Right. Whenever someone tells you something about it, you must say that you bought it from p2p. I don't think there should be any problem with you because you have completed the transaction from p2p.If anything, of course p2p can or will carry it.

[Jemzx00]

Why don't you just use a mixer if you are not very sure? There is a popular one here in the forum Chipmixer that renders this service, enquire about the process to mix your coins and get it done with. If you are in a country where you feel this can have a negative impact later then a mixer is your best option. But you should first try and buy from a reputable p2p platform, that way the probability of buying a stolen coin is less.

This method could probably help the OP in case there's an issue with the coins he'd bought however I think this is going overboard especially if the coin is bought from a P2P platform. These coins are usually are not directly sent to the others party's wallet but rather it will be mixed on multiple nodes.
Also, it's rare to encounter such a scenario and even if that's the case, you can just explain the situation and not be liable with the coins bought.

[hatshepsut93]

Well, hypothetically some dumbass crriminal could sell their dirty coins on a p2p market and the buyer will have an unpleasant talk with law enforcement if they will be identified, for example by moving their coins immediately to a centralized exchange. Does this happen often? Probably not, I never heard about such stories. Lots of people trade on p2p exchanges without such problems.

[teosanru]

If I purchase bitcoins via p2p, can I get some problems if the bitcoins I get were involved in some criminal activity ? If yes then how do I avoid such situation ?

Technically yes you should be worried about this reason being whenever some sort of scam or something happens the department would generally establish the whole trail of activity associated with those bitcoins, but if you have proper evidence as to from whom did you purchase it and what consideration did you pay in return for that I don't think there is any reason to worry about it. Many of the coins you receive From exchanges or gambling sites are tainted.

[coolcoinz]

Well, hypothetically some dumbass crriminal could sell their dirty coins on a p2p market and the buyer will have an unpleasant talk with law enforcement if they will be identified, for example by moving their coins immediately to a centralized exchange. Does this happen often? Probably not, I never heard about such stories. Lots of people trade on p2p exchanges without such problems.

What's a dirty coin? Since you cannot delete nor destroy bitcoins, provided that bitcoin continues to exist for another 100 years, most coins will be dirty to some extent. We shouldn't make a big deal out of it. You cannot be responsible for what someone else did with their coins. For instance, a lot of coins were taken from onion marketplaces by the police and then put on auctions, so these are "dirty coins" but they will never be clean again.

IMO we should stop worrying about things that we don't control and history of coins we are buying is one of these things.

[hatshepsut93]

What's a dirty coin? Since you cannot delete nor destroy bitcoins, provided that bitcoin continues to exist for another 100 years, most coins will be dirty to some extent.

A coin that has been recently (in terms of time and chain of transactions) used in some criminal activity and is of interest to law enforcement. This isn't a philosophical question, it's a practical question. Centralized exchanges do freeze accounts on requests from law enforcement, and on-chain activity can be one of the reasons to suspect someone.

For instance, a lot of coins were taken from onion marketplaces by the police and then put on auctions, so these are "dirty coins" but they will never be clean again.

IMO we should stop worrying about things that we don't control and history of coins we are buying is one of these things.

Those coins are not dirty because law enforcement is aware that they have been taken from the criminals. But if they seize some darknet servers and find some wallets, they are going to investigate all the transactions, looking for potential accomplices or coins that were moved to other wallets. That's how some bystanders could get caught up, although it's very unlikely to happen on practice.

[OgNasty]

If I purchase bitcoins via p2p, can I get some problems if the bitcoins I get were involved in some criminal activity ? If yes then how do I avoid such situation ?

I've heard of funds being locked or even confiscated due to their origin, but this isn't something I've ever experienced personally.  I've handled a ton of escrows and I'm certain some of those coins had to be tainted, but I've never gotten any pushback from exchanges questioning me on it.  So I think you're probably good unless you're one step removed from some sort of scam or crime.  That being said, if you're going to buy coins via p2p just to move them to an exchange, I'd have to wonder why you don't just use the exchange.  If you're knowingly accepting tainted coins, that's a whole other story, and one you'll like get to tell a judge someday.

[BIT-BENDER]

If I purchase bitcoins via p2p, can I get some problems if the bitcoins I get were involved in some criminal activity ? If yes then how do I avoid such situation ?

It would be hard to get away if the bitcoin you got was it a kind of problem or the other, thats why before your purchase it’s recommended to always do you personal research, many bitcoin vendors also kick again buying bitcoin from an unknown source, with the issues in buying a legit bitcoin I would personally feel all sale of bitcoin should go through a panel

If I purchase bitcoins via p2p, can I get some problems if the bitcoins I get were involved in some criminal activity ? If yes then how do I avoid such situation ?

The best way to avoid such issues is to buy bitcoin from an exchange rather than buying it from or through peer to peer, For so many years I have bought my bitcoin from an exchange that is decentralized without any issues but with exchanges going centralized this causes a major confusion, but regardless the issue of who should be added to the rebuilding and the rescue show be selected evenly

[Marvelman]

If I purchase bitcoins via p2p, can I get some problems if the bitcoins I get were involved in some criminal activity ? If yes then how do I avoid such situation ?

Well, those bitcoins might have been transferred many many many times before they might reach you! Basically the nodes that will keep creating further will have the connection to previous transaction (input and output, multiple) giving you extra layer of security. Yup many of them will say it could be traced but not down to the seed which was involved with criminal activity, cause that’s just impossible. It’s more or less mixing the coins continuously.

If you still think you received the coins which were involved with criminal activity then just hit Chipmixer, mix your coins and you have fresh lot of coins.

ChipMixer probably offers the best solution, and it's very easy to implement. But, is it possible to get even dirtier coins using ChipMixer?
I'm afraid I don't understand exactly how ChipMixer works, do all the incoming coins mix with other coins or do the coins (chips) go directly from one user to another?

[Kelvinid]

If I purchase bitcoins via p2p, can I get some problems if the bitcoins I get were involved in some criminal activity ? If yes then how do I avoid such situation ?

The best way to avoid such issues is to buy bitcoin from an exchange rather than buying it from or through peer to peer, For so many years I have bought my bitcoin from an exchange that is decentralized without any issues but with exchanges going centralized this causes a major confusion, but regardless the issue of who should be added to the rebuilding and the rescue show be selected evenly

Well, if we talk about the safe place to buy Bitcoin, the use of exchange is highly advisable compared to P2P transactions. However, even if we do P2P transactions, nothing will know it was illegal and simply it can be denied by the seller that it was coming from illegal and much more if they use mixing services.

But yes, as for the comfort and to give peace of mind to OP, it was secure and to have unquestionable transactions if they use an exchange.

[coolcoinz]

What's a dirty coin? Since you cannot delete nor destroy bitcoins, provided that bitcoin continues to exist for another 100 years, most coins will be dirty to some extent.

A coin that has been recently (in terms of time and chain of transactions) used in some criminal activity and is of interest to law enforcement. This isn't a philosophical question, it's a practical question. Centralized exchanges do freeze accounts on requests from law enforcement, and on-chain activity can be one of the reasons to suspect someone.

For instance, a lot of coins were taken from onion marketplaces by the police and then put on auctions, so these are "dirty coins" but they will never be clean again.

IMO we should stop worrying about things that we don't control and history of coins we are buying is one of these things.

Those coins are not dirty because law enforcement is aware that they have been taken from the criminals. But if they seize some darknet servers and find some wallets, they are going to investigate all the transactions, looking for potential accomplices or coins that were moved to other wallets. That's how some bystanders could get caught up, although it's very unlikely to happen on practice.

So it has to be recently used for criminal activity... fine, next time I sell drugs to someone, I'll make sure to hold my coins at least for a year before sending them to someone else.

If you're worried about your accounts being blocked due to unknown origin of your coins just don't use centralized exchanges. P2p is not the only way to exchange money. You can for instance do it in a physical exchange point, where they give you cash for your coins. You can also use an ATM that gives you an address to send coins and pays in cash. These services don't require KYC up to a certain amount of money and don't test your coins for recent illicit activity, which is as it should be everywhere.

Don't use shitty exchanges that block accounts like coinbase and you'll have one less thing to worry about in your life.

[AakZaki]

As long as you buy it and don't get the bitcoins illegally or by criminal means, I don't think anyone will be able to ensnare you or accuse you of criminal activity.
because you bought it with your own money. Maybe it will only be tracked where the itcoin went. you don't have to worry. the safest is also buying on exchanges like binance and such.

[uneng]

You should try to avoid such situations for your good, at least to not have headaches... Of course you won't be condemned or considered guilt of any wrongdoings, since you aren't involved in criminal actions, but you may have some issues during a possible initial investigation, because authorities will want to know what is your relationship with the BTC seller and if you are somehow deeper involved with him and his practices.

So better to not be at the wrong place at the wrong time. Just deal with trustworthy people. You can do this by checking for references before trading.

[Rufsilf]

If that was legally acquired, there is nothing to worry about as it was not the question of where it is come from as it was not necessary to ask it from the seller. As long as your intention is good, that seems okay. I never heard such an issue that Bitcoin has been seized because it was coming from illegal, that only happens if crypto is banned in a particular place or country. But assuming it was allowed in your country, that gonna be fine, you can buy Bitcoin as you can.

But, it was best to know who you are dealing with just to be safe...many scams happen in P2P transactions, you need to be careful otherwise.

[lovesmayfamilis]

In addition, the movement of large transactions always attracts If the OP buys a small amount, I doubt it will attract attention.

Someone said that sooner or later we might accidentally run into dirty bitcoins, but again, large transactions are most interesting for tracking authorities.

[Pandu Geddon]

I am going to buy it from a guy I dont know. So I wont use exchange but I dont know the guy and I have no idea where he got his bitcoins from.

as long as you buy it, and you have proof of the purchase transaction, then I believe no law will bind you.

if possible the seller is arrested for his criminal activities. and tracking related to where Bitcoin is distributed. You may be involved in legal proceedings. but will not bind you as a suspect when you have evidence that will prove that you are the buyer, not a criminal gang.

[KaliLinux]

If I purchase bitcoins via p2p, can I get some problems if the bitcoins I get were involved in some criminal activity ? If yes then how do I avoid such situation ?

Since you are buying on P2P, let's say the seller is getting Bitcoin from a criminal act.

First, you are just a buyer with the reason you do not know the history of the seller at all.

Second, pay attention to before/after transactions:
for example, if you know that Bitcoin sellers in P2P are criminals but you keep buying then you are considered involved.

However, if the other way around, if you find out that the seller is a criminal after you buy, then I think you have the power of proof where you are just a buyer just making a transaction.

Is that as easy to confirm? that is knowing if the person you are transacting with on P2P is a criminal? Till now I never really thought about OP's concern which is really valid and since most of us have these p2p transactions how do I really know which of the "Satoshi" was criminally obtained since I was buying them in bits on different transactions?

[skarais]

Is that as easy to confirm? that is knowing if the person you are transacting with on P2P is a criminal? Till now I never really thought about OP's concern which is really valid and since most of us have these p2p transactions how do I really know which of the "Satoshi" was criminally obtained since I was buying them in bits on different transactions?

Have you seen any special tags on wallets owned by hackers or criminals in crypto before? That might help you identify it.

But in the case of P2P platforms then I think the service will verify the seller's account and wallet first before allowing him to make transactions through the platform. So I'm probably pretty sure that platforms like Binance P2P have actually done thorough due diligence for every seller who wants to trade P2P there so that buyers no longer worry about the history of the funds they got. But of course if they still have doubts, then use a mixer to erase the history before hold them in the wallet.

[mindrust]

If I purchase bitcoins via p2p, can I get some problems if the bitcoins I get were involved in some criminal activity ? If yes then how do I avoid such situation ?

Yes you should be concerned. That’s one of the problems of a public blockchain. Don’t buy any bitcoins otc imo. It is risky. Police may show up at your door and you may lose both your coins and your FIAT in the end. If you want bitcoins buy it from an exchange. Preferably from a big exchange like coinbase or binance.

[pawanjain]

If I purchase bitcoins via p2p, can I get some problems if the bitcoins I get were involved in some criminal activity ? If yes then how do I avoid such situation ?

Honestly speaking, it's hard to determine whether the bitcoins were previously used for illicit activities or not.
Most of the criminals/hackers use mixers to get away with the trace to their bitcoins and this makes it very very hard to figure out if those bitcoins were used for criminal activities or not.
So I think we as a regular user/trader/investor shouldn't be much concerned about the bitcoins we are holding.

[Bitox888]

I don't think the history will affect your purchase. It's actually been happening for lots of times but since you aren't involved in such criminal activity, you shouldn't be bothered about the it but if you seek assurance, then you could check it and buy from a different trader if that will give you peace of mind. You just have to make sure that you're purchasing from an exchange and not from an unknown person from other platforms.

actually I will be buying it from an unknown person and no he will not come via exchange platform. I am sure I will get my bitcoins, but concerned if they legit or not.

[Flexystar]

That's a nice question but I don't think we really need to be worried about it at all. As fellow members stated already I would also care less about its history. Moreover if anyhow it got transacted from the criminal history then it won't matter to me because background checks can make sure we are not the criminal! I mean there is no way we need to be that much worried. Yes, the question is entirely valid but the answer is simple and straight that its entirely based on how we have been with our transactions.

Also if its all about p2p then why not just switch to exchanges which has whole lot of mixed coins coming from all the directions.

If I purchase bitcoins via p2p, can I get some problems if the bitcoins I get were involved in some criminal activity ? If yes then how do I avoid such situation ?

Well, those bitcoins might have been transferred many many many times before they might reach you! Basically the nodes that will keep creating further will have the connection to previous transaction (input and output, multiple) giving you extra layer of security. Yup many of them will say it could be traced but not down to the seed which was involved with criminal activity, cause that’s just impossible. It’s more or less mixing the coins continuously.

If you still think you received the coins which were involved with criminal activity then just hit Chipmixer, mix your coins and you have fresh lot of coins.

ChipMixer probably offers the best solution, and it's very easy to implement. But, is it possible to get even dirtier coins using ChipMixer?
I'm afraid I don't understand exactly how ChipMixer works, do all the incoming coins mix with other coins or do the coins (chips) go directly from one user to another?

May be this is also possible. Im not sure to what extent they really mix the coins and how the algorithm works but this is best practice to avoid such transactions.

[Dunamisx]

If I purchase bitcoins via p2p, can I get some problems if the bitcoins I get were involved in some criminal activity ? If yes then how do I avoid such situation ?

I don't think there should be much need to go on panic over the purchase of bitcoin else you buy from a suspicious entity that has a tag of crime or fraudulency, on a normal purchase from a reputable exchange there should not be any challenge or query to how you got your bitcoin acquired since government knows about the presence of many exchanges while bitcoin on itself is an acceptable means for making payment, but you have to as well give caution to stuffs you do online in other not to place you on a suspect zone, i remember how Binance recently block some users account from some specific locations because of the suspicious activities.

[goldkingcoiner]

So wait. Should from a law standpoint the exchange you bought those coins from hold some sort of legal responsibility to sell you clean coins and if they do not, they are the ones who would have to refund you for "bad coins"?

I am no lawyer and I am also not giving out any law advice. But if you register with an exchange you give them your KYC details which is from a procedure that the government uses as regulation against fraud and money laundering? In this case I expect that the government holds exchanges accountable. Especially if I read that part about Fraud correctly...

[virasog]

If I purchase bitcoins via p2p, can I get some problems if the bitcoins I get were involved in some criminal activity ? If yes then how do I avoid such situation ?

If you buy bitcoins through P2P, there is a very rare chance that you get into trouble if the seller got those bitcoins through criminal activity.
Actually, there is no way to confirm the source of bitcoins when we initiate a trade with any P2P trader.
Also since bitcoin is anonymous, it is hard to trace the money trail.

[Oasisman]

If I purchase bitcoins via p2p, can I get some problems if the bitcoins I get were involved in some criminal activity ? If yes then how do I avoid such situation ?

If you use a platform that supports P2P like Binance, I guess that won't going to be a problem since every user must be verified before they can use such feature. So, the platform itself knew you weren't involved because you are another different person/user verified, and it's not gonna get you in trouble.
I like the question, though it has been asked several times but like most of them everyone wants security when it comes in purchasing Bitcoin.

[Bitox888]

In addition, the movement of large transactions always attracts If the OP buys a small amount, I doubt it will attract attention.

Someone said that sooner or later we might accidentally run into dirty bitcoins, but again, large transactions are most interesting for tracking authorities.

"large" is how much these days ?

[cahayaachilles]

Kiyosaki expected the downfall to reach $17K. He also mentioned that once the BTC hits rock bottom, he will make the investment to support the coin and that will prove to be more profitable to individuals too.
News Source R. Kiyosaki is Holding Up for BTC to Attain $20K Low - TheNewsCrypto : https://shrinke.me/mJjGjp1

[worle1bm]

Although there should not be a problem as many people are using these P2P platforms for buying and selling bitcoins and you as buyer can't determine the source from where they have come but for your safety reasons you can use mixing service or if you are comfortable with KYC then buy them from exchanges if you feel this can be problem for you.Rest there are many using it and nothing serious has come up if i am correct.

[peter0425]

If I purchase bitcoins via p2p, can I get some problems if the bitcoins I get were involved in some criminal activity ? If yes then how do I avoid such situation ?

Not that much mate , because unless your country has an issue about Bitcoin transacting then you will face with that problem but not in the sense of when the transaction is legit.

and like what the first answer says? just explain that it comes from p2p for safer explanation .

or Use Mixing service if you think there will be something to face when you start transferring the Bitcoin .

[Mpamaegbu]

If I purchase bitcoins via p2p, can I get some problems if the bitcoins I get were involved in some criminal activity ?

If this thought pattern becomes a reality, then it means crypto industry will become problematic. It's like asking for the manufacturing process an automobile passes through before buying it. What I think should be a point of concern should be if the sale or exchange of the Bitcoin is in fiat and directly to your bank account and there is a transfer limit on your bank account. Some banks do have such mechanism to deter money laundering. Other than that, I don't see why anyone should worry themselves where the Bitcoin they're buying comes from.

[Nrcewker]

If I purchase bitcoins via p2p, can I get some problems if the bitcoins I get were involved in some criminal activity ? If yes then how do I avoid such situation ?

It's really a good question to debate upon.
But to be seriously honest, then I haven't came across such an incident from anyone in the internet.
Cmon, P2P transactions are legal, and guess what almost all the  Bitcoin transactions are unable to track, until and unless you linked your address in one of your social media profile.
Moreover if you want to remain more secure while doing BTC transactions, then use mixer for safety.
At last you can conclude that, you did not need to take any sort of tension while doing P2P transactions. Also if you don't feel purchasing Bitcoins from P2P deals, then give a shot at popular exchanges.

[witcher_sense]

If I purchase bitcoins via p2p, can I get some problems if the bitcoins I get were involved in some criminal activity ? If yes then how do I avoid such situation ?

Some people will say that bitcoin is perfectly fungible, that one bitcoin is always equal to another, and that you shouldn't "judge" bitcoin by the history of transactions that take place in the network. If it is true, then you shouldn't be worried: criminal money is no better or worse than any other money, the criminal past attached to it doesn't matter at all. Unless you are operating in a regulated environment buying and selling your bitcoin on a centralized platform that must comply with the rules imposed by a certain jurisdiction to be able to conduct business. These platforms don't care much about the fungibility or privacy of a currency, they only need their business to succeed. If they feel threatened, they can freeze your transaction even if it is legal and pristine. If you want to minimize the risk of being robbed by these greedy businessmen, do not send them transactions, even the cleanest ones.

But do participate in P2P transactions between independent individuals, offer your products and skills in exchange for bitcoin. That is how bitcoin circular economy is born.

[Leviathan.007]

A short answer can be no because it doesn't matter even if your own bitcoins have bad transaction history. It depends on where you want to use your bitcoins, then you are going to deposit your bitcoins in some wallet belongs to the governments and related organizations where they also ask you for the KYC, they maybe check the last bitcoins transactions from your wallet if they find something dirty regarding your wallet. Otherwise, it doesn't really matter.

[skarais]

Moreover if you want to remain more secure while doing BTC transactions, then use mixer for safety.

I have assured him that there is no need to worry too much about the bitcoins he buys on P2P exchanges because the mixer can help him obscure the transaction history. If the OP is in doubt about where the bitcoins are coming from, then he can ignore the seller and not deal with him.

Also if you don't feel purchasing Bitcoins from P2P deals, then give a shot at popular exchanges.

Since the OP seems like someone who likes privacy then I don't think suggesting he buy bitcoin on a centralized exchange is a good idea.

[seoincorporation]

If I purchase bitcoins via p2p, can I get some problems if the bitcoins I get were involved in some criminal activity ? If yes then how do I avoid such situation ?

I don't think this will get you into problems, if you deposit those bitcoins to any exchange they will not block your depo. And if you are still paranoid then you can use a Mixing service to Wash your coins.

Another fact to consider is the amount, if you do this with a small amount then there will be no problems, but if you do it with a big amount then the alarms will sound.

[milewilda]

If I purchase bitcoins via p2p, can I get some problems if the bitcoins I get were involved in some criminal activity ? If yes then how do I avoid such situation ?

We do have different set of p2p transactions

1. Whether its done via a platform/exchange
2. p2p literally without any involvement

Both scenarios could give out that assurance that you wont really be having any problems in related with
those transaction in speaking about illegal issues or something.

[qwertyup23]

If I purchase bitcoins via p2p, can I get some problems if the bitcoins I get were involved in some criminal activity ? If yes then how do I avoid such situation ?

I do not think so- criminal activity may only be linked when you purchase goods on the internet or under the dark web; and bitcoin is decentralized. This means that all of the transactions that you made cannot be linked or traced on the origin of their existence.

Even if the BTCs you are holding were linked to some criminal activity, I doubt that the government would absolutely characterized it that the current HODLer is the one perpetrating the crime. This is a good question and I have yet to encounter a person or some news that reported such issue.

[Hypnosis00]

Re: should I be concerned about the history of bitcoins when buying them ?

well, I believe that was a part of your research but having in a P2P transaction, that is not a problem on your end. Nobody will apprehend you because you buy Bitcoin coming from the person who commits criminal activities or that was involved. And besides, P2P transactions just exist not because people are doing it illegally, this is done for good unless if it was a scam attempt.

But if you are really worried about this, might you ask the sender where it is come from, I'm sure he won't tell you OP that was coming from illegal/criminal activities. Honestly, you are safe OP.

[blockman]

I am sure I will get my bitcoins, but concerned if they legit or not.

As long as it's from the main network and it's not just another sort of wrapped bitcoin then you're getting the legit bitcoin. You can always check the transaction through explorer on different websites like (https://blockchair.com/bitcoin) and input the address or transaction ID there.
And that will check if it's on the actual chain and the easiest thing to do and know it is by using bitcoin addresses that start from bc1q, 1, and 3.

[TribalBob]

there is no reason to worry it should be because you do it on an exchange, if you are just in case save all data when trading large amounts in case something like what you mean there is evidence that you just bought without any other intent

[South Park]

If I purchase bitcoins via p2p, can I get some problems if the bitcoins I get were involved in some criminal activity ? If yes then how do I avoid such situation ?

There have been some attempts in the past to try to take the history of your bitcoins into account and to try to blacklist them, so there is not much you can do about it, after all you cannot make a research about those coins on your own before you receive them, so if you are asked about them when using a centralized service you have no other option but to tell the truth and told them that you got your coins by exchanging them in a p2p trade.

[Kakmakr]

Well, it will be good if you can have some "digital" paper trail for the transaction you made to buy the coins. So if someone ask you about those coins, you can show where you bought it. Most coins have at one stage been touched by criminals, so it is not weird for you to ask this question.

I push my coins through a Mixer services to "clean" them, but if you are going to do that, just make sure that your local Exchange does not have something in their ToS that does not allow that. 

[minime0105]

If I purchase bitcoins via p2p, can I get some problems if the bitcoins I get were involved in some criminal activity ? If yes then how do I avoid such situation ?

Some countries transact their bitcoin through p2p because they don't have access or connected with their nation central bank. And for countless numbers of time pear to pear has being the means of transaction. You don't need to Trace any transaction you make with the process of p2p, i know that as new person into cryptocurrency you will be careful because of scam. But not is wrong doing that, and if you are not comfortable to transact with people staying your environment, you can use exchanges and process your KYC with them, because exchange p2p is the most reliable one

[Henrobakkara]

If I purchase bitcoins via p2p, can I get some problems if the bitcoins I get were involved in some criminal activity ? If yes then how do I avoid such situation ?

Some countries transact their bitcoin through p2p because they don't have access or connected with their nation central bank. And for countless numbers of time pear to pear has being the means of transaction. You don't need to Trace any transaction you make with the process of p2p, i know that as new person into cryptocurrency you will be careful because of scam. But not is wrong doing that, and if you are not comfortable to transact with people staying your environment, you can use exchanges and process your KYC with them, because exchange p2p is the most reliable one

This is a worrying concern for some as no one wants to fall into any problem with the law and I do agree with the exchange P2P trading. I believe that most of the CEX exchanges have vetted and verified those that trade on their P2P sections so I think this would be less of a problem if you are transacting in that space as I have noticed with Binance P2P especially.

[Dunamisx]

If I purchase bitcoins via p2p, can I get some problems if the bitcoins I get were involved in some criminal activity ? If yes then how do I avoid such situation ?

i remember in fiat currency the situation whereby the paper notes can be traced through the unique encrypted numbers on them if found with a criminal record or stolen, such can be traced especially when you make such mistake by taking the notes to the bank, one will easily be apprehended and query on the process of the acquisition of the fund till the last culprit is gotten, but we have to understand that this is not applicable in a decentralized currency like bitcoin, though one can be suspected and traced if performing a huge transaction that may alarm the system and making use of centralized exchange can be the process of entry on such user.

[ragini330]

Not much. If it just so happens that a certain platform you sent your funds to asks you about where the funds came from, just say you bought it P2P. Though this rarely happens as far as I know. As long as buying P2P is not illegal where you're from.
[Not necessarily. But in my opinion, one should have alternative like other secured investments. Recently, I came across Mallconomy, the future Metaverse with lots of earning opportunities. If you want to know more you are welcome to ask.]

[tygeade]

i remember in fiat currency the situation whereby the paper notes can be traced through the unique encrypted numbers on them if found with a criminal record or stolen, such can be traced especially when you make such mistake by taking the notes to the bank, one will easily be apprehended and query on the process of the acquisition of the fund till the last culprit is gotten, but we have to understand that this is not applicable in a decentralized currency like bitcoin, though one can be suspected and traced if performing a huge transaction that may alarm the system and making use of centralized exchange can be the process of entry on such user.

That is only valid if you caught it on the criminal. So let's assume that you stole money from a bank, and the numbers were tracked, and they find it on you, they will take it away and jail you. However, if someone robbed a bank, then bought a pack of cigarettes and used it, then you bought a chocolate at the same place and got money in return, then the money will be in your pocket and they can't take it.

This is why fiat would be dangerous at the same method as crypto as well. Because if you stole crypto then it would be bad and you could be caught, but if you didn't steal the money, someone else did, then you should feel fine about the crypto in your account.

[Dunamisx]

This is why fiat would be dangerous at the same method as crypto as well. Because if you stole crypto then it would be bad and you could be caught,

the question now is that how do we differenciate the bitcoin stolen from the one that is not, we could obviously see many whales around making huge transactions of their coins as its vividly seen on blockchain, but the only privacy is security those whales can have over AML challenges is when they don't make use of centralized exchanges in which i believe they understand this and why as well, i think theft in bitcoin or cryptocurrency has been minimize to the lowest extent compared to fiat only if the bearer is mindful of the security consciousness of his wallet keys and other Phishing kinds of malicious attacks that could lead to hacking, else stolen funds should be individuals responsibility for failure to safeguard their coins.

but if you didn't steal the money, someone else did, then you should feel fine about the crypto in your account.

even if you didn't steal any crypto but uses centralized exchange you're not safe, at any point in time one can be bursted, its either the government demand for the user privacy data or the exchange got hacked and loose it's data and assets, Satoshi will not be responsible for any lost in such manner neither will the exchange pay back your coins, we advise to always use decentralized exchange and if needs be for a centralized one, just little part of your assets should be in CEX.

[Bitox888]

Thanks everyone for your contribution to this subject.

[TheGreatPython]

If I purchase bitcoins via p2p, can I get some problems if the bitcoins I get were involved in some criminal activity ? If yes then how do I avoid such situation ?

If you use a platform that supports P2P like Binance, I guess that won't going to be a problem since every user must be verified before they can use such feature. So, the platform itself knew you weren't involved because you are another different person/user verified, and it's not gonna get you in trouble.
I like the question, though it has been asked several times but like most of them everyone wants security when it comes in purchasing Bitcoin.

Those p2p sellers also bought btc right? And I think they won't investigate if where the btc comes from before they buy it, that is why the btc that they can sell are already been infected by the btc used by criminals but since you are buying if from someone else or from a verified person, you won't get blamed for that if ever someone will question you that your btc looks suspicious. It was not your problem anymore so don't worry that much.

Usually when a criminal sells their btc, that would be in larger amounts and in almost exchange you will be ask for kyc if you are selling with bigger amounts so no criminals are safe there. That is why it's also safe to buy btc in those kind of exchanges.

[wiss19]

Oh, I see you are referring to a different kind of history but at first thought, what you mean are the history like if when did btc start and what is its previous price. On your main concern I think it does not matter at all if you are just a retail investor that only invests smaller amounts but if you are a more serious investor like if you are an exchange, institutions, or whales then I think that can matter somehow?

Most of us retail investors obtain our bitcoins in different sources and there are no real problems that happened to us. Same with money but do you also care if where do you get your money? Or do you think the money in banks are more cleaner?

[Scaterbrainn]

A little knowledge of the past movements will give you an idea of how bitcoin has behaved in the past. This will also make you understand what you must expect from it in the future.