Where to purchase bitcoin to avoid being a victim of fraud

[Darker45]

Various options have already been suggested, but you might want to make use of BestChange, especially in comparing the best rates offered across exchanges. There are also additional information provided for each and every exchange, like whether it requires KYC or not, or whether the transaction would be processed manually or automatically, and so on. Furthermore, the site also features user reviews on exchanges so that you can have an idea as to how these exchanges generally handle customers and their transactions.

Additionally, you can also buy through this forum. Proceed to Currency exchange board and either open a thread or buy from somebody who is selling. For your fraud concerns, transact with trusted users and/or use escrow.

[Z-tight]

I waited for months to see how their site operated and asked regarding that in the forum as well Anyone is still using Paxful? and after that I gave it a try by myself and things have been going fine for over a month so all I am saying is the site seems to be the same as they used to be.

Just cause the exchange seems to you like they are working in the same way as they previously did doesn't mean the issues that made them shut down are behind them, i don't think the exchange should be recommended anymore, it may not be long before they shut down again, and this time it may be permanently.

But, I am not going to suggest OP use Paxful or any P2P for now because it is mostly filled with hacked accounts and funds received from stolen bank accounts and other illicit activities so it will take a while to understand how to choose the right trading partner in p2p exchanges or else they are putting themselves at the risk of their bank account being frozen.

Op wants to buy BTC, and the best place they can do that is on p2p exchanges like bisq, peachbitcoin, Agoradesk and others where they can just trade directly with the other peer.

[Findingnemo]

I waited for months to see how their site operated and asked regarding that in the forum as well Anyone is still using Paxful? and after that I gave it a try by myself and things have been going fine for over a month so all I am saying is the site seems to be the same as they used to be.

Just cause the exchange seems to you like they are working in the same way as they previously did doesn't mean the issues that made them shut down are behind them, i don't think the exchange should be recommended anymore, it may not be long before they shut down again, and this time it may be permanently.

FYI, I am not vouching for their longevity in their future, all I am just letting you know that Paxful seems same as how they used to be and I don't see the dispute made any difference in their business to or at least as far as in the currency I am dealing with.

Sure any exchange can shut down at any moment, we may not see it coming to remember FTX then overnight went to zero but the same thing goes for every centralized exchange, and which one is the next?

That is why we often see phrases such as "Not your keys not your coins".

But, I am not going to suggest OP use Paxful or any P2P for now because it is mostly filled with hacked accounts and funds received from stolen bank accounts and other illicit activities so it will take a while to understand how to choose the right trading partner in p2p exchanges or else they are putting themselves at the risk of their bank account being frozen.

Op wants to buy BTC, and the best place they can do that is on p2p exchanges like bisq, peachbitcoin, Agoradesk and others where they can just trade directly with the other peer.

Bisq is not really a recommended platform for someone to buy their first Bitcoin.

I never used the other exchanges so I don't know it is really smooth for a complete beginner like OP.

[Woodie]

Before making my suggestion,  I believe platforms that allow you to buy coins without KYC usually have a higher markup  on such transactions and if you dont mind you can go with this option otherwise for a market price transaction  you try going with KYC'd platforms if you dont minf these processes...
Otherwise you can try your luck with the forums cryptocurrency exchange board and see if your mode of payment is accepted, if not try the next suggestion  below..

If you arent ready for the kind of transaction above try checking online if you can buy some bitcoin locally which can sometimes be cheaper and you get to use local modes of payment to secure your coins,  and remember to check on other peoples reviews of these services before committing to buy. If your aren't comfortable with local crypto merchants, your only possible options are to go with KYC platforms such as reputable centralized exchanges, peer2peer platforms which offer competitive rates to your liking.

Btw just a heads up, most platforms with the best rates are more likely going to require you to undergo the process of KYC, so if you don't mind this,  then this is your option...otherwise try non KYC exchanges as suggested here.

[sheenshane]

If your aren't comfortable with local crypto merchants, your only possible options are to go with KYC platforms such as reputable centralized exchanges, peer2peer platforms which offer competitive rates to your liking.

Nowadays, it's a part of legitimacy to undergo the KYC if your concern is to avoid fraud.
Because a reputable centralized exchange serves as a middleman of the transaction no one can commit fraud, that's how you can weigh the privacy vs. the security.

But beware of the instant exchange or a platform that uses another third-party exchange, they usually have higher fees than a normal exchange. 
Fraud is everywhere if you've got an outside transaction, choose a legitimate exchange that you can find here in the forum.