How to Open a Dispute & Report Fraud on xrowdeal

Escrow exists for exactly this moment: when a deal doesn't go the way it should. If a seller never delivers, sends the wrong or a fake item, or a buyer refuses to release after receiving everything, you can open a dispute. The deal is frozen, both sides submit evidence, and our team reviews the case before any funds move. This guide shows when to dispute, how to do it, and what makes a strong case.

In one line From the deal, open a dispute, pick the reason, describe what happened, and attach evidence (up to 5 files). The deal moves to disputed, chat is locked, and our team reviews everything before deciding to release or refund.

When you should open a dispute

Open a dispute while a deal is still active and something has clearly gone wrong — before you release funds or let the hold period auto-release them. Valid reasons on xrowdeal include:

Non-delivery of asset — you paid, the seller didn't deliver.
Wrong item delivered — you received something different from what was agreed.
Fake / counterfeit item — the asset isn't genuine.
Payment not released — the buyer received everything but won't release.
Partial delivery — only part of what was promised arrived.
Fraud / scam — deliberate deception.
Other — anything else, explained in detail.

You can dispute a deal you're part of as long as it isn't already completed, canceled, or disputed.

Step-by-step: open a dispute

1. Go to the deal. Open the deal in question from My deals, and choose to raise a dispute (or open the dispute page for that deal).
2. Choose a reason. Select the option that best matches the problem from the list above.
3. Describe what happened. Be factual and specific: dates, what was promised, what actually happened, and any messages exchanged.
4. Attach evidence. Upload up to 5 files — screenshots, photos, delivery proof, chat logs, transaction records. Clear evidence is what decides cases.
5. Accept the dispute rules and submit. The deal status changes to disputed and in-deal chat is locked while the case is handled.

Don't release funds if you're unsure Once you release (or the hold period auto-releases) the money to the seller, the deal is essentially settled. If something is wrong, raise the dispute first — don't release in the hope it gets sorted out afterward.

What makes a strong dispute

On-platform evidence. Because chat, delivery, and proof happen inside the deal, there's a clean record our team can rely on. This is exactly why you should never move a deal to WhatsApp or Telegram.
Specific, dated details. "On the 12th the seller sent login X, but 2FA was still tied to their phone" beats "he scammed me".
Original proof. Screenshots of the listing, the agreed terms, delivery, and your inspection.
Honesty. Misrepresenting a dispute can itself break the rules.

What happens after you submit

The deal is frozen in a disputed state so neither side can act on the funds. Our team reviews the reason, the description, and all evidence from both parties, then decides the outcome — releasing to the seller, refunding the buyer, or another resolution — under the Escrow Rules and Terms of Service. The funds stay protected in escrow the entire time. For more on the process, see the dispute resolution page.

How to avoid disputes in the first place

Write a clear, complete listing. Sellers: describe exactly what's included and how you'll deliver. See the seller guide.
Verify before you fund. Buyers: check the seller card and ask for a live demo where it makes sense. See the buyer guide.
Keep everything on-platform. Off-platform deals have no escrow and no evidence trail.
Use a sensible hold period. It gives the buyer time to verify before funds release.

Reporting outright fraud or rule-breaking

If someone is clearly trying to scam you, pressuring you to pay off-platform, or breaking the rules, open a dispute with the Fraud / Scam reason and contact support. Accounts that break the rules can be suspended or banned, and funds tied to fraud can be withheld. Building trust is also why we encourage KYC verification.

Frequently asked questions

How do I open a dispute on xrowdeal?

From the active deal, choose to raise a dispute, pick a reason, describe the problem, attach up to 5 pieces of evidence, accept the dispute rules, and submit. The deal then moves to a disputed state for review.

What evidence should I attach to a dispute?

Anything that shows what was agreed and what actually happened: screenshots of the listing and terms, delivery proof, chat logs, photos, and transaction records. You can upload up to five files.

Can I still chat with the other party during a dispute?

In-deal chat is locked once a deal is disputed. Our team handles communication and reviews the evidence both sides submitted.

What happens to my money during a dispute?

It stays locked in escrow. Nothing is released or refunded until the case is reviewed and decided under the Escrow Rules and Terms of Service.

Can I dispute a deal after it's completed?

No. Disputes are for active deals that aren't already completed, canceled, or disputed. That's why you should never release funds until you're fully satisfied.

Trade with a safety net

Escrow plus a fair dispute process is what makes trading with strangers safe. Learn how escrow works, review the escrow rules, or create a free account to start a protected deal.