: Never consider a transaction final until it has at least 3 to 6 confirmations on the blockchain.

"Bitcoin flashing" software claims to create "ghost" or "flash" transactions that appear in a recipient's wallet but never actually confirm on the blockchain. Scammers use these tools to trick people during peer-to-peer (P2P) trades—making it look like payment has been sent so the victim releases goods or other assets. These transactions typically fail for one of two reasons: