Spoofing and Layering
Spoofing and layering are deceptive practices where traders place non-bona fide orders to influence the market price. Spoofing typically involves placing a large order on one side of the book to push the price in a desired direction, only to cancel it before it is filled.
Layering involves placing multiple orders at different price levels to create the appearance of a trend. These techniques are used to trigger stop-loss orders or induce other traders to enter positions, which the manipulator then exploits.
They are a direct attack on the integrity of price discovery and are strictly prohibited in regulated markets. In the crypto space, the detection of these patterns is a major focus of market surveillance tools.
Investors should be wary of sudden, large orders that appear and disappear, as they often signal these manipulative tactics.