Bitcoin Forum

Hey,

Well, there's not much introduction on my escrow service here, but I've been a regular escrower since last year if I'm not wrong. I've begun offering my services to the public here: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=141672.0 , and a few of my notable escrow transactions are for around 2.1k BTC at one go (when the price was at $100~ USD/BTC), and a few other 1k+ BTC transaction. I don't really ask for a 'vouch' or public confirmation as I'm doing around 4-5 escrows per day now (237 transactions till now, and around 240 in the next hour), but just ask around for the more notable users around here - I'm sure I've escrowed for most of them by now.  ;)
I'm also the treasurer and community council member for Bitcointalk.org, and I currently hold 1k BTC for the forum long term - only me and Casascius holds such an amount. (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=141503.msg1642658#msg1642658) .

As per fees, that'll depend on what kind of escrow you're needing here, and the amount transacted. A rough estimate would be 2% for ASIC preorders, group buys; 1.5% for most transactions; and 1% for long term users (who regularly use my service and totalling over a few k's+ BTC transacted).

Thanks for enquiring,
John

Hi John. Will definitely recommend you for my customers. Happy CNY..

thanks for the awesome service!

have used twice and do not think it could have gone smoother (even saved me from a scam!)

Update: It's been a busy week for escrowing. A total of almost 3500~BTC were escrowed in this week alone, and 2200BTC came from a single transaction.

+1 for John and Graet

John and Graet escrowed my ASICMINER auction (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=142038.0) with a total of 2380BTC, which denominated in fiat at today's rate might be the largest volume escrowed so far in Bitcoin world.

Everything went smooth and fast. Great service. Can absolutely recommend both. Thanks.

John I would be more than willing to pay you for escrow service. Would you be willing to do escrow for paypal transactions? I know this doesn't prevent charge back risk but it would at least insure that both parties send. I dont know how to use GPG.... everyone gives me a hard time about that but I just dont care about encryption. I have no need for it.  Would you take information by privanote?

please remember that I only hold BTC in each transaction.

Consider these escrow conditions, these would be mine:

1. Bitcoins come first; you won't be sending a package until I confirm payment is secure. The payment address wallet/keys will be backed up the wazoo, with a paper copy of the address keys and transaction info for my next of kin to discover.

2. escrow agent -> buyer shipping cost comes out of the Bitcoins, I'll calculate for you pessimistically @ today's MtGox if I know the box weight, dimensions, and destination ZIP.

3. The singles (or any other item) must be shipped to me with signature service so you can prove to yourself I got them (this based on my experience of eBaying hundreds of items, this is to prevent shipping services leaving stealable packages at the door instead of hand-delivering to a person, or marking them "delivered" when nothing was delivered, it was delivered to the wrong address, or it was stolen by the delivery driver). The items must be double-boxed, over-packaged, and well padded, so it arrives safely and so I don't have to re-box it to meet insurance requirements.

4. If the package is lost or damaged getting to me, you must have insured the parcel yourself and claim the loss yourself. I will refund the Bitcoins if I do not receive the package or if the package contents are not as described or damaged (after waiting around a month to ensure the package was not misplaced or delayed in shipping).

5. I will re-ship FedEx insured with adult signature confirmation to a physical address only. No post-office box services either (I will Google, seller should check address also).

6. Carrier signature-proof-of-delivery will be proof I completed escrow service. When it is delivered with signature, the transaction will be final and I will send Bitcoins. There will be no claims the package wasn't received if it was delivered and signed for.

7. If the package is lost getting from me to the buyer, I will pay out the Bitcoins to the seller after a similar waiting period to be sure it's lost for good and that the shipper acknowledges the loss and insurance will cover it. I will compensate TO THE BUYER only what I am able to get from insurance (all shipping companies have insurance adjusters that are dicks and routinely deny claims you have to then appeal, will only pay "replacement cost" regardless how much insurance you buy, etc).

8. If the package is damaged getting from me to the buyer, I will compensate TO THE BUYER what insurance pays out (see above) as a replacement or repair settlement. Buyer must cooperate with insurance adjuster's package inspections and/or pick-up of damaged packaging and any or all shipped merchandise, etc.

I think I've thought out every escrow scenario here. Anyone considering doing escrow services should examine the above too, so a buyer and seller know the score when it all goes wrong. 6, 7, and 8 seem like the best terms for fairness and to protect seller and escrow agent against unscrupulous buyer claims.

Alternately, screenshots may be provided in the first place as a weaker evidence.

Maybe it might work, but not on the bitcointalk.org forum where a lot of people are aware how easy it is forge the screenshot (knowledge of HTML is all that's required).

I do not require that everyone use GPG; rather, it is mostly used to verify that the addresses I issue come from me and not another impostor. I can hold escrow for such transactions (and I've done a couple of those too), but please remember that I only hold BTC in each transaction. The system would work like this:

1) I receive the amount agreed to at an escrow address.

2) Buyer sends the PayPal transaction.

3a) Seller confirms, escrow released.

3b) Buyer denies receiving of the funds; I instruct either side to change to a temporary password and grant me temporary access to the account to verify the transactions involved. Alternately, screenshots may be provided in the first place as a weaker evidence. Funds released to whichever side that convinces me the most based on hard evidence.

That would work out just fine john. What would be a good tip? Would you rather a percentage or a flat fee?

you forgot step 4: buyer charges back PayPal after receiving their purchase and gets their money back. PayPal is bad, mKay...

Hello,

I'd like you to escrow this transaction:

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=148436.20

15 BTC for $510 USD

Does your service include using actual bitcoin escrow transactions (ex. 2-of-3 multisig)?

I'm looking into that too, but I'm not comfortable with multisig enough to fully trust that over Armory. Also, most of my clients still prefer the regular method due to the ease. I might be offering that in the near future though if anyone specifically requests it.

Like to learn how. Any tutorials available for this higher level of security for escrows? I like ease as the next guy but a more secure service would be worth the learning curve.

+ + For John's escrow service !!! Just finished up my second transaction using him as escrow and
I must say he is TOP NOTCH !

Thanks again John.

For the love of god, why can't he please go back to his old nick and steal someone's Bitcoins?? I've been waiting for "You got donged!" to be a meme for so long!

Yeah... Was telling the guys at the bar a week ago, yeah I let this guy called "John the Dong" escrow $35,000 USD in BTC for me, They where like WTF  ;D

Yeah... Was telling the guys at the bar a week ago, yeah I let this guy called "John the Dong" escrow $35,000 USD in BTC for me, They where like WTF  ;D

until a few days ago I always thought it was John the dog

That or you were HUGE!    They were then shocked that I had so little info about you, like what country you lived in:)

until a few days ago I always thought it was John the dog

Hi John, do you happen to do money gram to BTC by any chance?

johnthedo(n)g > John K.

i wonder who your largest customer is by volume and number of uses  ;D

Don't spend it all in one place!   ;D

I will probably have use for your service soon. What fee do you ask?

Kudos to John for facilitating a marketplace transaction between myself and a buyer.  Prompt communication and no hassles.

Thank you!

Maybe rename this thread?

Don't tell me, you, from all persons, don't fancy yourself some dong?

Took the tip and renamed the thread. I hope I get the best of both worlds now.  :P

Updated main OP, thanks for repaying.

PS: I'm on UTC+8 now, so I might be not around when you PM me.
Also, if I'm not replying to any of your PM's, please do it again as I receive 20+ PM's on average per day.

No worries, I could tell looking at your posting statistics that I had probably just missed you.  Since I was looking for an escrow, I figured that posting here was as good as (better than?) sending you multiple PM messages.

Hey John,

Looking to buy some Cairnsmore1's from a guy in Australia... just working on the details currently. Would you be okay to do an escrow for about 24 to 25 BTC next week?

Greetings John K.!
  I may be in need of your escrow services. I am trying to sell a Cairnsmore1 Quad XC6SLX150 board in the computer hardware marketplace. Would you be willing to help myself with escrow if needed as I know little about this process? Thank you for your help.

SilentSonicBoom

Just drop me a PM when you find a counterparty.
The procedure here is easy - I issue an escrow contract (see past pages for example), coins get sent to it, items are shipped, everything confirmed - I release. Otherwise I try to arbitrate based on the evidence given.

Thanks for the quick reply. I hope to sell it today. Thanks for the help!

I'm only holding the deposit at the moment for his transaction, as stated above.

As per my rep here, I've been doing escrow for some time already. I'm currently holding over 2k BTC of others funds, the greatest being 1k BTC of the forum for an indefinite period of time, and others from various members here. I've lost count of how much funds that have passed through my hands so far, but a few large-sized transaction that I can make public here is a 2200 BTC TX some weeks ago (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=141672.msg1568855#msg1568855) , and multiple large-sized AM share auctions like this: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=144574.0 . I have a thread here too: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=141672

I don't really keep a ledger of my escrows as it would eat up too much time to do so, but I generally escrow 2-3 transactions daily.

As for security:

 


As always, please do your homework before choosing an escrow (or even sending coins in general!), so feel free to do your own research and stuff before choosing to trust me or not.  :)

(posted here as I can't find the other guy's nick here)

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
Hash: SHA1

The escrow address for sceneboss (Mark)(the seller) and Bicknellski's(the buyer) transaction would be:

1KeFhfELAgm3q48bWKE85LJzxV3G5kdHe6

Please state and agree to the conditions (if item is received damaged, item lost with tracking, customs fee etc) beforehand.

If possible, GPG sign your agreement to prevent any discrepancies later on and please ship with tracking to prevent problems during delivery. GPG signing is not a requirement, and any verbal exchange in the form of private messages or posts on bitcointalk.org, or email is effective as a ‘statement of condition’.

The fine print:
This Contract is solely generated for the purpose of facilitating the transaction between the seller and the buyer, which refers to the pseudonyms used on bitcointalk.org.
The escrow holder, John, assumes and gives no liability or guarantees on the satisfaction of all parties involved, although he agrees to mediate and facilitate the deal to the fullest extent he is capable of.  On the event that any problems arises, he will release the escrow to whichever party that presents him with the most convincing proof and/or after an open discussion with others or theymos.  
The verbal acceptance by both parties (or the failure to reject) and the sending of Bitcoins to the escrow address above constitutes the acceptance of the terms and conditions stated, and the activation of this Contract.

Please understand that I am doing this partly as a community service for members, I am assuming the risk of holding the escrowed Bitcoins, and I am using my own time to facilitate this transaction.  
If it does not represent a burden to do so, please tip me at 1NB1KFnFqnP3WSDZQrWV3pfmph5fWRyadz .

Thank you.

John (the escrow holder)
8 April 2013
-----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE-----
Version: GnuPG v1.4.11 (MingW32)
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=ZJ4H
-----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

Cancel this John.

Guy flaked out or was a scammer didn't provide proof of life and didn't get back to me after last email regarding using you as an escrow.

I just sold a website and used John's escrow service.
Everything was handled very professional and I can wholeheartedly recommend John.

Just used John K as escrow with a deal with Bogart. Both were very accomodating, friendly, and knowledgable. A small token of appreciation is being sent to John K as I type this. Thanks!

I would recommend John for this service. The only other person I would recommend (off the top of my head) to do the same is Rassah. SERIOUSLY!!!

Good luck, John, with this endeavor.

Full Disclosure: I only read the first couple posts of this thread.

~Bruno K~

I've been prompted to use Casascious's 3-of-2 escrow utility (not too sure of the naming here) after someone asked what is preventing me to do a runner apart from my rep. Now to familiarize myself with this...

Here: http://www.bitescrow.org/
Can be used offline. And the instructions on the page will be enough for you to understand how it works.

I wanna buy a ASIC rig, so If I can get a trustworthy escrow service-then by all means, I am down.

I would like to know if you would be interested in acting as a third party to help me withdraw funds which are USD from bitfloor. I'd like to acquire USD on bitstamp, but would potentially accept BTC depending on how involved this process would be. Thank you for your reply.

Hey, thanks for the reply.

They made the decision to cease exchange activity indefinitely. Users with BTC could withdraw to private wallets while USD funds are only accessible via ACH transfer to a US bank account. I do not have a US bank account, and they have not made any information public on what/when non-US users might be reimbursed. I'm about two weeks away from personal liquidity issues, yet have a little over 2500 USD in my bitfloor account.

I've elaborated more here (same thread, but two posts regarding the situation):

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=179135.msg1880397#msg1880397

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=179135.msg1880785#msg1880785

I do require a fee (of 1.5% depending on the complexity - long terms ones for 2.0%+) for more substantial trades now (50+BTC) to deal with the extended risk. An escrow that requires no fees for bigger deals is either someone who's really good(as he is effectively looking at negative ROI with the risk) or someone who will run if any problems arises. (getting hacked etc)

Hi, is the escrow service for the chips still available

Hi, just wanted to put a good word in for John. Bogart sold me some videocards, and John was kind enough to escrow my funds while Bogart shipped to me. Was my first escrow, and everything worked flawlessly.

Good guy, I trust him. Thanks! A+

Bought some video cards from SuperTramp, and John escrowed for us. I've used John's escrow service twice now, and everything always goes smoothly. Thank you, John!

I am quite busy today, and will come back later to check the PM's. Sorry for the delay.

Note that I am requiring a pre-paid 1% unrefundable fee paid to my signature address before I will issue escrow contracts for altcoin to BTC exchanges with amounts <50BTC . It's a PITA dealing with the mass of cancellations I get after taking the time to GPG sign and send out the contract. (6th cancellation in 2 days so far)  >:(

If it's a PITA, feel free to tell them that while you don't endorse me, and can't vouch for my trustworthiness or reliability, you are aware that I'm willing to hold escrow in these transactions.  If you want the transactions as a revenue stream, let me know and I'll delete this post.  I'm not trying to step in on any income/business you might be trying to build.  Just trying to help lighten the load of the PITA transactions for you.

Nah, I'm just doing this as a public service of sorts for the small exchanges as I normally do not charge any fees for small tx's like this unless the period of holding the coins exceeds a week or so.  :) I'm trying to automate most of the procedures though as I always issue a GPG signed escrow contract which eats through my time. Hopefully the fixed fee will deal with the cancellations now. Thanks for the offer again - I will keep this in mind if I cannot handle the load.  ;D

Hi there, do you just hold the coins and when payment is received you release coins? I have a seller complaining that its not a safe escrow for him as I could claim I've sent payment, photoshop a bank statement and I'd be trusted over him, as he is a new member.

Anyway I can reassure him?

Either he doesn't know how escrow works or he is trying to scam you.

If escrow is used, only the escrow, not you, will be the reliable source of confirmation whether or not the funds have been sent.

God, I NEED a better PM box.   >:(

If I missed your PM, please resend them when you see me online. I'm waking to over 30 PM's every morning.  :-\

john can u escrow a btc-e code until i get western union from someone? the code will be for $987.9514

john I sent you a pm for an escrow on May 11th, but I guess you missed it or are just swamped right now. I have asked graet if he can do it so you can ignore my pm.

Hmm...does BTC-E has a limit on funds if my account is unverified? I don't use them frequent enough so I didn't bother to verify with them.

Hello,
Is it possible to set up escrow and have the buyer pay you through wire transfer? Or how about gold or silver. Sorry if those questions has been already asked.
Many thanks,
Brian

I am first time using escrow, please forgive if I did not follow everything you need.
But I agree and accept and confirm and commit to send btc as agreed.

Milan77

Thank You John for understanding.

Commision sent, payment sent. Please confirm if everything ok :)

I have one more question. Have you done, escrow in the past or offer it, where the seller sets a fixed price. Like 100. BTC X $120 (example). To protect the seller from fluctuations in BTC prices.
Many thanks for your time.
Brian

Probably not necessary as JohnK is the go-to guy for escrow but I recently did a fairly large transaction and used JohnK, this man is as trustworthy as it gets when it comes to a stranger online, honestly I should just say as it gets I dont even trust people I know in real life with the amount escrowed

If I had them I would trust this man with my kids he will do you no wrong, I will only exclusively use JohnK as escrow why? simply because he is the best in the business,

thank you john and looking forward to future transactions,

I'd like to use you as escrow right now.. if your available its urgent

Hopefully you'll read my PM soon too.

Hello, I'm here to ask your service in a identity verification.
This is the case, I'm selling one of my BFL single's (SHA-256 of course) on ebay and I got an offer for almost $900 after just 1 hour of placing the auction. So, if I sell this thing at a high price I will need an exchange service PP => BTC and since this is a risky transaction and I'm guessing no one will want to exchange that amount unless they are sure I will not run away with the coins and make a charge-back after the transaction.

Is this a valid request?

Hmm... it could be a valid request but you're doing this the wrong way here. Best way would be to find a seller first, and see what he wants.  :) Just drop me a PM if you need the escrow/identity stuff.

- snip -
I don't get much traffic here unfortunately as most just PM me directly...*John thinks about making it a requirement to post here before requesting for escrow..... :P*

PM'ing would be a better bet then posting here actually. Almost all (if not all) escrow transactions by me are done via PM.  :)

:P I know, I know. I get my mails pushed to my phone directly so PM'ing me is a better bet. It's just that I'm making fun of the use of 'rep threads' where each tx must be posted publicly so that the OP gets some sort of rep. I've had people asking me about the location of my 'rep thread'.  ;D

Yeah, I generally disregard "rep threads".  As far as I'm concerned, there's a lot more to a reputation than a list of transactions one maintains for themselves that they can point to and say "see, I didn't scam this list of people".

Just completed a large escrow with John for 2 Avalons.

He's been absolutely fantastic from beginning to end and had to hold the funds for over a month.

Thanks John...

Just completed a large escrow with John for 2 Avalons.

He's been absolutely fantastic from beginning to end and had to hold the funds for over a month.

Thanks John...

Here's an idea.

Lets get some trustworthy ESCROW person and gather funds for minimum order of BFL chips.

Either they deliver chips on time + datasheets or we keep our money and good bye.

The price is actually reasonable and if they are not able to produce the boards/rigs (the real bottleneck of BFL), we can get someone capable to do it right. There are some talents (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=192860) designing Avalon chip boards.

If butterflies actually deliver ... people waiting for big preorders will most likely kill them. None of my business.

EDIT: Already contacted  John K. in his thread (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=141672.msg2348784#msg2348784).

I confirm the escrow with John and uhoh.
First Asic escrow for John (but not last I suppose)!

Thanks John, thanks uhoh

Hi John, would you go for it?


EDIT: Separate threat for this purpose https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=223571.msg2349094#msg2349094

On a side note, my escrow volume's is still at an average of ~8-10k BTC per month.

I'm another happy customer of John's escrow service.  Everything went perfectly smoothly and quickly.

Thank you John!  I'll certainly use your service again in the future.

Hi John, I know you're busy with PMs and all these new ASIC group buys, but may I use your escrow contract format? Of course, changing all details to my own, and signing with my own key of course. I'm about to get my first client, hehe. We should form something like an association of bitcoin escrow agents or something. (yeah, someone made a list already, but its rather informal.)

I am writing a review about my experience with John K's escrow service. I have never tried a middle man escrow service up until recently when the buyer and myself agreed to take on John K's service. It was a challenge for me as a seller of a complete business to trust this process. However, after taking on the services with John K, he made myself and the buyer feel at ease throughout the entire way. He provided us with information that we needed to know about 'step-by-step' and answered all questions we were unsure/certain about.  This helped make things a lot easier. After the buyer agreed to let the funds go to me (the seller) it was almost Instant that John K responded and funded the transaction to the wallet address. He informed us the entire way of process, and the transaction was completed successful.  I was extremely satisfied with my experience and I know who to go to for the next market place transaction: John K's escrow service.

Thanks again John. Keep up the good work!

Thanks again for the kind words, and just drop me a PM anytime you need me. *John gets teary-eyed*

I just concluded another successful escrow transaction with JohnK's service, it was a pleasure as always. Same experience as I'm sure everyone else has posted about in this thread; terrific communication, all messages GPG-signed, completely professional, etc!

Would recommend to anyone in need of his services, and will continue to use him myself for all my escrow needs.


Thanks again John! You provide a both a terrific service, and example, for the entire Bitcoin community.

Volume is quite high lately. ;)
I've almost fully recuperated from my fever so my standard online times are back again! Just drop me a PM when you need me, as always.

Check your PMs when ya can.

you around could use your escrow service (also sent PM) please and thank you
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=249154

I think I just broke my 30th Avalon escrowed. Thanks guys! :D

i'm a little confused.

so what are the steps involved in you being providing the escrow service? how are the checks and balances protect both parties?
as in, how do we know it is definitely you we are sending the bitcoins/money to and how would u know who sends it to you?

if you can provide me with more detailed information, i can draw up a simple diagram to illustrate to everyone.

 ;D

PS: I'm currently travelling, and will reply to PM's when I get to my hotel this evening. Thanks again guys!!

Check your PMs when you get time John, thanks!

oh man. I thought JohnK will add me as backup when he is not around. We live in the same country.

John, do you have a Scottrade or other brokerage account to receive shares of stock? 

I am trying to get a loan using that as collateral and need to find an escrow that could provide that service.

Thanks in advace!

hi john

i've a deal with a member here for 120bitcoins (i'm the buyer) so how much bitcoins do i send u?

In need of escrow services. $1100 BTC-E code for moneypak.

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=257317

What's the best way to contact you?  This thread or PM?

What do you mean by your "GPG signed bitcoin address?"

He will post a message to you like the 'gibberish' below; you can see the address in plaintext, and you can verify his signature using cryptography (http://www.gnupg.org/gph/en/manual/x135.html).

https://i.imgur.com/jBbjFlR.png (http://imgur.com/jBbjFlR)


-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
Hash: SHA1

13ipXXzmrVY8e4fpvPb2r4qpbG9AFFyycq
-----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE-----
Version: GnuPG v2.0.20 (MingW32)

iQEcBAEBAgAGBQJR7r5wAAoJECfPGuMq/Zm7/WcH/RWoqCObO7RhsyWIukaEWQ2U
f03A1seRw4JeT03eCcw4WPXcZQrkrOCiPGNv57isEEJtYPEvJpypK1n4CV7XJ1Fj
3zbnWdKDoWXc8iXRZK5J3blzGjtPplszbG2h8xtyAvGJ9Znkj7jK8VzAYQylWaUc
EHYdAiNFMnHPFq2u0H7NMQpuE6L1B2+ZQTdNjEzPoRN2jOYgeYipliUFNu0NKYf3
E6RHaLhrE7ZwbYKUkHY8D8Zb0sBNocUALiVV4va20clfB2/WFqQY9A2PaJRk4SrR
nCXzZyI6qC05TzFqWw9oZiVKzoIyH5jIwUtFY9xQr5NpOLhp2aYr7DcKUrzIrtg=
=BcUW
-----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

He will post a message to you like the 'gibberish' below; you can see the address in plaintext, and you can verify his signature using cryptography (http://www.gnupg.org/gph/en/manual/x135.html).

https://i.imgur.com/jBbjFlR.png (http://imgur.com/jBbjFlR)


-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
Hash: SHA1

13ipXXzmrVY8e4fpvPb2r4qpbG9AFFyycq
-----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE-----
Version: GnuPG v2.0.20 (MingW32)

iQEcBAEBAgAGBQJR7r5wAAoJECfPGuMq/Zm7/WcH/RWoqCObO7RhsyWIukaEWQ2U
f03A1seRw4JeT03eCcw4WPXcZQrkrOCiPGNv57isEEJtYPEvJpypK1n4CV7XJ1Fj
3zbnWdKDoWXc8iXRZK5J3blzGjtPplszbG2h8xtyAvGJ9Znkj7jK8VzAYQylWaUc
EHYdAiNFMnHPFq2u0H7NMQpuE6L1B2+ZQTdNjEzPoRN2jOYgeYipliUFNu0NKYf3
E6RHaLhrE7ZwbYKUkHY8D8Zb0sBNocUALiVV4va20clfB2/WFqQY9A2PaJRk4SrR
nCXzZyI6qC05TzFqWw9oZiVKzoIyH5jIwUtFY9xQr5NpOLhp2aYr7DcKUrzIrtg=
=BcUW
-----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

Oh, I get it, thanks. How can I check his or make one for myself?

just to be sure. the step by step part is this

1. send 1.5% fees to johnk's escrow wallet

2. verify on blockchain info

3. send the remainder to the escrow wallet

4. verify on blockchain info

5??
how do i GPG sign the agreements?

1. Send the fees to the 1NB... address as stated in the contract.

2. Verify on blockchain

3, Send the escrow amount to the escrow address in the contract

4. Verify on blockchain, and notify the seller/me via PM so that everyone's updated.

5. Wait for the goods to be shipped, and notify everyone when all is well to release the funds


Check the links posted above, but GPG signing is not mandatory as I understand not everyone uses GPG.

ok..

much appreciated.

i will have to pay the transaction fees for transfer between wallets right?

*John wonders when will he see his 1000th escrow* ;)

*John wonders when will he see his 1000th escrow* ;)

wow congrats dude. we should celebrate at coffee bean...on you of course.
 :)

John, I sent you an escrow request via PM some time ago, please have a look.
Thanks.

I've tried to PM you John about using your escrow services for another member and myself but it continuously give me a 360 seconds error.  How can I go about contacting you?

You should offer free escrow for your 1000th escrow, but don't tell them until its over or before they send that they're the lucky ones.  :D

:D Let's go out for a cup when I visit KL.

Hi John, have you got your PM box set to "ignore n00bs" again! :P If you've got a moment I've got a biiiiig contract for you. Thanks.

ninjaboon is in KL?
what about john?

Left you a PM.
I'd like some stock held as collateral for a loan I am taking out.
Details provided in the PM.

John, do you do full escrow where I ship you the goods (In this case a BFL Single) and you release the funds  immedately upon receipt, then put the item in the mail to the buyer?

Edit - also are you in the USA?

John, do you do full escrow where I ship you the goods (In this case a BFL Single) and you release the funds  immedately upon receipt, then put the item in the mail to the buyer?

Edit - also are you in the USA?

Nope atm as it would be too troublesome to do so, not to mention the handling costs etc. Will be in USA after the end of this month.

Visiting, or permanently?

I want to thank John for his services.
John (and a few other guys I've seen) donate and contribute a lot of time and effort into making this community work better than it otherwise would.
I don't know what a beer costs where you are, but I want to put enough in your tip jar to effectively buy you a beer.

Details:
John held some stock for me as collateral on a loan.
He also helped me on several occasions with information on the process of escrow services in general.
He also gave me some advice on community functions.

One hell of a guy.

ps: should I ask about the etomology of johnthedong? 

ps: should I ask about the etomology of johnthedong? 

Sorry to hijack the thread, but can you recommend a member that can provide the same level of escrow services as John K?
I already contacted John, but he is very busy and cannot help :(

It's about the new KNCMiner Reseller program - I'm looking for a trustworthy person, who can register as a reseller, so me and other people can purchase through him. After 10 sales he would get a free miner and then we can distribute the profits between us :)

Graet and John are my go-to people when in need of escrow.

Does Graet advertise his escrow services?

Not sure, too tired to look. He was proposed to me by a fellow bitcoiner with whom I made a trade, and he's very well known for his mining pool, ozco.in

Other than having held quite a few BTC on my behalf, he's a very friendly person and I most certainly trust him. Now, you need to do your own due diligence before you take my word for it, of course.

Hi John,  I have sent you a PM regarding an escrow order as well.

John, good that you've landed safely. Safe moving. And do add back our local BTC whatsapp group once you get a local cell number.

Done, cheers.

Got all escrow releases done so far, resuming to accept regular escrows after tomorrow once I figure out my safe and stuff. Chip GB refund requests sent in for those who've voted to do so.

Done, cheers.

Got all escrow releases done so far, resuming to accept regular escrows after tomorrow once I figure out my safe and stuff. Chip GB refund requests sent in for those who've voted to do so.

Please request a refund for the ragingazn group buy. I'm scared it'll ship soon if it hasn't already :(

What's happening with John K. ?

It doen't take long to post a status update.

He hasn't logged into bitcointalk since sep 4.

Starting aug 23rd,  Bitdude and I have sent him about 10 message asking for escrow services, No reply.

Escrow releases are sent out for about under 1k BTC worth.

Refund requests for Avalon Group buys are sent in (via the Avalon store site) for the following orders and the accompanying btc address.


ragingazn
1GxGpQrAS345PvYJaW4YANFiJQuRurLVjL

bizwoojune8
1LpJrtx1H7ca1fFmQ4jDEdKKUZr1us2byd

jimmy2011 (orders 10909,10517)

1BaZbQxsXSrDHHZ8BpshsAhbYLaDS1eahW

John did you get my PM? I would like to use your services if possible.
Thanks
DBA

Hi John, Im part of Bizwoo GB 1 over @ https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=200067.0

Any chance of an update on the status of the refund as a few of us are concerned that previous orders placed later than ours have been refunded (notably Jimmy2011 orders above) and now chips are shipping

Many thanks

John K, I sent you a PM some time ago, within the past few days only. Hope you can find it.

*edit* just wondering, why don't you update your GPG? It's now version 2, and you can use SHA512 instead of SHA1.

Yes, please drop me a PM when you have the buyers lined up.


I've been in contact with bizwoo regarding this, and have re-sent in the refund order to Avalon yet again today. I suspect it might have to do with the fact that I've requested a lot of refunds...

News about Bizwoo GB1???????????????

Hello,

As Bizwoo is on travel and this is every day more urgent, please John K what happens with Bizwoo GB1.

All GB are getting refunds, there has been more movement today, Yifu says about this?

Please discuss something when you can. Bizwoo can not give news while traveling.

thanks

Hello,

As Bizwoo is on travel and this is every day more urgent, please John K what happens with Bizwoo GB1.

All GB are getting refunds, there has been more movement today, Yifu says about this?

Please discuss something when you can. Bizwoo can not give news while traveling.

thanks

Hello,

As Bizwoo is on travel and this is every day more urgent, please John K what happens with Bizwoo GB1.

All GB are getting refunds, there has been more movement today, Yifu says about this?

Please discuss something when you can. Bizwoo can not give news while traveling.

thanks

Hello,

As Bizwoo is on travel and this is every day more urgent, please John K what happens with Bizwoo GB1.

All GB are getting refunds, there has been more movement today, Yifu says about this?

Please discuss something when you can. Bizwoo can not give news while traveling.

thanks

Dear John, you are hereby granted the moral authority to ban the "+1" sock posters.

+1 posts removed, especially when I've finally got the refunds out for the last GB of Bizwoo.


https://blockchain.info/tx/c70b36354f66917c781f5c5bffcae017b4eccf6ef4da2a3476ae3fd5d04a5401

All escrow releases for the past 3 days should be processed at this point (about 1k+ BTC). Escrow contracts for new escrows coming out tomorrow morning as I took too much time on the group buy refunds.

I have a lot of Singles I am trying to sell.  You are difficult to get a hold of.  I have a lot of potential buyers frustrated with not being able to reach you.

Please PM me.

John's doing just fine, he's been incredibly busy with much RL stuff lately. He'd log on if possible, but he's got a lot of things to take care of right now.  I've been communicating with him so I'll be sure to let him know that his presence is missed.

My apologies for the delay - had the flu (again!) and had to shut myself down for a couple of days. Refunds are sent out according to the excel OP sent me:

http://blockchain.info/tx/47c00e55a49f5d46fefcb08de4f7570e4dd9fc12ea09520c8aab8d60c6fda6b5

I've compiled the list to a public google doc too.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AiYcEqkgyjc_dFVtODZJMkRSRXNJeGM5OXFZd1JmTGc#gid=0

Refunding according to the list here:


I've compiled it to a spreadsheet as it was too messy:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AiYcEqkgyjc_dEpaRnRMeEJhNHhCaHViZHZsaHN2eWc#gid=0

Refund sent out: http://blockchain.info/tx/d1c511c91ebeb185b01565b81076efc729c89daf2b02e4c258940fcb8d071266

https://blockchain.info/tx/a7ec7d99b235d3106e8d5add6325787f050e3b104f909a80ec9a66a13bae3fb8

Hi John Any chance you can release some back logged escrow?
It's been a while

Yep, all escrow releases so far (about 10 transactions) have been processed. I'm in the process of digging through the ragingazn's GB refund lists here as I've got a few conflicting refund requests...

I do require a fee (of 1.5% depending on the complexity - long terms ones for 2.0%+) for more substantial trades now to deal with the extended risk. An escrow that requires no fees for bigger deals is either someone who's really good(as he is effectively looking at negative ROI with the risk) or someone who will run if any problems arises. (getting hacked etc)


An Introduction (quoted from a recent PM I sent someone)


-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
Hash: SHA1

Hey everyone,

I figured that as I've been getting requests here and there for escrow services, it would be better that if I made a thread about this to consolidate the matter. I'm providing this service FOC and as a service for the community, but tips are graciously accepted for my time.

I will issue a contract signed by my GPG key below, with the Bitcoin address embedded within the message. Please do not accept a Bitcoin address that is not GPG signed. Anyone who has dealt with my escrow services before knows what to expect in my contract, of course.

On the event that any problems arises, I will release the escrow to whichever party that presents me with the most convincing proof after an open discussion with others and/or theymos. I've invoked this point twice only in my escrow 'lifetime' , and both resulted in a satisfactory settlement by all parties.

As always, PM me if you need me - I'm generally responsive if you see me online.

Best,
John  
Dated today: Feb 7 2013
-----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE-----
Version: GnuPG v1.4.11 (MingW32)
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=06T4
-----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

Edit: A list of current loans is listed here for my personal reference.

ATC777 BTC3.50 due before Wednesday, 3 April 2013 (UTC +8 time) 1:54PM ( https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=154814.msg1645847#msg1645847)

welcome back.) FYI/A: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=177827.msg3344222#msg3344222

My apologies for the delay - my restore of a secure operating system took longer than I expected, and am back for good now.

Hi John, can you define what you did for a secure operating system?

Like, what OS, what computer or laptop, what major important software ... if that is permanently offline or online or whatever it is that you do, and any other thing you think is important. Why GPG version 1 instead of GPG version 2, or why not yet moved to a different hash (SHA1 vs SHA256 or SHA512).

As you know, you are the number one escrow provider, and we other bitcoin escrow agents would like to either emulate or closely follow your security procedure. In fact, I've already copied your style of contract with appropriate modifications.

Thanks for being a good role model. :)

By the way, I did my first escrow for Amazon Gift Cards, and its good that I can easily verify the value of a gift card, and if it has been claimed already or not.

I think it would be very unwise for an escrow provider to hand out details about the system he is using for escrow...

I think it would be very unwise for an escrow provider to hand out details about the system he is using for escrow...

I think that depends on the system. If he is using some form of offline system, it does not matter as much what he is using for his online system.

The attack vector is negligibly small (what? the USB flash drive used to sneakernet the transaction info, maybe?)

I don't think it's greed. He's had the chance to keep thousands of bitcoins before. I think he really just can't come online.

He's also stated he refused to go on this forum without being on his secure laptop or computer. He also does almost all (if not all) of his bitcoin transactions on an offline computer. Your coins aren't going to be stolen. (In fact, they just appreciate in value.)

Still waiting, not a peep. I've PMed and emailed him personally with no response. Two weeks is a really long time for the most trusted member of the forum to be incommunicado.

This happens when you are dealing with an human escrow that has midterms.

If you are suddenly unexpectedly busy, you can take 30 seconds to come to the forum and put peoples minds at ease.

Sorry for my untimely hiatus - had a really rough month and was forced to be away from the forums. This is probably the longest hiatus yet so far I've taken over the years.

Refund 3 for alle.sello: (sent out about 2 days ago, didn't update here)
https://blockchain.info/tx/6cd8d662c200c582bba51899d7c9dd52bb10bf33e80e7be911173748da74907c

Refund 4 for most transfers that I have addresses for:
https://blockchain.info/tx/5df128d44a2593ae46432bfe05bc3f3314b8110807189fc34b6a57e6e9ee8cd4

Refund 5 for Egon : (missed him on the original list as it was a partial transfer)
https://blockchain.info/tx/ec47b663213303dedd1d9a5ee8a5d46e848ccc4eb30b3470d427d672a35b2a7b

Updated sheets:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AiYcEqkgyjc_dHdIRGhHMG43N21raXJVSjA4dk5nUVE&usp=drive_web#gid=0

The problem with me not logging to give status updates is that I do not access the forums until I am sure I am in a sterile environment

The problem with me not logging to give status updates is that I do not access the forums until I am sure I am in a sterile environment - I just got a dedicated tablet for this so that I can be sure I can access the forums when I need to.

On retrospect, I should've cleared this refund up around the end of last month when life was starting to show signs of being really busy. I didn't do so as I was forever waiting for everyone to clarify their addresses and stand forward to claim their funds - there is still about 20-30 BTC (not counting ragingazn and prodigits' claim here) unclaimed as their owners were still away.

Is there nobody from the forum that you communicate with outside the forum?

Would it not be possible for you to contact someone and ask them to post on your behalf that you are in communication with them, having a problem with maintaining a sterile computing environment, and offering an estimated date of return?

Johnk, glad to see you back in action.
Please check my whatsapp message.

Couldn't you pgp-sign a message while offline, then creating a bogus forum account and publish the signed message?

John K. Alternate Account = would only send or post GPG signed messages. Will always change password every log on and log off. Can be terminated by a mod or disabled, until he gets back on his regular actual account in a sterile environment.

But since he already has his tablet, then ... no need for the alternate account I guess. Just be careful with connecting to free wifi hotspots, they can be pineapples in disguise.

That's what I meant, the Hak5 Pineapple Mark V.

Still waiting. :(

College student.

Did he get all his escrows sorted out?

he still has the 100btc for the coinroll.it raffle

Well, he was away cuz of exams right? That can't still be going on can it?

Either John is kill, or he's pulling a satoshi...  ::)

The Administrator coin is already removed from his username, this is more scary, he is holding the 100 btc from the coinroll raffle
would someone can give me his email address to contact him??

(I think) he's no longer an admin not because he is untrustoworthy (I'd still trust him even though I have never done any business with him) but because he's not been very active in the past few weeks, and there's no need for inactive accounts to have admin privileges.

pe2vk was online since dec 24... i think someone should add more negative trust to john k, and advice the community to not trust even on the staff members.

is anyone currently owed btc ?

if not is there cause for all the negative trust and warnings? he gpg signed all escrow last i knew so anything not matching that key would be the only things to be concerned about if he were to come back

Tis troubling that he hasn't at least popped in to say that he is busy. Does anyone have John K's contact info?

Depends. What's State does the IP that he's logging in and posting come from?

Tis troubling that he hasn't at least popped in to say that he is busy. Does anyone have John K's contact info?

As I said on previous page, pekv2 migh have his contact details (because he leaked John's email address few weeks ago), I also found John with those info on facebook but haven't bothered saving the info anywhere, so I wouldn't be able to contact him now.

and he is online on facebook?

I believe John needed a break...

I believe John needed a break...

I did. But shortly after I was removed from "default trust"   :/

I don't know why some peoples are worried about their coins. I know funds are stucked in escrow and some users are getting problems but it's not like he will disappear with your money.
Don't forget he also holds a big amount of BTC for forum. So if theymos is not worried, why you guys are?

1% of more than 10,000 BTC is a small fortune.

I love how everyone is optimistic, That's the way to go, What if John K died? Then what?

i would prefer him to be scamming than that.

I love how everyone is optimistic, That's the way to go, What if John K died? Then what?

i would prefer him to be scamming than that.

To the coinroll raffle winners, stop asking for john k, you dont have to pay for the absent/scam/ missing scrow, the coinroll admins should pay you anyway, they are who have to wait until john k appears to get their refund. their wealth is enough to afford that. with only 2 or 3 medium bankroll players that you have attracted to the site is enough to them to had recovered that 100 btcs.

scrat don't reply to PM's

I dont think he stole either. He could have stole massive coin if he wanted to.

I believe he went back to Malaysia to visit around Xmas time. He may still be out there.

I'm happy to report that John K is alive and well, and your coins are safe. I believe Theymos can confirm this as well.

I'm happy to report that John K is alive and well, and your coins are safe. I believe Theymos can confirm this as well.

Well if he's not dead or injured, that means he's in hiding or away for some reason? Death threats? School?

How did you get this information?

He Emailed me and Theymos and confirmed that he has returned the forum's coins he was holding:

https://blockchain.info/tx/fe43797656265047b886de3bbac48d720cf60b4dfeadb61fa87434a80ba7f72b

He also said that he'll take care of all outstanding escrows once he gets back to Boston on the 13th, at night.

I believe he went back to Malaysia to visit around Xmas time. He may still be out there.

Do you want me to confirm if he is alive and well?

Though he has not replied to our group messages for quite some time.

Do you want me to confirm if he is alive and well?

I do not require that everyone use GPG; rather, it is mostly used to verify that the addresses I issue come from me and not another impostor. I can hold escrow for such transactions (and I've done a couple of those too), but please remember that I only hold BTC in each transaction. The system would work like this:

1) I receive the amount agreed to at an escrow address.

2) Buyer sends the PayPal transaction.

3a) Seller confirms, escrow released.

3b) Buyer denies receiving of the funds; I instruct either side to change to a temporary password and grant me temporary access to the account to verify the transactions involved. Alternately, screenshots may be provided in the first place as a weaker evidence. Funds released to whichever side that convinces me the most based on hard evidence.

Been awhile, but I'm still alive. Just closed a few long term escrows I had. :)  Still quite busy lately though.

May be using your services soon, I look forward to it. :)

is he still available?