Bitcoin Forum

          I would like to start a thread here for all collectors to use for reference on coins that have been breached, or in other words, any loaded digital content stolen by the coin makers.

         The two main coin makers I am aware of that this has happened were Alitin and Coinographic coins. I will give a brief history on each along with their respective coins issued. If anyone here has experienced any others, please list accordingly in this thread for future reference….Caveat emptor


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https://talkimg.com/images/2023/06/10/ARl3c.png (https://talkimg.com/images/2023/06/10/ARl3c.png)

This is as per their website….


    On February 26, 2017, at roughly 1:30 to 2:30 am, our company experienced a breach of a limited number of our coins. The coins in question had their BTC removed and we are in the process of determining how this could have happened. We are in contact with the FBI and we expect a full investigation to begin shortly, to which we will offer our total cooperation and effort to bring the perpetrator(s) to light.
 
Please contact us at raforsyth@alitin.com if you believe your coin may have been compromised, and we will do our best to work with you individually to resolve the issue to your satisfaction.  Our current policy includes the refunding of the face value of BTC of your coin with all verified purchases where a breach has occurred.  We cannot guarantee how long this will take, but we wish to provide satisfaction to everyone as quickly as possible.
 
You patience is very much appreciated and we hope to bring this matter to a very swift and satisfactory conclusion.
 
Thank you!
 
The Alitin Team
UPDATE: We have begun the process of verifying persons whose coins have been compromised and the first BTC refunds have been issued. We will process your application for refund carefully and as fast as we can, and in order of receipt.  
 
We will do our best with our available funds to reimburse everyone who we can determine to be a verified victim of the breach and theft of February 26, 2017, and we will offer this refund until April 5, 2017.  After this date, and due to the price volatility of Bitcoin, we simply cannot be sure we will have the funds necessary to refund stolen BTC.
 
We will need a photo of your unbroken case to show it has not been previously opened, and we urge you to not sell or open your coin casing before we can process your request.  We do have a certified customer database, and this will certainly help in the verification process if you are an original purchaser of your coin(s).  If you bought your coin from someone else, it may be more difficult to determine your status, and it may take more time, but we will still do our best.  

   For further reading you can read a great article on https://motherboard.vice.com/en_us/article/qkmj3x/the-great-physical-bitcoin-robbery

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=1815933.0


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I would like to add more on the theft of the digital coins on these fine looking coins. I have so far come across a Reddit post. I am sure I will add some more in time…if anyone can point me in the right direction please do so. Thanks

The Coinographic scam also involved taking pre-orders for coins that they never produced and accepting funds for orders of stock they had but never delivered

Reddit post>>>
               Bought 2 Coinographics 25 LTC coins a while back. Such a pretty coin, but such a scumbag creator. Last week he finally did it and stole the litecoins from my 2 coins.
https://ltc.blockr.io/address/info/LfgAH3dMULVkGQ5UudYRgF5vGg87tQNYAH
https://ltc.blockr.io/address/info/LXWQm7XKUSUUHZhcHUYmZtg9R1k485kb9b
Just wanted to warn everyone in case there are still some coins that have not been swept yet.
I also bought 2 10 LTC coins that I've received but he never funded them.


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 Some members here have had big issues with coins not funded or coins arriving in less than mint conditions. A thread was started about this by ChibitCTy as follows..  https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=3276594.0  

   As per ChibitCTy "At present moment hold off from mailing in returns as they look to simply ignore them from what I have seen/experienced. I opened a case 15 days ago or so..nothing yet tho. Anyone who buys these coins and wishes to return them would be wise to open a paypal / credit card dispute immediately. State that the company has been unresponsive to returns, and you're worried about mailing the package back
 (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=3276594.0)


Updated Info for Infinitum / Infinitum Bitcoin

"Infinitum Coins or Infinitum Bitcoin is a scam located out of “Dubai” (The company is registered in the British Virgin Islands but supposedly located in Dubai). I purchased the 4 coin set from Infinitum. Upon arrival I noticed all of the coin capsules being quite scratched up and even some were chipped in certain spots. A few weeks later I decided to replace the capsules and upon doing so I noticed the coins were horribly minted, and some had toning already. Many have scratches, milk spots and simply horrible mint marks, much of the letters on the coin are blurry and corroded.  I tried to return the coin set. At first I had to battle with infinitum over the return. They told me that I was responsible for shipping costs. This was of course unacceptable to me being that they sent me greatly damaged coins. I eventually was able to make a deal with them to get a discount on shipping. However when I shipped the coins to Dubai, I kept hearing from Infinitum that the coins “never arrived” and that “we went to the local post office and the box was not there”. Infinitum simply ignored the package so that they did not have to honor a return.
Upon all of this I decided to open a SCAM ACCUSATION thread. Others chimed in saying they had received horribly minted coins, as well as many had paid for the coins to be “funded” in which Infinitum NEVER did. They all sent a bevy of emails to Infinitum inquiring about getting their coins loaded and they were always met with broken promises. I decided to check out their pages on social media (facebook for example) and found other people outside of bitcointalk.org had experienced the same issues. Infinitum chimed in “apologizing” saying they would make things right, but of course never did.
Infinitum is a clear scam. They seem to no longer be active with their ICO/digital coin sale as well as their physical coins..However they do seem to still be for sale. This is a classic scam. Being registered in the British Virgin Islands allows them to safely harbor their business. Being located in “Dubai” allows them to hide in a part of the world that would likely make it impossible for them to be caught. If you have physical coins, I would suggest just taking the loss instead of trying to return them..as there is a chance you’ll never see them again, and of course never received a refund.

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   This coin maker scammed many member here...please refer to the following thread....https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=2580746.0 (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=2580746.0)





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The forum user Gravitate made the Microsoul coins. They closely resembled Casascius coins and I thought were great looking coins. He was accused of a scam and also mismanaging the private and public keys on these coins.

Gravitate stating he will no longer honor any refunds for his negligence: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=2136007.0

Scam accusation thread 1: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=1711231.0

Scam accusation thread 2: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=2055992.0



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This company or person sold crypto plastic wallets on ebay. He swept all wallets after selling them for close to a year. You can read all about it on this thread I started a few months back. https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=2997644.msg30829562#msg30829562




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As per ChiBitCTy

This guy was trying to be very shady about whether it was pure silver or not, listing it as if it was in multiple places and only listing it as "plated" in one spot.  He also said that each one of these coins had a mintage of 25.  Between purchases of members here I know of, and what he's still got left on this website and other sites..it's a complete lie.  When I confronted seller about whether it was pure silver or not, and on mintage..he stopped responding to emails (nor did he respond to my charge back..letting me simply keep the coins).  I noticed how he changed his website details for several weeks, adding and removing mintage numbers, how many coins were left as well as moving the ".999 silver" in different spot on his page, NOT making it more clear I mind you. Other sites listing his coins prove the mintage was a lie. His other coins that were supposedly sold out are listed on sites like this one- https://cryptocoinsstore.com/products/the-investor-silver-bitcoin
and here as well- https://bitcointeeshirtstore.com/products/limited-edition-2017-gold-bitcoin
I even gave the coinmaker some advice when he asked what I’d like to see going forward, as he had planned on making more coins. Even more of a reason to give others a heads up.



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    This seller sold bars marked as 0.999 Silver when in reality they were only silver plated. Here is the thread for reference. https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=1111640




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nice thread kroga

thanks! am sure this would help others as well - someone should ping this to this collectibles section

might also add infinitium in a way i guess???

Yes..you are right...will add infinitum too.

The Coinographic scam also involved taking pre-orders for coins that they never produced and accepting funds for orders of stock they had but never delivered.  

Awesome thread krogo, thanks for helping out the crypto collectors community!

What about the Xbox guy who never delivered the chips that he promised?

would it be fair to add infinitumbitcoins to this list since they still haven't funded some of our coins?

Aye I just did...working on it as we speak...at work and trying to fit time to do all this  ;)

Killyou...please post a reference thread and some more info and I will gladly post it up in the OP. Thanks!

That goes for anyone submitting...please post thread and material will help too..

nice thread, looking forward to updates, I still have a #11 coinagraphic bull coin in box somewhere lol

If for sale...please let me know ...looking for one  ;)

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=2580746.40

That was the second time.  He first came on to sell and dipped out without sending some coins out but taking money.  Came back and said it was his "partners" fault.  Thread above was his second go and dipped out on customers again. 

Fwiw I ended up with almost everything I paid for. a lot of signature series sets and something like 50 of each chip. + enough holos.  I dont feel right selling this scammers stuff. Anyone interested in owning any of it, Im at the point where a nice trade would be appreciated, but Im just about happy to donate them out to those who got screwed for cost of shipping alone.   (Mind you, my horde purchase price was >.5 btc, so as much as I like charity, any small value trade - a loaded BP, a satori chip, a BTCC something, anything really - would be appreciated and in that case - if you are USA based, shipping is on me. )

 I have added the Scammer.... Btw do these chips have a name? is it Supreme BTC?

I think so. 

It's funny because his first coins say in escrow we trust

Great list.  I think Microsoul should be here as well.  There are enough documented cases of people peeling their keys only to find they are unfunded, invalid, or otherwise unspendable from the first bits.  Since gravitate is no longer offering refunds (and it's suspect whether he honored the ones who did request refunds) for the coins which failed to contain the stated funds, one can only assume his coins are to not be trusted. 

There were the supreme chips - DIY loadable poker chips in 5 colors
Then the supreme signature series - the .05 denoted DIY chips limited to 100 per colorway  (3 color ways)

Hybrid...I will add him then too...Can you please provide me with thread link too? Thanks!

Here you go

Gravitate stating he will no longer honor any refunds for his negligence: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=2136007.0


Scam accusation thread 1: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=1711231.0

Scam accusation thread 2: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=2055992.0

Thankyou Hybrid...updated accordingly

Great work here Krogoth, I think a list like this is necessary when new people come to these sections and look at coins to buy etc.

I would like to put in a vote to have this thread pinned in this, our section.

I vote aye! Good idea and thankyou Hhampuz ;)

What about the Etsy scammer? Unless we are just keeping it to those whom have sold directly on here? 

No...not restricted to just the forum.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/CryptoCoinsStore?ref=l2-shop-info-name

This guy was trying to be very shady about whether it was pure silver or not, listing it as if it was in multiple places and only listing it as "plated" in one spot.  He also said that each one of these coins had a mintage of 25.  Between purchases of members here I know of, and what he's still got left on this website and other sites..it's a complete lie.  When I confronted seller about whether it was pure silver or not, and on mintage..he stopped responding to emails (nor did he respond to my charge back..letting me simply keep the coins).  I noticed how he changed his website details for several weeks, adding and removing mintage numbers, how many coins were left as well as moving the ".999 silver" in different spot on his page, NOT making it more clear I mind you. Other sites listing his coins prove the mintage was a lie. His other coins that were supposedly sold out are listed on sites like this one- https://cryptocoinsstore.com/products/the-investor-silver-bitcoin
and here as well- https://bitcointeeshirtstore.com/products/limited-edition-2017-gold-bitcoin

I even gave the coinmaker some advice when he asked what I’d like to see going forward, as he had planned on making more coins. Even more of a reason to give others a heads up.

Should the Defcon bars be added? He made silver plated bars but the bars said .999 silver. He was confronted about it before he had a chance to sell them, came up with a bs excuse about the mint making a mistake with the molds.

  If was intent to deceive then it will be placed here. What is the general forum consensus on this? Can you please place some reference threads? Thankyou

Thankyou MJ and NewAnon...updated OP accordingly

vote:  pin it

Agree...but I think you will need to reach out to a Moderator to get this thread pinned.

Hi everyone  ;)

I think OP should add Smoothie and Lealana coins:

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=2011139.0;all

no clear explanations has been given and Smoothie although very active
before the incident is now very discreet...It looks suspicious to me.

Better be safe than sorry :'(

Thanks :)

Smoothie had a clear explanation for that. No need to spread any more fud on that:

Hi,
new fake
https://www.ebay.com/itm/The-10-000-BITCOIN-PIZZA-NASTYPOOL-One-Gram-999-Fine-Silver-Commemorative/323098225761?hash=item4b3a27ac61:g:vKYAAOSws0JaWnh1
-
Original 10k Bitcoin pizza
https://i.imgur.com/sJJei2D.png
Cordially

Wolton. Thankyou

Seems more likely to be a mistake of mixing up the sides from 2 different coins than a fake in my opinion.  I doubt someone had fakes made up of these.

Wow...you are placing alot of faith that it wont be swept!

Where did you get this information that only 34 were sold? If the run failed it could have been viewed as a failure and the thief may have just disregarded them.
I have #32 still loaded.

A fake Casascius going thru ICG ..courtesy of MinerJones

https://talkimg.com/images/2024/03/01/f8pJH.png

https://talkimg.com/images/2024/03/01/f8WSI.png

Added a thread link for lost or stolen physicals.

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=1802957.0 (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=1802957.0)



  

   One concern that always was on my mind for in person physical exchanges is carrying large amounts of Bitcoin on my cellphone wallet.

   As it is a hot wallet there is always the possibility of losing the Bitcoin thru Malware or a virus, even though I keep my phone sanitized at all times.

   I was thinking of having a second phone just for that purpose but Yogg told me of a better and much safer way.

   Basically what it entails is generating a signed Bitcoin transaction using Electrum and Trezor BUT NOT BROADCASTING it on blockchain.

   So in other words, I would get the Bitcoin address I would be paying the seller in advance with the amount of BTC I would need to pay.

   Then I would forge the signed Bitcoin transaction and NOT BROADCAST it but simply copy and hodl onto it.

   Once I meet the person and the goods are given to me I can broadcast the raw Hex code.

   You can also forge the signed transaction with your wallet Bitcoin address and once you broadcast and receive the Bitcoin you can then send right away to the seller.

   It gives me peace of mind of not having to carry ANY Bitcoin on a Hot Wallet on my cell as I have heard of horror stories of cell phone wallets getting breached.

   https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/21/business/dealbook/phone-hack-bitcoin-virtual-currency.html (https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/21/business/dealbook/phone-hack-bitcoin-virtual-currency.html)

   That being said I created a step by step procedure on how to do this using Electrum and Trezor.

   You can experiment and send it to your BTC address until you have it nailed down and feel comfortable with the process.

   I think its one of the coolest ways to send Bitcoin! Thanks Yogg!!

   https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5106013.0 (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5106013.0)

   Cheers!

  

  

wow. when I wrote this post https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5111005.msg49795596#msg49795596 I didn’t even know that there was a whole direction of crypto collecting. I used to collect historical coins. While I will mainly read. Thanks for the invitation.

And why on these coins, there are no photos of the side, edges? on historical coins, it is the most difficult part of the coin to manufacture and most protected from counterfeiting.

Have you just considered carrying a Trezor or Nano S with you and using with Mycelium on your phone connected with an OTG cable? The private keys never leave your hardware wallet and you have the convenience of your phone.

True, although having the device on you could make you a target. Best not to have a minimal amount of coins on you to prevent any possible theft/loss or extortion  :D

Yes I have..but this I found is the easiest and safest way. Its also fun doing it.

Great thread started by DaveF...
Do you care where your loaded coins BTC comes from? (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5146208.0)

Ok...so you have heard of keeping your paper wallets safely tucked away in a safe somewhere right?

Well, I am presenting to you 2 loaded paper wallets with the public and private keys exposed!

They are both loaded and all you have to do is sweep and figure out what the password is. They have been online for over 2 years! And nobody has cracked the password! :D

So goodluck and Godspeed!

Here is an example of a paper wallet on a postage stamp I made in 2017 loaded with 0.02BTC!

To the left is the public key QR code and to the right is the private key QR code.

https://www.blockchain.com/btc/address/1AzREoFRBhmnvdvrFTibDZYi7Yfbq4u3sF

You can actually try and sweep the btc, if you can figure out the BIP38 encrypted password! ;) Goodluck!

https://talkimg.com/images/2024/03/01/fjkMJ.png


And below is an actual paper wallet also loaded with Bitcoin. Feel free to sweep if you can  ;) Its been online for 2 years and btc still on it  :D

https://www.blockchain.com/btc/address/1Es7CZFrYyB4wrncHYuLiDxikSXPbaVrWZ

https://talkimg.com/images/2024/03/01/fjvJC.png

So with the Alitin coins was anyone actually ever reimbursed?

  That's a good question. I believe people had btc returned to them....Read here https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=1815933.20

Added to main OP of WALL OF SHAME




  Sodl loaded cards that had an expiration date but they never marked cards saying so! Read more about it here.. https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5166558.0

Oraisaifu hardware wallet https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/orasaifu-first-all-in-one-smart-wallet/x/19094713#/

Never happened and the refunds were never given back!

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=4710264.0

I opened a scam accusation against them here: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5170463.msg52005123#msg52005123 (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5170463.msg52005123#msg52005123)

as with all the other people who bought from gravitae i bought 7 coins from him
2 - 0.05
5 - 0.01

everything was fine except one of the 0.05 coins didnt have a key under the sticker at all...

Can confirm, the pictures are just mixed up
THEY ARE GENUINE.

How do I know? I Designed both coins ;)

What up OGNasty?! It's been a while :)

Who on Earth would make fakes of these?! A video would be cool to see, and can you upload some close shots?

I have seen all sorts of fakes made for coins in this "sector". I have also seen the coin MJ is speaking about too, like 1-2 years ago I came across them.

Bloody hell! I'm betting they're only silver plated too!

I logged into ebay and reported the item as counterfeit (As I designed both coins, I claimed copyright infringement)

Id suggest to everyone following this thread to report it too

EDIT: I don't know if I should feel honoured or offended that someone counterfeited my coins ???)

Oh man, I want one of those! I've only got testing fluids. Does that scan the interior as well?

WOW I didn't even know these existed

i am doing a research on Gibraltar QRG stamps as i highly believe they are scamming people in some way.
first of all they have created stamps with digital value and didnt protected that digital value at all -no hologram, no scratch field or something.
QR codes and serial numbers are exposed for public view and "redeemable" to anyone.
we did many research about QRG and finally we decided to redeem one block of stamps.
and guess what.. scannig QR code leads you to a website that is red flagged by a browser not being safe (royal post???). sound like a bullshit. then.. another field i found interesting:
"4) Submit and confirm that your serial number has not been used previously. If still valid, 200 QRG Tokens will be sent to your Wallet.  (Please allow 24 hours for this transaction to complete.)"
how can i confirm it hasnt been redeemed by someone else if as i told eralier they arent protected in any way??
well..
after trying to submit info for 200 QRG - website redirected to : ooops page not found. tried several times, same.
QRG redemption don't work anymore.

and please check these links:
https://co2bit.com/co2bit-team/
https://www.mi10cryptostamps.com/team/
https://qrg-stamps.com/gibraltar-royal-post/

mi10 crypto stamps is a 100% copy paste from QRG, they even copied the same contract address as QRG :D

whats your thoughts?

Yes i already seen that. But mi10 have copied the same contract address as QRG and it is visible in the bottom of their landing page.
Plus fake team members. Probably.

QRG redemption isn't working. All collectible makers who do not keep their service for redemption running until the last one - scam makers. Private key is always a better option or mnemonic

Please update this to include the Prypto fractional reserve redeem code scam.

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5166558.msg52901117#msg52901117

Done

Thanks MJ...will add this to the following thread as well.  BEWARE of FAKE CASASCIUS COINS (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=3257048)

 HyperionGold 2018 Republic of Chad Four Guardians "Loaded" Coin Scam

Ref: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5212242.msg53429940#msg53429940

https://i.imgur.com/tNxHIGv.jpg?1
https://i.imgur.com/hCi1r5J.jpg?1

Why QRG stamps aren't in the list? :)

Edit: if anyone has positive experience with them, was nice to hear the story, please

  Have not heard of any bad experiences with these stamps. Kindly elaborate

Read please,my post from last year

Add Sol Noctis Bull coins to the list. Reference thread: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5231305.0.

I peeled my Bull and private key is an unknown format, and another Bull coin was swept after it was loaded with extra BTC and hologram is intact. Awaiting confirmation from other members here if this is ALL Sol Noctis coins or if somehow my purchases covering the last 3 years were all fakes.

Please post if you have a spare one to peel.

Updated Info for Infinitum / Infinitum Bitcoin

"Infinitum Coins or Infinitum Bitcoin is a scam located out of “Dubai” (The company is registered in the British Virgin Islands but supposedly located in Dubai). I purchased the 4 coin set from Infinitum. Upon arrival I noticed all of the coin capsules being quite scratched up and even some were chipped in certain spots. A few weeks later I decided to replace the capsules and upon doing so I noticed the coins were horribly minted, and some had toning already. Many have scratches, milk spots and simply horrible mint marks, much of the letters on the coin are blurry and corroded.  I tried to return the coin set. At first I had to battle with infinitum over the return. They told me that I was responsible for shipping costs. This was of course unacceptable to me being that they sent me greatly damaged coins. I eventually was able to make a deal with them to get a discount on shipping. However when I shipped the coins to Dubai, I kept hearing from Infinitum that the coins “never arrived” and that “we went to the local post office and the box was not there”. Infinitum simply ignored the package so that they did not have to honor a return.
Upon all of this I decided to open a SCAM ACCUSATION thread. Others chimed in saying they had received horribly minted coins, as well as many had paid for the coins to be “funded” in which Infinitum NEVER did. They all sent a bevy of emails to Infinitum inquiring about getting their coins loaded and they were always met with broken promises. I decided to check out their pages on social media (facebook for example) and found other people outside of bitcointalk.org had experienced the same issues. Infinitum chimed in “apologizing” saying they would make things right, but of course never did.
Infinitum is a clear scam. They seem to no longer be active with their ICO/digital coin sale as well as their physical coins..However they do seem to still be for sale. This is a classic scam. Being registered in the British Virgin Islands allows them to safely harbor their business. Being located in “Dubai” allows them to hide in a part of the world that would likely make it impossible for them to be caught. If you have physical coins, I would suggest just taking the loss instead of trying to return them..as there is a chance you’ll never see them again, and of course never received a refund.

  Sol Noctis added to the OP scammers list. Its a shame...these coins were well made.

just for shits and giggles, I checked - the above link is still active and still has coins for sale.

We can't look past this any further.

Austria Post Crypto Stamp 1 (CS1)
Austria Post Crypto Stamp 2 (CS2)
These both should be considered "Breached" straight from the manufacturer. After market sales depend solely on the integrity and honor of the seller. If you do not care about the Non-Fungible Token(NFT) or online portion of collecting these stamps then you are fine.

CS1 was found(allegedly) to have been gamed by insiders/post office workers due to the ability to scan the forward facing and uncovered QR code to determine rarity. Anyone that had an inkling about rarities and cryptocurrency hype could have easily pocketed Blues/Yellows/Reds and sent out the more common Blacks/Greens to consumers. Hard to have concrete physical proof of this happening but the upgraded security to the CS2 (inside packaging with a tamper proof sticker) proves that this was recognized as a security flaw.

The attempt to fix this issue with the release of CS2 has still proven insufficient and can be bypassed by anybody with just one hand and a light squeeze. The tamper proof sticker does nothing to stop this from happening. I was able to squeeze the packaging and carefully remove the card from its slotted position inside. I was then able to retrieve the seed phrase and once again squeeze the package open and slide the card back into the slot. Little to no damage done to the packaging or stamp itself.. nothing a few hours in between two heavy books wouldn't fix.
https://i.imgur.com/F9uS9ZEl.jpg

Now lets get to the major breach of not just CS2, but also CS1.

https://i.imgur.com/hz98UyAl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/C6j9FHzl.jpg
Both intact, I tried to show the serial to maintain authenticity through this story of pictures.

I took the previous two pictures inside but have moved into a pitch dark storage room for the next few. This is NOT needed for the effect shown on the CS2 stamp, moreso the CS1 stamp proves superior here but is still vulnerable to a flashlight and dark room. (This took me around five minutes, if I were a more nefarious actor I could have done a much cleaner job.)

CS1
https://i.imgur.com/fK8A8uDl.jpg

CS2
https://i.imgur.com/ZvmiY84l.jpg

As you can see in a dark room with a flashlight the seed words and QR codes are visible. With a better flashlight and some contrast adjustments(Photoshop) these could be a lot more crisp and legible. CS1 proves superior with the scratch n' sniff label over it but still doesn't hold up to a dark room and a flashlight.

I am unsure who created the actual physical portion of CS1 for Austria Post - will edit if/when I find this information.

The physical CS2 were made by a company named Variuscard (https://www.variuscard.com/) and commissioned of course by Austria Post. Security testing appears to have been non existent.
Advice - If you ever want to avoid problems like this and work with the community, read THIS thread (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5145343.msg51140003#msg51140003) and you'll see how it should be done. (There is a lot of talent you would not expect in the Bitcointalk Collectibles community.)

As this post is about the physical portion of the cards being breachable by anyone that has ever come into possession of them I won't get into the OnChain Shop mess going on right now as that would be labelled as a fail rather than a breach. Special nod to Capacity Blockchain Solution GmbH (https://capacity.at/) and the Ethereum Network (https://ethereum.org/en/) for that.

To sum up. Any and all CS1 and CS2 out there should be considered breached. If you bought straight from Austria Post then you're probably(maybe) alright. The sales that take place on eBay and in the Collectibles board here should be scrutinized and the character of the seller should be taken into account. If you only care about having the card in your possession and don't want to play with MetaMask/Ethereum/High Gas Fees then there is nothing to worry about. Both CS1 and CS2 are absolutely beautiful pieces to have in your physical collection.

Note: If you can do anything with the QR/Seed Phrase pieces I've used in this post, go ahead as they're now part of my compromised collection.

Hi everyone, I bought a few of these coins a while ago when I started collecting physical crypto and I'm curious if anyone else has come across these before, "SEALED .01 BITCOIN 2017 FULLY FUNDED BTC COIN COLD STORAGE 1MILLION SATOSHI"?

Here's the description and link: "Sealed .01 Bitcoin 2017 Fully Funded BTC Coin Cold Storage 1Million Satoshi (like Casacius)Manufactured by Bitbank, a company known for making offline storage solutions for cryptocurrencies.This auction is for .01 Bitcoin (.01 BTC) Sealed mint condition - Fully Funded BTC in Cold Storage on the nicest looking coin wallets I’ve seen.These coins were manufactured to distribute Bitcoins to the public, in a form that anyone can understand.Each of these coins has a holographic Public Key on back to verify funds - and a private key inside case to access funds.Just stick these in your safe and you’ll be happy you did, when Bitcoin goes 100X again.Free Markets, Free People. =)."

https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/sealed-01-bitcoin-2017-fully-funded-1919856879 (https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/sealed-01-bitcoin-2017-fully-funded-1919856879)

     Thanks for sharing this with us but this thread is not the place for it. Please start a new thread and people will respond. This thread is for scam or breached coinmakers!

QRG redemptions have never stopped - a process is in place to match the serial number with the physical holder of the QRG block and then their public wallet address. 

The Mi10 site was for a DEMO for the Marshal Islands.

You should simply have contacted support@qrg-stamps.com  They surely would have helped you with your questions.

I have an original 1 BTC spelling error Cas coin I'd like to sell, unpeeled, in circulated condition.  How can I help a potential buyer know this isn't a forgery?

I ordered it straight from Mike's website way back when, and I have the email where they sent me shipping confirmation.  Is that "good enough" proof?

Read this and make a want to sell thread.

Upload pic to imgur.com and place username alongside date next to coin.

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5277761.0

QRG Redemption has always worked and the unique serial numbers have proven effective as a means of ensuring awards to the owner.  We won't discuss the secure process behind it here and encourage any attempts to circumvent it.  To date, we have no complaints, "0" nada, zilch, of anyone's QRG being stolen, falsely claimed, or breached.

The Mi10 contract was exactly the same project for the 2nd in a series of countries introducing the same concept.  The team is the same for these and others.  But the underlying collectibles are of course different and not intermingled.

There are phone numbers and emails for assistance on the site.  A call or note to either may have resolved your issue before you chose to declare the project a scam.  If a link has broken on the website, please report it to the listed contact so it can be fixed. 

Thank you.

Bitcoin Suisse note shows a different address upon scanning it compared to what my account says where it loaded funds to (what shows up on scan is an empty address).

Have sent multiple emails to Bitcoin Suisse with no replies. Will keep you posted and update this post with any new information, might have to peel to figure out what the private key has.

 Thanks for bringing this up...that is scary. Please keep us updated.

Many thanks for your input, I was wondering if you could help out by answering a few questions ?
With the QRG and MI10 tokens , could you inform us where these can be used, ie, can they be exchanged for goods or services ?
Are the tokens tradable and if so which exchanges are the tokens available on ?
Thanks in advance  :)

INFINITUM 0.01 Tesla coin on eBay as I type this. Ran the pub key, still funded...

that coin has the COA for a William Shakespeare coin - the address on the COA does not match the address on the coin.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2015-RARE-Infinitum-Tesla-01-BTC-Wallet-21-999-w-Box-COA-999-Funded-Loaded/164691751912

CO2bit definitely feels like a scam to me- https://ecoaction.io/project/co2bit/

  Thanks for sharing your feelings but this thread is for coins,stamps and or items loaded with crypto...so physical items.

Titan Mint 2FA coins currently unredeemable- Titan has showed up in this thread but has yet to fix the issue. There is cause for serious concern here.  I personally would not trust any of their coins.  https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5369583.msg58365070#msg58365070   ( I am not sure why this link is not functioning properly.  It can be found in my recent topics)

https://coldstoragecoins.com/  - The owner of this company is a con artist, scammer, and absolutely can't be trusted.  If you own any of these coins NEVER fund them.  If you have funded them, please sweep them.  If you have any problems sweeping please let us know!

Proof- https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5351100.msg58484556#msg58484556

I decided to crack open the LTC coldstorage coin I had that was funded. I was not the original purchaser but had gotten it in an auction or raffle sometime last year.

coin was in an ANAC slab which was actually rather simple and easy to open.

https://i.ibb.co/yQjX1nT/Photo-Nov-23-12-14-50-PM.jpg (https://ibb.co/LZ78Wzw)
https://i.ibb.co/58hx1LF/Photo-Nov-23-12-14-56-PM.jpg (https://ibb.co/T8MqwtL)

The private key was laser etched into the coin - but was valid and did bring up the address that was assigned to the coin.

https://i.ibb.co/yYZyxzf/Photo-Nov-23-12-24-24-PM.jpg (https://ibb.co/2sCtpzn)

I swept the funds using the ballet app.

https://i.ibb.co/k8F0cjz/Photo-Nov-23-12-28-26-PM.png (https://ibb.co/3NHWh2V)

Thank you for sharing! I have read reviews that most were able to redeem, others could not.  Rob is still producing these, using tons of different outlets to sell them, constantly opening up new websites to sell them ( and sometimes shutting them down when I ask about them) etc.  Rob is a con-artist, this is undisputed.  My guess is this is a long con (as a former partner of his warned of) and eventually after he has enough out there and funded, then the rug will be pulled.  I of course can't be 100% about this, but anyone with half a brain who spends at least 20-30mns looking in to his past know you'd be INSANE to trust this guy. 

a long con is not out of the picture for sure - look at the vanitygen website - when he yanked the addresses of mine that my business partner had made using that damn site, just on the two txns that involved my addresses were over 1000 other addresses that were also emptied. I imagine that there were even more transactions than the two mine were in as well.

The most entertaining physical crypto scam to date  :D.  Escobar Cash- " Worlds first physical cryptocurrency" (not to be confused with their first try at a crypto coin, Bitcoin Diet). Claim to have all rights to Pablo Escobar's branding.  The founder is Pablos brother/accountant (one of) who balanced the books for the biggest drug dealer/cartel that ever will be, Roberto Escobar. If you want a good laugh, check out the links below.  The short- they claim to have patented the worlds first physical cryptocurrency.  They forked Ripple (maybe), and created paper notes.  The notes display a serial number and a scratch off sticker hiding ...3 seed words lol.  They have an app (App reviews say it does not work) on apple and I believe on android where you are supposed to be able to then redeem using serial # and 3 words of who knows how many worded seed ( likely no actual seed or addresses of any kind exist ).  They aren't listed on any exchanges. This type of set up is obviously designed solely to scam and has seen several times already in this space  This is just one of many scams they've tried puling (along w/hilarious lawsuits they list on the site), the others can be seen in video link below.

Edit : deleting my comments on their YouTube video exposing them.

https://i.ibb.co/C75yv9J/image.png (https://ibb.co/G2vDkMs)
https://i.ibb.co/SVTQk9c/image.png (https://imgbb.com/)


Site: https://escobarinc.com/
Intro video- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxKI3COZdS0
white paper /comic book- https://pabloescobar.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/whitepaper.pdf
YouTuber exposes them- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5skXHWcDrk

I gave one of my nephews a coldstoragecoins loaded with a little bit of ETH as a gift.  After reading of potential trouble (on this thread), I decided it should be swept.  So I traded with my nephew, got the coin back, and swept it using MetaMask. All went well.  Peeling the hologram left a bit of adhesive on the copper, but that came off with a bit of rubbing alcohol and the etched private key was no problem to read, even with my aging eyes.  The instructions packed with the coin apply to Bitcoin, not Ethereum, and the website they recommend didn't seem functional, stay away from that.  But the quality of the coin itself is good and the etching of the keys is well done.  It's too bad the company behind it has so tarnished a reputation.

Just wanted to share my experience, in case it could be of use to anyone.
 :)

Due to a recent uptick in scammer activity I have decided to create a thread based around the tips and tricks that you can use to keep your account safe.

1. Always check the URL of the website you are visiting to make sure it isn't spoofed

https://i.imgur.com/yyBloXu.png

Scammers will build elaborate websites that look identical to legitimate websites. All designed to con the target into entering their credentials. Always double check the URL of the website you are visiting in order to make sure it isn't a spoofed website.

In this case scam sites could pose as Bittcointalk.org or Bitcointtalk.org, something like this.

2. Dont click on links from people you dont know/ newbies

Links sent by people you don't know could contain malicious software that could compromise your account or send you to a fake bitcointalk website. As a rule of thumb always verify the link is safe before you click on it. One false move and thieves could compromise your account.

A few examples of links that when clicked will give away your password

https://i.imgur.com/R4Xu5xg.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/497a7Tt.png

3. Encrypt sensitive information  

Your real name, your home address, your phone number if applicable, anything that is important during a transaction. Use privnote.com, PGP keys or zerobin.net. The safest and most secure method Is going to be the use of PGP keys. websites may keep logs even though they say they don't.

4. Use escrow when possible

An escrow agent acts as a independent intermediary during a transaction. This escrow agent keeps both parties safe when exchanging physical goods for crypto. Crypto cant be charged back if you are scammed. Those coins are gone forever. Use trusted and reliable third parties such as Minerjones, Krogoth, Ognasty.

Highest rated escrow agents can be found here: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=276897.0

5. Dont send coins to people you dont know/ haven't verified who they are.

If you are sending coins directly to someone without using an escrow agent you are putting yourself in a position to be scammed. Always verify this user is trustworthy and has some degree of history trading on the forum before you send coins directly to them. If they dont have a history use an escrow agent.

6. Never type private keys into a computer for any reason whatsoever

The private key is the backdoor to your crypto stored in that account. If you have shared that for any reason whatsoever you should assume that crypto is already compromised and it's just a matter of time before it disappears.

7. Use 2FA whenever possible


2FA stands for two factor authentication. 2FA can save your account if your password becomes compromised. 2FA acts as a physical barrier between the thief and your account. Yubikey, Google authenticator are the tools I recommend you to use. This simple implementation of 2FA could be the last wall of security that saves your account from potential thieves.

8. Dont communicate with scammers/ thieves asking for ransom

If you slipped up, made a mistake and had a security breach, and a scammer is asking for ransom to give you back your information, your crypto or whatever. Don't communicate at all with the scammer and especially don't pay them any money. If someone threatens you in exchange for crypto don't even respond to them. They have no power over you until you respond and they know they have a real person on the other end of the line. Once they know you are alive and breathing they can ramp up their threats.

9. We all make mistakes, it's ok if you do too

If you slip-up and lose access to your account or send crypto to a scammer. Take a deep breath and move on, take it as a learning lesson. We all make mistakes and scammers prey upon the naive among us. If you have a breach in security perhaps it was meant to happen so that you could see the holes in your own security and improve them for next-time.

10. Let other members know if your account was compromised

The thief may quickly try to sell items they don't have and rip off members of the forum. Don't let others fall victim to your lapse in security. Let users know that your account was taken over and that you are working on getting it back. The worst thing you can do is go silent and allow the thief to post on your behalf.

Summery -----

We can beat these thieves but we will have to work in coordination. One slip in any of our collective security measures could mean all of us get compromised or doxxed. I think as a whole we should be paying more attention to our security practices so we can all continue to remain safe.

I hope this guide has helped you keep your accounts and personal information safe from thieves and scammers. If you have any-other tips and tricks feel free to add to the discussion. If this guide has helped you in any way make sure to send some love my way with a merit.

 Eclipse....Thanks for adding your information on Scammer activity and prevention...I am sure it will help people who come across it!

Darn that sucks!  so many scammers... and to think that I own those 2 sol noctis.... :( 

I always suspected the eagle to be fraudulent as even the public key did not give me any information.  The fact that I could clearly see a fingerprint on the holo was a good hint too.

The Bull still looks legit, but by seen pictures of pulled holo, i'm thinking of just keeping him "as is" and considering those lost bitcoin.

At least I still got a cool piece of history, with a pretty decent backstory to it. 
 

What do you mean exactly...You're saying when searching the public key on the outside of the hologram nothing is showing up?  Can you tell if it's been peeled perhaps?  A fingerprint may not be that big of a deal, but if the holo is still intact, that's a big issue.  Could you provide photos of the coin?  This would be doing us all a favor.

that's exactly it.  I can search the address, but it is either invalid, or has never received a transaction.

here are a few pictures... have at it.  as far as I can tell, the top right corner looks maybe a bit wrinkled, but other than that, it doesn't look tampered.  still sealed. 

https://imgur.com/xhnewKQ (https://imgur.com/xhnewKQ)
https://imgur.com/6fa9nKv (https://imgur.com/6fa9nKv)

  If I wrote it down correctly  1L5kLbXZjGynCmaPL47LqDEKEhGiFCJm


  Your right no transactions ever reached this addy https://blockchair.com/bitcoin/address/1L5kLbXZjGynCmaPL47LqDEKEhGiFCJm

  I even ran it as if that 5 that almost looks like an S 1LSkLbXZjGynCmaPL47LqDEKEhGiFCJm

  https://blockchair.com/bitcoin/address/1LSkLbXZjGynCmaPL47LqDEKEhGiFCJm


  Still nothing.

   Scary indeed...thanks for sharing

The coin IS funded.
Not sure if this is well known but these coins only list 32 of the 34 characters of the public address.

https://blockchair.com/bitcoin/address/1LSkLbXZjGynCmaPL47LqDEKEhGiFCJmZX

:D

Wow ok, so it may be legit after all… if you don’t mind me asking, how did you figure out the last 2 digits of the address?  I didn’t realize they were missing

I used a first bits lookup using krog's suggestion of trying both with the "5"... which turns out to be an "S" :D

  Interesting...never knew that! Thanks

  

I’d like to add BCmint.com to the list. Ordered 2x DIY physical bitcoin from them. Paid in bitcoin as that’s the only option on site. Got “confirmation of order” email and never heard a single word from them. After multiple unanswered emails and messages I’ve come to terms with the fact that they’ve scammed me / taken my money with no intention of sending my coins. DO NOT BUY FROM BCMINT.COM

As others have mentioned, Titan Bitcoin should be on the wall of shame. They stole one BTC from me and it looks like they got 15 from another victim.

 https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5369583.0

Edited my comment:

Just making sure this stays fresh so people get alerted.

Tim is on the run and the website is shut down. (It has been said that he is sweeping the coins there is no verifiable proof of this just rumors). Be careful everyone. Might want to claim your coins if you have not already. I did claim my PK successfully yesterday, the 2FA coins are unfortunately unclaimable at this current point in time.

https://www.titanmint.com/ is still online

https://www.titanbtc.com/ has been down, thats where you check and claim your 2fa coins.

You sure you and arent one and the same? sounds like it.

  Lets add COLDKEY to this  list!  Please read

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5434506.0

Thanks for updating this. Important for everyone who has funded cold keys to know to PEEL THEM RIGHT NOW.

Just my 2, but I think it’s time Titan Mint be added to the front page. IMO there’s likely many people who own titan 2FA coins that don’t know about things yet.  Why I think it’s important it’s on page one and not buried in these other pages that most will likely not dig through.

Thx Krogs

Coldkey Scam Reference

https://i.imgur.com/tEuZSUy.png

NOTE: THIS IS MY ATTEMPT TO BRING SOME STRUCTURE INTO THE CHAOS CAUSED BY YOGG AND HIS SWEEP-SCAM.
THIS POST IS STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION but mostly done for now


Approximate Timeline
- prior to the sweep: unfunded cards, loans from various folks, website down, massive delay in delivering cards, attempt to give away responsibility by giving CEO position to cygan: in retro looks like a clear forshadowing of the sweep-scam*¹
- Jan 12, 2023, 11:22:00 AM (UTC/ New York Time +5): First Sweeps Appear on the Blockchain - Link (Transaction) (http://)
- Jan 12, 2023, 02:59:50 PM (UTC/ New York Time +5): First shoutout by YodasRedRocket <3 about sweeps on some of the halving coldkey cards detected. - Link (Forum) (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5434506.msg61585066#msg61585066)
- Jan 13, 2023, 01:03:49 AM (UTC/ New York Time +5): Background info of what "happened" coming from a phone call with yogg by owlcatz. Link (Forum) (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5434506.msg61586158#msg61586158)
- Jan 13, 2023, 09:07:31 AM (UTC/ New York Time +5): More background info directly from yogg, posted by Mopar. - Link (Forum) (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5434506.msg61587321#msg61587321)
- Jan 15, 2023, 00:20:20 AM (UTC/ New York Time +5): Even more info on conversations with yogg after the theft occured (by Owl). - Link (Forum) (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5434506.msg61596565#msg61596565)
- Jan 17, 2023, 05:06:10 AM (UTC/ New York Time +5): More info from owl (direct + indirect contact with yogg). - Link (Forum) (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5434506.msg61607669#msg61607669)
- April 3rd, 2023: Scumboy sweeps Playtoshis, phone calls Xprim prior to his latest crime. More info here: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5447391.0

- GENERAL: More info on the timeline of swept funds by LoyceV (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5434506.msg61592519#msg61592519)

*¹: Please note, all this data was never in one place. People giving loans were not aware that other loans were already given but not paid back to Yogg.
The unfunded cards were never noticed. Yogg time and time again made excuses for deliver-delays. The website shutdown was supposed to only last a short time.
Only after the sweeping of funds happend on Jan 12, people started bringing the pieces together, slowly uncovering the full extend of the situation.



Confirmed Losses
a) List of affected addresses:
- Silver Halving Coldkeys swept: https://blockchair.com/bitcoin/transaction/c073634c862353b7a90303d52806defba55cac63a86762213fcb949b74a5573b
- Raffle Funds Stolen: https://blockchair.com/bitcoin/address/bc1qr88xt0jurmpvv93l66zquk5srkqntpva9ug5m4
- Some (?) Gold Halving Coldkeys swept: Reference 1 (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5434506.msg61586311#msg61586311) & Reference 2 (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5434506.msg61591397#msg61591397)

b) List of Unfunded Coldkey Cards*²:
- some historic RYR cards (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5434506.msg61593669#msg61593669)
- History 2021-03 #15 (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5434506.msg61585961#msg61585961)
- 1x History 3 card set: 2021.2 (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5434506.msg61586160#msg61586160)
- History 2020-2 #31 (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5434506.msg61586146#msg61586146)
- CK history Oct 2019 #8 (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5434598.msg61599684#msg61599684)
- 4 cards [?] (more info needed to confirm) (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5434506.msg61603639#msg61603639)
- more tba ?

*²: some cards' funding had to be triggered via the website - which is now unavailable. - I believe that some cards were never funded BEFORE this new web-funding-mechanism was implemented.
However, since the webpage coldkey.eu is now unavailable, this part is at least on the same level of a SCAM as Titan mint (no access for 2FA coins).

c) Other Losses:
- loans that should have been returned long time ago (to Mopar, Polymerbit, Agrawas, DarkStar, Becassine and possibly others) - Ref 1 (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5434506.msg61600319#msg61600319), Ref 2 (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5434598.msg61607029#msg61607029), Ref 3: loan address (https://blockchair.com/bitcoin/address/bc1qmk5r43m8vjmj3gfskp3n0ftkllknn90de2vkh7)
- 1 year+ uncompleted orders of coldkeys
- almost complete loss for all PREMIUMS paid for coldkeys / collectible value is in the bin now
- more tba ?

List of *never delivered* keys (note - this is just a tiny excerpt from *one* person)

List of *never funded* keys (note - this is just a tiny excerpt from *one* person)


Community efforts To Compensate People Affected by The Scam
- Offer by former CEO cygan to refund victims of the scam (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5434598.0) (see also this post (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5387113.msg61588936#msg61588936))
- Polymerbit Offering Voucher OR Replacement For 10 Year Note (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5434539.0)
- A4 Print for DAEMON historic cold key owners (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5434638.0)
- Smoothie organizing a Charity Auction with the support of the Community <3 (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5434623.0)
- raritycheck offering 25 of his silver coins to victims (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5434615.0)


Misc Discussions
- Check your Cryptobonds cards with help from Krogoth (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5434609.0)
- Stop Creating Maker-Funded Collectibles? by DaveF (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5434653.0)
- Krogoth's Personal Losses (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5434597.0)
- Total Value of *just the history coldkeys* (full set) by jcga (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5434633.0)
- multi-sig as possible solution to prevent scams in the future? (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5434685.0)
- Community Opportunity by Est (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5434620.0)
- Technical Guide to Multi-Sig for Collectible Makers (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5434764.0)


Helpful Resources
- Samurai Sentinel: Public Address Tracker (Android) (https://samouraiwallet.com/sentinel)
- Satpile: Public Address Tracker (iOS) (https://satpile.com/)
- How to Import/Sweep Private-Keys with Coinomi wallet (https://coinomi.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/articles/29000013432-what-is-the-difference-between-importing-a-private-key-and-sweeping-a-wallet-)
- How to Import/Sweep Private-Keys with Ballet wallet (https://support.ballet.com/hc/en-us/articles/1500000382481-How-do-I-import-cryptocurrency-from-other-wallets-into-my-Ballet-wallet-)
-  Broadcast Cryptobond Transaction (from the mega-big QR) (https://www.blockchain.com/explorer/assets/btc/broadcast-transaction)
- Check your Firstbits (https://chainz.cryptoid.info/)
- When you choose a wallet (for example to sweep a private key) check its integrity here: https://walletscrutiny.com/


Publicly Known Address-Lists For Coldkeys
- First Loaded Coldkeys (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5178951.msg61594568#msg61594568)


Important Info
- all coldkeys' private keys are potentially compromised -> It is strongly recommended that you sweep your coins into a secure wallet that only you can access
-> To do so you can use a veriety of wallets, for example: Mycelium, Coinomi (for smartphones), Electrum (desktop), Balletwallet and more


Personal observations
Despite the monetary losses including loans, raffle-funds, sweeped cards, never-funded-cards and the huge amount of premiums that coldkey-collectors suffered from, this event has left some scars.
Yogg was once regarded as a highly trusted, friendly, tech-savy, innovative maker and innovator in the collectible space. His exit scam came as shock to many in the collectible community and especially those once close to him.


tldr: Overview of all info known so far regarding the exit-scam performed by Yogg on his Coldkey project.




Moved from here (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5434506.msg61594378#msg61594378)

In contrast to this list of scammers and their scams, perhaps it might be useful or at least the yin to this yang to make a list of coin makers that haven’t scammed. Maybe rank them by date and suspected liabilities so people can see who has respected the trust that this community has given them the longest. I think it would be great to display that not everyone in this community is trying to make a quick buck and some are worthy of the trust they’ve received over what spans more than a decade now for some.

         I think that is a very good idea! We can start with Bitbills and work are way from there. I wish I had the time and energy to do that. Perhaps someone out there can and will do so soon.

        Like you said showing people still have loaded items from 2011 will have a VERY GOOD IMPACT on our hobby.

Sometimes you have to plant your own flowers I guess.  ;)

This instantly reminded me of the DIY grading proposal I drafted a while ago where 'Trust' & 'Collectible Features' need to be gathered by community effort.


I guess the 'Historical Timeline of the Physical Bitcoin & Cryptocurrency Collectibles'-thread is a good start but it will take some more OGs and their knowledge to put together a reliable database of all coin makers: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5174217.0

Happy to help anyway wherever I can help because the topic itself is crucial for our hobby.

Edit.

As of 11/25/23, I am owed a refund of $2610.00 from The Bitcoin Penny Company. Refund via PayPal failed/was cancelled. Please follow more information here: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5456990.msg63217329#msg63217329

As of 12/7/23, I am still owed a refund of $2610.00. I have not had any direct correspondence from BitcoinPenny.

I would like to add the satpulse coins XRP Army coins and project to the list of possibly breached coins.

the reasons are as follows:

1. keys were supposedly created by Carribbean Treasures. Patrick Hakim
2. a user under @abckrypto posts multiple pictures on twitter/X showing him and his son laying out the coins and states he son helped him assemble the coins.
3. when asked about this on twitter/x I was first asked to remove my comments and then less than 2-3 minutes later was blocked.


at this point there is possible exposure of the keys to 4 3 different people - the creator and the 3 2 in the room during assembly.

I am NOT saying these 4 3 would scam anyone - I am simply stating that this would be a huge issue if the coins are somehow breached or funds stolen simply because who would be responsible? There are too many with exposure to the keys in my opinion.

@abckrypto has since deleted the post on Twitter/X I did manage to have one of the pics showing him and his son laying out the coins for assembly.

https://i.ibb.co/9yzFmh2/image.png (https://imgbb.com/)

It could be 100% possible that he had everyone leave the room during actual keys being placed on the coins. Not sure, I did ask this but was quickly blocked and the post deleted.

Once someone shows their project to have a possible breach - there should be transparency not blocking/deleting of evidence.

Anyways - this was brought to my attention by others here and I was trying to follow up with the @abkrypto to get further info and that was not successful.

adding picture of the Twitter/X dm I received prior to being blocked and post deleted.

https://i.ibb.co/MN1sDF6/image.png (https://ibb.co/WKz6Wmt)


edit: was made aware this project was not the satpulse bitcoin coins but instead involved the XRP Army coins. - strike thrus and edits added above as necessary.

Ha I knew something was funked up with those coins. 50k XRP got too expensive for them? ;)

Lol, thanks for posting, but hopefully nobody here bought any, it just looked like some kinda giant cashgrab anyhow with the mintage so high... ::)

Btw who tf is Patrick Hakim anyways? Some dude on youtube I'm guessing? Will go look now :D

Ah.. Yeah he looks super-trustworthy here for sure. ::)

https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-hakim/

My issue is not so much with Patrick but with the way his team acts. There was a process that was laid out - and the way the guy posted the pictures and with the comments he used, it made it really appear as though that process was not followed - it also did not help with the immediate removal of all pictures/comments when asked - he also then blocked me - later unblocking me to call me various names - ending with calling me a bum who knows nothing and should go back to 3d printing and basically mind my own business.

Their process was that Patrick generate the keys and affix them to the coin upside down and then the coin moves to having the public address applied and then move to being verified as correctly assembled with address properly readable etc

ABkrypto's post of various photos and the comment about having his son down in the trenches "assembling physical collectibles" made it appear as though the process was thrown out the window and they were all just assembling the coins. This then obviously drew attention of several people - who also asked me about it as I was partially involved wit the satpulse coins - I initially thought these were the satpulse coins so I was very concerned as ABKrypto was not involved in that project at all as far I was told.

But rather then address the concerns and questions, it became an insult game.

If they followed the process and only one person had exposure to the keys - then ok. If more people had exposure then the transparency is necessary and full disclosure should be up front, not after the fact.

They are new to this process and still have a lot to learn. They may want to decrease the batch size and the price - as this does appear on this scale and price to be a cash grab when done this way.

I trust Patrick so far - he has not lied to me and has been straight forward - his team members, not so much. Patrick even admits that this then makes it hard for him to move forward working with these people going forward.

But this is my opinion and while I share it openly - I dont expect or am I requesting anyone to share it.

Yeah I understand now much better, thanks man. I had no idea bout this TBH.

So I get it - who knows if they allowed cell-phones on the assemblers or anything special for the process or controls it seems now, is that accurate?

At least I only have one satpulse coins so if he or his mates do rug me I won't lose too big but still... I think it's fair to say he has no MSL's for every state in the country, therefore it is illegal for them to be doing this in the first place.... :P

Thanks again

Mopar, nice work my friend. This is extremely commendable. I’m really sick and tired of so many whom spot such things but don’t bring them to light.

Anyone who refuses to answer legitimate questions, hides and deletes them, blocks you etc is to NOT be trusted. Take a look at the most trustworthy creators ..would they do these types of things ?

I’ve run in to this same type of thing many times where my legitimate question are deleted/ignored. Never ever trust any person or company whom does this. Transparency is key.

 If I were you Mopar I’d have opened a thread so that it can be grabbed by google when people search for these. Perhaps this would then get the makers to come here and respond. Then you mention essentially he said he doesn’t trust his workers…wtf. How could you trust someone who hires people he doesn’t trust. This is also used as an excuse by makers…”it wasn’t me, it was my team”. Here’s a great example of that- https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=2580746.0

They are definitely on my radar now and will be looking in to them.  XRP lol.

again this is not the satpulse coins - from my understanding those were done by Caribbean Treasures - these are the XRP army coins.

and per Patrick, when he brought in the keys all phones/cameras were removed from the room.

Ultimately, this was just a poor way that ABKrypto presented it by using pictures taken before the keys were available to post a pic stating that he and his son were together assembling coins.


dont believe I said he doesnt trust them, my statement was that he didnt trust anyone with the keys, he handled them personally and applied them personally and they did the other steps think like production line.

He was upset at how his partner in this project promoted it in the now deleted post and in how his partner responded when questioned.

One cannot control others - but one can get better partners. I believe he also said this makes it implausible that he will ever work with ABKrypto again based on his actions.

Just wanted to share that MrCryptoHodl holos for his chips are available on Alibaba

https://i.ibb.co/5RcxCzy/IMG-7745.jpg (https://ibb.co/DRKgm6y)
https://i.ibb.co/719myzg/IMG-7746.jpg (https://ibb.co/BC1MsP4)
https://i.ibb.co/6FJGPYm/IMG-7744.jpg (https://ibb.co/Zx1v8dV)

You’ve got RavenBit available as well
https://i.ibb.co/cJkGQL6/IMG-7741.png (https://ibb.co/nr6HjC7)

well that makes it easier for scammers.... and are the original makers of these holos aware that their holos are being sold this way? is it the same company that made theirs? now selling their designs? Pretty shady if so.

Damn, well the MrCryptoHodl holos they have available are for the front side of the plastic, brass, and copper chips.  The back side holo for these chips contains the firstbits and underneath is where the pk would be, hopefully they don't have these holos available as well.

This happened to Cryptopods back in 2017
User Zeroxal was sent a test pack of holograms from the same company that produced ours..... and just so happens they included one of our holograms
So he knew about the project before it was released.