Bitcoin Forum

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Translations:

• Filipino: Collection of comprehensive guides on identify and avoid scam projects (Tagalog) (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5135598.0) (yazher (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?action=profile;u=1069571))

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Welcome to my collection.

In reality, investments into scam projects usually result in big losses or even totally losses of all capital if price fall into nearly zero and if investors don't determinantly enough to get out when they see bad signals of scam projects.
If they made decisions too late, they might don't have chances to get out and get back small part of their capital.
Therefore, it is the best if investors can prepare their knowledge well enough to avoid making wrong decisions to invest in scam projects.
Today, I show crypto newbies my collection on guides published by forum users to help both identifying and avoiding scam projects.
Those topics and websites should be considered as unofficialy prerequisite courses for crypto newbies.
They should read them all carefully to catch ideas, knowledge, and practice those skills for their future fortune in crypto.

GUIDES
🌍 Guidelines, how to spot a scam ICO & report effectively. ✔ (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5004397.0), (Coolcryptovator (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?action=profile;u=1980983))
🌍[Guide] Prevent scam!!! Some useful tools for find scam / fake ICO team 🌍 (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=4586576.0), (Coolcryptovator (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?action=profile;u=1980983))
[Guide] How to detect fake token and spot scammers. (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5049749.0), (Coolcryptovator (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?action=profile;u=1980983))
🔴 Ongoing exposed scam ICO list, must read to save money; Update: 03/09/18 🔴? (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=4467496.0), (Coolcryptovator (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?action=profile;u=1980983))
Safeguard your crypto investment and avoid getting scammed. (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=2970157.0), (r1s2g3 (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?action=profile;u=1446224))
How to avoid ICO scam by following very easy step. (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5071111), (r1s2g3 (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?action=profile;u=1446224))
[GUIDE] Use this for identifying Scam/Phishing/ websites & exchanges in crypto (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5122515.0) (GreatArkansas (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?action=profile;u=1164368))
HOW TO protect yourself from Scammers (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=3415026.0), (redpillorblue (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?action=profile;u=1660311))
Ponzi Scheme 101 (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5035428.0), (xha-256 (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?action=profile;u=2402300))
[Guide] Identify scam projects by hidden premined coin indicator via explorer (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5120422.0/). (tranthidung (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?action=profile;u=1292764))
Cloudmining 101 (ponzi risk assessment) (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=878387.0),(Puppet (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?action=profile;u=65207)), outdated but you can find something still valueable.
MLM – a dangerous marketing strategy (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5116935.0), (1miau (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?action=profile;u=2143453))
[GUIDE]How to avoid scam? (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=3329803.0), (Daboy_Lyle (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?
action=profile;u=1781008))
Guide - Some useful additional tools for SCAM ICO detection (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=4802067.0), (Hellmouth42 (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?action=profile;u=1776636))
[Guide] Using Google Alerts to avoid getting scammed (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5118417.0), (whotookmycrypto (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?action=profile;u=2538373))
The sign of scam (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5174060.0), mosprognoz (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?action=profile;u=1094569).
⚠️ How Scammer tried to Hack my Bitcointalk and how to Protect yourself?⚠️ (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5173531.0) (dkbit98 (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?action=profile;u=1410401))
List of (un)known methods scammers user to scam users with honorable mention (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5171618.0), (Royse777 (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?action=profile;u=366632))
[EDU] How to spot a scammer (Read this before doing any transactions!) (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=137288.0), (Tomatocage (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?action=profile;u=37522))
Scammers on Youtube. Don't fall into this scam trap and lose money, guys (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5198456.0) (tbct_mt2 (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?action=profile;u=1096237))
[Tutorial] How To Report Phishing Email & Create Auto Delete Filter - Gmail User (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5198564.0), (masulum (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?action=profile;u=1283017))
Password changed / Woke up recently. Good signals to know potential scammers (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5204739.0), (tbct_mt2 (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?action=profile;u=1096237))
Tool For Catch Phishing (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5209768.0), DroomieChikito (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?action=profile;u=938833)
[How to] Detect and recognize projects  (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5266015.0), Leviathan.007 (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?action=profile;u=1856285)
Beginners Gudie for Crypto Scams (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5328362.msg56708306#msg56708306), aysg76 (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?action=profile;u=809633)

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LIST OF SCAMS
⚠ List of SCAM ICO! [PROVED] (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=4981560.0), (bL4nkcode (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?action=profile;u=765632))
ICOEthics - scam list 2018-2019 (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5110020.0), (ICOEthics (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?action=profile;u=2204241))
👉 [ List ] Exposed scam ICO list by Coolcryptovator. Updated: 04-02-2019 🔴 (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5053066.0), (Coolcryptovator (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?action=profile;u=1980983))

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Posts
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=3613776.msg36570772#msg36570772

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Websites
https://icoethics.com/
The 4 Traits of a Successful Masternode Project (https://www.axel.org/blog/the-4-traits-of-a-successful-masternode-project/)

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Articles:
7 Ways to Spot a Scam ICO (https://medium.com/@bootstrappingme/7-ways-to-spot-a-scam-ico-bb5d2d5eb286)

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Telegram
Telegram Scams  (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5037588.0), (dasunlanka (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?action=profile;u=1241103))
Do this if you don't want to be dragged to different telegram ICOs (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5127958.0), (Bttzed03 (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?action=profile;u=1239188))
Some Telegram tips for newcomers in the crypto community (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5200303.0), (TheFuzzStone (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?action=profile;u=679341))

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Scammers on Youtube
Scammers on Youtube. Don't fall into this scam trap and lose money, guys (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5198456.0)
Youtube scam channels. Please spend your time to report them and take them down (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5254315.0)
[Tutorial]: How to search for Scam Giveaways in Youtube (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5300173.0)
[SAVE BEGINNERS] Some obvious and hidden scam in YouTube channels (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5302289.0)

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Suggestions from community about new tools or features to avoid scam in the forum
[SCAM PREVENTION]Remove self-moderation for topics within the marketplace! (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=2929216.0), (MiLkz (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?action=profile;u=408677))

Nice compilation and always recommended for Newbies (or even experienced Members) to check them out. After money is lost it's not possible to get it back again and people are regretting their lack of knowledge in regards of scams.
Educating yourself before you get scammed is always better, there is no need to learn it the hard way.  :P

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I have another topic that could fit very well on your list, it's about cloudmining and how to detect fraudulent cloudminers (complete scams / fractional reserve mining) : Cloudmining 101 (ponzi risk assessment) (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=878387.0). It's already more than 4 years old but does a very good job in teaching risks of cloudmining.

And maybe you want also to list my topic about MLM: MLM – a dangerous marketing strategy (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5116935.0)

Thank you all for sharing topics. I already add three topics in the OP.  ;)

And also, please add this to your collection  :)
🌍[Guide] Prevent scam!!! Some useful tools for find scam / fake ICO team 🌍 (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=4586576.0)

I known and read that one long time ago, forgot it when compiling the collection.
Thank you, I will add it to the OP, now.
You can happy a little bit with your contribution for my topic, because one merit has been on the way to you.  i already shipped it, but it seems got stucked somewhere on the road.
:P

Guildlines on how to spot a scam ico and report effectively is a master class and a must read by every newbie it's so true that ico has huge amount of fraudulent activities and most times it might be difficult to identify genuine ico from a scam project this article would come in handy
 https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5004397.0

I added it in the collection. @Coolcryptovator tends to help crypto users to minimize losses from scam project investments.
I appreciate your contributions as well as Coolcryptovator's.
Moreover, I checked your post history, it looks good enough to say that you are not a shit poster.
So, as a small reward for your contribution, you successfully stolen my 1 sMerit.
Congrats, my friend.
Edited:
I did not check carefully at the first time, and later I found that the topic you posted already in the OP.
It's my bad, anyway, your post history shows you deserve the one sMerit from me.
The one is my most favorite one when I checked your post history.

Very important to save your investment in crypto. This is a new field and users have very little knowledge so the users can be easily scammed.

Can you check if you able to fit the below post also.
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5071111

It is a basic and common matter but you can want to add your list.

7 Ways to Spot a Scam ICO (https://medium.com/@bootstrappingme/7-ways-to-spot-a-scam-ico-bb5d2d5eb286)

I have not a lot of idea on the "ICO" but I deeply read some blog and post I think that the best way to find "scam ico" is to manage their team And if they think they use the wrong information, then it is better to stay away from it.

Appreciate help from both r1s2g3 and Retina for given topic and article.
I added them all into OP, you all received 1 sMerits from me, and I have nearly run out of sMerits.
:P

I really commend the OP for raising this topic and compiling post that seems to be of immense help to everyone in the forum and cryptocurrency at large.
I think it's one thing to spot a scam ico project and is another thing to to fall a victim next time
Here is a post detailing already proven scam ico so no one would fall a victim again
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=4981560.0

There are some more ways to scam people which doesn't look like scam at the very beginning. I am a victim of this trap. An article on different ways to scam people- Be aware, so many scam coins are around (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5118933.msg50096868#msg50096868)

Did you really read the OP and topics listed in the collection before posting?
I already listed the topic in my OP before you posted it.
Thanks for your contribution, but next time I suggest you to be more carefully and spend more time to read available sources before posting.

Good collection for newbies, keep it update. We need to spread more awareness to save especially newbie user of this forum. Mostly newbie users are getting scam due to lazy behaviour. We have to spend time for research before decide invest on ICO or any investment websites. We could save our money if we research ourselves. No one could help if you don't help yourself.

During my time to search, scan around to find topics for my collection, I known that you have big dedication to help users avoid scam projects.
You actually made several topics on this aspect, and you have kept your topics, lists updated very good so far.
I thank you to all those topics, and I have highly waited for your coming topics/ tips on the aspect to have more meaninful things to add into the OP.

Can be useful some additional tools for SCAM ICO detection

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=4802067.0 (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=4802067.0) - English version
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=4641407.0 (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=4641407.0) - French version

Topics look good, but I have not checked them carefully, but I will do it later.
By the way, I would like to announce you that I have a contest there, with 1 merit rewarded to winners.
You should post the two topics there, and try your luck.
1 merit per applicant who find qualifying posts or topics on Scam Related Issues (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5129883.0)

Good list. I was always looking for "one-stop scam list" like this one. I hope you won't stop updating this. Anyway, already saved for future reference. 

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Thank you for recommending my simple guide.

Added topics from winners of my contest (1 merit per applicant who find qualifying posts or topics on Scam Related Issues (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5129883.0)) into the OP.

[GUIDE]How to avoid scam? (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=3329803.0), (Daboy_Lyle (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?
action=profile;u=1781008))
Guide - Some useful additional tools for SCAM ICO detection (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=4802067.0), (Hellmouth42 (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?action=profile;u=1776636))
[Guide] Using Google Alerts to avoid getting scammed (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5118417.0), (whotookmycrypto (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?action=profile;u=2538373))

Updated for today:

• 🔴 Ongoing exposed scam ICO list, must read to save money; Update: 03/09/18 🔴? (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=4467496.0), (Coolcryptovator (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?action=profile;u=1980983))
• https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=3613776.msg36570772#msg36570772
• The 4 Traits of a Successful Masternode Project (https://www.axel.org/blog/the-4-traits-of-a-successful-masternode-project/)

Thanks for this good info about scam ICO projects,this will come in handy

Nice guide, and you are doing great work helping people to avoid scam

I also got dragged into different type of scam ICO Channels but what about private messages from unknown telegram users? is there anyway to block them as well,like only receive messages from friends

There are two ways to contact others in Telegram: username or phone number.
To disable phone number display:
Settings ---> Privacy and Security ---> Phone number (Who can see my phone number). Choose Nobody.

To prevent strangers adding you into strange groups:
You can got to Settings -----> Groups ------> My contacts (choose this option).
This option means only people in your phone contacts can add you to group chats.

To disable your Telegram username
By deleting your Telegram username, no one can search you, but if you join group chats for bounties, you can not apply this, because managers will not find you to check your activity, and you might be unqualified.
In case you are in bounty group chats as bounty participants, only thing you can do is reporting scammers to group chat's administrators.

The sign of scam (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5174060.0), mosprognoz (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?action=profile;u=1094569). This one is a newest good thread on scam fightings.

Thanks for making a nice collection of posts that can help members.
If you want, you can add one of my post related to Bitcointalk accounts:
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5173531.msg52094372#msg52094372

Tips:
Hover mouse on links, then you will see real links behind.
For example: I put the hidden link to my post (this one), but I hide it as https://coinmarketcap.com/ (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5125435.msg52283387#msg52283387). If you hove mouse on the link, you will see full link that direct you to this post, not coinmarketcap.com

I found this article written about How to identify Crypto Scams? (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5176466.msg52188391#msg52188391) by @Henri Cartier. You may add it here.

Bump to announce that today, OP has been updated with this topic.
When you see this bump and watch scam videos on that scam channel, please report that Youtube channel and that ETH address.

This is a very useful tool for the beginners. We all started clueless about the things happening in here that's why we end up making mistakes leading to great loss of money. I couldn't add much but for me, some of the most important tips needed by the newbies are learning to be careful and mindful on choosing a certain project and always make sure you read the whole whitepaper and check the team to make sure that it's worth the trust and time.

I don't think what you did is correct (quoting my OP entirely like this). Please read my another guide: [TIPS] to avoid pyramid quotes (for Newbies) (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=3749076.0)
By the way, I saw an interesting topic that also added into OP.
[Tutorial] How To Report Phishing Email & Create Auto Delete Filter - Gmail User (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5198564.0)

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A new guide found on 11 Nov. 2019
Some Telegram tips for newcomers in the crypto community (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5200303.0), (TheFuzzStone (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?action=profile;u=679341))

Great compilation. Started with a click and then i read it for almost an hour haha..the point is, everyone should educate itself properly before entering the market. There are countless cool sources to learn from soo. Recommend this collection to anyone just starting out.

Have you added information about users messaging you on telegram asking you to do a withdrawal for them from a 'phishing scam Exchange-type website' where they pretend to send you some BTC and ask you to withdraw, but then the exchange blocks your account. I also encountered another scam where someone came to me asking to do a task but they were not interested in paying upfront. I worked for them and did as they asked me to do, then they blocked me and left empty-handed. It is better to have an escrow even if you are doing a task for anybody who is unknown to you and this community.

Who is that person who scammed you? You should definitely open a scam accusation against that person which could get him tagged and that will serve as a warning for other members not to deal with him.

Your rank is legendary, don't just randomly trust anyone. Rank is not equal to trust but if a newbie asks a Legendary to go first I would be cautious.
There is even free escrow service on the forum. Browse through the services board, I am sure you will find the correct thread. 

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5136940.msg50803111#msg50803111
That's the thread I was talking about, and I couldn't report because she is/was not a part of this forum at that time.


It wasn't like I went first alone, but I did it after seeing many users here giving her good reviews that she pays, it was a matter of $20 and she didn't come online later and a red tag was also added to her profile, so I didn't bother opening a scam accusation.

I don't remember but months ago I saw a case with a scammer who ask for any help from community members to help him withdraw money from exchange (5 BTC, I remembered so), but helper has to go first to send some amount of bitcoin, and the rewards for helper will be some amount of bitcoin (20%, as I remembered) when that withdrawal finished.

Instantly when I saw it, I realized it is a scam. There is nothing reasonable and logical to ask for help from stranger when you have 5 or 10 BTC stucked on one exchange. There are many better people who you can know better, relatives, best friends, why not ask them to help? Look at it and if you are not greedy, you will instanly aware it is a scam attack.

That case is not a loan as yours but the scam method is the same. Scammers ask potential viticms to go first and accounts they use mostly lower ranks, from Brandnew, newbie, Jr. Member to member only. But higher ranks, Full member and above, are not guarentee for their legitimacy and trust.

Listening to this, I would also like to add that these people mostly try to trap those who belong to third world countries and are jobless, because scammers know that these people may go for big and will even spend money if they don't have knowledge about what is going on in this world. The email blasters send lots of fake 'Congratulations' emails where you are shown that you are being awarded some $$ out of Bill Gates', Microsoft's, Coca Cola's, etc. lucky draw share or lottery, and ask you to send your details to them. If you send these details, you cut your arms and give them as a gift because they now have all your information, they will start asking money from you to 'verify your bank account'. If you do it, you are scammed at phase 1, then they ask you for more money as they say that your details were not ok and if you want the funds, you need to deposit at least 0.1% 'an example' of your winnings to their bank account. Being helpless and having no knowledge of what's going on with you, you just keep getting dragged and trapped by them in their scam and lose a lot of money and till you become aware about their scam and report it to your local police, they run away with your money and you cannot even trace them as you don't know their real identity.

This is indeed an awesome guide to everyone especially to a newbie who wants to start their journey by supporting a particular project.
The story you have shared is maybe common but it has a great impact on you because it is your own money. The idea is that it is not based on your ranking because as of now there are still some higher ranks who are really taking advantage of other people who really do not know every important information. But that should not be just ignored, just like what you have said, you must report that particular project or person who really scammed you by opening some topic to report your particular subject, to prevent them from doing it again to other people. Sharing and reporting are caring also, you are not just reporting them because they scammed you, but you are reporting them because you do not want that to happen again. This thread might help anyone here, reading this is a great help.

Thank you so much for the collection of guidance on avoiding scam projects and also you updating the thread for newer scam waves now. Your endeavors are regarded. Thank you.