Bitcoin Forum

Edit: Five days later... Bitinstant has sent my coins. For slow service and poor customer support I rate 3/5. I'm grateful to be paid, and I hope other users wont be in my situation.



I setup a deal with Bitinstant to transfer a large amount of cash to BTC. I made the payment, all paperwork accounted for and all variables double and triple checked. Shortly thereafter BITINSTANT emails me to confirm that the payment has been executed... good.... NOT... because the payment was never executed. Now its been days. (BTC price constantly rising)

 I think BITINSTANT is selective scamming customers. I think they are regularly doing shady business like what has happened with me, in hopes that you will be the customer who just lets it slide. I won't be that customer and I hope you wont either.

 NEW BUYERS BEWARE! DO NOT TRUST BITINSTANT.COM!!!




Edit: I want to clarify that this issue has been going on through the weekend. In that time I've contacted every form of support Bitinstant has and received no replies.

I think that it might makes sense to tune-up this thread, but I don't want to create a wall of text that deters newbies from receiving the necessary warning.

Thanks for the heads-up.  I've used them for some very small transaction (less than 10 BTC) without any problems.  I'll typically start out with smaller transactions when trying out a new service provider.  They really seemed reputable.  Anyone else had any trouble with them?

Wow! Over-react much?

Try posting your concern in the Official Newbie BitInstant Support Thread (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=128314.540), I'm sure they'll work with you to resolve your issue (although it might help to calm down a bit and keep your communication civil).

 You need to leave.

 I've already posted in that thread and I'm not overreacting. There is only a little information in this thread, but you assume my emotions aren't valid and based in maturity?

 I don't need to calm down to deserve receiving my funds.

Just wondering how that is an over-reaction?  Yeah, ok, that's a lot of CAPS, but I'd be pretty pissed if I was in his situation and was being ignored by support. 

As far as I can tell, he ran into an issue on a Holiday weekend here in the U.S.  He posted exactly one post in the Support thread on a Sunday, waited 18 minutes and 55 seconds for a response, and then created a second post announcing "Newbies Beware! BITINSTANT selective scamming? IGNORED BY SUPPORT!"

How is that not an over-reaction?

Nah, I'm fine, but thanks for the suggestion.


Clearly you are.


I didn't assume that, but now that you've mentioned it . . .

No, you don't need to.  I never said you did.  I just suggested that it might help.

Yeah, hopefully you're right Danny.  I personally hate it when people make unrealistic claims about turnaround or response times, but like I said before, I think it will get resolved and OP just got unlucky with the guys at bitinstant taking some time off.

https://www.bitinstant.com/aboutus
"Based out of New York City and The United Kingdom, our staff is always around to answer your questions."

Let us know how it turns out.

I read the same post. He didn't give them a whole lot of time to respond. I've never had issue with BitInstant in the past myself, regardless of transaction size.

No really, DannyHamilton, you're presumptuous and rude. GTFO.

I think its very clear that I'm discussing an ongoing problem, not rushing some transaction that happened hours ago.

I also think its also obvious that I posted this thread as MY THREAD, and intentionally separate from the support thread that I'm also in.

Finally, as a previous quote from this thread indicated... Bitinstant claims to be available for my support and THEY ARE NOT. They also claimed that my transfer would be quick and easy and it WAS NOT.

BITINSTANT STOLE MY FUNDS.

I contacted their live chat. Waited for hours....
I contacted their email support. Waited for a day...
I contacted their emergency line. Waited for days...

IVE RECEIVED NO CONTACT BACK.

You've been more rude than he has.


It's a holiday weekend here in the states.

 This weekend is not a forced closing for businesses in the United States. Its not even a popular trend for businesses to stop operation during MLK weekend.

 If you want to contribute to this thread please either take time to develop on the issues present, or stick to a simple explanation of your own relationship with Bitinstant.com

Thanks for pointing it out, I'll strive to be less presumptuous and rude in the future.

You may want to make a similar effort.

I understand that they have not responded to you as quickly as you had expected.  Certainly they could do a better job of setting appropriate expectations.

The fact that you haven't gotten support as quickly as you'd like does not necessarily indicate theft.  It isn't even clear yet that BitInstant is the one with your funds.  When using BitInstant's service the funds change hands several times.  Depending on the method you choose, the funds could be held up at ZipZap, MtGox, or elsewhere.

I'll be willing to bet upto 10BTC that they will resolve this fully in the end, so if you think they scammed you, get in contact with me and we'll discuss the details of the bet.

It's not a forced closing, but many businesses choose to close for the weekend anyways. Especially smaller companies.

Here's my contribution: give BitInstant until at least Monday to respond to your inquiries either in their support thread or through your other contact methods. You can check Yankee's log in details to see if he's been logged in since you made your request: if he's been on and hasn't responded, that could be a problem. You can open a thread in the scam accusations forum once your newbie restrictions are removed if you feel Yankee deserves a scammer tag, which will also give him another opportunity to respond to your claims. And, as Blazr mentioned, you could also take legal action against BitInstant if you feel it's gotten to that point. Is that more helpful?


I'm willing to add a few BTC to this bet as well.

 Thanks for posting again DannyHamilton, and I'm sorry for the negativity between you and I. I agree with you, that I could also be more polite and thoughtful.

 Thanks aswell to Blazr. I would also contact the BBB and my local PD when I feel the time is appropriate. I only engaged in business with Bitinstant because I believed their credibility was worth gambling on, and I still hope that they will come back to me with an excuse and amends.

 The truly perturbing part of this transaction is that Bitinstant has claimed to have transferred my funds to the appropriate destination when no transfer was made. I've seen feedback from users who had their transfers fail, but this is another gambit altogether and far less understandable from my perspective.

 I intend to update this thread at each step of resolution, and hope for a positive outcome for all parties.

Thats a good suggestion aswell, and inline with the plan of action I've adopted.

I won't place any bets on my predicament, its enough of a headache already. Again, it sucks to be using my time in this manner. I've made the decision though, and I need Bitinstant to realize that I won't rollover.

Odolvlobo,
My accusation is based on my experience and feedback I've received via this, and other forums. On this forum, there are users within the Bitinstant support thread who claim to have outstanding issues that are not being taken care of. A user in particular, claims to be at two months with an unresolved transaction with Bitinstant.

I'm not at the point of compiling that kind of evidence. I'm trying to wind-up in such a way that Bitinstant does have time to respond and to make a decision about how they want to handle this...... although frankly, I think that they've already used a lot of time and hardly deserve the wait. Its a personal decision to publicize my issue but to wait a bit longer before further escalation.

watching.

Yankee responded to you in the BitInstant support thread. Sounds like your funds were sent to a different address. Did you give him the wrong payment address?

I use bitinstant every time i purchase bitcoins. Have never had a problem. I still recommend to everyone.

Yeah, Bitinstant is one of the best ways to get bitcoins there is.

If so, this certainly won't be the first time that someone gives BitInstant the wrong bitcoin address from their wallet and then blames BitInstant when they send the coins where they were told to.

Ok seriously, stop hating in my thread. You didn't even read Yankees post properly.

Yankee clearly states that another user (who I quoted) sent their coins to the wrong address. That sounds like that users mistake and not Bitinstant, if the statement is true. Its also understandable that he's upset by my support and advice, noob buyers happen too.

My numbers WERE CORRECT. That is a fact. So once again, please just leave this thread. You're holding us all back.

This thread is a necessary part of a developed response, even if not every comment in it is mature.

More folks with the same problem in support. If you're reading this you should also be scoping out page 28 of the Official Newbie Bitinstant Support Thread.

I didn't read Yankee's post at all. It would seem to be clear (indicated by the way I included the quote in my post) that I was responding to information provided in this thread by 21after2.  That would be why I started with, If so . . .

Glad to hear it.

Nah. I'm interested in seeing where this leads.

I doubt it.

Most unresolved posts stay that way due to user induced errors. The 2 month unresolved guy seems to have provided a wrong Bitcoin address/account, and there is no way Bitinstant could refund him for his own error. I've received many reports like this, for the record. Just wait until regular working hours to get Bitinstant process the orders if there's nothing wrong at your side.

Bitinstant took care of me once we got to talking. I'm very sick right now, but I'll cleanup this thread and edit my original post in the next day.

I still don't understand how this error happened, but my coins HAVE been sent.

LOL... as part of the team here at BitInstant I can tell you this happens ALL THE TIME :)

That's kind of unfortunate. I may have jumped the gun on calling this thread resolved... block-chain is showing no payment.

I want to like Bitinstant and I want you all to be honest and successful... so I'm going to leave the thread as resolved while we figure this out...

Ugh:(

Bitinstant has claimed to have paid me once again. I even edited this thread to resolved... but it was just another deception. My coins were not sent and I feel very abused.

Bitinstant still has not sent my coins, even after 5 days. Their customer support is taking more than 24hrs to make a single reply and this scam smells worse and worse with every pass.



DO NOT TRUST BITINSTANT.COM. They've stolen from me and will probably do the same to you. Bastards!

I have every intention of legal filing. This is way out of hand!


I will continue to update this thread throughout the process.

I'm the one who is presumptuous and rude?

Can you address this?

Ive heard lots of bad stuff from BitInstant, stay away!

RobbedbyBitinstant,

BitInstant has a significant reputation, you are completely unknown.  You've been throwing around accusations without proof, behaving in a rude and immature manner, and attacking those who question you.

At this point, there is no reason for anyone to take you seriously anymore.  If you want to publicly shame BitInstant (which as far as I can tell is the only reason for this thread), you are going to have to start providing better details.  At a minimum, you'll need to publicly provide the information that BitInstant is requesting (OrderID).  Otherwise, there really isn't any reason for anyone to believe anything you are saying.

I agree, stay away from Mr. RobbedbyBitinstant.  i would recommend that everyone be wary of engaging in any form of exchange with him.

They have always fixed me up, either contact the dude on here or on the Bitinstant. It's taken 24 hours before, but it's gotten done.

It is worth mentioning that many peers use this service all the time without problems. I doubt they would be "scammers", as they have a profitable and legitimate business model now.

I'll let you decide. Private message sent.

You've been detracting from my topic this entire time on some personal agenda for Bitinstant.

I do not need to provide you with any of my personal information, and I'm not inclined to given your poor attitude.

I'm going to have a moderator verify that my complaint is real.

Again, I've been compelled into this position, it was not on my to-do list.

You should leave. You're a prick.

im watching this thread

So is your first post correct now?  Now your funds have been marked as fraudulently obtained?  

I still think this will get resolved - they have established a really good reputation, but if you're saying they're selectively defrauding clients, it wouldn't be the first time.  Same thing happened to me on switchpoker.com.  I happened to win a few hundred there and tried to withdraw some of it to Bitcoin and they closed my account claiming fraud.  At least Bitinstant are transparent and if you need to escalate things, you can.  Unlike switchpoker.com.

Sorry to semi-hijack your thread.  Really hope this gets solved.

FTFY.  ;)

No you don't need to, but there won't be many people who are going to take your accusations seriously if you can't provide anything support them.

And go where?  You are welcome to leave if you wish, but I don't have any need to do so.

You are welcome to your opinion.  I'm sure there may be some people who agree with you.  Personally, I don't see it, but I'll see if there is anything in my personality I can adjust to improve your perception of me.

Ok, its conclusion time over here.

My coins were successfully transferred a couple hours ago.

I think that Bitinstant support did a very poor job of accommodating me. I do not think that buyers can expect fast and convenient service. I'm even concerned that Bitinstant is recognizing profits from buyers who don't push for their coins.

I also think that certain members of bitcointalk were less than helpful throughout this process. I like your distinctive personalities though. DannyHamilton, I hope I wasn't too much of a bother with the rude private message I sent you. I'm sure we would be great friends in another life. Please be nicer to the next newbie who is having a hard time here; give better advice and be less hostile.

BITINSTANT: 3/5 - Viable method for getting coins. Slow service, poor communication


I may be back with some research in the future. Thanks for reading guys!

What was the problem? Summarize clearly please.

After seeing the content of that message, I can assure you we would not.  I don't keep company with individuals who behave in such a manner.

I am glad to hear however that you believe BitInstant has resolved your issue.

I do have to say though, as trolls go, you have been one of the more creative, entertaining, and interesting I've encountered.

Goodcall.

5 days ago I decided to buy BTC through Bitinstant. I made an initial transaction which cleared in an hour. I followed up with an identical transaction two hours later. This second transaction processed through Bitinstant, but was never paid. I received a confirmation email that told me I was paid, and I viewed an order status page that said the same thing, but Bitinstant had not paid me.

I contacted customer support. First through their livechat, where I recieved no response(first few hours). Then through their email, where I recieved no response(24 hours). Then through their emergency phoneline(48 hours), where I again, received no response. Finally, I arrived on bitcointalk where the user Yankee, also known as Charlie from Bitinstant, responded to my post in his thread. This response led to a private message where I got Charlie's email, and a followup emails were replied to once every 24 hrs (which is slow).

It would seem that the result of emailing Charlie was that my query was pushed through to another fellow named Ira, who then got my order back into the lineup. Its entirely possible that emailing Charlie had no effect on my order though, and that processing was actually this incredibly slow.

So, five days after starting my transaction with the Bit-notsoinstant, I finally received my coins. I wasn't given any kind of fee slack, but Bitinstant did honor the price of coins from the day I paid, and that's a significant detail for me since coin prices keep rising.

The explanation for this debacle is that my transaction processed as fraudulent because it was identical to my first transaction which I posted two hours earlier. This doesn't seem to make sense to me, and I don't see any evidence that MoneyGram or ZipZap heldup the processing due to fraud concerns.

So, you want a clear summary and the details are mostly all here. Its hard to say exactly what happened.

If you trust Bitinstant then you'll take their explanation.

I'm still a bit skeptical though. I see a number of other users having similar problems this weekend, and there is no reason that two identical transaction would result in a red-flag for fraudulent activity.

I may get in contact with ZipZap and Moneygram to verify that their companies did not claim fraud, and I may stay on the line wit Bitinstant and prod them about this error some more. If so, I'll update here. In the meantime, I think that Bitinstant is a viable method for getting coins, just expect that you may be right where I am now.

Oh and on a positive note, if you're reading this because you're worried you've been robbed. I encourage you to go through the bullshit support and to not panic. Expect that this could take much longer than you planned for but expect that you will get paid.

I gotta side with Yankee on this one: I doubt you ever placed an order with BitInstant at this point.

Explain to me why I would be here if I had never placed an order with Bitinstant.

I think you have a personal agenda to support Bitinstant. Are you on the payroll or just kinda hanging off their collective nutsack?

What was your order number?

So you're pretty affiliated with Bitinstant if you can check any significant details from my order number. Glad we cleared that up.

Or maybe youre just an asshat and you have no idea why you want my order number but you think I might not have one so you're going to press me for it. Assuage your ego somewhere else loser.

So you're saying you don't have one then?

Sometimes I wish the mods would put more effort into banning people who engage in abusive behavior.

He's only making himself look like a lunatic: why should the mods punish him when he's clearly punishing himself? ;)

I think our moderation can see whats going on here.

This thread was made with honest intentions, but you bastards are getting your kicks from being detractors.

I think its about time for someone to clean this mess up.

Kind of hard for BitInstant to fix an order that doesn't exist.

That comment clearly has no application to this thread. Maybe you're not keeping up with the posts though.

Too busy starting a flame war.

I think the application is in there somewhere. You can look through it if you like.

I think youre abusing the quotes to portray the situation as would have it, to support your deluded fantasy.

I'm really surprised that moderation isn't cleaning up your bullshit. They're probably busy tonight.

You're not just hurting yourself with this nonsense, youre hurting everyone who wants the information this topic was created to share.

No, I think the quotes speak for themselves. As do you.

Did you need to clarify that I speak for myself, or are you getting off on listening to yourself?

You're a typical ego maniac.

I know I insinuated you had ties to Bitinstant earlier. I sure hope not though. Your stupidity should render you unemployable, and no company would want you representing their PR.

You don't need to clarify that you speak for yourself. You could have clarified your order number the numerous times BitInstant customer support asked you for it. You were surprisingly resilient for someone who wanted an issue resolved ;)

Locked on request.