[EDU] How to spot a scammer (Read this before doing any transactions!)

[Prinox2]

Alright, so I've been PM'd by a few people what red-flags to look out for since I have a pretty good track record of spotting scammers.  Sometimes I get it wrong, but better safe than sorry.  Anyway, watch out for the typical behavior from scammers who will usually fit at least two or three (and sometimes even more) of the following characteristics:

0. Newbies, NEVER DO BUSINESS WITH OTHER NEWBIES, EVER. There are plenty of veteran members to do business with and ALWAYS use escrow. If you're a newbie you're doing business with another newbie, there's a 100% chance that you will get scammed (or you're a scammer yourself).
1. New account (usually created within the last 3 months, plus or minus)
2. Low-medium message count with vapid posts of little to no contributory value
3. Use of a seemingly realistic first/last name as their forum account name
4. Signs posts with full name
5. Straight out of Newbie mode right into Lending (requesting a loan of course)
6. Straight out of Newbie mode right into Currency Exchange (PayPal, Liberty Reserve, Western Union)
7. Straight out of Newbie mode and selling gift cards/codes/Steam games of any kind (they'll often be purchased with stolen CC info, leaving you holding the bag later on down the road)
8. Any user blatantly claiming to be female
9. New user trying to sell an Apple iAnything
10. Sob stories asking for handouts
11. Never send to a Bitmerch.com address for escrow!!!

There.  Pretty much in a nutshell how to spot a scammer.  There's still some finesse to spotting a scammer, but these rules will separate most of the wheat from the chaff, so to speak.  Oh, and I guess there's one more rule:

12. NEVER DO BACKROOM DEALS VIA PM WITH NEW USERS. Make sure all deals are negotiated in the open forum for both public record and peer review.

Examples of posts that fit the scammer pattern:

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=193037.0 btcmank (Scammer, Numerous references, just do a search on his forum name)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=221204.0 Liberty Payout (Scammer, Numerous references, just do a search on his forum name)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=213754.0 Chalie215 (Pending, New acct + Loan req)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=214277.0 Waterberry (Pending, New acct + Loan req)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=212603.0 badgerman (Pending, New acct + Loan req)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=188645.0 CryptoTrader (Scammer, New acct + Currency exchanging where you send first)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=188674.0 vivithemage (Pending, Old dormant account newly revived and asking for a loan)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=186031.0 kidcudi09 (Pending, New acct + Loan req)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=185898.0 ashleysly (Pending, New acct + Loan req + Signs with full name + Implied female)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=183309.0 theblazehen (Pending, New acct + Loan req)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=181429.0 btc-escrow.co (Pending, New acct + Loan req)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=180757.0 barneyss (Pending, New acct + Loan req, Highly implausible story)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=180246.0 Slix313 (Pending, New acct + Loan req)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=173718.0 ionux (Pending, New acct + Loan req)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=171031.0 StealthyDamn (Pending, New acct + Get rich quick scam)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=173215.0 brie (Pending, New acct + Loan req)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=172793.0 badgetman (Pending, New acct + Loan req for 2 BTC)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=119896.msg1793008#msg1793008 Bitzing (New acct + Taking MP and not delivering BTC, More info, Credit goes to BCB)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=171613.0 nawazish1 (Pending, New acct + Loan req)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=170446.0 zakolivers (Pending, New acct + Wants to buy BTC with PayPal. He uses a seemingly real first/last name as his username, so he's gotta be legit, right?)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=169922.0 vitalemontea (Scammer, New acct + Peddling digital goods/WU, More info)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=165884.0 Flux79 (Pending, New acct + Gift cards)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=168669.0 lucyhiggins (Scammer*, New acct + Wants you to link your bank account to his PayPal account)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=167429.0 TreePot (Pending, New acct + Loan req)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=166991.0 refta (Pending, New acct + Loan req)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=166438.0 OMGBobMarley (Scammer, New acct + Loan req)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=166014.0 World Commerce (Pending, New acct + Reloadable CC)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=145234.0 RobertClemons (Pending, New acct + Attempting to buy BTC with Paypal acct that doesn't belong to him)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=163256.0 GoldenAngel (Pending, New acct + "Investment" req)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=164166.0 Xnives99 (Pending, New acct + Loan req)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=162204.0 DastanX (Scammer, New acct + Loan req, Claims it was filled but probably won't provide a TxID)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=161647.0 c0ikws (Pending, New acct + Loan req)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=159934.0 ChickaDee (Scammer, New acct + Loan req, Man-in-the-Middle scam, alt of marketersales, More info, Credit goes to John (John K.))
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=159764.0 ffernandex (Pending, New acct + Loan req, I think this one was meant to be a joke though)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=158639.0 TheDarkBanker (Pending, New acct + Gift cards)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=157764.0 instaBoost (Scammer, New acct + Money exchange deals, iPhones for sale, More info)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=154761.0 BitPanda (Scammer, New acct + Loan req, Loan filled by another new acct Surpbitcoin)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=154010.0 rockso (Scammer, More info, Credit goes to Littleshop)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=153203.0 Humanxlemming (Pending, New acct + Loan req)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=152965.0 MoneypakBuyer (Scammer, New acct + Loan req, More info)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=152461.0 tacoman359 (Pending, New account + Microsoft Points)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=152120.0 Darkdata (Pending, New acct + Loan req)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=151995.0 otown240 (Pending, New acct + Loan req, Nvm he was instructed to post a request by kjlimo as a matter of public record)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=151563.0 bennybong (Pending, New acct + Loan req)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=151398.0 whathe12 (Pending, New acct + Loan req)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=151195.0 kush1218 (Scammer, New account + Gift cards, alt of firstlady0524, More info, Credit goes to Blazr)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=94513.00 xavil (Pending, Possible attempt at a fraudulent private BTC purchase, Credit goes to BCB)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=150569.0 paysafecardbitcoin (Pending, New acct + Loan req)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=150349.0 Intueri (Scammer, More info, New acct + Loan req, Posting history seems to indicate a gambling habit)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=148593.0 UncleBuckRIU (Pending*)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=146968.0 flavius (Pending)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=146788.0 d3adleavez (Pending*, New acct + Loan req)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=146362.0 OrangeVonPurple (Scammer*, Possibly alt of marketersales, tacoman359, and OMGBobMarley. Went straight to selling XBoxLive points.)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=145505.0 RHCwebhosting (Pending*, Multiple red-flags on this one. Should be pretty obvious)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=145274.0 bluedye (Pending)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=145219.0 nlovric (Pending, User appears to be legit)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=145225.0 nlovric (Pending)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=147357.0 ironcross360 (Pending)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=144992.0 ironcross360 (Pending)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=145195.0 emma (Pending, May be legit, but as always use caution. See: http://forum.litecoin.net/index.php/topic,1179.msg6757.html)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=144665.0 tldoctor (Pending, Now that he's had time to get a few posts in, it appears this is a legit user. His initial timing of the loan request was a bit alarming though)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=144559.0 hiddenoreo (Pending, New acct + Multiple loan reqs)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=144582.0 jspring (Pending, Gift cards)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=142104.0 flatlinezor (Pending, Gift cards)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=143883.0 tantienstar69 (Pending*)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=143415.0 tantienstar69 (Pending*, vouched for by audiation)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=142058.0 koelen3 (Pending*)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=141424.0 claire (Scammer*, Loan requests (check!), MoneyPak (check!), gift cards (check!))
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=56835.00 SirChiko (Scammer*)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=144012.0 realityfalacy (Pending*, Might be legit but the timing of the loan request is suspicious)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=141739.0 realityfalacy (Pending*)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=141548.0 lakzo (Pending)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=141456.0 uhnonamiss (Pending, more Giftcards for Bitcoins)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=140690.0 ridgemont4 (Pending)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=140846.0 KJTetc (Pending*)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=140933.0 blakbeard (Pending*)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=140531.0 raven666 (Pending*)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=141039.0 cardinalG (Scammer*, More info)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=140049.0 cardinalG (Scammer*, More info)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=140095.0 AndrewJ (Scammer*)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=139935.0 constitution (Scammer*)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=139727.0 itai3856 (Scammer, More info)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=139257.0 tono18 (Scammer*)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=139398.0 tono18 (Scammer*)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=137865.0 thomison360 (Pending)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=88315.00 unkn0wn12 (Scammer*, More info)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=136346.0 furrycoat (Scammer*)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=137633.0 SouthernComfort (Scammer*)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=136941.0 JonMcAlpine (Scammer*)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=136785.0 chillywilly (Pending*, possible alt of cozz)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=130251.0 Ploni (Scammer*)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=136282.0 marketersales (Scammer*, Accused of scamming then "found loan elsewhere" but no TXID provided)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=136306.0 teodor87 (Pending*)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=138807.0 shoopwooper (Pending*)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=135612.0 shoopwooper (Pending*, "found loan elsewhere" but no TXID provided)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=135459.0 Marker88 (Pending, long-dormant 2011 account recently revived)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=138131.0 Jakers (Scammer*)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=136749.0 Jakers (Scammer*)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=134835.0 Jakers (Scammer*)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=131217.0 swc1 (Scammer)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=133052.0 leominer (Pending*)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=132983.0 AnonCard (Pending)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=129567.0 SynOps (Pending)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=130459.0 drakedog (Pending)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=129557.0 heart_mons (Pending*, User has had one successful loan of 5BTC before, but defaulted on another loan)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=134921.0 61197da925c1 (Pending*)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=129615.0 61197da925c1 (Pending*)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=129508.0 Dakster (Scammer*)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=126470.0 Dakster (Scammer*)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=133368.0 Roxyoursox (Scammer*)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=128437.0 Roxyoursox (Scammer*)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=128017.0 andrew12 (Old dormant account suddenly revived and now asking for a loan)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=126819.0 pereiaex (Scammer*)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=127143.0 quirky53 (Pending*)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=123435.0 Crookid (Pending*)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=120647.0 Metta28 (Pending*)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=122729.0 RantinRave (Pending)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=122668.0 Serenity.Sapphire (Scammer*)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=121136.0 pat231 (Scammer* though I suspect he's less a scammer and more likely just really bad at managing his money)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=119831.0 jackdavis1983 (Pending*)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=122082.0 hobo66. (Scammer*)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=121998.0 Ssoftware (Pending*)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=120233.0 Bitcoinscene (Pending*)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=119871.0 ChrisNelson (Pending*)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=119384.0 CoinCleaner (Scammer*)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=121012.0 LionHeart (Scammer*)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=119824.0 LionHeart (Scammer*)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=118514.0 Gretchen (Scammer*)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=99233.00 noobularkid (Scammer*)

* Account appears to have been abandoned once it was flagged as a scammer, or became apparent he wasn't getting a loan.

Please note that the accounts listed above aren't necessarily or automatically assumed to be scammers. They just fit the description, so to speak.

Examples of posts that fit the pattern that were successful:

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=154985.0 Wardrick (Successful loan!, Little late on the payback, but he eventually came through)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=141182.0 hardup (Successful Loan!, 2.0 BTC, Several weeks late, but eventually paid back)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=185004.0 bennett616 (Successful Loan!, 0.1 BTC)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=153274.0 Mosper (Successful Loan!, 15.0 BTC, but repayment had to be coerced from lendee)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=158761.0 shibaji (Successful Loan!, Used collateral, 10.0 BTC)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=129567.0 SynOps (Pending, Due to the spike in exchange rate it's become difficult to pay back the entire amount borrowed at once, but SynOps appears to be making an honest effort of it, after further investigation, it appears SynOps was using a MITM scam, More info, Credit goes to Kelticfox Sonnyblack and Glooboy)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=141215.0 Currencevents (Successful Loan! 4.0 BTC, https://btcjam.com/listings/1573)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=149335.0 Jenger (Successful Loan! 0.5 BTC)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=137766.0 MoneypakTrader.com (Successful Trades!, Has completed a few successful transactions. As always, use caution, even when dealing with senior members)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=136132.0 DPony13 (Successful Loan! 2.5 BTC, Ended up defaulting on another loan)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=122658.0 xx78213 (Successful Loan! 0.2 BTC)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=123728.0 heart_mons (Successful Loan! 5.0 BTC, Ended up defaulting on another loan)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=134918.0 polymorphous (Successful Trade! 2.0 BTC)

TLDR: Be careful before you freely give away your coins. From the evidence collected here, you stand substantial chance of getting ripped off if lending to someone who fits the scammer profile.  If that chance is worth making an extra 1-10% on your money, I can't stop you.

Edit: This next section will list Email addresses associated with known scammers. Users are advised to not send PayPal (or anything really) to these addresses.

1. smkvoip@gmail.com | associated with payypalexchange.blogspot.com (beware of [whatever exchange name].blogspot.com are 100% certain scams)
2. selinadeola@hotmail.com | associated with payypalexchange.blogspot.com (beware of [whatever exchange name].blogspot.com are 100% certain scams)
3. computerclubx@gmail.com | associated with attempted BTC sale scam.

thank you for tips on how to spot scammers, but in my view, i think you hammered much on most potential scammers coming from Newbies level and might be discouraging to the genuine Newbies who ain't scammers , thanks

[1714022854]

1714022854

[1714022854]

1714022854

[1714022854]

1714022854

[Bitfinex is a scam]

Please don't try n do business with Bitfinex. They are posted multiple customer service phone numbers on Google and scamming people. The guy at supposed customer service. Said he would help me transfer my Bitcoin from Gemini to Bitfinex. Well the guy stole my Bitcoin. It no longer exists in my account. I have the address where it was sent. Not sure if I can get my Bitcoin back. The phone number I used has been disconnected since they stole my Bitcoin. The phone number was 888-451-1155. Please don't do business with Bitfinex.

[staker$]

This is informative, but it requires thorough study though, for critical scrutiny at the smallest detail. Every scammer has different styles and they evolve into something wiser and tricky over time. A very valuable read for starters like me. Hope to avoid scammers and could never in any way scam another person.

[TyrellWellick]

Straight up to scam town. This mdfks don't want hard labor af. HAHAHAHAHA

[uccoin]

If a scam does pay, he won't be a scammer right?

[Chris314]

This thread should be stickied as well on top of every "goods" subsections. Newbies don't come here to read it before they are scammed by thieves who spread in this forum.

[waseelee]

Do not be fooled, the scammer can pay(invest) in the beginning just to lure more people into his game. After he/she has secured enough Maga, he can then cheat and make all the money invested and much more. A paying scammer is just waiting for the right time to hit and run. So, Beware!

[Neurocrypt]

Many scam out there just have to be careful when investing.

[Neurocrypt]

Scammers have a way of doing things some are smart while some are too foolish. Newbies watch out do not be fooled. get proper in for before starting.

[Rhinoboy11]

interesting read. Thanks for the post OP

[O$IRIS]

This is a great post - very informative and good details provided.

[Neurocrypt]

This trend will help new user concerning spamming. A lot of them has fallen victims and how to we prevent such?

[tinyteapot]

All information and hints highlighted are quite comprehended, appreciated and commendable Guys. We just need to be very careful and be watchful guys. No one can be master of all guaranteeing himself in totality of not been scammed. Thanks Buddy.

[avadhoot]

Thanks for all the info guys. Super helpful

Tired and worried of all the scams in ICO space? So are we. We've started a telegram group to discuss about sketchy ICOs, scams and shady teams.

Join the group and stay away from scams: https://t.me/icoscamsdetector

[Billak]

Thanks for the warning and all your hard work to create this

[mecanian]

there are so many scam...@

[worm1337]

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=2833801.msg29056443#msg29056443

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=2828401.msg28989435#msg28989435

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=2822568.msg28913187#msg28913187

Unfortunately this is a SCAM. After sending kopdul the money, the information was never transferred.

I thought that having all these different posts and no complaint below should be safe. However, it seems that he can delete the negative messages at will, as he/she did with mine when posted the above on the thread.

[Primuscoin]

It´s actually very useful, thanks

[SuperiorCoin]

Superior Coin is being pumped up and down by thieves who stole it.
You just need to look at our Twitter account @thesuperiorcoin or our domain thesuperiorcoin.com to easily see that this currency is mine. They were both started over a year ago. Look at the tweets from the start. As for FBI we have regular contact with 5 different agents they do not give case names and do not give their personal names.
Look at the documents on here https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/timeline-5-key-documents-clearly-show-you-how-superior-michael-q-todd/

Read our Bitcoin talk forum here https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=1974261.120
Read the comments on the petition of over 100 people to keep Superior Coin off exchanges here https://www.change.org/p/nathan-senn-keep-superior-coin-off-public-exchanges-4289255d-1075-4cbc-ba1b-6c05a66cda74
Be careful to sell this currency quickly otherwise you could easily lose money

[cryptomaster91]

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=136785.0 chillywilly (Pending)

^^ This one is def. some sort of wierd scam he even PM's you lol....

He just asked for a BTC0.5 loan, then got all mad and quit the forum (or something). He seemed pretty desperate to get a loan from anyone.

He exhibits multiple characteristics of the typical scammer to boot.  On top of that, if he has to beg for a half a Bitcoin for nearly a week, chances are high he's not going to be able to come up with another half a Bitcoin to pay back.

jesus, who is going to be stupid enough to loan 0.5 bitcoins to a stranger .