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
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 Bit
tcointalk.org or Bitcoin
ttalk.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
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=276897.05.
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 whatsoeverThe 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.
