Theymos is taking illegal ads from a ponzi scheme - MakeBtc.org

[nrd525]

Theymos is accepting illegal ads from a ponzi scheme - makebtc.org.
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=450959.20

It's obviously a ponzi scheme. I'm not sure what his jurisdiction is, but it is most likely illegal to have a ponzi scheme.

I pm-ed him and got no response.

If the website was labeled as gambling it would be legal in some jurisdictions. However it is not.

As he is making money from advertising the scam, he is morally and legally responsible for it.

[Unluckyduck]

But there is a disclaimer! So it's ok 

[indeed]

If it's so obvious its a ponzi, then how can it be a scam?

I'm curious, do you feel morally satisfied when casino's post "Gamble Responsibly" signs? Or when your cell phone company condescendingly informs you "It can wait." with regards to sending text messages while in a car? Maybe if the owner of this website put a similar slogan stamped onto the ads, it would be alright with you?

If you're against all gambling, then I'd appreciate if your efforts were directed toward government sanctioned gambling. Lets put this in perspective. Millions dump billions into it and very few get anything substantial back. Someone produces small potatoes gambling that doesn't have explicit government approval and people freak out?

[nrd525]

It is obvious to me. It isn't obvious to others. I've got experience (from observation - I've never fallen for a ponzi scheme).  Check out my old posts on Pirate's ponzi.

[Tomatocage]

What's so illegal about the ads?

[01BTC10]

Now at least the donated bitcoins will be useful when the forum will get legal trouble. I can understand not removing the ponzi from the gambling section (even if it should not be tolerated) but now this forum really looks like a scammer haven.

[2double0]

Now at least the donated bitcoins will be useful when the forum will get legal trouble. I can understand not removing the ponzi from the gambling section (even if it should not be tolerated) but now this forum really looks like a scammer haven.

That ponzi scheme is actually really cool! Works so well and instant payouts.

[nrd525]

What's so illegal about the ads?

Assisting people engaged in fraud is illegal.

In most countries, the "I did not know it was illegal to do X" does not work as a defense.  And in this case, Theymos knows its illegal.

[RodeoX]

The mods here are not investigators who have time to determine the legitimacy of an offer. It is buyer beware with bitcoin. You seem to have done your homework and protected yourself. Others will need to do the same.

[nrd525]

That is the "I'm not guilty because I didn't know it was against the law" argument. It's like saying "I didn't know the white powder was an illegal drug".  Good luck with that one.

And for $1000 of advertising, he could spare 1 hour to investigate it.

[Sindelar1938]

It's his prerogative to accept ads from anyone he chooses, whether we like it or not
Up to us to do adequate due diligence

[nrd525]

I think it is pretty funny how people are defending the right of this forum to promote fraud and mislead people.  Given the fact that fraud, hacking, and ponzis are already systematic in bitcoin - you'd think people wouldn't want to encourage them.

It's all fine and good until you lose your own money - just see all the people who lost money on MtGox.

[nrd525]

This post was originally in scam accusations.  I'm not sure why it was moved.

For the record, I am accusing Theymos of being lazy or greedy and by his acceptance of fraudulent advertising to be promoting scamming.  The only other person I've accused before was Pirate.  And I've displayed concern about Bitcoin Rain and Patrick Harnett.  I'm batting 100% so far.

I think that supporting the small scam that makebtc.org is isn't the worst thing in the world, but it's not the kind of thing I'd take a risk on.

[SaltySpitoon]

That is the "I'm not guilty because I didn't know it was against the law" argument. It's like saying "I didn't know the white powder was an illegal drug".  Good luck with that one.

And for $1000 of advertising, he could spare 1 hour to investigate it.

You are welcome to sell drugs here as long as they are legal where you are selling them. Online Gambling is illegal in a lot of places too, its up for the users not to engage in any activity that is illegal in their jurisdiction. The world is a big place with a lot of differing laws. Theymos knows that not everyone here is from the U.S, E.U, Turkmenistan, you name it. You can't lump what is legal/illegal to the entire world. If it is indeed a ponzi, and ponzis are illegal in your jurisdiction, don't partake. If you live somewhere where they don't care if you want to invest your money into a ponzi, go for it.

[apsvinet]

Dude, did you even read the disclaimer below the ad?
You don't have to click it, you don't have to use ponzis.
Every sensible person know there's a risk with ponzis
just like gambling.

[apsvinet]

Also, if you don't like the banner and you're using adblock, just right click it and block it, and perhaps set a filter for all of those banners on this website.

[Predatorian]

Also, if you don't like the banner and you're using adblock, just right click it and block it, and perhaps set a filter for all of those banners on this website.

Yup adblock is really helpful on that kind of banners and comercials.

[RodeoX]

That is the "I'm not guilty because I didn't know it was against the law" argument. It's like saying "I didn't know the white powder was an illegal drug".  Good luck with that one.

And for $1000 of advertising, he could spare 1 hour to investigate it.

The problem is when a mod checks out an offer that later turns out to be a scam. Then everyone will be mad because they had an expectation that the adds are vetted. You just have to do your homework here.

Hint: Anything except buying bitcoin at market price should be considered a scam, IMO.

[apsvinet]

That is the "I'm not guilty because I didn't know it was against the law" argument. It's like saying "I didn't know the white powder was an illegal drug".  Good luck with that one.

And for $1000 of advertising, he could spare 1 hour to investigate it.

The problem is when a mod checks out an offer that later turns out to be a scam. Then everyone will be mad because they had an expectation that the adds are vetted. You just have to do your homework here.

Hint: Anything except buying bitcoin at market price should be considered a scam, IMO.

Why would you expect that the ads are for 100% legitimate sites when the disclaimer 5 milimeters below it tells you that it might not be?
Gee wiz.

[grue]

I think it is pretty funny how people are defending the right of this forum to promote fraud and mislead people.  Given the fact that fraud, hacking, and ponzis are already systematic in bitcoin - you'd think people wouldn't want to encourage them.

It's all fine and good until you lose your own money - just see all the people who lost money on MtGox.

it's hardly misleading or fraudulent when the ad clearly states it's a ponzi.

fraud: Any act of deception carried out for the purpose of unfair, undeserved and/or unlawful gain.

no deception here