Bitcointalk is an extension of the asset bitcoin and as such, it is filled with scams and fraud attempts. And every user has to protect themselves and their assets.
Scams are unmoderated by the forum, but there are the trust and a flag system in place to protect users from falling victim to scams.
Suspected scams are posted on the
scam accusation board.While proven scam requires direct action like a negative feedback or a flag against that account.
(Check out my guide for the flag system-
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5156835.msg51544945#msg51544945).
When checking the trust feedback of a user to determine their overall trustworthiness and reputation, it is important to check the dates which are recorded on every feedback. Then do further research on the account activity and also the activity of the member who left the feedback
Feedbacks could be appropriate at a time, but become irrelevant or misleading at a later period. For example, if a user received positive feedback in 2015 and went into a period of inactivity, and the account woke up sometime this year, that positive feedback should be taken with bags of salt or completely disregarded as:
The account could have changed hands
The user could have gone through a real-life situation that would change their reactions to certain situations etc.
Also, users who give negative/positive feedback could have become inactive and would not be able to update it should there be any update on the account.
Instead of going into trades with such users on the basis of their trust rating;
Do basic research on the relevant ratings
Monitor the account and apply extreme caution. Even if an account does not have a negative rating:
always apply extreme caution when dealing with a user on the internet.
Stay safe when dealing with cryptocurrency
