Large number of face mask selling threads in marketplace board

[NotATether]

There has suddenly a large number of face mask "sellers" in the marketplace section.

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5244544.0
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5245436.0
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5245544.0
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5238268.0
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5243144.0
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5242571.0

Some of them don't even provide any payment methods they just tell you to contact them via PM. They claim to be representatives of chinese companies and ship to the US.

I am raising this issue not because of the sketchiness of these threads, as that should be obvious, but more threads like this will spam the marketplace board, so I think this is a mass spam issue.

[PrimeNumber7]

There are many reports of Chinese N95 masks being imported into the US that do not filter 95% of particles (as is required to be a *N95* mask) or are otherwise defective.

There is also a lot of suppliers of medical suppliers who have popped up recently that have shown themselves to be unreliable, at best.

I would strongly recommend against buying from anyone selling masks, medical supplies, or anything coronavirus related on this forum.

[YOSHIE]

I see this as something familiar and familiar to me, what happened at that time, all flooded the topic about the same thing.
For example about covid-19 when this happens.
Never mind face masks, gloves were sold in this forum, to gain profits for every member who wants to sell it.
Example:

1. Topic: Wrong usage of facemask and hand gloves
2. Topic: WTS - Military Issue NBC Hazmat Biological suit (+ Gas Mask & Gloves)
3. Topic: [H]BTC [W]CSGO Keys/Skins/Knife/Gloves

And also includes boxing gloves for sale here, this has been going on for a long time.
Example;

1. Topic: Selling 16oz Twins bgvl-3 boxing gloves (AUS only)
2. Topic: Skateboard gloves Flatland3d KNOX E-skate gloves

In essence, I think that while the member is not deceptive / honest in a sales transaction, the item is clearly sent to those who want to buy and does not violate the forum rules, it may be normal and safe.
Maybe let the members sell something that can be accounted for, face masks, gloves etc.
Yes, maybe as you discuss here is also suspicious: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5245544.msg54355964#msg54355964

Like everything else, if it's official and honest it's ok, only.
Don't sell face masks with other people's brands, it violates copyrights, can violate laws in certain countries, can cause fraud.

[TECSHARE]

https://medium.com/@jayparkmd/how-to-spot-a-fake-kn95-mask-from-china-d5219e7f0ab2

[ChiBitCTy]

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5239526.0

Not sure why my thread is being mentioned or bitched about.  Selling these for one of my best friends and not making a single satoshi from the sales.  I think if anything I'm doing everyone a favor offering masks/suits at a price you can't find elsewhere.  I bought a set myself maybe 10 years ago or so.  I'm not a big prepper or anything but I keep a mini bug out bag/kit and this is a must have for that.  

Maybe I'm mistaken and people are more so talking about the other sales threads.

[NotATether]

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5239526.0

Not sure why my thread is being mentioned or bitched about.  Selling these for one of my best friends and not making a single satoshi from the sales.  I think if anything I'm doing everyone a favor offering masks/suits at a price you can't find elsewhere.  I bought a set myself maybe 10 years ago or so.  I'm not a big prepper or anything but I keep a mini bug out bag/kit and this is a must have for that.  

Maybe I'm mistaken and people are more so talking about the other sales threads.

To be clear I wasn't referring to your thread, but the ones I linked to above.

[ChiBitCTy]

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5239526.0

Not sure why my thread is being mentioned or bitched about.  Selling these for one of my best friends and not making a single satoshi from the sales.  I think if anything I'm doing everyone a favor offering masks/suits at a price you can't find elsewhere.  I bought a set myself maybe 10 years ago or so.  I'm not a big prepper or anything but I keep a mini bug out bag/kit and this is a must have for that.  

Maybe I'm mistaken and people are more so talking about the other sales threads.

To be clear I wasn't referring to your thread, but the ones I linked to above.

I think I mistook some stuff overall at first read. I didn’t click all your links either..now having done so, kudos to you for looking out for the community. I got a bit defensive as someone who’s spent countless hours here scam busting and I’d like to think I’m also a trusted seller. So I was like wtf at first.. Keep up the good work!

[bonesjonesreturns]

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5239526.0

Not sure why my thread is being mentioned or bitched about.  Selling these for one of my best friends and not making a single satoshi from the sales.  I think if anything I'm doing everyone a favor offering masks/suits at a price you can't find elsewhere.  I bought a set myself maybe 10 years ago or so.  I'm not a big prepper or anything but I keep a mini bug out bag/kit and this is a must have for that.  

Maybe I'm mistaken and people are more so talking about the other sales threads.

To be clear I wasn't referring to your thread, but the ones I linked to above.

I think I mistook some stuff overall at first read. I didn’t click all your links either..now having done so, kudos to you for looking out for the community. I got a bit defensive as someone who’s spent countless hours here scam busting and I’d like to think I’m also a trusted seller. So I was like wtf at first.. Keep up the good work!

Let's be serious you were caught red handed scamming a sig campaign.

Don't  be shocked that your masks are not immediately assumed to legitimate over other sellers here.

Shut up about your scam busting.

Anyone purchasing masks from anywhere other than a trusted or official reseller needs to take all possible precautions to ensure their asks are legitimate.

[TIDOVEE]

In my opinion, I think since they know what the world is demanding for right now,they see it as an opportunity to still market here. It's like I don't see anything bad in it because we can also see it as opportunity to trade with out cryptocurrency afterall they are crypto users and secondly, the mask is an essential need around the world now and they may not have much medium to advertise so they see this medium as an advantage.

[Vod]

https://youtu.be/Yq7FKO5DlV0

A mask will not stop you from getting the virus... but it will stop you from spreading it to others, since there is a period you do not know you are infected.   Canada's health minister recommends everyone wear a mask in public.   Doesn't mean we are confused thinking it's protecting us.  

[LoyceV]

In my opinion, I think since they know what the world is demanding for right now,they see it as an opportunity to still market here.

I've posted it before: legit sellers have no reason to sell it here. They can call any company or even any country and sell as much as they can deliver.
Scammers on the other hand have all the reasons to sell here. They may not even have masks.

Bitcointalk offers the freedom to post almost anything, and unfortunately that includes letting scammers have their way.

[ChiBitCTy]

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5239526.0

Not sure why my thread is being mentioned or bitched about.  Selling these for one of my best friends and not making a single satoshi from the sales.  I think if anything I'm doing everyone a favor offering masks/suits at a price you can't find elsewhere.  I bought a set myself maybe 10 years ago or so.  I'm not a big prepper or anything but I keep a mini bug out bag/kit and this is a must have for that.  

Maybe I'm mistaken and people are more so talking about the other sales threads.

To be clear I wasn't referring to your thread, but the ones I linked to above.

I think I mistook some stuff overall at first read. I didn’t click all your links either..now having done so, kudos to you for looking out for the community. I got a bit defensive as someone who’s spent countless hours here scam busting and I’d like to think I’m also a trusted seller. So I was like wtf at first.. Keep up the good work!

Let's be serious you were caught red handed scamming a sig campaign.

Don't  be shocked that your masks are not immediately assumed to legitimate over other sellers here.

Shut up about your scam busting.

Anyone purchasing masks from anywhere other than a trusted or official reseller needs to take all possible precautions to ensure their asks are legitimate.

I had a bunch of stuff typed up to defend myself but then realized I'm pretty sure I'm talking to TOAA/CHunter    I missed you too bud.  The only reason you don't like me is because you don't like my buddies here.  You even said I deserved a second chance at one point. I don't know why you act like that never happened.

I am selling military gas masks/hazmat suits..not medical masks.  At least take 2 seconds before you go in to troll mode. I just feel bad for you bud..seriously get yourself some help.

[Cratoon]

Gosh.

Imagine buying personal protection items on bitcointalk, and from a freshly registered users!

Hope these scamsters will get a boot from the karma 

[Chrystora123]

Imagine buying personal protection items on bitcointalk, and from a freshly registered users!

This is the reason why "ESCROW" is so important when you do transactions at Bitcointalk dude.  do not be tempted by cheap goods or lots of bonuses if one party (seller or buyer) does not want to "ESCROW" 

[Harlot]

Aside from the bulk order requirement they have and the potential hoarding issues the seller is doing I would really worry about their buyers here. I have seen a lot of posts both in social media and news that since this outbreak became a pandemic a lot of masks products surfaced and the brand new ones have issues about not reaching the standards for a 3-PLY masks, N95 mask and other types of masks required for this pandemic. So even if they are selling mask and have it available I would still avoid them because of the issues about the quality of them also if you buy a substandard quality masks you are literally buying no protection at all, this just gives you a impression that you are safe with them.

[Mrengage]

There has suddenly a large number of face mask "sellers" in the marketplace section.

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5244544.0
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5245436.0
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5245544.0
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5238268.0
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5243144.0
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5242571.0

Some of them don't even provide any payment methods they just tell you to contact them via PM. They claim to be representatives of chinese companies and ship to the US.

I am raising this issue not because of the sketchiness of these threads, as that should be obvious, but more threads like this will spam the marketplace board, so I think this is a mass spam issue.

I believe the administrators who are in charge of this forum should do something about it. I mean why will someone even fall for this kind of spam of buying a nurse Mask online. Out here in Africa Nigeria as a whole we have tailors who even went extra miles to make hand made nose mask of different kind of designs with cottons or cloth materials.

[Miztro]

There are many reports of Chinese N95 masks being imported into the US that do not filter 95% of particles (as is required to be a *N95* mask) or are otherwise defective.

There is also a lot of suppliers of medical suppliers who have popped up recently that have shown themselves to be unreliable, at best.

I would strongly recommend against buying from anyone selling masks, medical supplies, or anything coronavirus related on this forum.

They just gotta make that hustle man, unfortunately it is what it is. There have been several investigations into that n95 reliability and for a lot of chinese masks its complete BS and they just get a peice of fabric and plaster n95 onto it.

[xxjumperxx]

To be honest I dont see a problem here if the masks are legit!
They are sellers looking to make a few bucks and they were/are selling when there was a shortage of masks.

Supply and Demand makes the price, if you need a mask right now and can't find them anywhere you're willing to pay more...

[NotATether]

To be honest I dont see a problem here if the masks are legit!
They are sellers looking to make a few bucks and they were/are selling when there was a shortage of masks.

Supply and Demand makes the price, if you need a mask right now and can't find them anywhere you're willing to pay more...

The problem is that most of these threads don't even have contact information so it is impossible to verify whether they are legit or not.

[NavI_027]

To be honest I dont see a problem here if the masks are legit!
They are sellers looking to make a few bucks and they were/are selling when there was a shortage of masks.

Supply and Demand makes the price, if you need a mask right now and can't find them anywhere you're willing to pay more...

The problem is that most of these threads don't even have contact information so it is impossible to verify whether they are legit or not.

Well I guess the only way left for us to know whether they are scam or not is if someone raise a complaint. For now, let's give the benefit of the doubt.

But honestly, I think chances for them to get customers is small especially that washable face masks can already do the job of protecting you from the virus unless you are a frontliner who are having a direct contact with the patient.