GoldBits - Newbie scammer

[GoldBits]

Usual scammer profile applies -

Newbie member - check
No trade history - check
Refusing Escrow - check
Wants you to send 1st - check
No pics of goods on offer - check
Goods offered at amazing price - check

1 of 4 scenarios apply -

1) Either he doesnt have the coin full stop and its a scam.
2) He has one but has no intention of sending it so a scam.
3) He has a piss poor fake/copy hoping to pass it off as the real thing.
4) Trolls couldn't stop me from selling my coin for 4BTC

http://img4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120101114931/nonsensopedia/images/3/31/So-much-win.png

[1714738767]

1714738767

[markj113]

Stopping scammers is not being a troll 

[elianite]

Just post the messages here if you want but he was deleting most posts in that thread. The guy who he sold to is very likely an alt but the bars and coins could very well be fake. You can buy the fake gold bars on ebay easily enough.

I assure you I am not an alt.
Check out my eBook that I have in my signature about Casascius coins. Im well known on the trade forums.

This is honestly getting ridiculous. Is it so difficult to believe that I can make a judgement call on a matter like this and take a risk that I see as worth taking?

The viciousness of this forum...

[hilariousandco]

You can take the risk and make the judgement however you want but we can also make a judgement on that. There's nothing ridiculous here apart from you dealing with him without escrow especially when he has all the hallmarks of a scammer. It's a silly call to send money to a complete newb like this and I cannot fathom why you would take that risk.

[Blazed]

It is always guilty until proven innocent here unfortunately. I do see one flaw in the system though, and that is for a new user to trust someone they do not know for escrow. That said I wouldn't have personally sent that guy 4BTC upfront for an amazing deal on gold though...same with these Amazon guys with amazing rates.

[BitcoinDistributor]

Oh lord, someone actually sent 4 BTC to this guy without escrow...wow.

God I don't believe it.

[the joint]

It is always guilty until proven innocent here unfortunately. I do see one flaw in the system though, and that is for a new user to trust someone they do not know for escrow. That said I wouldn't have personally sent that guy 4BTC upfront for an amazing deal deal on gold though...same with these Amazon guys with amazing rates.

As a seller, that is my problem with escrow:  It adds an unnecessary layer of trust for me.  Granted, my reputation is nowhere near as strong as some others on this forum, but at a certain point, the need for escrow becomes blurred.  As a buyer, do you wish to trust one person with a positive reputation, or do you wish to trust two?

Also, ironically, the buyer who agreed to send 4 BTC because he is "convinced" the seller is legitimate has come under my microscope.  I wouldn't rule out the possibility of a trusted member going to great lengths to create a seemingly-credible alt account in order to use it to scam others.  For example:  Step 1) Establish, build, and maintain credibility of primary account, Step 2) create alt-account at a future date, Step 3) act suspicious toward alt account and stage a transaction in order to establish credibility of the alt account, Step 4) use alt account to scam in future without raising suspicion against the primary account, Step 5) Profit. 

I wouldn't normally assume this as a possibility, but when the first transaction is for 1 oz. gold, I have to raise an eyebrow.  The general outcome of a successful first transaction of this nature is that many people will likely assume that the chances of being scammed by the same account for any amount less than 1 oz. gold is low.  This gives the account free reign to scam up to the value of ~1 oz. gold at which the precedent was set.

[elianite]

As a seller, that is my problem with escrow:  It adds an unnecessary layer of trust for me.  Granted, my reputation is nowhere near as strong as some others on this forum, but at a certain point, the need for escrow becomes blurred.  As a buyer, do you wish to trust one person with a positive reputation, or do you wish to trust two?

Also, ironically, the buyer who agreed to send 4 BTC because he is "convinced" the seller is legitimate has come under my microscope.  I wouldn't rule out the possibility of a trusted member going to great lengths to create a seemingly-credible alt account in order to use it to scam others.  For example:  Step 1) Establish, build, and maintain credibility of primary account, Step 2) create alt-account at a future date, Step 3) act suspicious toward alt account and stage a transaction in order to establish credibility of the alt account, Step 4) use alt account to scam in future without raising suspicion against the primary account, Step 5) Profit. 

I wouldn't normally assume this as a possibility, but when the first transaction is for 1 oz. gold, I have to raise an eyebrow.  The general outcome of a successful first transaction of this nature is that many people will likely assume that the chances of being scammed by the same account for any amount less than 1 oz. gold is low.  This gives the account free reign to scam up to the value of ~1 oz. gold at which the precedent was set.

I really can't blame you.

If it ever does come down to it, I would be willing to share my correspondence with GoldBits, minus my address with some trusted member. (which I suppose I could have faked with great effort..)
I almost backed out of the deal, but since GB was willing to pre-purchase the Canada Post mailing slip which provided me the tracking info, I am confident that he can be tracked down by it should a fraud investigation be launched. I know he used a credit card to pay also, for example (all traceable). The post office where he dropped it off would also have cameras, aiding in identifying the fraudster. Had the seller been located outside Canada, I would not have done the deal.

I never suspected that I myself would go under the microscope for doing the transaction; frankly if I knew there would be this much chatter, I wouldn't have gotten involved beyond the initial advice I gave.

[Quickseller]

As a seller, that is my problem with escrow:  It adds an unnecessary layer of trust for me.  Granted, my reputation is nowhere near as strong as some others on this forum, but at a certain point, the need for escrow becomes blurred.  As a buyer, do you wish to trust one person with a positive reputation, or do you wish to trust two?

Also, ironically, the buyer who agreed to send 4 BTC because he is "convinced" the seller is legitimate has come under my microscope.  I wouldn't rule out the possibility of a trusted member going to great lengths to create a seemingly-credible alt account in order to use it to scam others.  For example:  Step 1) Establish, build, and maintain credibility of primary account, Step 2) create alt-account at a future date, Step 3) act suspicious toward alt account and stage a transaction in order to establish credibility of the alt account, Step 4) use alt account to scam in future without raising suspicion against the primary account, Step 5) Profit. 

I wouldn't normally assume this as a possibility, but when the first transaction is for 1 oz. gold, I have to raise an eyebrow.  The general outcome of a successful first transaction of this nature is that many people will likely assume that the chances of being scammed by the same account for any amount less than 1 oz. gold is low.  This gives the account free reign to scam up to the value of ~1 oz. gold at which the precedent was set.

I really can't blame you.

If it ever does come down to it, I would be willing to share my correspondence with GoldBits, minus my address with some trusted member. (which I suppose I could have faked with great effort..)
I almost backed out of the deal, but since GB was willing to pre-purchase the Canada Post mailing slip which provided me the tracking info, I am confident that he can be tracked down by it should a fraud investigation be launched. I know he used a credit card to pay also, for example (all traceable). The post office where he dropped it off would also have cameras, aiding in identifying the fraudster. Had the seller been located outside Canada, I would not have done the deal.

I never suspected that I myself would go under the microscope for doing the transaction; frankly if I knew there would be this much chatter, I wouldn't have gotten involved beyond the initial advice I gave.

is it not possible to use a VCC that was purchased on the forum to buy postage? The same question with a stolen credit card?

[elianite]

is it not possible to use a VCC that was purchased on the forum to buy postage? The same question with a stolen credit card?

of course. Its possible ill post here tomorrow that OP is indeed a scammer, and that im a dum-dum. I truly hope that wont be the case.
my 'verification' wasn't airtight; I took a risk with a solid payoff if my intuition proves correct.

The package is now showing in the tracking system.

I wont keep feeding this fire until I receive the package tomorrow. Ill update you all asap when I do.

[Quickseller]

is it not possible to use a VCC that was purchased on the forum to buy postage? The same question with a stolen credit card?

of course. Its possible ill post here tomorrow that OP is indeed a scammer, and that im a dum-dum. I truly hope that wont be the case.
my 'verification' wasn't airtight; I took a risk with a solid payoff if my intuition proves correct.

The package is now showing in the tracking system.

I wont keep feeding this fire until I receive the package tomorrow. Ill update you all asap when I do.

well I asked for a tracking number on his sales thread but to no surprise it was delated.

So I will ask here: do you have the tracking number (in other words what is the tracking number)

[elianite]

well I asked for a tracking number on his sales thread but to no surprise it was delated.

So I will ask here: do you have the tracking number (in other words what is the tracking number)

GB requested I not share the trackinbg number "because that could be used to identify me through social engineering". Take that as you will.
I took a screenshot of the tracking info, showing times, etc (with tracking number scribbled out):

https://i.imgur.com/sj6KIBU.png

[markj113]

well I asked for a tracking number on his sales thread but to no surprise it was delated.

So I will ask here: do you have the tracking number (in other words what is the tracking number)

GB requested I not share the trackinbg number "because that could be used to identify me through social engineering". Take that as you will.
I took a screenshot of the tracking info, showing times, etc (with tracking number scribbled out):

https://i.imgur.com/sj6KIBU.png

fingers crossed for you

Are you planning on having an xrf test done etc?

[AJRGale]

Usual scammer profile applies -

Newbie member - check
No trade history - check
Refusing Escrow - check
Wants you to send 1st - check
No pics of goods on offer - check
Goods offered at amazing price - check

1 of 4 scenarios apply -

1) Either he doesnt have the coin full stop and its a scam.
2) He has one but has no intention of sending it so a scam.
3) He has a piss poor fake/copy hoping to pass it off as the real thing.
4) Trolls couldn't stop me from selling my coin for 4BTC

http://img4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120101114931/nonsensopedia/images/3/31/So-much-win.png

oh the dank of scammer is strong on this one..

seriously though, if i was in his shoes, i would have thrown up info on where it was bought, i'd even show x-rays of the damn coin

[elianite]

fingers crossed for you

Are you planning on having an xrf test done etc?

Thanks.

In all likelihood I will sell it straight to a coin dealer for cash, or however it works. Theres a big one in my city that buys these things. then Ill just buy BTC again with the money. Decent profit to be had.

[AJRGale]

fingers crossed for you

Are you planning on having an xrf test done etc?

Thanks.

In all likelihood I will sell it straight to a coin dealer for cash, or however it works. Theres a big one in my city that buys these things. then Ill just buy BTC again with the money. Decent profit to be had.

just as long as it wasn't this:
http://ansencrafts.en.alibaba.com/product/1926709572-213158681/Hot_sales_custom_2015_American_BUFFALO_Indian_Head_Copy_gold_Coin.html
or the dealer will make a laughing stock out of you

[the joint]

As a seller, that is my problem with escrow:  It adds an unnecessary layer of trust for me.  Granted, my reputation is nowhere near as strong as some others on this forum, but at a certain point, the need for escrow becomes blurred.  As a buyer, do you wish to trust one person with a positive reputation, or do you wish to trust two?

Also, ironically, the buyer who agreed to send 4 BTC because he is "convinced" the seller is legitimate has come under my microscope.  I wouldn't rule out the possibility of a trusted member going to great lengths to create a seemingly-credible alt account in order to use it to scam others.  For example:  Step 1) Establish, build, and maintain credibility of primary account, Step 2) create alt-account at a future date, Step 3) act suspicious toward alt account and stage a transaction in order to establish credibility of the alt account, Step 4) use alt account to scam in future without raising suspicion against the primary account, Step 5) Profit.  

I wouldn't normally assume this as a possibility, but when the first transaction is for 1 oz. gold, I have to raise an eyebrow.  The general outcome of a successful first transaction of this nature is that many people will likely assume that the chances of being scammed by the same account for any amount less than 1 oz. gold is low.  This gives the account free reign to scam up to the value of ~1 oz. gold at which the precedent was set.

I really can't blame you.

If it ever does come down to it, I would be willing to share my correspondence with GoldBits, minus my address with some trusted member. (which I suppose I could have faked with great effort..)
I almost backed out of the deal, but since GB was willing to pre-purchase the Canada Post mailing slip which provided me the tracking info, I am confident that he can be tracked down by it should a fraud investigation be launched. I know he used a credit card to pay also, for example (all traceable). The post office where he dropped it off would also have cameras, aiding in identifying the fraudster. Had the seller been located outside Canada, I would not have done the deal.

I never suspected that I myself would go under the microscope for doing the transaction; frankly if I knew there would be this much chatter, I wouldn't have gotten involved beyond the initial advice I gave.

Please don't take it personally.  As we all know, none of us really have the luxury of giving anyone here the benefit of the doubt.  I expect others regard me similarly.  It speaks volumes about the conduct here that I'm even entertaining what is admittedly a tin-foil hat consideration in almost any other setting.  I'm actually glad you read my post and responded to it in the way that you did.  I was certainly wondering what you might think of it.

[BitcoinDistributor]

I mean the whole way the guy acted screamed scammer. This is gonna be funny but sad.

[AJRGale]

I mean the whole way the guy acted screamed scammer. This is gonna be funny but sad.

all i required was better communication from him, instead of deleting questions and showing regards to accusations, even if he didn't want to escrow, explain why, instead of calling people who are asking about it trolls.

and calling themselfs "I'm an honest & reputable seller" with nothing to back it up really dug deeper into that hole..

showing legitimacy of the coin, would of helped, without being there with my own xray

[wayneyoyo]

I mean the whole way the guy acted screamed scammer. This is gonna be funny but sad.

There are a lot of red flags for scams. The risk of getting scammer is just too large with this guy for it to make sense to do business with him.

Any trader with any level of experience should know not to send money to this person after only a tracking number was purchased by the seller. Even if the seller actually delivers this time does not mean it makes any sense to buy from him without escrow. I would say there is a good chance Elainite is somehow associated with the seller.