Alright, so I've been PM'd by a few people what red-flags to look out for since I have a pretty good track record of spotting scammers. Sometimes I get it wrong, but better safe than sorry. Anyway, watch out for the typical behavior from scammers who will usually fit at least two or three (and sometimes even more) of the following characteristics:
0. Newbies, NEVER DO BUSINESS WITH OTHER NEWBIES, EVER. There are plenty of veteran members to do business with and ALWAYS use escrow. If you're a newbie and you're doing business with another newbie, there's a
100% chance that you will get scammed (or you're a scammer yourself).
1. New account (usually created within the last 3 months, plus or minus)
2. Low-medium message count with vapid posts of little to no contributory value
3. Use of a seemingly realistic first/last name as their forum account name
4. Signs posts with full name
5. Straight out of Newbie mode right into Lending (requesting a loan of course)
6. Straight out of Newbie mode right into Currency Exchange (PayPal, Liberty Reserve, Western Union)
7. Straight out of Newbie mode and selling gift cards/codes/Steam games of any kind (they'll often be purchased with stolen CC info, leaving you holding the bag later on down the road)
8. Any user blatantly claiming to be female
9. New user trying to sell an Apple iAnything
10. Sob stories asking for handouts
11. Never send to a Bitmerch.com address for escrow!!!12. Scammers
will try to scam you out of amounts as little as
BTC.001 or even less. Do not think that just because the requested amount is trivial that it's any more legit than a 1000 BTC loan request.
13. Any user who tries to get you to use escrow through Escrow.com is a scammer, PERIOD.
There. Pretty much in a nutshell how to spot a scammer. There's still some finesse to spotting a scammer, but these rules will separate most of the wheat from the chaff, so to speak. Oh, and I guess there's one more rule:
13. NEVER DO BACKROOM DEALS VIA PM WITH NEW USERS. Make sure all deals are negotiated in the open forum for both public record and peer review.Examples of posts that fit the scammer pattern:https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/wtb-100000-xrps-with-btc-229987 angie (Pending, New acct + Wants to buy 100K XRP and wants to see your address that has the XRP, but when escrow comes up, he logs off and disappears)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/requesting-any-loan-amount-for-24hrs-max-with-10-interest-227927 personABCD (Pending, New acct + Loan req, has a small circle jerk of new users that he's ping-pong'ing fractional loans between)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/scammer-liberty-payout-221204 Liberty Payout (
Scammer, Numerous references, just do a search on his forum name)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/1500-loan-for-2100-loan-payback-213754 Chalie215 (Pending, New acct + Loan req)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/i-want-to-travel-214277 Waterberry (Pending, New acct + Loan req)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/02-loan-untill-thurs-212603 badgerman (Pending, New acct + Loan req)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/cyberstef-scammer-alert-188645 CryptoTrader (
Scammer, New acct + Currency exchanging where you send first)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/n5btc-loan-188674 vivithemage (Pending, Old dormant account newly revived and asking for a loan)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/04btc-loan-for-2-weeks-186031 kidcudi09 (Pending, New acct + Loan req)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/loan-2-btc-185898 ashleysly (Pending, New acct + Loan req + Signs with full name + Implied female)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/looking-for-a-0122-btc-loan-50-interest-2-weeks-183309 theblazehen (Pending, New acct + Loan req)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/new-loaninvestment-request-181429 btc-escrow.co (Pending, New acct + Loan req)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/need-loan-to-rig-180757 barneyss (Pending, New acct + Loan req, Highly implausible story)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/loan-requestlooking-for-long-term-1500usd-or-btcltc-equivalentloan-request-180246 Slix313 (Pending, New acct + Loan req)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/need-185-btc-loan-173718 ionux (Pending, New acct + Loan req)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/invest-your-bitcoins-with-us-up-to-5-profit-a-day-171031 StealthyDamn (Pending, New acct + Get rich quick scam)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/1-btc-loan-to-help-win-an-auction-173215 brie (Pending, New acct + Loan req)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/small-trust-loan-172793 badgetman (Pending, New acct + Loan req for 2 BTC)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/m.1793008 Bitzing (New acct + Taking MP and not delivering BTC,
More info, Credit goes to
BCB)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/need-a-4-btc-loan-for-3-months-171613 nawazish1 (Pending, New acct + Loan req)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/wtb-4-btc-paying-via-paypal-gift-170446 zakolivers (Pending, New acct + Wants to buy BTC with PayPal. He uses a seemingly real first/last name as his username, so he's gotta be legit, right?)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/wts-bitcoins-for-western-union-169922 vitalemontea (
Scammer, New acct + Peddling digital goods/WU,
More info)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/--165884 Flux79 (Pending, New acct + Gift cards)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/--168669 lucyhiggins (
Scammer*, New acct + Wants you to link
your bank account to
his PayPal account)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/looking-for-a-15-btc-loan-167429 TreePot (Pending, New acct + Loan req)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/4-btc-loan-166991 refta (Pending, New acct + Loan req)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/looking-for-2btc-loan-166438 OMGBobMarley (
Scammer, New acct + Loan req)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/american-express-virtual-cards-166014 World Commerce (Pending, New acct + Reloadable CC)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/anyone-willing-to-sell-a-bitcoin-145234 RobertClemons (Pending, New acct + Attempting to buy BTC with Paypal acct that doesn't belong to him)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/looking-to-redefine-asic-163256 GoldenAngel (Pending, New acct + "Investment" req)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/5-10-btc-loan-planned-over-2-3-months-164166 Xnives99 (Pending, New acct + Loan req)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/looking-for-2btc-to-loan-payback-25-or-100-162204 DastanX (
Scammer, New acct + Loan req, Claims it was filled but probably won't provide a TxID)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/looking-for-1-btc-loan-2-week-10-161647 c0ikws (Pending, New acct + Loan req)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/requesting-loan-of-10btc-will-pay-back-monday-april-1st-with-10-interest-159934 ChickaDee (
Scammer, New acct + Loan req, Man-in-the-Middle scam, alt of
marketersales,
More info, Credit goes to
John (John K.))
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/looking-for-110-btc-for-avalon-85-ghs-batch-3-will-share-profit-of-one-month-159764 ffernandex (Pending, New acct + Loan req, I think this one was meant to be a joke though)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/amazon-giftcard-for-btc-158639 TheDarkBanker (Pending, New acct + Gift cards)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/wts-5k-okpay-need-gox-or-btc-closed-157764 instaBoost (
Scammer, New acct + Money exchange deals, iPhones for sale,
More info)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/i-need-2btc-will-repay-25-btc-my-name-is-very-well-known-154761 BitPanda (
Scammer, New acct + Loan req, Loan filled by another new acct
Surpbitcoin)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/wts-7-bfl-singles-154010 rockso (
Scammer,
More info, Credit goes to
Littleshop)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/need-to-borrow-10-btc-will-payback-20-when-it-mines-cancelled-due-to-a-hole-153203 Humanxlemming (Pending, New acct + Loan req)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/need-up-to-10-btc-loan-will-pay-back-113btc-in-2-weeks-from-start-date-152965 MoneypakBuyer (
Scammer, New acct + Loan req,
More info)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/wts-1600-microsoft-points-cards-143btc-152461 tacoman359 (Pending, New account + Microsoft Points)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/requesting-2-or-3-btc-loan-c-152120 Darkdata (Pending, New acct + Loan req)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/1-btc-loan-request-151995 otown240 (
Pending, New acct + Loan req, Nvm he was instructed to post a request by
kjlimo as a matter of public record)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/23-btc-loan-request-every-little-helps-151563 bennybong (Pending, New acct + Loan req)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/need-a-025-btc-loan-151398 whathe12 (Pending, New acct + Loan req)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/wts-100-starbucks-gift-cards-151195 kush1218 (
Scammer, New account + Gift cards, alt of
firstlady0524,
More info, Credit goes to
Blazr)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=94513.00 xavil (Pending, Possible attempt at a fraudulent private BTC purchase, Credit goes to
BCB)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/1-btc-loan-needed-in-seals-with-clubs-poker-150569 paysafecardbitcoin (Pending, New acct + Loan req)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/need-25-btc-installment-loan-closed-150349 Intueri (
Scammer,
More info, New acct + Loan req, Posting history seems to indicate a gambling habit)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/i-finally-found-the-loans-section-148593 UncleBuckRIU (Pending
*)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/looking-for-a-loan-146968 flavius (Pending)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/need-miniscule-2-day-loan-146788 d3adleavez (Pending
*, New acct + Loan req)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/wts-microsoft-points-xbox-live-time-games-for-btc-146362 OrangeVonPurple (
Scammer*, Possibly alt of
marketersales,
tacoman359, and
OMGBobMarley. Went straight to selling XBoxLive points.)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/36btc-loan-for-sos-car-accident-with-repayment-with-65-interest-in-14-days-145505 RHCwebhosting (Pending
*, Multiple red-flags on this one. Should be pretty obvious)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/1000-2000-of-btc-loan-145274 bluedye (Pending)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/swiss-post-box-loan-request-145219 nlovric (Pending, User appears to be legit)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/hewlett-packard-hp-pavilion-dv7-4110em-xe287eabed-repairs-loan-request-145225 nlovric (Pending)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/need-a-5btc-loan-147357 ironcross360 (Pending)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/i-need-a-loan-144992 ironcross360 (Pending)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/50-btc-3-rate-i-need-your-help-dear-user-145195 emma (Pending, May be legit, but as always use caution. See:
http://forum.litecoin.net/index.php/topic,1179.msg6757.html)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/seeking-18875-loan-partnership-very-secure-profitable-144665 tldoctor (Pending, Now that he's had time to get a few posts in, it appears this is a legit user. His initial timing of the loan request was a bit alarming though)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/need-5-btc-loan-request-will-repay-8-btc-in-4-days-144559 hiddenoreo (Pending, New acct + Multiple loan reqs)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/wts-40-amazon-gift-card-144582 jspring (Pending, Gift cards)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/wts-amazon-25-us-gift-card-for-083-btc-142104 flatlinezor (Pending, Gift cards)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/no-subject-143883 tantienstar69 (Pending
*)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/looking-for-3btc-loan-143415 tantienstar69 (Pending
*, vouched for by
audiation)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/need-loan-14btc-15-btc-return-10days-142058 koelen3 (Pending
*)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/2000-target-gift-card-available-141424 claire (
Scammer*, Loan requests (check!), MoneyPak (check!), gift cards (check!))
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=56835.00 SirChiko (
Scammer*)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/borrow-me-a-bitcoin-144012 realityfalacy (Pending
*, Might be legit but the timing of the loan request is suspicious)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/any-one-want-to-loan-me-50-btc-10-intrest-141739 realityfalacy (Pending
*)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/need-14-coin-loan-will-repay-at-16-in-two-days-141548 lakzo (Pending)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/wts-20-or-50-gift-cards-in-exchange-for-bitcoins-info-inside-must-read-141456 uhnonamiss (Pending, more Giftcards for Bitcoins)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/looking-for-350-400-btc-loan-140690 ridgemont4 (Pending)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/130-btc-needed-140846 KJTetc (Pending
*)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/5btc-loan-request-1-week-10-140933 blakbeard (Pending
*)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/4btc-loan-needed-thanks-140531 raven666 (Pending
*)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/3btc-loan-repayable-on-wednesday-with-30-interest-added-141039 cardinalG (
Scammer*,
More info)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/need-100btc-loan-high-interest-potential-guaranteed-repayment-140049 cardinalG (
Scammer*,
More info)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/10-btc-loan-request-140095 AndrewJ (
Scammer*)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/medical-marijuana-grow-150-watt-grow-lights-139935 constitution (
Scammer*)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/asking-for-up-to-5btc-loan-returning-3day-in-a-2-4-weeks-139727 itai3856 (
Scammer,
More info)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/iphone-5-139257 tono18 (
Scammer*)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/10-btc-loan-139398 tono18 (
Scammer*)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/looking-to-play-the-market-137865 thomison360 (Pending)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=88315.00 unkn0wn12 (
Scammer*,
More info)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/3-bitcoin-loan-closed-136346 furrycoat (
Scammer*)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/closed-137633 SouthernComfort (
Scammer*)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/closed-136941 JonMcAlpine (
Scammer*)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/loan-me-2-btc-ill-give-you-documents-136785 chillywilly (Pending
*, possible alt of
cozz)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/need-loan-1-btc-or-ppusd-equivalent-fulfilled-130251 Ploni (
Scammer*)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/25-btc-loan-needed-good-interes-repay-136282 marketersales (
Scammer*, Accused of scamming then "found loan elsewhere" but no TXID provided)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/140-coins-btcjam-loan-136306 teodor87 (Pending
*)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/looking-for-25-btc-loan-to-repay-in-one-week-at-35-btc-138807 shoopwooper (Pending
*)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/turmine-accel-project-need-multiple-investorsfinanciers-to-begin-next-week-135612 shoopwooper (Pending
*, "found loan elsewhere" but no TXID provided)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/15-btc-loan-135459 Marker88 (Pending, long-dormant 2011 account recently revived)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/in-need-of-a-loan-10-btc-high-returns-138131 Jakers (
Scammer*)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/closed-need-20-50btc-loan-136749 Jakers (
Scammer*)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/5-10-btc-loan-134835 Jakers (
Scammer*)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/6-10-coins-needed-for-max-of-2-weeks-1-coin-interest-131217 swc1 (
Scammer)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/btcjam-loan-btc-2500000-60-term-30-days-133052 leominer (Pending
*)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/looking-for-loan-of-just-3-btc-132983 AnonCard (Pending)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/btcjam-loan100btc-125-per-month-129567 SynOps (Pending)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/delete-130459 drakedog (Pending)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/requesting-30btc-loan-repay-in-4-weeks-20-129557 heart_mons (Pending
*, User has had one successful loan of 5BTC before, but defaulted on
another loan)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/60-btc-loan-rate-negotiable-134921 61197da925c1 (Pending
*)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/need-buy-72-gh-basic02-129615 61197da925c1 (Pending
*)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/1-btc-loan-to-be-repaid-12812-as-11-btc-129508 Dakster (
Scammer*)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/4-bitcoin-loan-to-be-repaid-by-11222012-as-current-bitcoin-rate-12-per-coin-126470 Dakster (
Scammer*)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/btcjam-loan-1020-investors-needed-133368 Roxyoursox (
Scammer*)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/30-btc-loan-btc-jam-verified-lf-investors-128437 Roxyoursox (
Scammer*)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/btcjam-bfl-little-single-128017 andrew12 (Old dormant account suddenly revived and now asking for a loan)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/looking-for-small-loan-of-5-btc-126819 pereiaex (
Scammer*)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/loan-of-5btc-needed-127143 quirky53 (Pending
*)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/10-btc-for-15-btc-in-return-123435 Crookid (Pending
*)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/want-to-borrow-1btc-repay-11btc-one-week-120647 Metta28 (Pending
*)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/loan-seeking-15-btc-with-96-change-of-5-roi-in-less-than-24-hours-122729 RantinRave (Pending)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/quick-5-btc-loan-asap-122668 Serenity.Sapphire (
Scammer*)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/3btc-loan-to-repay-35-on-1129-121136 pat231 (
Scammer* though I suspect he's less a scammer and more likely just really bad at managing his money)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/loan-to-start-a-uk-payment-gateway-119831 jackdavis1983 (Pending
*)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/30-btc-loan-for-2-weeks-122082 hobo66. (
Scammer*)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/200-btc-10-for-1-month-invest-in-binary-trading-video-proof-attached-121998 Ssoftware (Pending
*)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/need-a-3-btc-loan-120233 Bitcoinscene (Pending
*)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/still-looking-for-loan-119871 ChrisNelson (Pending
*)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/need-25btc-loan-asap-30btc-payback-119384 CoinCleaner (
Scammer*)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/wtb-17-btc-and-borrow-7-closed-121012 LionHeart (
Scammer*)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/requesting-a-4-btc-loan-119824 LionHeart (
Scammer*)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/btcjam-loan-11420-btc-id-verified-118514 Gretchen (
Scammer*)
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=99233.00 noobularkid (
Scammer*)
* Account appears to have been abandoned once it was flagged as a scammer, or became apparent he wasn't getting a loan.
Please note that the accounts listed above aren't necessarily or automatically assumed to be scammers. They just fit the description, so to speak.
Examples of posts that fit the pattern that were successful:https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/wts-amazon-balance-154985 Wardrick (Successful loan!, Little late on the payback, but he eventually came through, Ended up being a scammer anyway)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/asking-for-loan-of-2btc-for-2weeks-update-4-21-13-141182 hardup (Successful Loan!, 2.0 BTC, Several weeks late, but eventually paid back)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/looking-for-a-loan-of-05-btc-for-1-week-185004 bennett616 (Successful Loan!, 0.1 BTC, Ended up defaulting on another loan)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/looking-for-65-btc-with-5-interest-over-60-days-153274 Mosper (Successful Loan!, 15.0 BTC, but repayment had to be coerced from lendee , Turns out this was a scammer afterall https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/suspected-scammer-mosper-227232)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/need-10-btc-loan-for-a-week-for-5-closed-158761 shibaji (Successful Loan!, Used collateral, 10.0 BTC)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/btcjam-loan100btc-125-per-month-129567 SynOps (Pending, Due to the spike in exchange rate it's become difficult to pay back the entire amount borrowed at once, but SynOps appears to be making an honest effort of it, after further investigation, it appears SynOps was using a MITM scam, More info, Credit goes to Kelticfox Sonnyblack and Glooboy)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/4-btc-loan-141215 Currencevents (Successful Loan! 4.0 BTC, https://btcjam.com/listings/1573)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/small-loan-050btc-149335 Jenger (Successful Loan! 0.5 BTC)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/--137766 MoneypakTrader.com (Successful Trades!, Has completed a few successful transactions. As always, use caution, even when dealing with senior members)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/need-2-btc-12-days-136132 DPony13 (Successful Loan! 2.5 BTC, Ended up defaulting on another loan)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/looking-for-a-micro-loan-for-4-5-days-122658 xx78213 (Successful Loan! 0.2 BTC)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/5btc-for-one-week-at-10-funded-by-ffcitatos-123728 heart_mons (Successful Loan! 5.0 BTC, Ended up defaulting on another loan)
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/2-btc-loan-rate-negotiable-134918 polymorphous (Successful Trade! 2.0 BTC)
TLDR: Be careful before you freely give away your coins. From the evidence collected here, you stand substantial chance of getting ripped off if lending to someone who fits the scammer profile. If that chance is worth making an extra 1-10% on your money, I can't stop you.