Topic: Independent scam investigations (Read 4836 times)

I agree, even if it was only a private ftp repository where we have a few seperate directories for 'new investigations', 'finished investogations', and each investigation having its own subfolders in each. Main directory should have a short roster and list of investigations and indicate their status.

I'm still interested in a site or something where we can find out what threads/users need research done on them. I'd like to help out.

Again, rjk, you show your igrnorance. Just because an admin CAN access data doesn't mean he would, should, or will.  I have administrated more than my fair share of user data over the years, and it's a simple rule in my book before I look through anyone's personal data I have special access to: legally binding order - nothing short. I will not violate people's private communications for any reason. It is wrong, and troublesome for all parties involved.

I appreciate the CP comment, too. Nice way to slyly associate that - I'm sure your just kidding matters. I see why you're well ignored. I will do that from now on.

So, by this I'm to understand that you will read private messages with probable cause? While I respect your position (and think highly of how you conduct yourself with your responsibilites), I'm definitely not ok with this.

No actual shit, dummy, why wouldn't an administrator have access to PMs? Even if you designed a system that had no easy GUI to do it, you could still read them with a proper commandline SQL query, it just would be a little more difficult. I can't believe you would think otherwise.

Whoops, guruvan is about to get busted for trading cp via the forum PM system, just kidding.

No actual shit, dummy, why wouldn't an administrator have access to PMs? Even if you designed a system that had no easy GUI to do it, you could still read them with a proper commandline SQL query, it just would be a little more difficult. I can't believe you would think otherwise.

It is my understanding that theymos won't read any PM unless he already has a copy of the PM that was revealed by one of the parties involved. All he does is verify that the copy of the PM wasn't modified.

This is the reason why we always have to ask someone involved for a copy of all correspondence when we get a scam report.

If you're worried about him snooping on your PMs, though, feel free to GPG encrypt your communications or use an external messaging system. That being said, I don't know how theymos would have the time to randomly read a bunch of people's PMs, anyway.

So, by this I'm to understand that you will read private messages with probable cause? While I respect your position (and think highly of how you conduct yourself with your responsibilites), I'm definitely not ok with this.

I am grateful it is possible to ignore all PMs. Thanks for that!

So, by this I'm to understand that you will read private messages with probable cause? While I respect your position (and think highly of how you conduct yourself with your responsibilites), I'm definitely not ok with this.

I don't ever want there to be innocent people falsely marked as scammers, so I require quite a bit of proof before scammer-tagging anyone. Sometimes there are very clear-cut cases that don't require any additional proof, but often some investigation is required to collect more proof. Maged has been doing a lot of this investigation work (thanks!), but I don't consider investigating these cases to be a function of the board. I don't expect moderators to spend any time investigating scam cases.

Now Maged is busy, and people seeking to have someone scammer-tagged are finding that all of the moderators are ignoring them. What such people should do is hire a non-moderator to collect the evidence. Moderators have no advantage in these investigations over non-moderators, since only admins have IP logs, access to PMs, etc.

Scam investigators need to convince me that someone is almost certainly a scammer. This is done by:
- Finding conclusive evidence that the suspect has scammed someone.
- Compiling all of the evidence into a short report (not strewn across a huge thread).
- Posting all of the evidence in a new thread in "Trading discussion".
- After at least a few days of public discussion, send me the link to the thread with the evidence.

If you think I might have evidence that would prove that someone is guilty (PMs, IP logs, etc.), compile the evidence you do have to show "probable cause" and ask me specific questions that will clearly help the case when answered. I will not actually give you IP addresses or PMs -- I check them myself and give you answers based on the info.

I might be willing to give some free forum advertising to a reputable person/company specializing in scam investigations.

Ill grab the next one, pretty sure this one is in capable hands with panda.

Did keep an active on this thread since posting previously.

Awesome

gotcha and on it. Will contact you as soon as I get everything neatened up.

Oh, neat!

If anyone wants to get their feet wet, I have a scam report fresh off of the queue:
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/giftable-steam-gamesxbox-4000-points-minecraft-codefandango-gift-cards-83502

Start off by contacting all of the parties involved and gathering as much information as you can. I'll help you work through your first investigation, so let me know any questions you have. Also, be sure to "claim" the investigation by posting in the thread saying that you'll look into it or something.

The site just needs some final touches. This weekend was my wedding anniversary so I was away from a computer. I'm at my "day job" right now but should have something to show this evening.

I believe so? I think edd is throwing something together website/donation wise, but I'm available to train you guys whenever. And I would prefer to actually train you, since the process is pretty involved.

Yup! If any of you find a case you'd like to handle, let me know! You can start compiling the information right away, even though I'll send you the process information after I hear from you. For your first case, I'd like it if the report is submitted to me, first, before you send it to theymos. I don't want to trouble him with training a bunch of you guys, especially since you might get the wrong impression of him when he tells you what you need to fix (I've heard complaints that he sounds a little robotic...).

(swear word)

Ignoring all the bullshit above, I have been helped by a couple of forum members chasing scammers and otherwise non-paying assholes (and I've making payment where it's due).  A couple of those people would be useful to employ more regularly.  From a lender's perspective, having better access to enforcement and follow up would be useful.

So is this still happening or what? I'm still definitely interested in helping out. I won't take BTC as payment, but I can't guarantee I can drop everything to process a request.

This is just compiling information and then posting it for the admins/mods to review right? No funny business? I imagine a bunch of us can help, pro bono or not.