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So he either buy merits somewhere or those two accounts who just gave him merit is his alt so that he can qualify
I don’t think this can ever be proven with certainty because it is always possible someone wants to make the person look bad by giving merit to someone on a post that shouldn’t reasonably receive merit. Also, someone could be reviewing the persons posts, decide they deserve merit and give merit for the wrong post. I think in this case though, others have connected their account, so obviously those that gave him merit doesn't want him to look bad, on the contrary help him boost his account and be accepted in a campaign wherein merit s a requirement.
But I would agree though in your point. Merit can be used as a weapon, I remember one thread from a bounty manager saying he was surprised someone gave him merits and he is somewhat confused or afraid that those giving him merits has bad intentions (ruining his reputation).
I am still pondering how to tell if someone is selling or buying merit and my reasoning is a work in progress. I think it is best to look at the merit (send) history of the person sending merit and if they have sent small amounts to many posts that don’t deserve merit then they might be selling merit. From there, you can look at the (receive) merit history of who received merit from these people on posts that don’t deserve merit and look at who else has sent them merit and see if they have also sent merit to many undeserving posts.
I posted analysis of a case of suspected merit abuse here that didn’t get much attention, however it can be used as an example as to how to use the above logic.
I posted analysis of a case of suspected merit abuse here that didn’t get much attention, however it can be used as an example as to how to use the above logic.
Thanks for the link, it was a good and through analysis. Actually I saw another one giving 5 merits to someone, the exact merit requirements to be able to qualify on that campaign. However, as you have said it's hard to prove plus the language barrier as well. The post that was given a merit is not in English so I can be wrong here.
And thanks for those who help find the connection, indeed they are alts but as @Coolcryptovator has said, we need more proofs like joining the same bounty, before he tag these accounts.
