Silk Road forums

Discussion => Newbie discussion => Topic started by: Pseudonym69 on April 19, 2013, 11:25 pm

Title: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: Pseudonym69 on April 19, 2013, 11:25 pm
I've been reading this board for a few weeks and last week finally decided to open a market account. I haven't logged in for a few days...  But I logged in today and have a three day old message from what appears to be a branch of the DEA. I don't know what this is or how serious it is so I made a new forum handle. I looked in to it and it seems to be some sort of LL. The names and phone number check out. The first thing that came to mind was an extortion scam of some sort or like you hear about from people that use IOPs..

Here is the edited version of the message with my info removed. Somebody please fucking give me some advice or repost this from an account with more than 50 posts because I'm sure most people don't frequent the n00b section.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear "**********", (Silk Road Username)

You are receiving this message because your IP Address (***.***.***.***) has been identified in the registration of an account on this web service. The purchase of controlled substances online may be punishable by imprisonment under federal law title 21 u.s.c. 841 and 21 u.s.c.844. These controlled substances are often shipped from foreign countries. With limited exception, it is a felony to import controlled substances into the United States under title 21 u.s.c. 952.

The Drug Enforcement Administration in coordination with the US Department of Justice and the United States Postal Inspection Service are actively and aggressively targeting members of online illicit websites for prosecution.

This is a Cease and Desist order for you to hereby discontinue any association or affiliation with the purchase or distribution of narcotics via this web service or any similar medium. Continued use of this web service or others in defiance of this order will be met with criminal investigation and prosecution under federal narcotics statutes.

If you have any questions or wish to make a statement in regards to this notice, or if you have any information to provide about illegal online websites or related activities, please contact the United States Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration Office of Diversion Control at 1-877-792-2873.

Very truly yours,

Kevin S. Rosenberg
Assistant United States Attorney
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THIS IS NOT A FUCKING JOKE!
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: saintgabriels on April 19, 2013, 11:45 pm
Hmmm....was the IP address that they sent you your IP address??

Certainly not good. Quick google search turns up other (seemingly) legit confirmations of receiving the same thing.
Clean house, and re-evaluate EVERY activity that you do. New handles, new computer, new btc addresses, new shipping names/addresses, new patterns, etc.
You're on somebody's radar and I'd be very, very careful from now on.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: BruceCampbell on April 19, 2013, 11:46 pm
This is somewhat alarming in my opinion.

Either you are trolling and are trying to frighten away all our noob friends for some reason with PSYOPS tactics, or this is a serious oversight on your part somehow. Can you possibly provide a little backstory as to how you managed to have your IP intercepted over TOR? Did you use onion.to or something?

Did you make the mistake of googling how to use Silk Road?

Have you made a purchase yet, because if not I think you might be one of the first people in history to get a love letter without even buying anything.

I'm sure being a member on here has to be a crime of some sort, but it wouldn't be worth prosecuting you over..

 ???

Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: scout on April 19, 2013, 11:49 pm
I would be interested to know how in the world they got your IP over Tor as well ...
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: dirtybiscuitzz718 on April 19, 2013, 11:50 pm
This hasss to be a bogus post. Liek scout said, howw exactly did they obtain your ACTUAL ip addy?

Cause if im not mistaken, thats impossible.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: scout on April 19, 2013, 11:52 pm
Also - did the IP address listed in that message match your real IP?
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: saintgabriels on April 19, 2013, 11:56 pm
Hey scout....Clicked on OP's profile:
Date Registered:
    Today at 05:14 pm
Local Time:
    April 19, 2013, 11:54 pm
Last Active:
    Never

...Last Active was Never?? How does that happen??
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: LoveLightFamily on April 20, 2013, 12:03 am
Think its possible you accessed the site insecurely?
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: Pseudonym69 on April 20, 2013, 12:09 am
Last active never? I'm active right now dammit! This account has to be less than an hour old. It's a burner account.

The ip address in the message is mine. I checked google for how to check my ip and it matches.

No mention of my name or address.. just the IP.

I've been doing some looking into it and it's almost verbatim against some of the letters that were sent out to the farmers market customers by the DEA last year. I can't find the forum post that had the text sent out in them listed. Same attorney and everything.

I downloaded the TOR browser bundle and have been using it lately. I use lot of regular clearweb sites like topix and forums. I have no idea what the fuck it is about. I have no reason to try and scare anyone.

I want to throw my computer in the river.

But why would they warn me before busting me? How many Farmers market letters went out last year?

Can anyone find a copy of those letters from the DEA from that bust?
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: Pseudonym69 on April 20, 2013, 12:14 am
found this on the shroomery...

Dear xxxxxx:

you are retrieving this letter because your name and/pr address has been identified with the purchase of controlled substances online, which may be punishable by imprisonment under federal law title 21 u.s.c. 841 and 21 u.s.c.844. These controlled substances were often shipped from foreign countries. With limited exception, it is a felony to import controlled substances into the Unites States under title 21 u.s.c. 952. The Drug Enforcement Administration is actively  and aggressively targeting these online illicit websites for prosecution.

if you have any questions about this letter or have information to provide about illegal online websites, please call the Drug Enforment Administraion at (xxx)xxx-xxxx.
Very truly yours,
ANDRE BIROTTE JR
Unites States Attorney

KEVIN S. ROSENBERG
Assistant United States Attorney
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: shroomaurora on April 20, 2013, 12:15 am
If the DEA is intending to prosecute why would they notice you about it in a message through SR ? It only makes you aware and gives you a change to clean your house.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: Oliveoil on April 20, 2013, 12:25 am
subbed
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: blink-420 on April 20, 2013, 12:40 am
how would they have gotten your username to message you?
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: shroomaurora on April 20, 2013, 12:42 am
Keep Calm and call Saul.
www.bettercallsaul.com
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: dirtybiscuitzz718 on April 20, 2013, 12:44 am
man, the OPs dick must be sOo hard right now, lmfao.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: scout on April 20, 2013, 12:46 am
What was the username that the message was sent from?
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: p3nd8s on April 20, 2013, 12:49 am
The only way they got your IP is if you used a TOR proxy over clearnet (i.e. silkroadvb5piz3r.onion.to).
If you use TOR and go directly to silkroadvb5piz3r.onion, there's no way they will get your IP.

Which software do you use to access .onion sites (and especially SR)?
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: BruceCampbell on April 20, 2013, 01:34 am
Hmmm...

Is it at all plausible that you've used the same username you registered somewhere before? Like.. on Topix or something? Because that would be fucking retarded.

Shit, there's a search bar in the main market. You can message any random ass username you can type in that search bar that matches an active account.

Couldn't some sort of "Alphabet Mafia" troll or bot sit on Silk Road all day and try different words and combinations from, say an index of the top passwords and usernames from database hacks or a list and just harvest SR usernames all day and run them against Google or something?

I've already read in articles that the government has been monitoring IRC chats in real time. I can't see why in some sort of fucked up way of social engineering and shady shit it couldn't be possible for someone to link a SR username to an IP.

Another question..

What kind of activity do you do regularly on your main browser.. (clearweb)

Do you sit and stream bootleg movies and torrent songs or have any torrent programs or you know, buy drugs on topix? Do you have a Facebook full of weed references and sit around looking at erowid or weird fetish porn all day or something that would register as suspicious?

Do you share an internet connection with anyone?

Because I think it's within the possibility of reason that it could be pulled off. Especially on someone who doesn't know what the hell they're doing and just tries to figure out bitcoin and Silk Road because they heard about it and managed to get on once or twice.

You need to know a decent amount of shit to fuck around on Silk Road and not derp up.

Either OP is a troll or a derp. I'm subbed though.





Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: mininggalore on April 20, 2013, 01:38 am
Could a vendor of embedded a PDF in a listing ?
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: BruceCampbell on April 20, 2013, 01:49 am
Silk Road is down and someone got a message from the DEA and terrorists...

There can only be one explanation..

Nazis. Illuminati Nazis.

Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: Pseudonym69 on April 20, 2013, 02:04 am
The username that sent me the message is USADEADIVERSION in all caps.

My question is why they would tip someone off???

I haven't made a purchase yet.

Do you think someone from staff can look into that account?

Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: SexyWax on April 20, 2013, 02:08 am
The only way they got your IP is if you used a TOR proxy over clearnet (i.e. silkroadvb5piz3r.onion.to).
If you use TOR and go directly to silkroadvb5piz3r.onion, there's no way they will get your IP.

Which software do you use to access .onion sites (and especially SR)?

Exactly what I was thinking. You wouldnt believe how many people actually use the .to address to access SR.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: TR0N on April 20, 2013, 02:26 am
I think it would be good if site administration investigated and could offer some confirmation.

Anyway, assuming OP is legit, you mentioned you "use clearnet sites". So I'm assuming what that means is that you are accessing clearnet using a different browser while simultaneously using Tor bundle to access SR. I guess you weren't aware, but you're not supposed to do that. When you run Tor, it is essential that you only run Tor. Running other applications, including browsers or any program on your computer that talks to the internet parallel to Tor can give away your real ip, and further, connect your Tor identity/activities to your real identity.

It's not hard to imagine LE monitoring Tor, and singling out the vulnerable connections, which would be the case here.

If you are using uTorrent or other browsers while you use Tor ... don't! Don't do anything else internet related when you are using Tor.

It's also a good idea to hit Ctrl+Alt+del, bring up the task manager, and close any and all processes you don't need before you run Tor.
There is usually a bunch of programs running in the background, some of which may be actively talking to the internet (broadcasting your ip)
close Windows Update (periodically talks to the internet)
and close anything else like product updaters, software managers etc.
Your processes menu should be down to a handful of items when you run Tor.

If you are only running Tor and nothing else, there is literally no way to get your real ip, so it seems you have compromised yourself at some point along the way.
Sounds like you need to be a bit (or a lot) more paranoid.

Obviously some house cleaning is needed if this is legit and LE knows your real ip address. Dealing with that dilemma should be your first order of business ...
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: MarcelKetman on April 20, 2013, 02:55 am
I think it would be good if site administration investigated and could offer some confirmation.

Anyway, assuming OP is legit, you mentioned you "use clearnet sites". So I'm assuming what that means is that you are accessing clearnet using a different browser while simultaneously using Tor bundle to access SR. I guess you weren't aware, but you're not supposed to do that. When you run Tor, it is essential that you only run Tor. Running other applications, including browsers or any program on your computer that talks to the internet parallel to Tor can give away your real ip, and further, connect your Tor identity/activities to your real identity.

It's not hard to imagine LE monitoring Tor, and singling out the vulnerable connections, which would be the case here.

If you are using uTorrent or other browsers while you use Tor ... don't! Don't do anything else internet related when you are using Tor.

It's also a good idea to hit Ctrl+Alt+del, bring up the task manager, and close any and all processes you don't need before you run Tor.
There is usually a bunch of programs running in the background, some of which may be actively talking to the internet (broadcasting your ip)
close Windows Update (periodically talks to the internet)
and close anything else like product updaters, software managers etc.
Your processes menu should be down to a handful of items when you run Tor.

If you are only running Tor and nothing else, there is literally no way to get your real ip, so it seems you have compromised yourself at some point along the way.
Sounds like you need to be a bit (or a lot) more paranoid.

Obviously some house cleaning is needed if this is legit and LE knows your real ip address. Dealing with that dilemma should be your first order of business ...

I was under the impression that unless your computer is compromised by malware, using other processes simultaneously doesn't compromise one's anonymity.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: mininggalore on April 20, 2013, 02:56 am
Some versions of TOR have a DNS leak issue; however I don't think the bundle had that problem.
It would only be an issue if L.E was actively monitoring your internet activities. That means are already onto you.

Why would the DEA send a message through SR.  ::) If DEA have your IP you would get a knock on the door or a letter in the mail.

O.P are you positive IRL friend is not messing with you ?
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: Not_A_Sheep on April 20, 2013, 02:58 am
lol I've know LE to be on the site for many months now, people better be careful, get linux liberte, rig up virtual computers with unique mac address, and wardrive for you connections, lots of places have free wifi now, beleive it or not using public internet gateways with masked ip/mac address gets pretty private, best part about Linux Liberte is that ALL network connections are torified which makes it impossible far any program to be running through your location based IP given to you by your ISP. But seriously people, stay alert, if the Feds have been on the site with multiple accouints including vendors I would assume and its still working now, we are winning the war. This letter seems to me like they are pissed off and searching for any little bits and peices they can get to attack any and all parts of the system they possibly can. This shows they are literally desperate to "solve their problem" (Destroy SR) As long as everyone can access the market with the highest regard of anonimity and safety I dont think they stand a chance in the world honestly.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: The Advocate on April 20, 2013, 03:02 am
This sounds serious.  Let's talk.  legalcounsel@tormail.org
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: GodDamnLochNessMonsta on April 20, 2013, 03:03 am
The only way they got your IP is if you used a TOR proxy over clearnet (i.e. silkroadvb5piz3r.onion.to).
If you use TOR and go directly to silkroadvb5piz3r.onion, there's no way they will get your IP.

Which software do you use to access .onion sites (and especially SR)?

Exactly what I was thinking. You wouldnt believe how many people actually use the .to address to access SR.


Wow I didn't even know there was a .to address. Good to know

Thanks
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: BruceCampbell on April 20, 2013, 03:07 am
This sounds serious.  Let's talk.  legalcounsel@tormail.org

Saul Goodman?

Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: thereefers245 on April 20, 2013, 03:08 am
OP you need to answer people's questions and list the things you were doing before this happened ASAP
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: ImAz on April 20, 2013, 03:26 am
This sounds serious.  Let's talk.  legalcounsel@tormail.org

Saul Goodman?

Better call Saul
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: TR0N on April 20, 2013, 03:31 am
I was under the impression that unless your computer is compromised by malware, using other processes simultaneously doesn't compromise one's anonymity.

Malware may "watch" you and send data about you elsewhere without your knowledge. That is the problem with malware, it has nothing to do with creating untorified network data. As I understand it, untorified network data is one of the more serious security issues. I'm no expert on the subject, but using uTorrent and clearnet browsers while using Tor is definitely not recommended, and is said to be a good way for LE (or anyone monitoring you for that matter) to identify you.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: mmmolly44 on April 20, 2013, 03:33 am
What the fuck is a market account?  I'm calling bs on this one.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: Drugs Inc on April 20, 2013, 03:38 am
Also - did the IP address listed in that message match your real IP?

something is very wrong. close shop and monitor the situation from afar.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: FunnyPowders on April 20, 2013, 03:39 am
While this would definitely make my heart skip a couple beats, I feel as though the Federal Government would not choose to message you over SR to tell you off.  I feel like a letter, phone call, or personal visit.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: SexyWax on April 20, 2013, 03:39 am
The only way they got your IP is if you used a TOR proxy over clearnet (i.e. silkroadvb5piz3r.onion.to).
If you use TOR and go directly to silkroadvb5piz3r.onion, there's no way they will get your IP.

Which software do you use to access .onion sites (and especially SR)?

Exactly what I was thinking. You wouldnt believe how many people actually use the .to address to access SR.


Wow I didn't even know there was a .to address. Good to know

Thanks

Every now and then we have some idiot come into the chat room and post a link to an item or vendor using a .to in the address... So fucking stupid. We try to explain to them how bad it is but most dont seem to get it. So always watch out for those.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: JoeyGPesci007 on April 20, 2013, 03:42 am
OP is a FED/troll.

Or the FBI or DEA had a go at a handful of noobs that will freak the fuck out and post in the forums and scare the shit out of everyone as a psychological warfare thing.

None of the above is good.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: gwendlesphere on April 20, 2013, 03:47 am
Hey guys, Chief of DEA here ^_^

We are targeting people on SR and, instead of actually sending letters or showing up on your doorstep, we are just messaging you on SR as a lil' heads up :3

Also because we thought it'd be funny.

Soz, okay? We didn't mean to make you scared ^_^ <3

If you have any questions regarding this post, please drop us a tinkly e-mail at:

the_cutest_dea_agent_ever@DEA-are-sick-cunts.com

thx <3
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: Cobia on April 20, 2013, 03:48 am
If you are using uTorrent or other browsers while you use Tor ... don't! Don't do anything else internet related when you are using Tor.

It's also a good idea to hit Ctrl+Alt+del, bring up the task manager, and close any and all processes you don't need before you run Tor.
There is usually a bunch of programs running in the background, some of which may be actively talking to the internet (broadcasting your ip)
close Windows Update (periodically talks to the internet)
and close anything else like product updaters, software managers etc.
Your processes menu should be down to a handful of items when you run Tor.

Is this really the case?  I was never aware I was at risk by using another browser for normal activity while TOR was running?!?!?
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: gwendlesphere on April 20, 2013, 03:52 am
Seriously though, even if this is a legit DEA message, consider it a blessing that all you got was a warning and nothing more, not even a knock on the door.

To be completely honest, in the grand scheme of things, they would never bother with piss-ant purchases, unless it led to direct information on large domestic vendors. They couldn't give two shits about international vendors.

But if they can't make a direct correlation between you and acquiring exact locations and referral information on the vendors you purchase from, they couldn't give a shit about you or your little half-ounce weed purchases.

Stress less.

Learn how to change your IP address, if you're using windows, wipe your HD, re-format your computer, re-install the Tor browser, change your delivery address and USE THE PGP SYSTEM.

If this is a TROLL, however, fuck you. 9/10 for making me reply
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: TR0N on April 20, 2013, 03:58 am
If you are using uTorrent or other browsers while you use Tor ... don't! Don't do anything else internet related when you are using Tor.

It's also a good idea to hit Ctrl+Alt+del, bring up the task manager, and close any and all processes you don't need before you run Tor.
There is usually a bunch of programs running in the background, some of which may be actively talking to the internet (broadcasting your ip)
close Windows Update (periodically talks to the internet)
and close anything else like product updaters, software managers etc.
Your processes menu should be down to a handful of items when you run Tor.

Is this really the case?  I was never aware I was at risk by using another browser for normal activity while TOR was running?!?!?

Yes, as I understand it. I was told about Tor and given these recommendations in real life by IT students. I learned about Tor from word of mouth. The concept makes sense to me and I chose to employ such safety measures since day one without too much of a second thought, but like I said, I'm no expert myself. Perhaps someone with some more credentials could weigh in, but I have heard this reiterated throughout my travels. I wouldn't mind getting it cleared up myself. Anyone?
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: SexyWax on April 20, 2013, 04:00 am
I was really expecting to see the msg contain a btc address to send coins to in order for him to get off the DEA list  :P

But honestly more likely a troll
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: flwrchlds9 on April 20, 2013, 04:03 am
Dear "**********", (Silk Road Username)

You are receiving this message because your IP Address (***.***.***.***) has been identified in the registration of an account on this web service.

Could the OP confirm that their *REAL CLEARNET* IP was in that message? Or did they check what their IP was from tor after they read the message?

if not total BS ;)

And yes, need to be VERY cautious of onion.to address, we have caught few vendors even posting onion.to links before for images and other info.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: royalblue on April 20, 2013, 04:03 am
I was really expecting to see the msg contain a btc address to send coins to in order for him to get off the DEA list  :P
ditto haha
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: M364M1ND on April 20, 2013, 04:08 am
Just reading a post like the original poster shared still makes me tense up a bit....

HOWEVER

When the DEA wants you, they come get you. They sure as hell won't send a PM to warn you. It isn't like this is drugbuyers.com and you got a 30-pack shipment of Xanax shipped from India seized by Customs...eventually triggering the infamous, heart breaking "LL" aka "Love Letter" aka "We got yo shit, I dare you to come get it biatch" letter.

Don't let your nerves get the best of you...

BUT

Clean up your hard drive just in case, and always make sure you don't visit the 'ClearNet' while using Tor. And don't make the mistake that SexyWax mentioned with the .to address example...in my n00b phase I did that a few times many moons ago.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: FunnyPowders on April 20, 2013, 04:08 am
I'm calling BS. 
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: jagfug on April 20, 2013, 04:10 am
I've been reading this board for a few weeks and last week finally decided to open a market account. I haven't logged in for a few days...  But I logged in today and have a three day old message from what appears to be a branch of the DEA. I don't know what this is or how serious it is so I made a new forum handle. I looked in to it and it seems to be some sort of LL. The names and phone number check out. The first thing that came to mind was an extortion scam of some sort or like you hear about from people that use IOPs..

Here is the edited version of the message with my info removed. Somebody please fucking give me some advice or repost this from an account with more than 50 posts because I'm sure most people don't frequent the n00b section.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear "**********", (Silk Road Username)

You are receiving this message because your IP Address (***.***.***.***) has been identified in the registration of an account on this web service. The purchase of controlled substances online may be punishable by imprisonment under federal law title 21 u.s.c. 841 and 21 u.s.c.844. These controlled substances are often shipped from foreign countries. With limited exception, it is a felony to import controlled substances into the United States under title 21 u.s.c. 952.

The Drug Enforcement Administration in coordination with the US Department of Justice and the United States Postal Inspection Service are actively and aggressively targeting members of online illicit websites for prosecution.

This is a Cease and Desist order for you to hereby discontinue any association or affiliation with the purchase or distribution of narcotics via this web service or any similar medium. Continued use of this web service or others in defiance of this order will be met with criminal investigation and prosecution under federal narcotics statutes.

If you have any questions or wish to make a statement in regards to this notice, or if you have any information to provide about illegal online websites or related activities, please contact the United States Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration Office of Diversion Control at 1-877-792-2873.

Very truly yours,

Kevin S. Rosenberg
Assistant United States Attorney
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THIS IS NOT A FUCKING JOKE!

Yes it is!

Anyone could get those phone numbers.

This was all made up to scare you.

Either that or you're full of shit.

I promised myself I wouldn't respond to another newbie post on some outrageous claim that "We're all going to get arrested"

Just stop the bullshit already.

The DEA doesn't warn. Especially a noob with no sales, purchases, or credibility.

You bored motherfuckers can keep entertaining these assholes. This is my last response to such obvious pranks.

If by some chance it's true, it's something stupid you did.

You can have IE, Google, Safari, Firefox-Mozilla all open at the same time, it makes no difference.

Geez! So many suckers! Maybe it's the drugs making you all stupid!

Time to take a break perhaps?

Me? I have hardcore drugs flowing into my mailbox. Real name Real address, for over a year now.

Fuck this shit!

PS DPR has NOTHING to do with this forum! This is run by a Simple Machine Forums, and it's open and unencrypted. DPR only is responsible for Silk Road.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: gwendlesphere on April 20, 2013, 04:17 am
I've been reading this board for a few weeks and last week finally decided to open a market account. I haven't logged in for a few days...  But I logged in today and have a three day old message from what appears to be a branch of the DEA. I don't know what this is or how serious it is so I made a new forum handle. I looked in to it and it seems to be some sort of LL. The names and phone number check out. The first thing that came to mind was an extortion scam of some sort or like you hear about from people that use IOPs..

Here is the edited version of the message with my info removed. Somebody please fucking give me some advice or repost this from an account with more than 50 posts because I'm sure most people don't frequent the n00b section.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear "**********", (Silk Road Username)

You are receiving this message because your IP Address (***.***.***.***) has been identified in the registration of an account on this web service. The purchase of controlled substances online may be punishable by imprisonment under federal law title 21 u.s.c. 841 and 21 u.s.c.844. These controlled substances are often shipped from foreign countries. With limited exception, it is a felony to import controlled substances into the United States under title 21 u.s.c. 952.

The Drug Enforcement Administration in coordination with the US Department of Justice and the United States Postal Inspection Service are actively and aggressively targeting members of online illicit websites for prosecution.

This is a Cease and Desist order for you to hereby discontinue any association or affiliation with the purchase or distribution of narcotics via this web service or any similar medium. Continued use of this web service or others in defiance of this order will be met with criminal investigation and prosecution under federal narcotics statutes.

If you have any questions or wish to make a statement in regards to this notice, or if you have any information to provide about illegal online websites or related activities, please contact the United States Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration Office of Diversion Control at 1-877-792-2873.

Very truly yours,

Kevin S. Rosenberg
Assistant United States Attorney
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THIS IS NOT A FUCKING JOKE!

Yes it is!

Anyone could get those phone numbers.

This was all made up to scare you.

Either that or you're full of shit.

I promised myself I wouldn't respond to another newbie post on some outrageous claim that "We're all going to get arrested"

Just stop the bullshit already.

The DEA doesn't warn. Especially a noob with no sales, purchases, or credibility.

You bored motherfuckers can keep entertaining these assholes. This is my last response to such obvious pranks.

If by some chance it's true, it's something stupid you did.

You can have IE, Google, Safari, Firefox-Mozilla all open at the same time, it makes no difference.

Geez! So many suckers! Maybe it's the drugs making you all stupid!

Time to take a break perhaps?

Me? I have hardcore drugs flowing into my mailbox. Real name Real address, for over a year now.

Fuck this shit!

PS DPR has NOTHING to do with this forum! This is run by a Simple Machine Forums, and it's open and unencrypted. DPR only is responsible for Silk Road.

I like you.

So true, though.

When the DEA are cracking down on you, they don't send you a little text message with smiley faces and love hearts. They knock on your fucking door, or send you a very professional letter with "CEASE AND DESIST" written in big letters somewhere on the page.

Troll/10
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: scout on April 20, 2013, 04:18 am
I guess if you had some shitty friends, they could troll you like that, but I agree that DEA wouldn't send you a warning PM.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: felidae on April 20, 2013, 04:26 am
fuckin lol

I mean its understandable that the dude who got the message would be freaked out a bit, especially if it was actually his IP, but I don't get how anyone else thinks that message could be legit.  Think about it for 2 seconds, dude hasn't even bought anything why would the DEA message him on SR of all place.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: yourekiddingme on April 20, 2013, 04:26 am
What a load of shit. There is nothing in the letter that is even concerning, just a bunch of weak words. Its obviously a fake, and likely someone savvy is pointing out how noob this OP is, that their IP was discovered through methods that they've used many times before I bet. Its people like the OP who will fuck it for the rest of us, clearly he has no idea how to use tor and the road safely.

As for the DEA signing off with 'very truly yours', come on, how stupid are you? The letter doesnt even sound official, it just sounds like a weak attempt to seem official.

What kind of agent would name himself on the road as DEAdiversionOffice or whatever it was, in plain sight for all to see?

Sometimes people get themselves so paranoid that they stop thinking altogether.

If the OP gets himself sucked in to this then I have to seriously question his practices and what he's doing to draw attention to himself and expose his IP (if it really was his real ip, if it even really happened).
 
DEA? No.
OP insecure? Most likely.

Fuck onion.to off, open up all the resources and reading on tor, pgp, VPNs, and anything else related you can find, download the latest tor browser bundle, disconnect off the internet, start reading and dont reconnect until you know you're covered...



lol, OP says funny things like
"I checked google for how to check my ip"
scary.
and
"No mention of my name or address.. just the IP."
If DEA had your IP they could work with your ISP and get your name and address, and take it from there, not send you a letter like that to your sr mailbox, lol.


You should have to pass a test when becoming a SR vendor on the basics, covering security and proper practices. Its these guys unaware that will lead to packages seized, wasting our time, and worse things etc. There's vendors out there who refuse to learn and use pgp, WTF? Does anyone even use a VPN and or VM, or does your ISP know you're connecting straight to tor?

Im not scared of LE, Im scared of OPs like this.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: scout on April 20, 2013, 04:29 am
IP:  127.0.0.1

^ would be funny
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: gwendlesphere on April 20, 2013, 04:34 am
IP:  127.0.0.1

^ would be funny

fucking lol  ;D
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: scientician on April 20, 2013, 04:41 am
The only thing that prevents me from immediately going DEFCON OPFAGGOT is the sudden maintenance and DPR's ominous "fishy" statement.

I'm still leaning hard towards troll. the DEA doesn't send fucking CaD notices for fucking felonies. lol.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: nottomtom on April 20, 2013, 04:44 am
I think I would start to get worried if we didn't have a post like this every week.  Reading this post puts me at ease.  When things get too quiet.  I'll start to get worried. 

Like someone said above.  Real name, real address and I'm approaching a year of buying.  If you can't handle the trip, minimize your dosage.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: super-silk-woman on April 20, 2013, 04:53 am
I the OP wanted to scare newbies into being safer it worked for me. I have done extensive reading and I havent heard that using a torrent service or other link to the Internet at the same time as TOR is dangerous. I prefer using Tails with TOR but there have been a few times I have checked in (only) with SR while using the browser bundle through Windows. I try to bounce around on other wifi signals to keep it confusing but now im worried.

Time to get smarter I guess. If 1 thing like this can come up it shows me I need to learn a little more before I do anything else. The forum has been acting a little weird on me today freezing up for a second and not getting the whole page when I click a link. Stuff that is probably nothing but that worries me someone is interfering with my connection. Is that possible? Is that how the browser would behave if they were?

If I get on wifi connections close by that I have the info too can the owner of that wifi signal (or anyone else) see anything im doing when I use Tor with Tails? What about when I use windows and mark the connection as public? Would a VPN be a safer way to get on then using random wifi signals with tails?
If anyone knows any of the answers that would be great.

I never really thought about the fact that alot of these vendors arent much more than newbies and that they may not be very educated on how to stay safe. Not knowing or using PGP? I need to start considering more about what the other guy is doing to stay safe thus keeping me safe. In the meantime I need to get back to reading more and learning more. Maybe a lot of us newbies should do the same.
*I just went to scroll down to post but the page stops just below this box! Thats what im talking about when I say the forum is acting weird. I need to copy and refresh to post.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: StickAFinger on April 20, 2013, 04:59 am
anyone who believes the person who says running Tor the same time your running a clearnet browser is dangerous and/or LE would conveniently send a SR MESSAGE to someone saying this needs to punch me in my fucking face.

i cant stand this dumb shit.  I am going to hate fuck my wife tonight because of you ass clowns.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: gwendlesphere on April 20, 2013, 05:06 am
anyone who believes the person who says running Tor the same time your running a clearnet browser is dangerous and/or LE would conveniently send a SR MESSAGE to someone saying this needs to punch me in my fucking face.

i cant stand this dumb shit.  I am going to hate fuck my wife tonight because of you ass clowns.

Give her the D for me, champion. Make her cry.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: Mysticalman on April 20, 2013, 05:09 am
people who find their way to this message board really shouldn't be trolled so easily.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: M364M1ND on April 20, 2013, 05:12 am
anyone who believes the person who says running Tor the same time your running a clearnet browser is dangerous and/or LE would conveniently send a SR MESSAGE to someone saying this needs to punch me in my fucking face.

i cant stand this dumb shit.  I am going to hate fuck my wife tonight because of you ass clowns.

You are on fire tonight! In every damn thread you are making me spray the drink in my mouth onto the keyboard and monitor. This one I had to give you props for bc I literally laughed out loud!
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: knexx on April 20, 2013, 05:16 am
It's "innocent until proven guilty"

not "innocent until they find your IP on a forum."

But yea this thread is ridiculous. 1/10
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: amv123 on April 20, 2013, 05:23 am
It is some sort of scam/prank. They wouldn't warn you. And you certainly wouldn't be priority on their arrest list.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: vashthestampede on April 20, 2013, 05:24 am
I think it would be good if site administration investigated and could offer some confirmation.

Anyway, assuming OP is legit, you mentioned you "use clearnet sites". So I'm assuming what that means is that you are accessing clearnet using a different browser while simultaneously using Tor bundle to access SR. I guess you weren't aware, but you're not supposed to do that. When you run Tor, it is essential that you only run Tor. Running other applications, including browsers or any program on your computer that talks to the internet parallel to Tor can give away your real ip, and further, connect your Tor identity/activities to your real identity.

It's not hard to imagine LE monitoring Tor, and singling out the vulnerable connections, which would be the case here.

If you are using uTorrent or other browsers while you use Tor ... don't! Don't do anything else internet related when you are using Tor.

It's also a good idea to hit Ctrl+Alt+del, bring up the task manager, and close any and all processes you don't need before you run Tor.
There is usually a bunch of programs running in the background, some of which may be actively talking to the internet (broadcasting your ip)
close Windows Update (periodically talks to the internet)
and close anything else like product updaters, software managers etc.
Your processes menu should be down to a handful of items when you run Tor.

If you are only running Tor and nothing else, there is literally no way to get your real ip, so it seems you have compromised yourself at some point along the way.
Sounds like you need to be a bit (or a lot) more paranoid.

Obviously some house cleaning is needed if this is legit and LE knows your real ip address. Dealing with that dilemma should be your first order of business ...

what about using tor through an Android phone useing applications such as orbot and orweb if you could explain that for me I would appreciate it i  use my phone for this
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: canuckboy on April 20, 2013, 05:36 am
Jeese this is so dramatic.  No need for a little excitement in my life. 
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: fatoldsun on April 20, 2013, 05:47 am
I'm not even high yet and I'm laughing my ass off.

srsly guys, it's just the DEA fucking with a bunch of paranoid stoners on 4/20... it's their way of wishing us a happy holiday.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: M364M1ND on April 20, 2013, 05:47 am
It is some sort of scam/prank. They wouldn't warn you. And you certainly wouldn't be priority on their arrest list.

Reddit is full of fun tonight as well!

******** CLEARNET WARNING BEGIN *********
REDACTED BY ME
******** CLEARNET WARNING END *********
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: Park Parkers on April 20, 2013, 06:02 am
Posting in troll thread.  -________________-
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: JezuzWazaMushroom on April 20, 2013, 06:04 am
This is why I use a VPN over the top of TOR, you never can be too safe!
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: Stealth RX on April 20, 2013, 06:07 am
I'm calling total bullshit too on the OP. After re-reading his posts, I can smell a rat. Here is some of the language that didn't seem right:

"I use lot of regular clearweb sites like topix and forums"....i am pretty sure the only people who use topix for anything drug related are either super desperate, underage, shit for brains, or cops.

"some sort of LL" and "a branch of the DEA"....LE or LEO but what the hell is LL?? and who refers to a branch of the DEA?? They're not a fuckin bank or one of the three departments of government (tho they prob think they are).

"new forum handle" and "market account"....who talks like this?? A troll who wants to scare you, that's who!!

It seems like time & time again we see posts from LE designed to instill fear and deter activity on sr. That's the only tactic that has any affect whatsoever. Well its not gonna work on me!! I don't know about you, but I am just gonna go do more drugs now!!

i cant stand this dumb shit.  I am going to hate fuck my wife tonight because of you ass clowns.

Nice going everyone!! Look what you made happen to this poor lady!! Ha!!
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: BruceCampbell on April 20, 2013, 06:19 am
Ummm.. 

LL is shorthand for love letter. It's frequently used in the online pharmacy community, and yes, even god damn Topix.

I didn't know the DEA had branches, but I think diversion is fed speak for diverted meds and narcotics. I guess it's all under the auspices of the department of justice anyway.

(clearweb)

http://www.justice.gov/dea/ops/diversion.shtml

http://www.justice.gov/agencies/index-list.html

Seems oddly specific really.





Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: meowmeeow65 on April 20, 2013, 06:22 am
Should never use an IP with your real name attached.  I really doubt the DEA cracked tor and then SR and decided to target you.  I have a security and infrastructure engineer on hand so, If they feel safe about us using SR then its fine...Plus the DEA wants SR's servers and employees, not individual buyers or even seller for that fact.  Lets be real here.   
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: Mysticalman on April 20, 2013, 06:30 am
There are countless reasons to know this is fake. If this were wide spread we would have more people in here with similar instances, and not just this one asshole.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: StickAFinger on April 20, 2013, 06:39 am
you guys need to shift focus on the woman dying of cancer that got her money stolen off of silk road post.

make fun of her. she is dying of cancer and got her money stolen.  comedy gold!
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: pharmerbrown3 on April 20, 2013, 06:55 am
I think the whole thing is a huge trolling effort.  ::)

Show me any drug user or drug dealer that has been sent a kindly letter in lieu of being arrested/prosecuted and I'll lend the idea some level of credence.  The DEA gets paid for results (arrests).  They're not going to get an arrest by sending out some strongly-worded emails.  Quite the opposite, actually.  To catch dealers they make buys from them IRL.  Over and over.  I would think emailing or writing a postcard to the local meth slinger informing him that what he's doing is illegal wouldn't get their desired result.

If SR gets popped then it will be from the top down (DPR and the bigguns).  Not from the bottom up. 
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: AbraxasRiseth on April 20, 2013, 06:56 am
I think it would be good if site administration investigated and could offer some confirmation.

Anyway, assuming OP is legit, you mentioned you "use clearnet sites". So I'm assuming what that means is that you are accessing clearnet using a different browser while simultaneously using Tor bundle to access SR. I guess you weren't aware, but you're not supposed to do that. When you run Tor, it is essential that you only run Tor. Running other applications, including browsers or any program on your computer that talks to the internet parallel to Tor can give away your real ip, and further, connect your Tor identity/activities to your real identity.

It's not hard to imagine LE monitoring Tor, and singling out the vulnerable connections, which would be the case here.

If you are using uTorrent or other browsers while you use Tor ... don't! Don't do anything else internet related when you are using Tor.

It's also a good idea to hit Ctrl+Alt+del, bring up the task manager, and close any and all processes you don't need before you run Tor.
There is usually a bunch of programs running in the background, some of which may be actively talking to the internet (broadcasting your ip)
close Windows Update (periodically talks to the internet)
and close anything else like product updaters, software managers etc.
Your processes menu should be down to a handful of items when you run Tor.

If you are only running Tor and nothing else, there is literally no way to get your real ip, so it seems you have compromised yourself at some point along the way.
Sounds like you need to be a bit (or a lot) more paranoid.

Obviously some house cleaning is needed if this is legit and LE knows your real ip address. Dealing with that dilemma should be your first order of business ...


Man I didn't know that. Thanks for the heads up, I'll be closing out the other programs now.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: GaryBusey on April 20, 2013, 07:02 am
Do I have to be the asshole that has to say that I heard one of my friends say something similar happened to him a few weeks ago?

I don't really recall the details but it sounded awfully similar. Although I think he had the foresight to use free wifi at a cafe.

And did you guys forget the Farmer's Market?

The DEA DOES do things like this. I heard they sent out 10,000+ of those Cease and Desist/Love Letters last year to users they identified as having accounts.

Personally I wouldn't worry about it. If they wanted to bust you they'd knock on your door.

I don't think it could be linked to an address or you'd get a physical love letter?

Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: samesamebutdifferent on April 20, 2013, 07:04 am
psyops troll fest.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: Park Parkers on April 20, 2013, 07:04 am
Posting again in troll thread

-________________________________________________-
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: GaryBusey on April 20, 2013, 07:14 am
psyops troll fest.

I have no agenda here man. Just happened upon this shit reading the maintenance thread and got a little spooked.

 :(

Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: RevDrGod on April 20, 2013, 07:16 am
I've been reading this board for a few weeks and last week finally decided to open a market account. I haven't logged in for a few days...  But I logged in today and have a three day old message from what appears to be a branch of the DEA. I don't know what this is or how serious it is so I made a new forum handle. I looked in to it and it seems to be some sort of LL. The names and phone number check out. The first thing that came to mind was an extortion scam of some sort or like you hear about from people that use IOPs..

Here is the edited version of the message with my info removed. Somebody please fucking give me some advice or repost this from an account with more than 50 posts because I'm sure most people don't frequent the n00b section.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear "**********", (Silk Road Username)

You are receiving this message because your IP Address (***.***.***.***) has been identified in the registration of an account on this web service. The purchase of controlled substances online may be punishable by imprisonment under federal law title 21 u.s.c. 841 and 21 u.s.c.844. These controlled substances are often shipped from foreign countries. With limited exception, it is a felony to import controlled substances into the United States under title 21 u.s.c. 952.

The Drug Enforcement Administration in coordination with the US Department of Justice and the United States Postal Inspection Service are actively and aggressively targeting members of online illicit websites for prosecution.

This is a Cease and Desist order for you to hereby discontinue any association or affiliation with the purchase or distribution of narcotics via this web service or any similar medium. Continued use of this web service or others in defiance of this order will be met with criminal investigation and prosecution under federal narcotics statutes.

If you have any questions or wish to make a statement in regards to this notice, or if you have any information to provide about illegal online websites or related activities, please contact the United States Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration Office of Diversion Control at 1-877-792-2873.

Very truly yours,

Kevin S. Rosenberg
Assistant United States Attorney
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THIS IS NOT A FUCKING JOKE!

Where's the Farmers Market?
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: HarryJohnson on April 20, 2013, 07:41 am
Standard cease and desist letter. It pretty much just telling you to stop it. That's it. ALL or any communication between an official office and their mark (suspect) has to be done through proper and authorized channels, especially if they issue the notice first. They would have never sent a message to anyone from a Silkroad account. Having the correct IP address is very strange and really makes you wonder if they are using different tactics and procedures now. Always be on the safe side. The computer you connect to Silkroad with BETTER be an encrypted VM. If it is not, then STOP USING SILKROAD RIGHT NOW. Make sure you ALWAYS use a VM. And people, it doesn't have to be on a flash drive. Just make sure it is fully encrypted. Once it is encrypted and only YOU have the password it may take a supercomputer 20 years to break it. And that is a LOW number. Oracle Virtualbox is FREE. No excuses. Common sense goes a long way.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: pine on April 20, 2013, 08:01 am
I think it would be good if site administration investigated and could offer some confirmation.

Anyway, assuming OP is legit, you mentioned you "use clearnet sites". So I'm assuming what that means is that you are accessing clearnet using a different browser while simultaneously using Tor bundle to access SR. I guess you weren't aware, but you're not supposed to do that. When you run Tor, it is essential that you only run Tor. Running other applications, including browsers or any program on your computer that talks to the internet parallel to Tor can give away your real ip, and further, connect your Tor identity/activities to your real identity.

It's not hard to imagine LE monitoring Tor, and singling out the vulnerable connections, which would be the case here.

If you are using uTorrent or other browsers while you use Tor ... don't! Don't do anything else internet related when you are using Tor.

It's also a good idea to hit Ctrl+Alt+del, bring up the task manager, and close any and all processes you don't need before you run Tor.
There is usually a bunch of programs running in the background, some of which may be actively talking to the internet (broadcasting your ip)
close Windows Update (periodically talks to the internet)
and close anything else like product updaters, software managers etc.
Your processes menu should be down to a handful of items when you run Tor.

If you are only running Tor and nothing else, there is literally no way to get your real ip, so it seems you have compromised yourself at some point along the way.
Sounds like you need to be a bit (or a lot) more paranoid.

Obviously some house cleaning is needed if this is legit and LE knows your real ip address. Dealing with that dilemma should be your first order of business ...


Man I didn't know that. Thanks for the heads up, I'll be closing out the other programs now.

Except TR0N, that this is not actually true. I assume you're using the TBB. Unless you configure applications to use the right port so they communicate over Tor, there is no way for them to broadcast your real IP or leak DNS. Your regular internet traffic and your Tor traffic are separate, they don't mix.

There are problems with running other applications. It's just that running them in parallel to Tor isn't normally a security risk. For example some common security fails are:

You may accidentally login to your social networking accounts or emails while using Tor.

Or you could download a file though Tor and open it, and it could call home, deliberately or inadvertently revealing your IP.

Or you could run software through Tor that leaks DNS. Bittorent is an notorious example of that, you should never run Bittorent via Tor. Separately in parallel is fine.

Or you could have LE spyware on your machine logging your keystrokes. I think you should be very wary of a certain closed source instant messaging and VOIP program that is quite popular.

In any case, I am pleased the DEA sends messages forewarning me in advance they have my IP. Gentlemen, it's been a pleasure.

Now I can disable all the bear traps, giant rolling boulders, laser sharks and R.O.U.S in the Fire Swamp. It was fun for a while, but you wouldn't believe the upkeep, constant neighbor complaints and other whinging, the insurance, on and on, it just becomes impractical in the end.


 
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: JoeyGPesci007 on April 20, 2013, 08:14 am
The DEA doesn't have the resources to bust thousands of people at once. I know a guy who got one of those Farmer's Market letters and he was obviously sketched out by it. I saw the damn thing myself.

As said before.. THOUSANDS of those letters went out to people who had accounts there. Big padded envelopes from the Department of Justice containing love letters and asking you to contact the local DEA office if you'd like to make a statement.

This kind of stuff isn't unprecedented. Those users were not prosecuted.

You'd be surprised how many people open PDF's in TOR or have torrent programs open while on TOR.

Shit, I'm guilty as hell for having multiple browsers open, while torrenting probably..

The only reason that would be sent via silk road is to fuck with you. Otherwise they'd get your physical address and you'd get a letter or a visit from the three letter mafia.

...

Maybe somebody should message the supposed DEA account and just... ask them?

 ???
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: pine on April 20, 2013, 08:21 am
Running Tor and also running other internet using programs at the same time does not by itself compromise your anonymity.

There is a special collection of circumstances that could produce problems, but information does not somehow move from your regular internet browser to the TBB. It does not happen. Different applications use different port numbers.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: Raucherpause on April 20, 2013, 08:22 am
Some wraparound.

Here are my variations (not in order of likeliness):

1. OP is DEA himself and wants you to think, that they actually can get your real IP over TOR. Trolling at its finest therefore. But it's unlikely that a non-ordering customer gets a threat while people who bought in for thousands of dollars (if you buy up drugs in the 4-fig range it might look like you are selling them offroad) never saw such shit.

2. OP is a troll who somehow profits from such a scare letter, may it be 0.1% change in Bitcoin prices or the avaibility of a certain type of drugs (like one weed strain from a specific vendor which is sold out within minutes and he tries to reduce the number of ordering people by scaring them)

3. The mail is from a guy who knows OP, and knows his IP through standard IM/Forums whatnot.

4. OP's IP is static and doesn't change every 24 hours therefore making it super easy to obtain if he ever mixed usernames on SR with any clearnet site

5. The Mail is really from the DEA or some dude who wants to be in the DEA and is more like a "happy 420 day" le



Keep on truckin'!
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: pine on April 20, 2013, 08:44 am
btw: If the DEA were able to compromise Tor it would be front page news at ... everywhere, but it isn't. So relax. :)
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: tree on April 20, 2013, 08:49 am
Or you could have LE spyware on your machine logging your keystrokes. I think you should be very wary of a certain closed source instant messaging and VOIP program that is quite popular.
You mean.. skype is a keylogger?
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: pine on April 20, 2013, 10:02 am
Or you could have LE spyware on your machine logging your keystrokes. I think you should be very wary of a certain closed source instant messaging and VOIP program that is quite popular.
You mean.. skype is a keylogger?

Yes. Definitely. Without a shadow of a doubt. The only question that remains is whether the alphabet mafia actually obeyed the law itself in doing so, or whether they simply have been using it as a tool of mass surveillance with keyword targeting. I suspect the latter and that they've been using it for over five years.

It's amazing people didn't get more suspicious when they found out they couldn't even delete their own accounts.

https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2013/01/who_does_skype.html

http://www.techspot.com/news/51880-microsoft-enables-china-to-spy-on-skype-users-via-keyword-triggers.html

http://cryptome.org/0001/ms-spy-takedown.htm

http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/skype-makes-chats-and-user-data-more-available-to-police/2012/07/25/gJQAobI39W_story.html?wpisrc=nl_cuzheads

http://www.slate.com/blogs/future_tense/2012/11/09/skype_gave_data_on_a_teen_wikileaks_supporter_to_a_private_company_without.html

http://wikileaks.org/wiki/Skype_and_SSL_Interception_letters_-_Bavaria_-_Digitask

--
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: motek on April 20, 2013, 11:10 am
WOW Pine just wow! TF it  wouldn't run properly and I dont use/have it on my computer

But wow ... I KNOW IRL someone who was done by the Oz feds for VioP to china for RC's ...they had everything :(

But  a "keylogger" as well ... shit


AND  that   " onion.to "  site must be scoring HEAPS of noobs .... It got me on my first attempt ...this is #3 :D and I'm "pretty sure it is safe" BUT I "could do 'batter(linux) and be 'safer' ...but for us ... coz we are small, the level of security we have seems adequate .... but that wont stop motek from learning about Linux soon :P  It must be done :) 8)

OP ..."cease and desist" :o

   Dude try WTF at Reddit NOT the fuckinn SR forums ::)
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: Fat_Speedy_Guy on April 20, 2013, 12:16 pm
I'd be a little surprised if Law Enforcement sent you a little "stop dealing large quantities of drugs please, or we might act on your activities" messages, will do them great favors in terms of any evidence they'll have should the pursue you, if anything if that were legit you might as well go fucking warp speed with your activities as it may as well be a notice of we can't really be bothered so as a last ditch effort re-think please.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: abby on April 20, 2013, 02:07 pm
Is it bad of me that I don't know what Topix is?
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: vashthestampede on April 20, 2013, 03:46 pm
Running Tor and also running other internet using programs at the same time does not by itself compromise your anonymity.

There is a special collection of circumstances that could produce problems, but information does not somehow move from your regular internet browser to the TBB. It does not happen. Different applications use different port numbers.

since you seem to know what you are talking about would you be able to answer my question for me what if I am using my android phone can using the applications orweb and orbot to access to Sr
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: pine on April 20, 2013, 09:29 pm
WOW Pine just wow! TF it  wouldn't run properly and I dont use/have it on my computer

But wow ... I KNOW IRL someone who was done by the Oz feds for VioP to china for RC's ...they had everything :(

But  a "keylogger" as well ... shit


AND  that   " onion.to "  site must be scoring HEAPS of noobs .... It got me on my first attempt ...this is #3 :D and I'm "pretty sure it is safe" BUT I "could do 'batter(linux) and be 'safer' ...but for us ... coz we are small, the level of security we have seems adequate .... but that wont stop motek from learning about Linux soon :P  It must be done :) 8)

OP ..."cease and desist" :o

   Dude try WTF at Reddit NOT the fuckinn SR forums ::)

Good! Others should heed that too: drop Skype, use Linux or BSD.

Encrypted VOIP is supposed to use a one time session key, which is then deleted after a call is finished. If you know somebody who had info intercepted then you've second hand knowledge that the crypto... wasn't.

InfoSec and opSec are a lifestyle, adopted by conspiracy theorists (often ineffectively due to being unable to assess an appropriate threat model, or simply having the wrong personality type), drug smugglers, hackers and intelligence agents/analysts and other people who have a clue in the modern world such as professional whistle-blowers, professional soldiers and cypherpunks. In this world, which is everybody's world if only they knew it, a tool is useless until it has proven itself. Guilty until proved innocent. Natural selection encourages extreme conservatism. As a result having the correct instincts is extremely important, because it is difficult to teach no matter how hard you try.

One shortcut to experience, because we cannot all collectively live like this, is to rely on second hand red flags thrown up by others with more experience than ourselves.

Take this newsgroup post by Roger Dingledine, the Tor Project leader:

http://archives.seul.org/or/talk/Mar-2007/msg00060.html

Quote

...

(I personally don't use Skype, because I don't know what the heck it
does. But for Windows users, I guess that's par for the course. YMMV.)

Good luck,
--Roger

Here is somebody who is not only exceptional exceptional intelligent, but also has the correct instincts. You've got an axiom of InfoSec there, which is never trust propriety security software. That post quoted was written in early *2007*, and signs of Skype's exploitation only seem to start in 2008 as far as I can tell. So that was the canary in the coal mine. It's a good idea to regularly visit the Tor blog, Schneier's blog.   

To be honest, we need a Darknet equivalent of Khan Academy to teach InfoSec/opSec.

Here is another interesting titbit:

Quote
https://trac.torproject.org/projects/tor/wiki/doc/TorifyHOWTO/InstantMessaging

New Advice (March 2012)
Skype

Skype usage is highly discouraged. It can be used for leak testing purposes as it's very good with firewall tunneling. Skype is closed source and users have no control over the encryption keys used. Skype can therefore decrypt and monitor communications arbitrarily. It is unwise to communicate in an unsafe manner over Tor. Skype also collects a large amount of personal data and reports back to a central server.
Source:  Skype reads your BIOS : http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/1010607/skype-reads-bios

Running Tor and also running other internet using programs at the same time does not by itself compromise your anonymity.

There is a special collection of circumstances that could produce problems, but information does not somehow move from your regular internet browser to the TBB. It does not happen. Different applications use different port numbers.

since you seem to know what you are talking about would you be able to answer my question for me what if I am using my android phone can using the applications orweb and orbot to access to Sr

It's fine. Both of those are using Tor. I would add this though:

Now - I don't like phones in general. As others have said: they're tracking devices that happen to make calls. But if you have a spare phone, ideally acquired with cash, that you can park away, strip of extraneous programs and use orweb or orbot then you're probably good. I wouldn't use your regular phone.

If you figure you've goofed up somehow, you can always drop your phone under a steamroller at some roadworks or something, and just like that there is no physical evidence to connect you anymore.

One problem is securely storing passwords, usernames, but I'm sure you can figure that out yourself.

Some people tell me that orbot/orweb don't allow you to disable JavaScript, but I haven't looked into myself. Ideally you should try to disable JavaScript on orbot/orweb if you can do it. This reduces the attack surface for you. Same thing for anybody using the TBB. It will break clearnet websites, but you don't need it when you're using hidden services. In fact a hidden service that requires JavaScript would be a dead giveaway as a place you don't want to go.

Is it bad of me that I don't know what Topix is?

No. I feel dumber just for knowing Topix is a real place.

If online black markets were a city, then Silk Road would be the Seattle or Chicago and Topix would be a 3rd world country like the DR Congo where the citizens occasionally eat each other,  but nobody gives a shit because it has become normal. It impresses on pine the absolute necessity for having strong institutions for our community to function optimally.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: John Gotti on April 20, 2013, 09:54 pm
Hmmmmmmmmm Didn't read the whole thread but a lot of it. Don't know far the discussion went but lets say this is true. They obtained his real IP address. Is this real LE? Or a hacker? And how did they obtain it? through tor? unlikely. Or perhaps something no one thought of like a compromised Bitcoin exchange tracing ip addresses and bitcoin addresses?
I don't think running other browsers while on tor would effect anything. This was phished some other way. The OP needs to go back a trace his every step he has done here.
As so me, ill just here to try and sell my manicotti recipe.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: tree on April 20, 2013, 10:15 pm
Or you could have LE spyware on your machine logging your keystrokes. I think you should be very wary of a certain closed source instant messaging and VOIP program that is quite popular.
You mean.. skype is a keylogger?

Yes. Definitely. Without a shadow of a doubt. The only question that remains is whether the alphabet mafia actually obeyed the law itself in doing so, or whether they simply have been using it as a tool of mass surveillance with keyword targeting. I suspect the latter and that they've been using it for over five years.

It's amazing people didn't get more suspicious when they found out they couldn't even delete their own accounts.

https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2013/01/who_does_skype.html

http://www.techspot.com/news/51880-microsoft-enables-china-to-spy-on-skype-users-via-keyword-triggers.html

http://cryptome.org/0001/ms-spy-takedown.htm

http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/skype-makes-chats-and-user-data-more-available-to-police/2012/07/25/gJQAobI39W_story.html?wpisrc=nl_cuzheads

http://www.slate.com/blogs/future_tense/2012/11/09/skype_gave_data_on_a_teen_wikileaks_supporter_to_a_private_company_without.html

http://wikileaks.org/wiki/Skype_and_SSL_Interception_letters_-_Bavaria_-_Digitask

--
Well I wouldn't exactly call that keylogging. It's just reading all your conversations which isn't that surprising anyways... Your articles don't say anything about Skype being able to record your every keystroke when not using Skype. Do you have evidence it's an actual keylogger or did you mean it just recorded your conversations??
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: BruceCampbell on April 20, 2013, 11:46 pm
Since this thread has so many views and so many subbed users wouldn't this be a good place to discuss how this could be theoretically possible? So even in that case, we make use of the troll thread or at least have a platform for discussion?

Like a war game or something.

Construct scenarios as to how this could be possible?

My contributions:

1. Suspicious internet activity/shared internet connection.

2. Running some sort of bittorrent or old school GNUtella based P2P program on a computer while on TOR.

3. Opening a .pdf on TOR.. (think zip zap payment slip.)

4. Open identifying tabs on other websites/browsers like facebook.

5. Troll post. Really good troll post @ 2,000+ views in a day. Psyops and forum disruption tactics.

In the theoretical scenario which the OP posted, it sounds like his experience with computers and browsers, etc. is shit. That could definitely be a determining factor. If you like in a major city and can wardrive that's awesome. But if you live in a suburb or a rural area I really doubt there are a lot of TOR users on your ISP.

Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: directdope on April 21, 2013, 12:30 am
i wonder why de DEA would send you a warning and not to raid your reception address
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: sofish89 on April 21, 2013, 12:42 am
The only thing that prevents me from immediately going DEFCON OPFAGGOT is the sudden maintenance and DPR's ominous "fishy" statement.

I'm still leaning hard towards troll. the DEA doesn't send fucking CaD notices for fucking felonies. lol.
What kind of "fishy" message did DPR put out recently? anybody have a link
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: sofish89 on April 21, 2013, 12:45 am
i wonder why de DEA would send you a warning and not to raid your reception address
for the same reason they send love letters instead of doing a controlled delivery for say 30 xanax pills..
Because theyre trying to scare you and dont have resources and time for a bust for everyone.
Although if OP is the only person that claims to get this letter it seems more like a prank from a IRL friend than a government agency
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: Fours222 on April 21, 2013, 12:47 am
where you visiting through .to?
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: motek on April 21, 2013, 12:50 am
@ pine   LMAO ...beautiful post, funny, informative

Thanx ..... and yes It was a person I personally 'knew'  IRL who had been bringing in multiple orders of MDPV from china...

He/they,  got got Good! (as in BADLY caught! all the evidence etc! PLUS skype "secure chat" transcripts!)  Haven't heard from him in a while!
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: phangka on April 21, 2013, 01:01 am
I haven't been through every post, so this may have been mentioned.  Would a Government notice really be signed "Very Truly Yours"?  I suspect it's simply an asshole, or possibly LE making a SR account and trying to scare members.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: fatoldsun on April 21, 2013, 01:14 am
What kind of "fishy" message did DPR put out recently? anybody have a link
http://dkn255hz262ypmii.onion/index.php?topic=150182

The site was down for a few hours earlier.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: pine on April 21, 2013, 02:51 am
Well I wouldn't exactly call that keylogging. It's just reading all your conversations which isn't that surprising anyways... Your articles don't say anything about Skype being able to record your every keystroke when not using Skype. Do you have evidence it's an actual keylogger or did you mean it just recorded your conversations??

Encrypted VOIP software communication being intercepted is not like a literal physical wiretap, the "wiretap" cannot sniff info from the ether since it is encrypted, so if communications are intercepted it definitely means that there is a module in the source code acts as a wiretap before the ciphertext hits the wire. Or more likely that large amounts of ciphertext is copied, probably to a supernode and the right session key is provided later.

If somebody is going to the trouble of intercepting your phone calls and instant messages, there is no realistic reason to assume they will stop there. That's like a cop pulling you over, finding guns under the back seat, but not opening the boot.

http://www.thejessicaelam.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Inconceivable.jpeg

It's just reading all your conversations which isn't that surprising anyways...

Cynicism?
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: BruceCampbell on April 21, 2013, 05:18 am
I haven't been through every post, so this may have been mentioned.  Would a Government notice really be signed "Very Truly Yours"?  I suspect it's simply an asshole, or possibly LE making a SR account and trying to scare members.

It's somewhat condescending, but I believe grammatically correct. I looked up copies of some of the Farmer's Market busts myself out of curiosity and that's pretty much word for word with some alterations. It was signed exactly the same but was co-signed by another attorney who made a name for himself prosecuting Lance Armstrong if I'm not mistaken.

I suspect it's simply an asshole, or possibly LE making a SR account and trying to scare members.

"Or LE making a SR account to scare members" validates the premise of the OP. This is also a redundancy, as all LE are usually assholes in my experience.

i wonder why de DEA would send you a warning and not to raid your reception address
for the same reason they send love letters instead of doing a controlled delivery for say 30 xanax pills..
Because theyre trying to scare you and dont have resources and time for a bust for everyone.
Although if OP is the only person that claims to get this letter it seems more like a prank from a IRL friend than a government agency

A prank seems logical. I'm not sure if I would trust any of my friends with my Silk Road username though. The precedent for love letters in this type of scenario has been set with the Farmer's Market bust.

If the scenario in the OP is plausible/true LE would only have been able to grab only a small amount of information and can't prove that OP ordered anything or broke any laws.

If there was anything that LE could do, or if they knew enough they'd contact you personally.



Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: pine on April 21, 2013, 05:31 am
A prank seems logical. I'm not sure if I would trust any of my friends with my Silk Road username though. The precedent for love letters in this type of scenario has been set with the Farmer's Market bust.

If the scenario in the OP is plausible/true LE would only have been able to grab only a small amount of information and can't prove that OP ordered anything or broke any laws.

If there was anything that LE could do, or if they knew enough they'd contact you personally.

Whatever the case, a whole bunch of people suddenly started learning something about operational and information security, so no loss there!
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: mostofthetime on April 21, 2013, 06:12 am
sounds like some really smart lawmen are using some very simple but effective measures to attack SR from the belly up....seems like there is a better chance that home skillet IS the law...a little home brewed terror to go with that toast?  if folks get scary behind forum posts that D.E.-haaaay!! is squeezing gonads....it might serve as a deterent for all us normal people wanna bees....by the way, i thought my UN was funny when i signed up on the road....now it seems retarded...can anyone tell me how to change it?.........and yes rows of periods are my universal punctuation, im in love with you all, MOTT
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: mostofthetime on April 21, 2013, 06:20 am
im so new to this still that im waiting to somehow fuck up an "onion" or "wiki leak" some shit...and then all u peeps r gonna laugh and point at me.....im in love with u all, MOTT
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: subsrgood on April 21, 2013, 06:28 am
This is some scary stuff
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: mostofthetime on April 21, 2013, 06:32 am
what is scary...did u get a form letter from them too?
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: JoeyGPesci007 on April 21, 2013, 06:58 am
Agent provocateur?

 ???

Da fuq is Gnutella?

That hazelnut stuff?
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: MarcelKetman on April 21, 2013, 10:54 am
Well I wouldn't exactly call that keylogging. It's just reading all your conversations which isn't that surprising anyways... Your articles don't say anything about Skype being able to record your every keystroke when not using Skype. Do you have evidence it's an actual keylogger or did you mean it just recorded your conversations??

Encrypted VOIP software communication being intercepted is not like a literal physical wiretap, the "wiretap" cannot sniff info from the ether since it is encrypted, so if communications are intercepted it definitely means that there is a module in the source code acts as a wiretap before the ciphertext hits the wire. Or more likely that large amounts of ciphertext is copied, probably to a supernode and the right session key is provided later.

If somebody is going to the trouble of intercepting your phone calls and instant messages, there is no realistic reason to assume they will stop there. That's like a cop pulling you over, finding guns under the back seat, but not opening the boot.

http://www.thejessicaelam.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Inconceivable.jpeg

It's just reading all your conversations which isn't that surprising anyways...

Cynicism?

Tree wasn't being cynical pine. He was merely stating that you can't assume key-logging from evidence of  Skype-tapping. I agree that it was inevitable that Skype would eventually be listened to and is unsurprising to see that people have been indited from information gleaned from Skype. Key-logging is a very different story altogether though and he, like I would like evidence of this as opposed to making an assumption. It's a massive intrusion in to someone's privacy that I'm not sure would find a legal basis in any liberal democracy. It might be used for spying on terrorists but as a method to prosecute somebody for supplying drugs in court? I can't see it.

On a side note, I'm assuming the Skype servers are all located in the US, meaning no sovereign but the US has jurisdiction to listen anyway? I have heard many times that the Mossad have cracked the Skype encryption however and listen to enemy conversations on the platform but never for prosecuting their own citizens in a court of law.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: PrincessButtercup on April 21, 2013, 02:33 pm
I wonder if people use the same login name for SR and SR Forum ... separate identities makes sense to me.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: btcrypt on April 21, 2013, 04:35 pm
OP is trolling or someone is trolling OP. If the IP matches you have a friend fucking with you or as others have said somehow left identifying info to link your SR account to a clearnet account.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: itsthecops on April 21, 2013, 04:47 pm
Maybe this is why the site is down.  Lol
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: scout on April 21, 2013, 04:57 pm
Maybe this is why the site is down.  Lol

The site isn't down.  Also, the maintenance had nothing to do with this message - I know that for a fact.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: pine on April 21, 2013, 06:53 pm
If you like in a major city and can wardrive that's awesome. But if you live in a suburb or a rural area I really doubt there are a lot of TOR users on your ISP.

I keep telling people this, but sometimes I feel it's falling on deaf ears. If you're from a tiny hamlet in the Alps, or from a place in Appalachia, you could have a problem. If you're the only one using Tor within 100km...! I mean let's not make it too easy for the government! You really ought to start investigating more extensive methods of anonymizing yourself than merely using TBB and assuming you have the same protections as an inner city dweller.

PolyFront has it aright:

Quote
The literal definition of anonymity is a state of namelessness. A more technical definition of anonymity is the state of being indistinguishable from a given set size. As an example, imagine a closed communication interface with several hundred members. If all of the members use the name 'anonymous' to make their posts, they are indistinguishable from each other based on naming information (however, they may not be anonymous based off IP information). However, they are not indistinguishable from those who are not a part of the system. If two people have access to an anonymous suggestion box, any suggestion in the box may be anonymous but the set size is two. The higher your set size is, the more anonymous you are.

-- Project PolyFront

Possible protections includes using public bridges, using private bridges, using VPN with Tor, wardriving for wifi, borrowing from insecure machines and wiping the logs, using obfuscation pluggable transports (steged Tor), acting a relay, using anonymous connections and lots more. There are all kinds of goodies that can improve anonymity if you think about it. Don't look at Tor as a magic bullet. It's the best there is, but that doesn't mean it'll always be the case. We rely on cryptographic trust in our world, not on assumptions or arguments from authority. We should have an acronym for this: BYOR - bring your own research. Too many people depend on the words of a few as gospel. That's the kind of attitude that can lead to successful social engineering attacks by adept LE hackers.

Read this: http://pz65gyca5nrafhrf.onion/PolyFront_2/polyfront.html

And search out similar types of information.

LE hackers are likely to be well trained. But they are few, and we are the many. By leveraging Darknet know-how and scaling up, we can become unstoppable. Our strengths are adaptability and scale. But this is not predestined and won't happen if we're lazy. If ten thousand people suddenly learn just 1 piece of new tradecraft, however simple, we quickly gain an assailable advantage that knocks LE back months or years. Look at the impact of using something as simple as LOIC. Learning something like PGP is infinitely more powerful than that, and there is at least 10,000 people on this network that use it. It's like using the phone. If 1 person does it, who cares. But if 10,000 people do it, the power of the network expands exponentially rather than additively.

Education! Education! Education!

Maybe not what your careers adviser had in mind in high school, but that guy's model of the world is broken.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: Pseudonym69 on April 21, 2013, 07:50 pm
I am the OP.

I am not a seller or a troll or a FED! I've read through this entire thread and realize that I must have seriously fucked up somewhere.. there seems to be a bit of argument as to if this is possible, and believe me.. it fucking happened. I haven't logged back in to my buyer account and I think my journey on silk road has ended before it even started. I've completely cleaned house and will take every precaution available to me from the information that I've read in this thread to minimize what happened and to keep myself out of trouble.

I haven't learned encryption. I have a couple torrent programs. I'm guilty of simultaneous browsing while having TOR open. All I did was download the Tor browser. I bookmarked the silkroad address. I have a static IP address. I've probably opened .pdfs. I just learned about metadata and downloaded images from the market site to my computer. My ISP has sent my roommate torrent warnings in the past and they throttled my service.

My internet connection is shared with my roommates on campus. The area I live in is basically just a small college town. A friend told me about silk road and I did some research and made an account. I didn't tell anyone because I had planned on making a fair amount of money picking up a few things here and selling them locally.

I didn't use onion.to that I'm aware of. If I did it was just to read the forums. My forum name was the same as my market name.

I didn't give anyone my username. I had only registered the account about two weeks before and I've been trying to learn bitcoins and encryption before I made a purchase.

The extent of my black market experience has been making small orders on topix.com and a few online pharmacies.

My email inbox is full of pharmacy spam. I've even been the subject of a DEA extortion scam which is what I immediately thought this was when I logged in. And yes, I know that I'm probably going to be the whipping boy on here for quite some time.

Believe me or not. I don't care. Somebody is making an example out of me or fucking with me.








Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: scout on April 21, 2013, 07:54 pm
You've been the "subject of a DEA extortion scam" ?   Can you tell us more?
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: MarcelKetman on April 21, 2013, 08:01 pm
If you didn't download those things through TBB, somebody's fucking with you mate.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: quinone on April 21, 2013, 08:31 pm
Mullvad is a good VPN service if you are in need of one (eg. like pine said, you live in an area where it's likely you're the only person in 100km using Tor).

Mostly because they accept BTC as payment, so there is never any exchange of personal information if they are subpoenaed. 

They also claim to keep no logs whatsoever, which if true makes them a fantastic service because even if subpoenaed for information coming from your account with them ... there simply is no information of any kind whatsoever for you or any other user, so whichever judicial entity subpoenaed them will get bubkis on you.

It might get Mullvad in hot water for not keeping logs, but you'd be safe.  I obviously can't prove their telling the truth when they claim not to keep logs, but swince they accept BTC as payment and have no information on you (aka you didn't use a credit card or paypal or something stupid) there's no personal info for them to give.  Just use TOR when buying an account, and don't lose your customer ID if you buy a long period of their service with BTC, cuz if you do, you aint getting your BTC back, and will lose all the time left on your service with them.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: wasta on April 21, 2013, 08:41 pm
A picture, modify it in paint, to censor name and ip and place in photobucket.

Just because you say so , is not enough to take this seriously.

If there are a  few others with the same  letter from D.E.A. i will do waste some time on this message.

The dea has a signaturestamp, and even that is a easy trick to paste in a mail.

To thin to waste time on...

Is a body of yours, a roommate who discovered your tracks.

You did research on the sending ip? Does it look like

Just bullocks.

Scout is right too;
http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubs/pressreleases/extortion_scam.htm

Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: BruceCampbell on April 21, 2013, 08:44 pm
I have a slight problem with your reply. It's a little too good. Your rhetoric is a little too advanced for a new user from my experience. You're trying too hard to make this situation feasible. 

You have no credibility due to posting from a burner account, so you cannot effectively use ethos in your rhetoric, so you appeal to pathos previously, and now your argument has become more concise and appeals more to logos.

Modes of persuasion:

Ethos, Pathos, and Logos.

Ethos (Credibility), or ethical appeal, means convincing by the character of the author. We tend to believe people whom we respect. One of the central problems of argumentation is to project an impression to the reader that you are someone worth listening to, in other words making yourself as author into an authority on the subject of the paper, as well as someone who is likable and worthy of respect.

Pathos (Emotional) means persuading by appealing to the reader's emotions. We can look at texts ranging from classic essays to contemporary advertisements to see how pathos, emotional appeals, are used to persuade. Language choice affects the audience's emotional response, and emotional appeal can effectively be used to enhance an argument.

Logos (Logical) means persuading by the use of reasoning. This will be the most important technique we will study, and Aristotle's favorite. We'll look at deductive and inductive reasoning, and discuss what makes an effective, persuasive reason to back up your claims. Giving reasons is the heart of argumentation, and cannot be emphasized enough. We'll study the types of support you can use to substantiate your thesis, and look at some of the common logical fallacies, in order to avoid them in your writing.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: samesamebutdifferent on April 21, 2013, 09:20 pm
I said it earlier and I'll say it again, psyops troll fest.

At the very worst someone is fucking with the OP.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: mickeyknox123456 on April 21, 2013, 09:29 pm
this doesnt sound good. but its the first ive ever heard of it. if your careful this wont happen. you not invisible ya know. dont any undue chances with your safety. move shit around. but use a verified address and not a fake. send yourself a few packages and see if there is any tampering. maybe even questionable packages just to see if there is any problem. its worth it.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: JoeyGPesci007 on April 21, 2013, 09:38 pm
Op sounds like the run of the mill topix buyer really. I used to troll topix posts for fun after I saw Limetless do it a couple of times. Sometimes it's actually a good source of information if you lurk long enough. They might be generally retarded but there still is a faction of topix users who use it because they distrust silk road and other darknet sites. I've been doing this for awhile actually, and this sort of thing comes up on occasion. Usually it's some sort of extortion scam from someone who skimmed your info from a pharmacy or something and impersonates the DEA and tries to get you to send them money for some retarded reason.

When the fuck did the DEA start taking Moneygram in order to waive busting you?

 ;D ??? :o

If this were at all possible it's because of the absurdity of some of these new users. I have vendor friends and I hear some fucking stories.. this newbie section is literally the asshole of the silk road forums. Kind of like /spacedicks on reddit.

I'm still sort of unnerved by how many views this thing has gotten. There's just something unsettling about it. Somehow a precedent has been set. May it be a series of pseudo-love letters in some sort of scam, or more frequent and convincing psy-ops posts idk.

If OP is legit... he has no business fucking around on Silk Road. I hear about these new users that hop on here that know diddly shit about how to even check their IP address or how to use PGP and it makes me long for last year when there at least was a hint of exclusivity and professionalism about this forum.

I'm pretty sure OP is about 50% of these new users. Just download TOR and bookmark the URL.

Like the fucking script kiddies of Silk Road.

Le Sigh.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: JoeyGPesci007 on April 21, 2013, 09:43 pm
This comes at a bad time though for mail order drugs with ricin and shit being found in letters. Maybe USPS will get funded by a black book CIA operation to offset the deceit and they'll start opening shit without warrants?

Or just fucking do away with the fourth amendment in regards to mail?
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: b0m on April 21, 2013, 09:50 pm
subbed
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: poppermachine on April 21, 2013, 10:27 pm
I used to have a roomate who would recklessly torrent shit tons of stuff until Osama Bin Laden sent him a letter basically telling him to knock it the fuck off.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: pine on April 21, 2013, 10:46 pm
Tree wasn't being cynical pine. He was merely stating that you can't assume key-logging from evidence of  Skype-tapping. I agree that it was inevitable that Skype would eventually be listened to and is unsurprising to see that people have been indited from information gleaned from Skype. Key-logging is a very different story altogether though and he, like I would like evidence of this as opposed to making an assumption. It's a massive intrusion in to someone's privacy that I'm not sure would find a legal basis in any liberal democracy. It might be used for spying on terrorists but as a method to prosecute somebody for supplying drugs in court? I can't see it.

On a side note, I'm assuming the Skype servers are all located in the US, meaning no sovereign but the US has jurisdiction to listen anyway? I have heard many times that the Mossad have cracked the Skype encryption however and listen to enemy conversations on the platform but never for prosecuting their own citizens in a court of law.

Then perhaps I am the cynical one, because I am assuming that Skype is used as a keylogger. I don't know whether it's doing it on a mass scale or whether it's a targeted approach. That is the only question in my mind.

Lest we forget, an entire years worth of keystrokes, with you typing every day, would only be about 5Mb. It's spying on a budget.

I don't agree with either of you, that keylogging is dramatically different to a wiretap. There is no genuine difference between the two. I think you're stuck on the metaphor of a wiretap, where data is "intercepted" via somebody in the middle as if there was some dude on a hoist tapping a cable from a telegraph pole. Again, this is not what is happening with a P2P encrypted communications 'wiretap'. This is mass surveillance technology by its nature.

There is a piece of software inside *your* computer. You make the assumption that because Skype is listening to instant messaging and records it, that it won't be possible /legal to listen to keystrokes destined for other applications. Well! It is *easy* for Skype to listen to your keystrokes whether or not they are intended for it. There is no magic barrier that prevents that. And even if there was some protection against this 'over reach' then you've got to figure that the company that owns the VOIP/instant messaging program also owns the OS on which it's installed too! How would you like a windows update with a RAT to keep you company?

If it is technologically easy, then it will be done. Judges don't know their assholes from their elbows with their AOL email addresses, they'll believe what they're told by Joe Serious Square in the uniform. If they don't, they go under the hammer like the rest of us. Nevermind judges, it happens to congressmen too. And your "Law" is a joke. Is that the same law that put weev in prison for a couple of years for downloading publicly accessible information, that is putting teenagers in prison for months to years for DDOSing websites? The "Law" is for little, weak people, like servile LE agents who think that their masters are as patriotic as they are when in reality they'll be sold out in a heartbeat.

If you coerce enough people and bribe them off, or wave a NSL citing national security then there is no "Law" for you and that is a fucking fact. There are several million NSL letters issued right now and active. Do you really think there is a couple of hundred thousand terrorists walking around? Well, if not, then there is only 1 conclusion you can be coming to. The Feds have been using the tools of the clandestine services to get their dirty work done.

Quote
It's a massive intrusion in to someone's privacy that I'm not sure would find a legal basis in any liberal democracy. It might be used for spying on terrorists but as a method to prosecute somebody for supplying drugs in court? I can't see it. 

I don't live in a liberal democracy and neither do you. The difference is that you don't believe it yet. Have you been reading the news headlines over the last 12 years? If you believe that the Feds have the best interests of everyday Americans at heart then you sure have a whole lot of faith. Privacy doesn't exist, there is only us here on the fringes fighting a rearguard action by sheer dint of who we are, that is it. Go ask the former director of the CIA about privacy. Or do you imagine these events are accidental and not a fascistic coup? You know what? America already has concentration camps, that much is known, and probably more private secure facilities as well. I don't know why I'm even arguing with you, because the evidence is plain to see. It disgusts me how people are still in the "I'm alright Jack" phase.

--

If pine is right, pine lives. If pine is wrong, pine lives. It has a nice symmetry to it, don't you think?!
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: pine on April 21, 2013, 10:49 pm
Agent provocateur?

 ???

Da fuq is Gnutella?

That hazelnut stuff?

Delicious darknet chocolate.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: GaryBusey on April 21, 2013, 11:13 pm
With the right amount of social engineering and skill and free time I can guarantee this "scenario" is possible. What I just don't understand is the wording of it, or why it would be pulled on a new user if it was a genuine incident.

I didn't know the alphabet mafia had started recruiting trolls. In either scenario, OP or the sender of that message is LEO.

If anyone else gets one of these messages I'll be worried. But I've been on the darkwebz long enough to know anything is possible. I read those anon boards for fun and they hacked north korea for fun.

Maybe they didn't know you haven't bought anything?

Office of diversion seems a little specific. However they also deal with non-pharmaceuticals as well. Not just diverted prescriptions.

And considering that most illicit drug seizures are prescriptions (painkillers, benzos, steroids, etc.) they would have significant experience with package interception and agents who monitor international mail and work with customs.

So that's plausible.

The US governement has been hiring and training hundreds of teenage hackers over the past year.

My bet is you've got a rogue tor exit node, or a bored LEO sponsored troll with some ISP data trying to mess with the noobs.

I mentioned earlier that something similar happened to a friend of mine recently. Well it was similar, but on topix.com.

I imagine that a vendor had just kept some shipping info and was trying to get extortion money posing as an undercover detective or postal inspector on topix and sending out PM's to vendors and buyers in the alp forum.


Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: itsthecops on April 22, 2013, 12:19 am
Is the OP still whacking off to this thread ?

Fuck, cum already asshole.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: thereefers245 on April 22, 2013, 01:04 am
If you type in the search bar on the main site there is a user named USADIVERSIONOFFICE
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: motek on April 22, 2013, 02:19 am
Quote
I don't live in a liberal democracy and neither do you. The difference is that you don't believe it yet. Have you been reading the news headlines over the last 12 years? If you believe that the Feds have the best interests of everyday Americans at heart then you sure have a whole lot of faith. Privacy doesn't exist, there is only us here on the fringes fighting a rearguard action by sheer dint of who we are, that is it. Go ask the former director of the CIA about privacy. Or do you imagine these events are accidental and not a fascistic coup? You know what? America already has concentration camps, that much is known, and probably more private secure facilities as well. I don't know why I'm even arguing with you, because the evidence is plain to see. It disgusts me how people are still in the "I'm alright Jack" phase.

--

If pine is right, pine lives. If pine is wrong, pine lives. It has a nice symmetry to it, don't you think?!
 /quote]



Sadly ...you are SO right with this Pine ...nice post (as usual) thank you  :)

m m m motek

p.s  2fetivalia LMAO yeah! 8)
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: yourekiddingme on April 22, 2013, 06:49 am

If this were at all possible it's because of the absurdity of some of these new users. I have vendor friends and I hear some fucking stories.. this newbie section is literally the asshole of the silk road forums. Kind of like /spacedicks on reddit.

If OP is legit... he has no business fucking around on Silk Road. I hear about these new users that hop on here that know diddly shit about how to even check their IP address or how to use PGP and it makes me long for last year when there at least was a hint of exclusivity and professionalism about this forum.

I'm pretty sure OP is about 50% of these new users. Just download TOR and bookmark the URL.


Yeah.

Perhaps there is a problem in that anyone can sign up a buyer or vendor account here and then they are expected to read up and educate themselves about security.
A lot of people are lazy. As more members join, more lazy ones too.
Its not really my problem if they are lazy and screw themselves over but here on SR they may bring others down with them, waste other members resources, or just blab too much in the real world.
 
Do you think registering accounts here should include some kind of thorough test that proves the person signing up isnt completely clueless? One example could be successfully encrypting a PGP message with a given key. Or would that be pointless as too many people would simply search out the answers without even understanding them? If it helped a little, by emphasizing key practices or even deterring clueless people, surely that would be good.

anyways, ...
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: BruceCampbell on April 22, 2013, 06:55 am
I'm going to make a SR username: RUSSIADIVERSIONOFFICE, and fuck with USADIVERSIONOFFICE.

Maybe he's friendly.

Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: pine on April 22, 2013, 07:31 am
I'm going to make a SR username: RUSSIADIVERSIONOFFICE, and fuck with USADIVERSIONOFFICE.

Maybe he's friendly.

I want you to know that I against all the odds have succeeded in not making a In Soviet Russia joke.

After this. Anything is possible. *pine stares into the middle distance like Che*
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: googleyed1 on April 22, 2013, 08:06 am
Keep Calm and call Saul.
www.bettercallsaul.com

Paaahahahahahahahaaahhaha! Love it!

Hi all,

Just my 2 cents:

1. OP only just created his account.

2. OP says in page 1 that he accessed SR outside of Tor? Not possible.

3. How would his SR username be discovered?

4. Bullshit. Ignore.

As a side note though. Everyone using this site should have their own interests at heart and be using a VPN on top of Tor Browser Bundle. It only costs about $50 per year, you can pay anonymously via btc for most services, and it gives you that one extra level of security. Better safe than sorry. Also, everyone needs to learn to use PGP encryption properly. And use OTR for any chat apps you use. Those are the very basics. With a bit of further reading, there are many more steps you can take to stay secure. Do your homework. Stay safe.

Much love to all.

Kind regards, Googleyed
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: pine on April 22, 2013, 08:34 am
2. OP says in page 1 that he accessed SR outside of Tor? Not possible.

Actually there is a website called tor2web. If you add ".to" to any hidden service URL you'll see that it's possible to access them via clearnet.

Unfortunately a whole lot of newbs are using this service due to ignorance or foolishness.

Literally anybody monitoring packets traveling to the tor2web service could pick up your username and password. SSL is about as secure as a government wants it to be (not that tor2web is even pretending to have a proper certificate), the protocol is not to be trusted, partly due to it's nature, and partly thanks to the horror stories we continually are hearing over the last few years.

I actually think tor2web is a pretty awesome project and it should keep going. I also think people who aren't technologically adept are going to get eaten alive in the future, one way or the other, and this is yet another example of it. I don't like it, it's just that I also can't see a way for somebody this naive to survive in any kind of situation that requires some tech aptitude.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: MrNG007 on April 22, 2013, 09:09 am
http://dkn255hz262ypmii.onion/index.php?action=post;topic=150018.0;last_msg=1041208#
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: motek on April 22, 2013, 10:49 am
Quote
I also think people who aren't technologically adept are going to get eaten alive in the future, one way or the other, and this is yet another example of it. I don't like it, it's just that I also can't see a way for somebody this naive to survive in any kind of situation that requires some tech aptitude.


IMO  this IS a very good point, pine (as usual ::)(   hey what would you say are the 'minimum "Itech requirements TO 'survive comfortably into the I future?"




Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: MarcelKetman on April 22, 2013, 03:11 pm

If pine is right, pine lives. If pine is wrong, pine lives. It has a nice symmetry to it, don't you think?!

OK. Let me outline what I think has to happen for LE to be able to use Skype as a key logger to build a case against SR users.

1. a) LE have to become aware that the Skype account holder is using SR - There's is no way Skype/LE monitor people's calls without good reason. That's conspiracy theory talk if you ask me. So I can't see how 1. a) is possible.
    b) LE have to link a Skype account with a user they have identified on SR - If someone is using TBB correctly, how??

2. If they somehow do find out either of the above, they have to gain permission to key-log ever stroke from any computer the Skype-holder is logged in to? Even when permission is given to listen to phones, the permission is extremely limited. So in this sense, yes there is a massive difference between tapping (whatever the technology) and key-logging and I don't see it being granted very readily.

(But the main point is, if they already know the user is using SR, why would they bother going to all of that effort?? They know they're using SR so they can simply conduct real life surveillance. If you're suggesting that LE would only become aware of someone's use of SR by using Skype as a key-logger I think you're getting into seriously fantastical stuff. Key-logging strokes mightn't take up much memory but the man hours involved monitoring every Skype user that types the words Silk Road on their computer is beyond colossal.)

3. If the IP address of the user and the Skype server are in a different jurisdiction there also has be severe limitations to the listening they can do that would be of use to them in a prosecution - You can't use surveillance by US police to prosecute somebody in a French court for example. 

4. Let's say, that in the unlikely event this happens and they find evidence of using Silk Road, this is still useless to them for a prosecution. LE have to conduct surveillance and a raid, AND have to find stuff on the computer and more to the point, have to find drugs. Once again, if the suspect is in another country, this requires massive collusion and resources. This isn't going to happen unless you're a Mexican cartel boss.
 

Is key-logging technologically possible? Of course it is. Is it used by government agencies? Probably, when it's investigating terrorism or gathering other intelligence. They will never have to use the evidence gleaned from key-logging in court. For prosecuting people selling drugs online, they do. If key-logging were to keep me up at night, it would be because I would be revealing my passwords hackers. If I worry about LE, I worry about them sitting outside my house with a telephoto lens and following me around, not logging my key strokes needlessly when they already suspect me.

But yes, by not using Skype, you have nothing to lose. So by all means... :)
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: aussiepp on April 22, 2013, 03:42 pm
Subbing to this thread  8)
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: MarcelKetman on April 22, 2013, 04:12 pm
So I messaged USADEADIVERSION. They asked me how business was. I said that I couldn't complain and asked them how their investigation was coming along. I haven't received a reply :)
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: mistadabalina on April 22, 2013, 04:23 pm
Seems like an epic troll, did some research on the names of US DEA attorneys, and throws them in there. It may scare some real newbies away from the site, but IMO, if you fall for this, you shouldn't be on the Road anyhow. Just my 2c 8)
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: scout on April 22, 2013, 07:10 pm
So I messaged USADEADIVERSION. They asked me how business was. I said that I couldn't complain and asked them how their investigation was coming along. I haven't received a reply :)

lol :D
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: BruceCampbell on April 22, 2013, 07:30 pm
So I messaged USADEADIVERSION. They asked me how business was. I said that I couldn't complain and asked them how their investigation was coming along. I haven't received a reply :)

This is becoming a running joke. I think I'm going to get in on this. Lol.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: fatoldsun on April 22, 2013, 07:33 pm
So I messaged USADEADIVERSION. They asked me how business was. I said that I couldn't complain and asked them how their investigation was coming along. I haven't received a reply :)

Come on guys, holla @ the DEA...

CLEARNET:
http://25.media.tumblr.com/00d3b4db03619598664fa1d596c21311/tumblr_mjv34eBxPs1qg3s92o1_1280.png
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: samesamebutdifferent on April 22, 2013, 07:40 pm
So I messaged USADEADIVERSION. They asked me how business was. I said that I couldn't complain and asked them how their investigation was coming along. I haven't received a reply :)

Be careful mate, they use all dreaded caps lock so they must mean business  :P
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: MarcelKetman on April 22, 2013, 08:02 pm
So I messaged USADEADIVERSION. They asked me how business was. I said that I couldn't complain and asked them how their investigation was coming along. I haven't received a reply :)

Be careful mate, they use all dreaded caps lock so they must mean business  :P

They've just replied again. I'm going to go out on a limb here and say it's definitely the DEA. I really think so. Everyone should make damn sure their house is in order.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: samesamebutdifferent on April 22, 2013, 08:05 pm
So I messaged USADEADIVERSION. They asked me how business was. I said that I couldn't complain and asked them how their investigation was coming along. I haven't received a reply :)

Be careful mate, they use all dreaded caps lock so they must mean business  :P

They've just replied again. I'm going to go out on a limb here and say it's definitely the DEA. I really think so. Everyone should make damn sure their house is in order.

What did they say? pm me if you like.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: scout on April 22, 2013, 11:39 pm
So it is official? SilkRoad and TOR isnt Anonymous?   

Glad I never opened a seller account!

What?!  Whoa, slow down.  No, no one is saying this is official, nor is anyone implying that SR / Tor isn't anonymous.  As it stands, only the OP has received this message, and the OP hasn't even ordered anything here, so that makes no sense.  I still believe it's someone screwing with the OP.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: BruceCampbell on April 22, 2013, 11:41 pm
So I messaged USADEADIVERSION. They asked me how business was. I said that I couldn't complain and asked them how their investigation was coming along. I haven't received a reply :)

Be careful mate, they use all dreaded caps lock so they must mean business  :P

They've just replied again. I'm going to go out on a limb here and say it's definitely the DEA. I really think so. Everyone should make damn sure their house is in order.

No shit? Maybe I'm going to hold off on messaging that account. I had a great introduction and everything.

Actually, now I'm rather intrigued. I will report back my findings.

 ;D

Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: poppermachine on April 22, 2013, 11:46 pm
Just PM'd them my real name and full address, will respond back with an update.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: alteredstates on April 23, 2013, 01:43 am
Well, it's been amusing reading but I call bullshit. 'course the DEA doesn't have jurisdiction this far north, so fuck 'em!!


Fuck the FCC
Fuck the FBI
Fuck the CIA
Livin in the motherfuckin USA!- Steve Earle
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: BruceCampbell on April 23, 2013, 04:19 am
Well I got a reply, and I don't think this is funny anymore. This guy might actually be a fed and he has access to the vendor forums. Someone should investigate this.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: pine on April 23, 2013, 05:27 am
I think I would actually go into shock if the Feds didn't have access to the vendor forum. BTW: I always thought that was a not-good idea. Trends towards a false sense of security for less alert people. Security through obscurity... blah blah you know the rest.

More drama at 11. Right now it's time for my coffee break.

P.S. there was a newb recently who was complaining that accessing SR was slow. Turns out he was using the .onion.to for the last 3 months. Everybody went up the walls and now he believes we're all crazy :D

Yeah, if you're using .onion.to to get to SR, you should probably lay low for a few months, get a new net connection anonymously. The odds of LE having the IP of everybody using tor2web to get to SR is pretty high although of course nobody can say for sure. Course nobody who was slothful enough to use .onion.to is ever going to go to ground.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: flwrchlds9 on April 23, 2013, 06:15 am
Well I got a reply, and I don't think this is funny anymore. This guy might actually be a fed and he has access to the vendor forums. Someone should investigate this.

so let all enjoy in the fun, what they say? :)

Quote from: Pine
P.S. there was a newb recently who was complaining that accessing SR was slow. Turns out he was using the .onion.to for the last 3 months. Everybody went up the walls and now he believes we're all crazy

find way to block access to SR/forum from onion.to for better safe and have forums not show in google clear searches.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: BruceCampbell on April 23, 2013, 08:23 am
What I received in my PM isn't exactly anything I feel like posting in the open forum. I messaged the "DEA" account out of curiosity and the reply made me uncomfortable. The user referred to something that I had said in the private vendor forum.

I never suspected the vendor forums are private. This site has been around for two years. It wouldn't be hard for an account to fall into the wrong hands. It just was an implication of knowledge. Like how Dennis from It's Always Sunny intimidates women into sleeping with them. It's the implication bro.

I can't speak for the other vendor or users who messaged with him, but I'm sure as hell not messaging that account again. I was unable to ascertain whether or not this person is law enforcement, but he presented himself with a decent amount of knowledge pertaining to the etiquette of Silk Road, made mention of something I said in the private forum, and just has the demeanor of a sick-fuck LEO with a penchant for trolling.

Since there are a few moderators subscribed to this thread, I would like to recommend that one of you suggest to the higher-ups that this account be suspended. I really don't see how any good could come out of having an active troll/law enforcement account on the site. Best-case scenario: he's sucking up precious darkweb bandwith and is an unnecessary appendage that needs to be amputated for my browsing speed.

Worst case scenario: We have an enemy combatant in our midst. No good will come of having an account any random vendor or internet drug dealer or buyer can send messages and information to; expecting repercussions or fuckery from Officer Trollberry.

Fuck this shit. I'm going to bed.





Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: scout on April 23, 2013, 08:25 am
We've already brought this to DPR's attention and at this time, he doesn't believe them to be LE.  I'm certain they'll look into it though. 
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: samesamebutdifferent on April 23, 2013, 08:29 am
As scout said it's been put on DPR's radar so they can investigate the account. I am aware of the types of messages you are referring too and yes they do make for unsettling reading but at the end of the day what we post in these forums, both public and vendor should be considered totally open to LE and post accordingly.

There is no privacy here, anything we post should be assumed as being scrutinized by the Officer Trollberry's of this world.

Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: aussiepp on April 23, 2013, 09:00 am
If he was a LEO, why would he be openly messaging people like this?

He's trying to scare us and it looks like it's working.

Let's not let him win. Ignore him, be cautious, continue with business.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: mezzomixtor on April 23, 2013, 12:27 pm
What I received in my PM isn't exactly anything I feel like posting in the open forum. I messaged the "DEA" account out of curiosity and the reply made me uncomfortable. The user referred to something that I had said in the private vendor forum.

I dont know what people are posting in the private vendor forum, but did they have personal information about you or why are you so scared? I mean OK they can read what you are posting here, but I thought we all would have assumed this already for a long time? So whats the deal?

2 people are sending messages to alleged DEAAccount and after they got an answer they are scared as shit.... still think this is a joke, but now this got definitely my attention
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: MarcelKetman on April 23, 2013, 03:37 pm
What I received in my PM isn't exactly anything I feel like posting in the open forum. I messaged the "DEA" account out of curiosity and the reply made me uncomfortable. The user referred to something that I had said in the private vendor forum.

I dont know what people are posting in the private vendor forum, but did they have personal information about you or why are you so scared? I mean OK they can read what you are posting here, but I thought we all would have assumed this already for a long time? So whats the deal?

2 people are sending messages to alleged DEAAccount and after they got an answer they are scared as shit.... still think this is a joke, but now this got definitely my attention

I'm not scared as shit. Nothing has changed. It is obviously no surprise to me that LE are monitoring this forum and are actively trying to gather information on users of the market site by attempting to unmask their IP address, buying products from vendors, following the money trail, amongst many other methods I'm sure. All I said was that from an exchange of a number of messages with the account holder, I believe it is quite possibly genuinely the DEA.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: tree on April 23, 2013, 05:39 pm
What I received in my PM isn't exactly anything I feel like posting in the open forum. I messaged the "DEA" account out of curiosity and the reply made me uncomfortable. The user referred to something that I had said in the private vendor forum.

I dont know what people are posting in the private vendor forum, but did they have personal information about you or why are you so scared? I mean OK they can read what you are posting here, but I thought we all would have assumed this already for a long time? So whats the deal?

2 people are sending messages to alleged DEAAccount and after they got an answer they are scared as shit.... still think this is a joke, but now this got definitely my attention

I'm not scared as shit. Nothing has changed. It is obviously no surprise to me that LE are monitoring this forum and are actively trying to gather information on users of the market site by attempting to unmask their IP address, buying products from vendors, following the money trail, amongst many other methods I'm sure. All I said was that from an exchange of a number of messages with the account holder, I believe it is quite possibly genuinely the DEA.
What did they say that led you to believe they may actually be the DEA? Did they have sensitive information about you?
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: scout on April 23, 2013, 06:23 pm
So far, everything I've read from this person has been info that is readily available on the forums / site.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: samesamebutdifferent on April 23, 2013, 07:22 pm
As scout said the information included in communications between our mystery member and those who have taken it upon themselves to contact them has only included info readily available on the public and vendor forums.

I think what has unnerved a few people is how this information has been used in the context of the messages sent, the general tone is one of self assuredness that alludes to the sender maybe knowing specific information relevant to the recipient. It's like meeting someone for the first time and having them already knowing some specific personal details about you, takes you off guard a bit and causes you to wonder what else they may know.

No one likes the thought of being under scrutiny of LE so to be given the impression the DEA has you in their cross hairs would understandably be concerning however as I said before none of this should come as any surprise to anyone really. LE are all over these forums and it stands to reason they are gathering information, I think sometimes we may be a little too complacent in our comfort zone on here.

Whether this is the DEA or just some joker fucking with people only time will tell, same rules apply as always in that you should only post what you want others to know without offering up any identifiable information.

My money is still on this all being psyops.

Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: gunslinger666 on April 23, 2013, 07:26 pm
Don't worry I'm sure its some bs little kid pulling ur chain... i doubt this is even real.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: scout on April 23, 2013, 07:34 pm
It's still a good reminder to stay vigilant, and to always encrypt sensitive info!
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: MarcelKetman on April 23, 2013, 07:53 pm
Nothing sensitive was said to me. I'm a vendor. They're not going to tell me anything they know about me and compromise their case. They're certainly not going to send me a cease and desist letter either. All I'll say is, the language and tone of the email was very convincing in making me think it's the DEA. There was one thing said and another thing I noticed from my exchanges with the account-holder that introduce some doubt as to the legitimacy however. Bottom line is, we can never know for sure but as Scout says, I think this is a good opportunity for everyone to check they're taking all the necessary measures to stay safe.

I think I've said all I've had to say on this thread.

Stay safe and happy shopping. You can start with my new killer batch of ketamine that's arriving tomorrow  8)
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: scout on April 23, 2013, 08:01 pm
Stay safe and happy shopping. You can start with my new killer batch of ketamine that's arriving tomorrow  8)

Well played, sir.  Well played.  :D
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: Blue Sky Traitors on April 23, 2013, 08:35 pm
How hard would it be for feds to set up a bitcoin exchange?   every cop knows you "follow the money".  and some bitcoin exchanges dont allow you to use Tor to buy coins.. whats up with that?  maybe they took out Bitfloor to eliminate the competition and lure us to their New and approved DEA bitcoin site?  conspiracy man!!! I just think that Bitcoin is a weak link.
the SR and TOR is an embarrassment to the feds. they just wanna bust one person and rub it in our face that they beat our system.   but history shows that drug dealers are forever a few steps ahead of the DEA , we just need to evolve as they do.   we need to stop using "boats" and start using "submarines"..
Most DEA agents are bone heads, they are in this for the thrill. No DEA agent really thinks they are gonna make a difference lol, their job is a joke.  Most guys sign up to kick doors in and rob drug dealers. Theres no fun in cracking IP addresses.  not sure where im going with that comment, guess I just wanted to insult the DEA..
I think Blue Sky Traders is a weak link for those who use them. I find it odd that they have an account on this forum and a vendor account on Silk Road.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: scout on April 23, 2013, 08:40 pm
I think Blue Sky Traders is a weak link for those who use them. I find it odd that they have an account on this forum and a vendor account on Silk Road.

What's up with your username? 
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: Blue Sky Traitors on April 23, 2013, 09:03 pm
I have never used BST but arent they available through TOR? completely anonymous?

  I did notice that a lot of bitcoin exchanges dont allot TOR to be used! nor do they allow tormail! thats an issue! now they want us to even verify accounts?
im telling you guys, bitcoin is a weak link, thats how its all gonna end. people think its normal to use clearnet to buy coins.
Yes you access them from tor. You also go to Bank of America to make payments. They use the same service (LocalTill) as bitfloor which recently closed down. They have a vendor account and forum account and cater to Silk Road users. If they were law enforcement or law enforcement got the LocalTill records or records from Blue Sky Traders then they could watch the surveillance footage from banks and see who is making the payments.  Most of them would be SR users.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: MarcelKetman on April 23, 2013, 09:11 pm
I have never used BST but arent they available through TOR? completely anonymous?

  I did notice that a lot of bitcoin exchanges dont allot TOR to be used! nor do they allow tormail! thats an issue! now they want us to even verify accounts?
im telling you guys, bitcoin is a weak link, thats how its all gonna end. people think its normal to use clearnet to buy coins.

Thought I was finished here but couldn't let this one slide.... How in the name of science can you call the very thing that allows SR to exist the weak link? What do you suggest? Bank transfers? Paypal?

Use BTC properly and they can monitor the exchanges all they want. It's the trail to and from SR that has to be covered up. Not the trade on the exchange.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: zeitgeist on April 23, 2013, 11:42 pm
This just sounds stupid. I highly doubt the DEA registered for the Silk Road to send some random guy, who hasn't even purchased anything, a message.

More than likely it's just some jokester or something. Where exactly did he get this message? The forums? The Silk road itself?
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: pine on April 24, 2013, 04:32 am
OK. Let me outline what I think has to happen for LE to be able to use Skype as a key logger to build a case against SR users.

1. a) LE have to become aware that the Skype account holder is using SR - There's is no way Skype/LE monitor people's calls without good reason. That's conspiracy theory talk if you ask me. So I can't see how 1. a) is possible.
    b) LE have to link a Skype account with a user they have identified on SR - If someone is using TBB correctly, how??

2. If they somehow do find out either of the above, they have to gain permission to key-log ever stroke from any computer the Skype-holder is logged in to? Even when permission is given to listen to phones, the permission is extremely limited. So in this sense, yes there is a massive difference between tapping (whatever the technology) and key-logging and I don't see it being granted very readily.

(But the main point is, if they already know the user is using SR, why would they bother going to all of that effort?? They know they're using SR so they can simply conduct real life surveillance. If you're suggesting that LE would only become aware of someone's use of SR by using Skype as a key-logger I think you're getting into seriously fantastical stuff. Key-logging strokes mightn't take up much memory but the man hours involved monitoring every Skype user that types the words Silk Road on their computer is beyond colossal.)

3. If the IP address of the user and the Skype server are in a different jurisdiction there also has be severe limitations to the listening they can do that would be of use to them in a prosecution - You can't use surveillance by US police to prosecute somebody in a French court for example. 

4. Let's say, that in the unlikely event this happens and they find evidence of using Silk Road, this is still useless to them for a prosecution. LE have to conduct surveillance and a raid, AND have to find stuff on the computer and more to the point, have to find drugs. Once again, if the suspect is in another country, this requires massive collusion and resources. This isn't going to happen unless you're a Mexican cartel boss.
 

Is key-logging technologically possible? Of course it is. Is it used by government agencies? Probably, when it's investigating terrorism or gathering other intelligence. They will never have to use the evidence gleaned from key-logging in court. For prosecuting people selling drugs online, they do. If key-logging were to keep me up at night, it would be because I would be revealing my passwords hackers. If I worry about LE, I worry about them sitting outside my house with a telephoto lens and following me around, not logging my key strokes needlessly when they already suspect me.

But yes, by not using Skype, you have nothing to lose. So by all means... :)

Conspiracy talk? We must be on completely separate wavelengths, or perhaps in two different centuries.

Marcel, the greater availability of technology is making LE adopt more and more precrime strategies, known as premptive policing. It includes various profiling techniques, such as the ones you see used at airports by the TSA. This is a general trend that is increasing, there is nothing especially outrageous about it, I'm not passing on messages from Alex Jones here. Right now there are LE agents using special equipment to detect high emotional states in people entering zones such as airports. If you are feeling particularly stressed, there are visual cues, odors that can be detected by sensors.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/12/02/airport.security/index.html

The Stazi pioneered the use of odor collection and detection, especially in connection with dogs, and now it appears that the TSA & co are taking up that baton, especially with the 'seats'.

Back on the specific subject of Skype, there is every way LE can detect what is in your instant messages with a simple keyword search. I strongly emphasize to you that there is no technological difficulty in using Skype for mass surveillance. Any difficulties would be legal, and I'm convinced that a judge is going to give the DEA and FBI a whole lot of leeway when it comes to sophisticated operations like SR.

Most people assume Skype is a pure P2P application. This is not completely true. There are special computers called supernodes which Skype employes to enhance the organization of the Skype network. Many of us believe that these supernodes are serving a dual purpose to allow the possibility of a wiretap. Microsoft applied for a patent (which was given) to wiretap VOIP, the patent explains how what we think is a supernode is being used to conduct eavesdropping for VOIP or instant messaging. The only other possibility is that random Skype users have their machines commandeered for a wiretap, which seems highly unlikely for pragmatic reasons.

Quote
Legal Intercept Patent

Abstract

Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to silently recording communications. In aspects, data associated with a request to establish a communication is modified to cause the communication to be established via a path that includes a recording agent. Modification may include, for example, adding, changing, and/or deleting data within the data. The data as modified is then passed to a protocol entity that uses the data to establish a communication session. Because of the way in which the data has been modified, the protocol entity selects a path that includes the recording agent. The recording agent is then able to silently record the communication.

More:

http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-adv.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&d=PG01&p=1&S1=20110153809&OS=20110153809&RS=20110153809

Pine believes something slightly different, which is the above (Legal Intercept) is used for regular policing (Skype's main source of LE income), but that the FBI and DEA have *realtime access* (used for terrorism, drug smuggling) to a different system which involves a program called a RAT or Remote Access Tool that when deployed to your Skype's backdoor allows all manner of extra goodies to be had, including your keystrokes. It is unnecessary to involve a supernode because they have your plaintext (which is why "logging" is the right word vs "intercept"), although they have access to your session keys too if need be, and basically all manner of data is vacuumed out of your machine and into theirs.

Quote
If I worry about LE, I worry about them sitting outside my house with a telephoto lens and following me around, not logging my key strokes needlessly when they already suspect me.

This in particular makes no sense. Let me turn that around for you.

Why on earth would they be sitting outside your house with a telephoto lens, when they can take photos of you every day with your own webcam, record every conversation in the room, record all your keystrokes and take screenshots of your desktop?

Like I have already said, I cannot know whether they are using Skype for mass surveillance, although this is to me a far from unlikely possibility. I do know they are using Skype as a resource to gather information on individuals. Given everything I have posted, I believe it would be a good move for SR users not to be using Skype to talk about the Silk Road, nor to have the program running in the background.

I have the strange vibe Marcel, that you think the Law is on your side at some level. That if you are apprehended that somebody, somewhere, is going to kick up a fuss about your privacy being violated. This is cognitive dissonance, these people will throw you to the wolves if they can. It really is a Us vs Them thing, many LE agents don't even believe you're human. Every piece of information obtained from LE HQs confirms this general worldview. If anybody from SR is arrested, they are going to be presented to the jury or judge as a leet haxxor with special talents, and hence this validates any unusual intrusiveness of the LE techniques. A piece of paper isn't going to protect you. The police break the law all the time to catch criminals and they are nearly always retroactively forgiven for this behind closed doors with the right judge, or if they have an awkward case they will just call their source of information a "confidential informant".

It's amazing how many "confidential informants" that mysteriously turn up when there is a case that is tough to crack.

You get the point. The system is beyond corrupt, don't depend on it for any mercies. In general, the honest cops get the grunt jobs and the scum that makes up the numbers by whatever means rises to the top. Convictions almost never occur, except in highly unusual situations like NY when practically the entire department was fired. For a good detective to rise to a decent position, they either have to be almost supernaturally gifted or have family connections. If you want a fair shake in today's environment, you want your local cop shop to be dominated by one or two families with a strong sense of fairness and duty (as you probably know, like being a solider, some jobs tend to be done traditionally by a small set of families). Unfortunately that LE agents are rotated out of areas on a continual basis to prevent corruption, although it sounds logical, actually leads to more corruption of a far, far more vile kind in the end.

Your articles don't say anything about Skype being able to record your every keystroke when not using Skype.

Just to let you know, I found a link which explains some of what I was getting at, in that there is no magic isolation between GUI programs on your desktop, most people, including computer people appear to assume there is, but there is not.

Quote
There certainly is one thing that most Linux users don't realize about their Linux systems... this is the lack of GUI-level isolation, and how it essentially nullifies all the desktop security. I wrote about it a few times, I spoke about it a few times, yet I still come across people who don't realize it all the time.

So, let me stress this one more time: if you have two GUI applications, e.g. an OpenOffice Word Processor, and a stupid Tetris game, both of which granted access to your screen (your X server), then there is no isolation between those two apps. Even if they run as different user accounts! Even if they are somehow sandboxed by SELinux or whatever! None, zero, null, nil!

The X server architecture, designed long time ago by some happy hippies who just thought all the people apps are good and non-malicious, simply allows any GUI application to control any other one. No bugs, no exploits, no tricks, are required. This is all by design. One application can sniff or inject keystrokes to another one, can take snapshots of the screen occupied by windows belonging to another one, etc.

If you don't believe me, I suggest you do a simple experiment. Open a terminal window, as normal user, and run xinput list, which is a standard diagnostic program for Xorg (on Fedora you will likely need to install it first: yum install xorg-x11-apps):

$ xinput list

It will show you all the pointer and keyboard devices that your Xorg knows about. Note the ID of the device listed as “AT keyboard” and then run (as normal user!):

$ xinput test id

It should now start displaying the scancodes for all the keys you press on the keyboard. If it doesn't, it means you used a wrong device ID.

Now, for the best, start another terminal window, and switch to root (e.g. using su, or sudo). Notice how the xinput running as user is able to sniff all your keystrokes, including root password (for su), and then all the keystrokes you enter in your root session. Start some GUI app as root, or as different user, again notice how your xinput can sniff all the keystrokes you enter to this other app!

http://theinvisiblethings.blogspot.se/2011/04/linux-security-circus-on-gui-isolation.html



Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: flwrchlds9 on April 24, 2013, 05:16 am
I think Blue Sky Traders is a weak link for those who use them. I find it odd that they have an account on this forum and a vendor account on Silk Road.

Good post by Pine!

BST is not known weak link, unless you know something different say so.

Bitinstant is a WEAK link. FBI visited their offices and removed some equipment some times ago (marked by the week long unexpected downtime) and then when they came back up the $ limit and new AML procedures were in place (name/dob) without any explanation. Some guys even believe that their traffic is mirrored in real time/they made a deal with the feds to stay up/not face problems. Fanboys attack anytime this is reminded to people but this not change facts. Do as you will but don complain when people share info only because you don't want to believe.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: SpotSupply on April 24, 2013, 06:09 am
Damn, the DEA gets access to the vendor forum and I don't. That sucks! :)
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: MarcelKetman on April 24, 2013, 09:13 am
@Pine

Somehow in your lengthy rely, you managed not to even address my main points.

1. If TBB is used correctly, they can't know who I am. If they don't know who I am, they can't use my Skype account to 'watch' me in all the ways you alluded to. How can they go to a judge and get a warrant when they don't know who they're getting a warrant for???

2. If they get to the stage where they know who I am, getting a warrant to watch me through my computer is pretty damn useless to them because at that stage they need hard evidence, ie. both my computer with evidence of use of SR on it and most importantly, DRUGS to make a conviction!! (so of course it is far more of a concern to me them sitting outside my house planning a raid)

PS. I've stated twice that I know it's technologically possible to keylog. That's not what I'm getting at.

PPS. I don't think the law is on anyone's side. And I'm well aware that the cops bend the rules sometimes. I'm a drug dealer. Believe me I've had many encounters with the police. And for this reason, I know what is required for them to make a conviction. And it's not easy for them to do. Surveillance is a minor part of their battle.

Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: 77Tjm on April 24, 2013, 12:59 pm
Meanwhile, at DEA HQ:

Boss Man Jim: Hey, Larry, we're gonna go take down that Cartel Warehouse, should be getting a 2 ton coke shipment tonight, you want in?

Agent Larry: Nah, I'm staking out this guy who's thinking about buying an eighth of shrooms on the Internet. It's gonna be two, three figure bust!

Boss Man Jim: Larry, I have promoted you to custodian, I want the latrines to shine by the time we get back.


Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: MarcelKetman on April 24, 2013, 02:06 pm
Meanwhile, at DEA HQ:

Boss Man Jim: Hey, Larry, we're gonna go take down that Cartel Warehouse, should be getting a 2 ton coke shipment tonight, you want in?

Agent Larry: Nah, I'm staking out this guy who's thinking about buying an eighth of shrooms on the Internet. It's gonna be two, three figure bust!

Boss Man Jim: Larry, I have promoted you to custodian, I want the latrines to shine by the time we get back.

hahahaha.... spot on mate. spot on. i think it's a good idea to do a quick 'resources required to convict vs level of crime' analysis before getting overly paranoid about things.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: frostyRobert on April 24, 2013, 02:26 pm
The DEA, the CIA.
Mayday, mayday.
The ship is slowing sinking as it gets underway.
The captain of this thread
Is baling water, ever so quickly,
When all hands on deck
'Ave already abandoned, deserted, and jumped ship.
There was no time for mutiny,
The disaster was seen before the ship was built,
A digital enterprise, born in contempt.
There is no lip tight enough
To save this ship.
It is sinking in the harbor
From which it just left.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: foresworne999 on April 24, 2013, 02:34 pm
Keep Calm and call Saul.
www.bettercallsaul.com

Best laugh I've had in a while.

I presume you've been insecurely googleing with suspicious search terms. It may also be possible you used a fake SR URL, or accidentally included enough information on SR for them to identify you. Maybe a friend accidentally ratted you out or you discussed SR over email (without PGP) or on instant messaging services. Most non-PGP service data is at risk of interception by your ISP.

By the way, does anyone know whether silkroadvb5piz3r.onion is the same as silkroadvb5piz3r.onion.to?
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: lombrodo on April 24, 2013, 02:42 pm
OMG
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: lombrodo on April 24, 2013, 02:43 pm
Meanwhile, at DEA HQ:

Boss Man Jim: Hey, Larry, we're gonna go take down that Cartel Warehouse, should be getting a 2 ton coke shipment tonight, you want in?

Agent Larry: Nah, I'm staking out this guy who's thinking about buying an eighth of shrooms on the Internet. It's gonna be two, three figure bust!

Boss Man Jim: Larry, I have promoted you to custodian, I want the latrines to shine by the time we get back.

kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: wwizard on April 24, 2013, 02:49 pm
By the way, does anyone know whether silkroadvb5piz3r.onion is the same as silkroadvb5piz3r.onion.to?
Never use onion.to. It's a clearnet site used to access tor, and using it, especially for silkroad, is very stupid.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: 77Tjm on April 24, 2013, 03:46 pm

By the way, does anyone know whether silkroadvb5piz3r.onion is the same as silkroadvb5piz3r.onion.to?

NO!

anything.onion.to goes through a proxy run by a person or company that can monitor your actions.

Only use up to date TOR or TBB, and only visit .onion sites.

Sure, it's easier to use .onion.to over the regular web, just like it's easier to leave your house unlocked so you don't have to bother with keys.

Excellent question though, it's a common misconception, but one that could potentially cause someone a lot of undue stress with legal or financial problems if he or she assumed anonymity with .onion.to (or any other .onion clearweb proxy).

A good rule of thumb is that if you can get to it (SR) without TOR or TBB, then assume anyone can monitor what you are doing (even if it's only the guy that runs the proxy service).
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: Festivalia on April 24, 2013, 06:32 pm
 :-X [REDACTED]
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: coglac on April 24, 2013, 06:44 pm
So if I am using tour but connect though onion.to is that still risky?
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: Festivalia on April 24, 2013, 06:53 pm
 :-X [REDACTED]
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: Bungee54 on April 24, 2013, 07:34 pm
Silk Road is down and someone got a message from the DEA and terrorists...

There can only be one explanation..

Nazis. Illuminati Nazis.

Best explanation for everything  ;D
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: fatoldsun on April 24, 2013, 08:58 pm
So if I am using tour but connect though onion.to is that still risky?
Just to clear this up: Yes, that is risky. Tor will secure the communication between your computer and onion.to, but onion.to will have access to EVERYTHING you do before relaying it to the actual sites you browse.

Don't use onion.to and if you did, change your passwords. Learn to use Tor properly before you regret not doing so.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: BruceCampbell on April 24, 2013, 09:36 pm
Silk Road is down and someone got a message from the DEA and terrorists...

There can only be one explanation..

Nazis. Illuminati Nazis.

Best explanation for everything  ;D

I'm telling you man. ODESSA Nazi Illuminati Reptilian Shape-Shifters.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: delmar813 on April 24, 2013, 11:00 pm
Can someone please outline the differences between how SR is difference from Farmers Market?  I am also curious which came first BMR or SR? Also how many US vendors have been busted on SR related cases?
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: sofish89 on April 24, 2013, 11:28 pm
How many vendors here in the US got busted? probably zero and if any did its probably unrelated to SR, most vendors here know how to pack it up real good :)
but always check the vendors feedback or read about him on the threads if youre not sure
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: fatoldsun on April 25, 2013, 02:24 am
Can someone please outline the differences between how SR is difference from Farmers Market?
Yes.

SR deals only with Bitcoins, whereas Farmer's Market didn't provide any such framework and all payments were made through traceable means like PayPal and Western Union. Also, even though it's not required, the SR community tries to educate people about using strong encryption... in Farmer's Market, people's idea of security was to use Hushmail.

CLEARNET link about the Farmer's Market bust: http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2012/04/online-drug-market-takedown/

Also how many US vendors have been busted on SR related cases?
In the US, I'm not sure, although there was a recent bust in AU of a local dealer who was buying from SR. However, note this important line from the article...
Quote
While the government tries to give the impression that it is monitoring transactions on Silk Road itself, it's possible it caught the suspect through more traditional means.
CLEARNET: http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2012/07/australian-cops-tout-arrest-of-man-for-bitcoin-drug-deal/
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: flwrchlds9 on April 25, 2013, 02:36 am
Quote
While the government tries to give the impression that it is monitoring transactions on Silk Road itself, it's possible it caught the suspect through more traditional means.
CLEARNET: http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2012/07/australian-cops-tout-arrest-of-man-for-bitcoin-drug-deal/

LOL this master brain put his SR Vendor name in his CAR LICENSE TAG!  :o ;D
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: tree on April 26, 2013, 10:13 pm
Pine believes something slightly different, which is the above (Legal Intercept) is used for regular policing (Skype's main source of LE income), but that the FBI and DEA have *realtime access* (used for terrorism, drug smuggling) to a different system which involves a program called a RAT or Remote Access Tool that when deployed to your Skype's backdoor allows all manner of extra goodies to be had, including your keystrokes. It is unnecessary to involve a supernode because they have your plaintext (which is why "logging" is the right word vs "intercept"), although they have access to your session keys too if need be, and basically all manner of data is vacuumed out of your machine and into theirs.

Like I have already said, I cannot know whether they are using Skype for mass surveillance, although this is to me a far from unlikely possibility. I do know they are using Skype as a resource to gather information on individuals. Given everything I have posted, I believe it would be a good move for SR users not to be using Skype to talk about the Silk Road, nor to have the program running in the background.
Why would Skype be monitoring all your activity? Wouldn't it be easier if it was simply windows that did all the job? And I agree talking about SR on Skype or MSN or any conventional real-time chat client isn't a wise move, but if Skype went as far as keylogging, would it really stop doing so if you didn't let it run in the background? It's still interesting to know that Skype is monitoring your conversations, but I think they were basically telling you they were in their privacy policy, or they didn't tell you they didn't at least. Nobody should talk about about illegal stuff or the SR on conventional chat clients anyway, PGP or OTR should be used for that.
Your articles don't say anything about Skype being able to record your every keystroke when not using Skype.

Just to let you know, I found a link which explains some of what I was getting at, in that there is no magic isolation between GUI programs on your desktop, most people, including computer people appear to assume there is, but there is not.

Quote
There certainly is one thing that most Linux users don't realize about their Linux systems... this is the lack of GUI-level isolation, and how it essentially nullifies all the desktop security. I wrote about it a few times, I spoke about it a few times, yet I still come across people who don't realize it all the time.

So, let me stress this one more time: if you have two GUI applications, e.g. an OpenOffice Word Processor, and a stupid Tetris game, both of which granted access to your screen (your X server), then there is no isolation between those two apps. Even if they run as different user accounts! Even if they are somehow sandboxed by SELinux or whatever! None, zero, null, nil!

The X server architecture, designed long time ago by some happy hippies who just thought all the people apps are good and non-malicious, simply allows any GUI application to control any other one. No bugs, no exploits, no tricks, are required. This is all by design. One application can sniff or inject keystrokes to another one, can take snapshots of the screen occupied by windows belonging to another one, etc.

If you don't believe me, I suggest you do a simple experiment. Open a terminal window, as normal user, and run xinput list, which is a standard diagnostic program for Xorg (on Fedora you will likely need to install it first: yum install xorg-x11-apps):

$ xinput list

It will show you all the pointer and keyboard devices that your Xorg knows about. Note the ID of the device listed as “AT keyboard” and then run (as normal user!):

$ xinput test id

It should now start displaying the scancodes for all the keys you press on the keyboard. If it doesn't, it means you used a wrong device ID.

Now, for the best, start another terminal window, and switch to root (e.g. using su, or sudo). Notice how the xinput running as user is able to sniff all your keystrokes, including root password (for su), and then all the keystrokes you enter in your root session. Start some GUI app as root, or as different user, again notice how your xinput can sniff all the keystrokes you enter to this other app!

http://theinvisiblethings.blogspot.se/2011/04/linux-security-circus-on-gui-isolation.html
Interesting article pine, it could explain this whole Skype keylogging thing but as I said before, if it were doing it, it would also be doing it while you're not running it. And your article is only about Linux, does the same work on other OS's as well?
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: jizzmasterzero on April 26, 2013, 10:57 pm
These threads are always good for a laugh.   :D
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: jayjones3000 on April 26, 2013, 11:00 pm
I still can't tell if this is serious or a joke.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: jizzmasterzero on April 26, 2013, 11:09 pm
The DEA are nothing but Dick Eating Assholes.... they couldn't catch a cold if their lives depended on it, let alone a SR vendor who follows the proper code of conduct. 

And like it's been mentioned... why would they send you warning and give you a chance to clean house? They'd bust your ass and try to get as much evidence as they could.

Either the OP is trolling or some other vendor is trying to scare him off the road.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: GaryBusey on April 26, 2013, 11:12 pm
It's some sort of half assed scam attempt or a psyops exercise by law enforcement or a hacker. It wasn't even that good and it got almost 5,000 views and scared the hell out of some noobiess and a couple of vendors. A precedent has been set regardless.

It reminds me of this just lamer.

http://www.you.tube.com/watch?v=n-bYe2vQOwU
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: samesamebutdifferent on April 26, 2013, 11:23 pm
Quote
While the government tries to give the impression that it is monitoring transactions on Silk Road itself, it's possible it caught the suspect through more traditional means.
CLEARNET: http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2012/07/australian-cops-tout-arrest-of-man-for-bitcoin-drug-deal/

LOL this master brain put his SR Vendor name in his CAR LICENSE TAG!  :o ;D

Low hanging fruit indeed.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: pine on April 27, 2013, 02:45 am
tree and pine said stuff

Let's talk here instead so I don't hijack the thread any more than I already have done! :D

http://dkn255hz262ypmii.onion/index.php?topic=151648.msg1047633#msg1047633
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: funmaker on April 27, 2013, 03:23 am
Yeah, should not be possible unless you somehow broke protocol.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: tokemc on April 27, 2013, 03:23 pm
Look here wtf.

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/04/16/8-arrests-in-international-online-narcotics-market/
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: tokemc on April 27, 2013, 03:28 pm
Look the name is the same on alot of the same messages, if it is ur real ip, then i would buy a flight ticket :)
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: GaryBusey on May 04, 2013, 05:32 am
This did really creep me out. I saw there are a lot of people using onion.to and posting on r/silkroad on reddit. This shit is spooky nowdays.

And the one thread about the feds and the chick signing for the package offline getting deleted is making me think conspiracy.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: negativekarma on May 04, 2013, 05:39 am
did u have a framers market account and use the same username as ur silk road account?
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: luckyornot on May 04, 2013, 05:53 am
Hmmm...

Is it at all plausible that you've used the same username you registered somewhere before? Like.. on Topix or something? Because that would be fucking retarded.

Shit, there's a search bar in the main market. You can message any random ass username you can type in that search bar that matches an active account.

Couldn't some sort of "Alphabet Mafia" troll or bot sit on Silk Road all day and try different words and combinations from, say an index of the top passwords and usernames from database hacks or a list and just harvest SR usernames all day and run them against Google or something?

I've already read in articles that the government has been monitoring IRC chats in real time. I can't see why in some sort of fucked up way of social engineering and shady shit it couldn't be possible for someone to link a SR username to an IP.

Another question..

What kind of activity do you do regularly on your main browser.. (clearweb)

Do you sit and stream bootleg movies and torrent songs or have any torrent programs or you know, buy drugs on topix? Do you have a Facebook full of weed references and sit around looking at erowid or weird fetish porn all day or something that would register as suspicious?

Do you share an internet connection with anyone?

Because I think it's within the possibility of reason that it could be pulled off. Especially on someone who doesn't know what the hell they're doing and just tries to figure out bitcoin and Silk Road because they heard about it and managed to get on once or twice.

You need to know a decent amount of shit to fuck around on Silk Road and not derp up.

Either OP is a troll or a derp. I'm subbed though.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: Jack N Hoff on May 04, 2013, 05:55 am
This did really creep me out. I saw there are a lot of people using onion.to and posting on r/silkroad on reddit. This shit is spooky nowdays.

And the one thread about the feds and the chick signing for the package offline getting deleted is making me think conspiracy.

There was no package.  That thread wasn't about drugs.  It was about a swatting.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: GaryBusey on May 04, 2013, 05:59 am
This did really creep me out. I saw there are a lot of people using onion.to and posting on r/silkroad on reddit. This shit is spooky nowdays.

And the one thread about the feds and the chick signing for the package offline getting deleted is making me think conspiracy.

There was no package.  That thread wasn't about drugs.  It was about a swatting.

 :-[

Well it was deleted so it's not like i could reference it or anything.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: razerblade on May 04, 2013, 06:10 am
fhggrewvfd
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: BruceCampbell on May 04, 2013, 06:14 am
Op hasn't logged in in weeks.

Date Registered:
    April 19, 2013, 11:14 pm
Local Time:
    May 04, 2013, 06:14 am
Last Active:
    April 21, 2013, 07:50 pm
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: Jack N Hoff on May 04, 2013, 06:34 am
Op hasn't logged in in weeks.

Date Registered:
    April 19, 2013, 11:14 pm
Local Time:
    May 04, 2013, 06:14 am
Last Active:
    April 21, 2013, 07:50 pm

It's a throwaway account.  Active for almost 45 hours.  This whole thing is fishy because it's an exact copy of TFM letters that were mailed to peolpe, except with an IP address added.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: Fa11Up on May 04, 2013, 06:38 am
Op hasn't logged in in weeks.

Date Registered:
    April 19, 2013, 11:14 pm
Local Time:
    May 04, 2013, 06:14 am
Last Active:
    April 21, 2013, 07:50 pm

It's a throwaway account.  Active for almost 45 hours.  This whole thing is fishy because it's an exact copy of TFM letters that were mailed to peolpe, except with an IP address added.

^this
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: BruceCampbell on May 04, 2013, 07:01 am
It's fishy as fuck but the fact that dude got 4500 views with six posts and hasn't logged back in is a little spooky.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: samesamebutdifferent on May 04, 2013, 07:59 am
DPR didn't think they were the feds so my money is still on psyops.

and guess what... it worked because we are still talking about it now!
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: b0m on May 04, 2013, 08:40 am
It's fishy as fuck but the fact that dude got 4500 views with six posts and hasn't logged back in is a little spooky.

Where u see views? Or vendor only?
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: Donny Donowitz on May 04, 2013, 08:55 am
It's fishy as fuck but the fact that dude got 4500 views with six posts and hasn't logged back in is a little spooky.

Where u see views? Or vendor only?

The header lol.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: Jack N Hoff on May 04, 2013, 08:56 am
It's fishy as fuck but the fact that dude got 4500 views with six posts and hasn't logged back in is a little spooky.

Where u see views? Or vendor only?

Thread views.  They mean nothing.  I see thread views go over a thousand while there are only 200 people online.
Title: Re: HELP! Message from DEA Diversion Office on market account?!!!
Post by: Not_A_Sheep on May 17, 2013, 01:54 am
Anybody else message this guy?? From my observations, I am 99% sure the account is not Law Enforcement and just fucking with people using computer skills. But beware! it would make sense for the bastards to use form of confusion, deception, and fear to attack the SR market in any way they can. Stay alert!