Silk Road forums
Market => Rumor mill => Topic started by: grapepen309 on March 30, 2013, 06:41 pm
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Vendor: BankofBtc - http://silkroadvb5piz3r.onion/silkroad/user/5a4d6f4d06
My thoughts: Engaging in the typical MoneyPak for BitCoin scam.
1. You give the MP info
2. Vendor cancells transaction
3. Your MoneyPak balance is gone
Vendor tells me his/her minimum for MP is $200. There is NO mention of a minimum MP in the listing (http://silkroadvb5piz3r.onion/silkroad/item/e063b863f5). In fact the listing contains the text "Quantity is set to a low amount to handle your exchange quickly."
EDIT: Vendor has since changed the listing with bullet: "3/30 ---NO ORDERS UNDER 200$!!!-- Thank you."
He/she has responded to a message but has not addressed the fact that my MP balance is gone. This was an MP number known only to ME and BankOfBtc.
Reminds me of my one and only attempt at using BMR.
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I just lost $84 on this fucker. Messaged SR Support hoping they can magically take my coins from his account using a magic wand or some shit. Total of $164 lost due to SR's Moneypak bullshit.
Solution: SR checks vendor's history, sends bitcoin equally back to rightful buyers, ban scammer.
If you were victim to this shit, grapepen, sorry for your loss as well... :(
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If you were victim to this shit, grapepen, sorry for your loss as well... :(
We've both been had. Normally I can see bogus feedback but I guess I was too hasty. I lost $63 but it's $63 more than this POS BankOfBTC has rights to take.
Solution: SR checks vendor's history, sends bitcoin equally back to rightful buyers, ban scammer.
I agree, there has to be some recourse for this BS. It's happening way too often for my taste.
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I think there should be a BTC bank or pool that a vendor must maintain if he/she wants to deal in BTC exchanges. The BTC is frozen until the transaction is finalized. So, the vendor would have to keep double the BTC on hand but that's the cost of doing business. If you don't scam, you don't stand a chance of losing.
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You think support could help us out? I've messaged them, but I've heard if it involves Moneypak, there's not much they could do but most likely ban the scammer. I wonder if taking coins from his wallet and returning them to us could be possible, not like it wasn't ours anyways. It took me like a month just to get 42 dollars, the other 42 dollars on the card was a friends, I have no ways of getting money and this is the second time IN A ROW of getting scammed.
I questioned the feedback, notice they use "2nd" instead of "second", and "1hour" "24mins" etc instead of "1 hour" "24 minutes" etc. It's like that on a ton of feedback submissions, but I didn't think too much of it...mentioned it to SR Support though, so maybe they'll be able to realize he's a scammer, along with you being a victim as well, making two of us now so I'm not alone since I'm sure the vendor would just claim my card was empty when I gave the code or some shit like that. At least there's two of us now to go against him.
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I'm not sure what SR admins can do in regards to us getting our funds back. I know this sounds like anything but a solution but I'd crack a smile just to see the vendor banned. If the vendor swindled us out of such small change (in the grand scheme of things on SR anything under $100 USD is on the low end) we know he/she is waiting for the big one and will disappear. If we could keep the "big one" from occurring I would be happy in the long-term. I believe that money exchanged for BTC on SR stays on SR and helps everyone.
Although getting at least part of my currency back would be icing on the cake, I'm not holding my breath for that.
You have had at least one or more successful transactions on SR haven't you sorasgaze? It would be a God awful shame if nothing but scam and swindle has been your SR experience. That's what the competition is all about and I hate to see it become the norm here.....
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I was thinking that'd be the only available option, banning and the slight possibility of our funds returned.
Yes, I have had many great transactions from SR, but this is the second time in a row of being scammed by Moneypak to Bitcoin scammers, if I had over $100 on the card, I would've gladly gone to SugarMama or a more trusted source, however unfortunately there were no other options for >100 conversions...I started losing hope in SR, but I posted a thread asking for donations so I could possibly get my initial order of 100x blottertabs of 25i-NBOME among other substances (1g of MDPV but I never mention I occasionally use PV since most users of it are insane addicts to the stuff so I didn't want to make myself look like a junkie looking for money, especially when I haven't done ANY drugs in months, haha), a vendor of 25i-NBOME told me to message him, so this could shine some light on the situation and regain my lost hope! I was planning on buying nbome in bulk cheap and selling locally for more, if I ever fulfill my plan of doing that, I myself will pay for your loss because I know how it feels.
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I have had many great transactions from SR
That's good to hear. SR needs buyers as much as it needs vendors. I've had a good share of flawless transactions but I've also been burnt a few times. I'm sure every buyer on here, who has a history of transactions, has seen a few deals go south just like you and I.
I know how it feels.
It's a shame. You and I just doing our own thing on SR. Not hurting anyone, wanting to engage in some free-trade and this buttwipe BankOfBtc has to ruin a good thing.
You know, you could always try ZigGap or BitInstant. There is no minimum and the transaction charge is less than the MP service charge and you won't have to worry about a swindle. You have proof of purchase and can recoup your loss if it occurs. Of course, BitInstant is going through some difficulty and some folks don't have a retailer close that will cater to MoneyGram Express Bill Pay. But, if you really need to get some BTC on SR the ZigGap or BitINstant option might be your best bet.
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There's nothing SR Support can do in these situations with bitcoin scammers other than to ban them. When you buy btc on SR, it is inevitably a transaction taking place outside of the escrow system, and therefore outside of the protection of SR. It's just like FE'ing in that if you are scammed, there's nothing SR can do for you to get your money back. All they can do is ban the scammer.
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I have a simple solution for all the noobs that still prefer to use moneypaks to convert their USD currency to bitcoins (blows my mind)..
SUGAR MAMA.
Use her. She is a woman of beauty and a huge asset to SR. You guys need to learn patience! Weigh your options.. possibly get scammed and get your coins quickly or send your money over to Sugar Mama and know you'll get your coins guaranteed.. seems like an easy answer!
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There's nothing SR Support can do in these situations with bitcoin scammers other than to ban them. When you buy btc on SR, it is inevitably a transaction taking place outside of the escrow system, and therefore outside of the protection of SR. It's just like FE'ing in that if you are scammed, there's nothing SR can do for you to get your money back. All they can do is ban the scammer.
I know, support already messaged me back with simply "We can't do anything in BTC exchange situations.", how helpful, I just really wanted his vendor account banned, but they can't even do that? Pssh...
First of all, to the two guys who got scammed - I'm very sorry to hear that. I can only imagine how pissed off you are and would love to get some revenge (more on that in a second).
Second, you should also look into www.bitfloor.com (clearnet address) - they accept cash deposits at Bank of America and you have your coin within minutes, I personally have used it on several occasions and recommend it over BitInstant due to BI's high fees.
Now, back to revenge...
About a month (maybe a little more) ago, I came across a conversation on these threads - a well known vendor was letting everyone know that he had a little free time so if anyonee wanted to get an order in, he could get it out today. This vendor basically has the Rolls Royce of my drug of choice, but only sold it in quantities that were outside of my general price range. I was pissed, because not only was I not going to be able to try out this awesome gear - I was quickly reminded of how low on the totem pole I really was. My vengeance came in the form of being that vendor's official reseller (that vendor was Nod) and now - not only do I resell for him and make money, I have it on hand so I can do some whenever I want. Rolls Royce, baby!
So, if I were you two guys, I'd sit down and figure out exactly what I could do to fill the need/service you were requiring at the time. Then I would set about filling that need. There's a lot of opportunity here on SR & the deepweb in general to make some nice money for honest people. This is one of the last few places that does reward honesty - especially in the business you're talking about - it's so important.
So, go get em!!
This was my plan, Nod4less. I was going to be flipping 25i-NBOME locally as what it is (Not as LSD like most dumbasses do), that was why I was saying I'd pay back any loans/donations too, I'd get what I needed to buy the nbome, sell some, repay loan/donations, buy more nbome, etc... I see you sell BTH, is that what you meant? Didn't know if you meant selling locally or vending for the drug you were talking about. Haha, I hear it's a really bad thing to be addicted to heroin so l try to stay away from that.
I have a simple solution for all the noobs that still prefer to use moneypaks to convert their USD currency to bitcoins (blows my mind)..
SUGAR MAMA.
Use her. She is a woman of beauty and a huge asset to SR. You guys need to learn patience! Weigh your options.. possibly get scammed and get your coins quickly or send your money over to Sugar Mama and know you'll get your coins guaranteed.. seems like an easy answer!
I know! SugarMama has always been super fast, however my MP was under 100 and she's already dealt with my >100 cards before and I didn't want to bother her/I doubt she'd do it again. I had to find other options, which I won't be doing again.
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1. The closest BoA to me is 100 miles. The closest MP retailer is 20 miles. That rules out BitFloor.
2. BitInstant was my routine BTC purchase ploy until they fell apart two weeks ago.
3. ZigGap is having all kinds of trouble and are following in BI shoes.
4. Wire Transfer to other BTC intermediates costs $20 for the MG or WU alone.
5. SugarMama has $100 minimum.
The scammer BankOfBtc offered quick MP to BTC exchange with 8% fee, NO Minimum MP value, and good feedback from 35+ transactions. What else have I got?
So, we are left with a vendor who obviously is scamming and SR admin can do nothing? At least BMR admins are able to ban those type vendors. Sheesh.
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1. The closest BoA to me is 100 miles. The closest MP retailer is 20 miles. That rules out BitFloor.
2. BitInstant was my routine BTC purchase ploy until they fell apart two weeks ago.
3. ZigGap is having all kinds of trouble and are following in BI shoes.
4. Wire Transfer to other BTC intermediates costs $20 for the MG or WU alone.
5. SugarMama has $100 minimum.
The scammer BankOfBtc offered quick MP to BTC exchange with 8% fee, NO Minimum MP value, and good feedback from 35+ transactions. What else have I got?
So, we are left with a vendor who obviously is scamming and SR admin can do nothing? At least BMR admins are able to ban those type vendors. Sheesh.
I know, support didn't even mention anything about banning the scammer when they replied to my message. Sure, let him continue scamming, we have noooo problem with it. >:(
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That's not true at all. Just last week we got a bitcoin scammer "BitcoinBillionaires" banned ... just make it clear when you are using the "report this vendor" link on the vendor's profile that you are not trying to get money back, you're just trying to report a scammer.
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That's not true at all. Just last week we got a bitcoin scammer "BitcoinBillionaires" banned ... just make it clear when you are using the "report this vendor" link on the vendor's profile that you are not trying to get money back, you're just trying to report a scammer.
*facepalm* I...did not...even think of that. Wow. Thank you. lol
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That's not true at all. Just last week we got a bitcoin scammer "BitcoinBillionaires" banned ... just make it clear when you are using the "report this vendor" link on the vendor's profile that you are not trying to get money back, you're just trying to report a scammer.
*facepalm* I...did not...even think of that. Wow. Thank you. lol
SR Support is a small team, and they get hundreds and hundreds of messages every day. I think what happens is that sometimes when they're reading through them, they assume complaints are intended to get scammed money back, and so they respond with the usual "We can't help you get your money back, sorry" response ... so it may help them take action if you make clear that you're not expecting to get your money back - that you're just trying to report a vendor who has scammed many people. I hope this helps! If not and this continues, I'll escalate the issue.
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EDIT and GOOD NEWS:
After letting cool heads prevail BankOfBtc and I have taken the time to totally understand one another and the transaction was completed shortly thereafter. The problem was as I suspected. I took the text of the vendors message asking me how much my MP was worth (which was an incorrect amount but understandable taking into account the volume the vendor is dealing with) as a taunt rather than his/her true intention of ensuring the proper BTC was transferred into my wallet. The vendor changed the description of the listing when he/she realized my MP amount was legitimate IAW the listing at the time. I went one step further and assumed the listing was changed in an attempt to insulate himself from my objections and buy time to take some more MP from SR buyers. I think at that point he assumed my messages about what was occurring as an attempt by me to extort additional BTC out of a MoneyPak that seemed chin-see by the amount. By that point I was ready, and did, start up this topic to warn others.
I am not privy to the particulars of sorasgaze interactions with BankOfBtc but I think both of our orders were placed at about the same time and probably added to the vendors suspicions that we were in cahoots, especially since both of our MP's were under the Minimum amount that should have been in the listing at the time but were not. From what I gather, sorasgaze has a shorter fuse than I and may have gone nuclear while I was still simmering.
Long story short: a type-o in a listing (which has been corrected) followed by a cancellation of my order without an immediate follow-on message (I require more patience), multiplied by a misunderstanding in messages at the outset (on both our behalves) led to the remains of a detonated CF Grenade you see here......
Short story shorter: I have my BTC, BankofBtc has my respect, and there are at least two happy campers in the SR world tonight......
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Is it improper, or are there any objections to, this topic be removed? A casual search by buyers for the vendors name will display "Scam" and "BankOfBtc" in the same piece of real estate in the browser. I know that, having only been strictly a buyer on SR, I would see the topic title and probably not read any further into it and simply disregard the vendor. Unfortunately this does not do the vendor justice at this point since there is a happy ending.
My question is whether there is a rule/policy, either written or as a matter of civility, to this topic being removed from the Rumor Mill board? Are there any objections by those who have taken their time to assist by posting within?
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No, I think you should keep this thread here. There's no reason to delete it -- you updated it and resolved your issue, but the fact remains you shouldn't have had this experience in the first place! So, please, keep it here. If you want, I can edit the title to reflect that the issue was resolved -- but I still think the honesty herein is important. If someone is researching bitcoin vendors and stumbles upon this thread, at least it provides them with an honest review and allows them to make a better judgment as to whether or not they want to use this vendor.
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[Y]ou shouldn't have had this experience in the first place!
I can't help but feel I hold at least part of the blame in the mess and hate the notion that this topic title is turning away what could be business and profit for the vendor.
EDIT 06-April-2013: I'm changing topic title to CONFIRMED SCAMMER. Feeling guilty as stated in this message I decided to engage in another MP to BTC transaction to get him some feedback. Well, I'm scammed again and finished with this POS. I'm gonna open complaint with GreenDot again and sick LE on him afterwards.
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I'll take care of it right now. :)
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BankofBtc simply ignored my message asking to give me coin, this is what I sent:
Hello BankofBtc. I was the other member (with grapepen309) that used you for btc transaction. It was an 84 dollar Moneypak and you cancelled the order and my card was left empty after using only your services. Not sure if I had the same problem as grapepen had, but my MP was under 100 dollars and was wondering since you resolved his problems, can you restore my btc to my account? I was sure I got scammed, and it was the second time so it was extremely annoying to me. Hoping you can resolve this. Sorry for my ranting on the forums, if this is just a misunderstanding. Thank you...
Read within 20 minutes, waited a day, no reply. Fuck it. Scammer. Scammer. Scammer. Panic to avoid being banned, return the buyer with the smaller amounts' money, continue scamming people, oh and check out his new bullshit feedback. "Just cashed my 2300 bitcoin order." or something like that. Yeah, like someone would use him/her for an amount of 269,100 in US money when they could just use SugarMama and avoid the risk of being scammed. This guy is a fucking joke.
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Well, I went and met this guy's minimum MP amount of $200 and tried another transaction. SCAMMED. WTF????
Sure, my order is still sitting out there but my MP is drained of all funds and BankOfBtc is mum. Am I a glutton for punishment or what? I'll have to get with GreenDot to say someone stole my MoneyPak without my giving out the number. They'll spill the beans on who cashed it in if a case is opened with them. I was scammed like this on BMR last summer and I got not only my funds back but GreenDot went after the idiot afterwards. lol
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Well, I went and met this guy's minimum MP amount of $200 and tried another transaction. SCAMMED. WTF????
Sure, my order is still sitting out there but my MP is drained of all funds and BankOfBtc is mum. Am I a glutton for punishment or what? I'll have to get with GreenDot to say someone stole my MoneyPak without my giving out the number. They'll spill the beans on who cashed it in if a case is opened with them. I was scammed like this on BMR last summer and I got not only my funds back but GreenDot went after the idiot afterwards. lol
Not sure what state of mind you'd be in to make the decision it'd be a good idea to make another order with this guy, it was pretty obvious the entire time regardless if he gave in and returned what he owed, now think of the drugs you could have bought with that money and punch yourself in the face. lol