This is not a new method, but it is one that many members are not aware of. Read this before doing any deal on this forum.
How the scam Works:
The attacker contacts two real members separately on Telegram, impersonating each one to the other. Member A thinks they are talking to Member B. Member B thinks they are talking to Member A. The scammer is in the middle, relaying messages between both sides. When one side asks for on-site verification, the scammer passes that request to the real account. The real account sends a genuine forum PM, not knowing what is actually happening. Both sides now believe the deal is verified. Payment is sent. The scammer takes the money and disappears.
Neither victim knows the other was also deceived. They end up blaming each other, when the real attacker was never part of the conversation at all.
How to protect yourself:
Do not trust a Telegram username that was sent to you by another party. Always go directly to the member's forum profile and get their contact details from there yourself. A forum PM alone is not sufficient verification if the initial contact came through Telegram. The only reliable way to verify is to ask the other party to send screenshots of the Telegram conversation directly, rather than just text via forum PM. You can also cross-check by looking at the Telegram links listed in the seller's previous posts or signature. If the other side is pushing you to verify quickly or skip steps, stop and contact moderation before doing anything else.
When in doubt, use the middleman service.
Stay safe.
How the scam Works:
The attacker contacts two real members separately on Telegram, impersonating each one to the other. Member A thinks they are talking to Member B. Member B thinks they are talking to Member A. The scammer is in the middle, relaying messages between both sides. When one side asks for on-site verification, the scammer passes that request to the real account. The real account sends a genuine forum PM, not knowing what is actually happening. Both sides now believe the deal is verified. Payment is sent. The scammer takes the money and disappears.
Neither victim knows the other was also deceived. They end up blaming each other, when the real attacker was never part of the conversation at all.
How to protect yourself:
Do not trust a Telegram username that was sent to you by another party. Always go directly to the member's forum profile and get their contact details from there yourself. A forum PM alone is not sufficient verification if the initial contact came through Telegram. The only reliable way to verify is to ask the other party to send screenshots of the Telegram conversation directly, rather than just text via forum PM. You can also cross-check by looking at the Telegram links listed in the seller's previous posts or signature. If the other side is pushing you to verify quickly or skip steps, stop and contact moderation before doing anything else.
When in doubt, use the middleman service.
Stay safe.
Telegram: @pto_beastmode
Scam Warning: I will never DM you first. If someone claims to be me — report & ignore.
Scam Warning: I will never DM you first. If someone claims to be me — report & ignore.