[Elitas]

When on Hack Forums, you may stumble across the Marketplace. I'm making the assumption due to the fact that you are reading this thread, that you have indeed already ventured upon the Hack Forums Marketplace. I really hope that you are reading this thread before you have made any deals. I'm going to be offering practical advice to figuring out who is safe to deal with, and how you can avoid/reduce the amount of risky deals you are involved in.

___Table of Contents

• • Introduction
  • Middlemen
    • What a middleman does
      
    • List of trustworthy middlemen
  • Off-Site Dealing
    • Verifying who you're dealing with
  • Payment Methods
    • PayPal
      
    • Bitcoin & Other Cryptos
      
    • Amazon Gift Card
  • Disputing A Deal
    • Filing The Dispute
  • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Is it really worth using a middleman for small deals?
      
    • Should I upgrade to use the 'Trust Scan' feature?
  • Notable Threads

Introduction

Welcome to my Safe Trading guide. Please note that Forum Staff and Admins do not get involved in Deal Disputes and you deal at your own risk of this site. I'd also like to point out that you will need a Popularity System to post in the Marketplace, please do not make threads asking why that is the case, just be high quality and users will give rep you. Anyway, reading this guide will tell you exactly how to be safe in your deals and avoid scams most of the time. On top of this guide, please apply common sense. If a deal seems too good to be true or requires dodgy payment methods; don't bother dealing with that user. The safest way to avoid getting scammed during a deal is to not make the deal in the first place. Assuming you would like to deal on Hack Forums... This guide is for you!

[Elitas]

Middlemen

Remember that middlemen can scam too. This is something which is commonly overlooked so please make sure the middleman you and the other user choose a middleman on the list below as they could be telling you to use their friend who could be in on the scam. ONLY use trustworthy middlemen! Almost all open deal disputes (which can be found here) could have been avoided had they used a middleman. You will commonly see newer users being told that they "should have used a middleman" and it either comes down to laziness (not being bothered to get a middleman) or the scammer pressurizes the victim into thinking that they don't have time to use the middleman. NEVER be fooled! Go into a deal with the idea in mind that you will be using a middleman, and the second you find yourself considering doing this deal without one, THINK TWICE.

What a middleman does

A middleman is a person who takes the payment instead of the other users and then gives out the deal. For example: I'm purchasing $15 paypal for $10 bitcoin. I send the $10 bitcoin to the middleman and the other user sends $15 paypal to the middleman. Then the middleman gives me my $15 paypal and the other user his $10 bitcoin.

List of trustworthy middlemen

Please remember that even the most trustworthy middlemen can scam! Make sure that the deal you're completing is worth less than the value of damage a deal dispute could do to this middleman's deals on Hack Forums. Take for example a user has donated $1,000+ to Hack Forums, it is unlikely they would scam for less than $1,000 so they should be able to middleman the deal!

I take no responsibility if you are scammed by any of the following middlemen, however these are the most trustworthy people in my eyes who I would trust if I was dealing with a $1,000 deal:

Spoiler (Click to View)

• Minimalist
  
• Vyrez
  
• Regulus
  

Please message me if you know of another trustworthy middleman!

Off-Site Dealing

A part of Hack Forums deals is off-site deals. You could be in a Hack Forums discord group or just leave your Skype somewhere around the forums and find someone has left a message asking you to deal on the forums. However, this is a common scam as some users will create a fake Skype account which is impersonating a reputable member of the forums, link you the profile of that member and claim to be them and you are oblivious to this scam which results in you losing your cash.

Verifying who you're dealing with

It's pretty easy to verify who it is that you're dealing with. Ask them to message you on Hack Forums stating they are who they say they are. Sometimes they will make up an excuse to get you to ignore that. Do NOT deal with them until they verify who they are! It is also vital to still utilize a middleman and if they state they don't want to middleman for small deals, don't do the deal if you're going to be upset if you are scammed.

[Elitas]

Payment Methods

Most scams occur during currency exchanges. In almost every deal there is a payment method such as a Cryptocurrency, Paypal or Amazon Gift Cards being traded in exchange for an in-game currency, a service or some sort of product. The most common scam which happens on Hack Forums is someone scamming one of the above payment off somebody else. It is not very common for a scammer to scam an in-game item or something along those lines but still happens and besides, those types of deals are not very common anyway so in terms of a percentage of those deals going wrong, it probably works out the same.

PayPal

PayPal is by far the favorite currency for scammers to use. They will try and trade you their PayPal for other currencies and products. You see, PayPal allow their customers to charge-back on any deals they claim have gone wrong. I'm not really too sure why PayPal bother wasting their time doing this, but it is apart of 'protecting buyers from getting scammed'. Which is ironic because buyers are now scamming the service providers. Now, this is where a middleman is KEY! If you are accepting PayPal as a payment method, you should really think twice as charge-back scams are exceptionally common. Look in the 'Deal Disputes' section; you'll find that a large number of scams occur when PayPal payments are disputed. Overall, I would personally NEVER deal with PayPal, as on Hack Forums, Cryptocurrencies and Amazon Gift Cards are so commonly used as payment methods that it is usually only scammers or newer members who will be trying to give you their PayPal.

Bitcoin & Other Cryptos

These are the only accepted payment methods for upgrades and awards on Hack Forums, and it's for a damn good reason. It is not possible to charge-back using these methods. Once the money is sent, it is yours. I would recommend using a Cryptocurrency (usually Bitcoin) when accepting a payment on Hack Forums.
However, it is vital that you do not send first when using a cryptocurrency as you CANNOT get it back. I would, as always, utilize a middleman for these deals too. When you're buying using a crypto it is important to secure whatever it is you're buying. Once you have the product (such as an account), make sure they can't it it back from you. This means securing the email associated with the account, changing security questions on both the email and account, changing passwords, changing everything. A common scam for Cryptocurrencies is claiming that you sent it to the wrong address. ALWAYS deal through PM's on Hack Forums, and make sure the PM's prove that they are the person you are speaking to on whatever site you're talking to them on, be it Discord, Skype, etc. Keep proof of the address,
and then you can always show on blockchain that the transaction did, indeed go through.

Amazon Gift Cards

These are usually being used by members of the eWhoring community on Hack Forums. Due to the fact that the people they get these from are not smart enough to use Cryptocurrencies but also might charge-back on any PayPal payments. Personally, I have no issues dealing with this payment method as it can easily be exchanged back to a Cryptocurrency for around 60%-70% of its original value. Obviously if you're ever spending on Amazon, it is good to get a larger budget by purchasing these. Make sure to use a middleman, as always, and redeem the code pretty fast as I've seen it happen where the person who gave them the code originally steals is back, or the person selling you the code steals it back and pretends it wasn't them and was the person they eWhored. Stay safe guys!!!

Graphic Designers

When dealing in the Graphics Market Section it is important to remember to remain safe. A lot of graphics designers tend to hand over graphics before payment as they want to hear feedback and make sure the product is what the user wants. I would NEVER recommend doing this. I suggest all graphics designers watermark their work (put their name horizontally across the graphics) and force the other person to pay. Alternatively, you can still use a middleman. Someone who doesn't have any use for the graphic and will be able to secure the deal. It's always recommended to use a middleman. Scams are common in the Graphics Market Section due to the amount of trust among designers and their customers. If you place a watermark over your work, it will allow customers to critique it, get it altered to the way they want it, and they can clearly see how it looks, but won't want to use it as it has your name on it. And if they do try and use it (which would obviously be a bad idea), you are getting credit for it.

[Elitas]

Disputing A Deal

There is a right way; and a wrong way to dispute a deal gone wrong. First of all, let me warn you that leaving them an invalid reputation such as "this user is a scammer" is NOT acceptable and could result in you getting repkilled (losing all of your positive reputations). If you want to make people award of what happened then you must link the deal dispute, and then you can call them a scammer.

Example of INVALID reputation:

User is a scammer, beware!

Example of VALID repuation:

User scammed me. Deal dispute: https://hackforums.net/showthread.php?tid=5589956

(Click here for the source!)

Please remember that you must link a deal dispute posted by yourself. Calling a user a scammer without linking a deal dispute posted by yourself is against Hack Forums' rules. I must emphasize that linking a deal dispute created by another member is against the rules! Source:

• Scammer Reputation: You're required to leave a link to a Deal Dispute thread you have created to infer someone is a scammer (ie: scammer, scams, chargebacks, scamming). Please note that a Deal Dispute link must be your own thread you've created. It cannot be a thread opened by another member.

Filing The Dispute

*See How to properly file a Deal Dispute in a few steps for a more detailed guide.

Just like giving rep to a scammer, there is a right and a wrong way to file the dispute.

When filing the dispute you must remember to:

• Link the scammer's profile.
  
• Link to the thread in question if it exists.
  
• Include other deal disputes about this user from other users.
  
• Include images, gifs or videos as proof and include short explanations of each of the images, gifs or videos.
  
• Include blockchain proof of any bitcoin transactions to prove they either went through or did not.
  

Marketplace Safe Trading

[Elitas]

Marketplace Rules
There are several rules in the marketplace regarding the way you handle a deal dispute.

Deal Disputes Important Rules
1. HF will not be held responsible for deals made by members. All deals at your own risk.
2. No posting of private data in text form. Screenshots related to deals allowed (paypal, PMs) only.
3. Do not contact staff about a deal dispute.
4. Any reputation you leave calling someone a scammer requires you to link to a deal dispute you've created.
5. Deal must have originated on HF and be tied to an HF member with a thread or PM.
6. Read Help Docs and stickies for additional information.
7. Upgraded members can also add an entry into the Deal Dispute Database.

Rules for the Marketplace
Hackforums will not be held responsible for deals made by members.
All the trades on Hackforums should be made in the Marketplace section, regardless of content.
We do not allow deals which are associated with credit card, bank, or identity fraud, nor any other type of illegal stock.
The official rules of the forum still apply.

Safe Trading
While we want the safest possible environment for trades, the reality is that Hackforums is an unsafe place to conduct business. The only help we can provide is helpful safety measures and tips. We advise you to read the following Guide To Safe Trading before making any trades.

Scam Reporting
The Scam Reports section is designed to alert other members of scammers. It also can serve to help resolve an issue between members. We can't get your money back or force a member to complete a deal. Do not PM staff. Our staff on occasion will ban a scammer, if the evidence is on site and apparent. If you got scammed, we would appreciate it if you report the scammer by making a thread in the scam reports section, with the following content:
Link to the scammers profile. This is to prevent confusion if a username change occurs.
Link to the thread in question if it exists, where you may have been scammed.
Search Scam Reports area for any existing threads with the scammer. Search by username and also uid. If everyone adds the users profile then UID will be very effective. Include such threads if found.
Post any images/screenshots (or videos perhaps) that you can provide as evidence of the scam. Include short explanation for every image.

What is reputation abuse?
Reputation abuse can be very complicated subject matter. Here is a list of the following ways reputation can be viewed as abuse.
• Flaming: Using extremely coarse language to describe or berate a member.
• Reputation as a currency: We do not allow the buying or selling of reputations.
• Gang Rep: The act of coordination with other members to raise or lower a member’s reputation is not allowed.
• Rep Coercion: Using intimidation, threats, or blackmail to get reps added or removed.
• Rep Requesting: You cannot give hints, tips, or request reputations.
• Scammer Reputation: You're required to leave a link to a Deal Dispute thread you have created to infer someone is a scammer (ie: scammer, scams, chargebacks, scamming). Please note that a Deal Dispute link must be your own thread you've created. It cannot be a thread opened by another member.
• Deal Dispute Linking: We don't allow you to link to a Deal Dispute forum thread that's opened by another member.
• Reputation Collusion: Agreeing to participate in reciprocal reputations with a member.

I was scammed. How can I leave a scammer rep?
Make a deal dispute in the ‘Deal Dispute’ section, making sure to read the stickies to use the proper format. You may then leave them a negative reputation with a link to the thread; you may not call them a scammer in a reputation in any other manner. You may not ask others to give them negative reputation for being a scammer either; you may only give negative reputation for scamming if you are the one scammed.

Someone called me a scammer in reputation, what do I do?
Calling someone a scammer without a link to the scam report in the reputation will result in the reputation being removed. However, if there is a link to a Deal Dispute thread they've created then Staff does not investigate these claims nor make it definitive whether the scam report is legitimate or not.

How do I report abuse or get the invalid rep removed?
You can PM the admin Omniscient. Be warned. If you did not read fully this page and the rep left on your account was indeed within policy then you will get banned or even closed without any hesitation. If you were left a scammer rep we may also do a full investigation of your account. If we find out you're breaking any site policies you will get a closed account.

What are examples of invalid scammer reputation?
• Ripped me off in a currency exchange in Skype
• This member stole $100 from me
• member has open scam reports
• Multiple account scammer
• scammed my friend
• chargeback on payment
• known scammer
• tried to scam
• took my money and didn't provide service
• this guy is a thief and will rip you off

How do I report an invalid scammer reputation?
We suggest you send them a Private Message informing them of site policy and the consequences unless they alter the reputation within 24 hours. Give them that time to alter it. Do not report the reputation to an admin until that 24 hours has passed. Do not threaten the member in the PM. Instead copy/paste this:

I am sending this PM to you because you've given me an invalid scammer reputation. Policy dictates that I send this text to you. HackForums policy requires that all scammer inferences in reputation require a link to a Deal Dispute forum thread that you have created. Either you didn't leave a link or the link you did leave is to a thread not created by you. As such you have 24 hours to alter your reputation to be within policy. Failure to do so will result in your reputation being reported to an admin which can result in severe action against your account. If you'd like to confirm this policy please read this help doc:
//hackforums.net/misc.php?action=help&hid=20

Someone is flaming me or calling me a scammer in their signature. What can I do?
Contact staff please. We'll look into it.

Have a question about the rules or just don't understand why these are the rules?

We recommend you take the time to read the HF Help Documents section. The answer to your questions should be contained in there.

[Elitas]

Frequently Asked Questions

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Is it really worth using a middleman for small deals?
Spoiler (Click to View)You shouldn't base whether or not you would like to use a middleman based on the amount of money involved in the deal. Instead, use a middleman if you would be upset if you lost the money in the deal from the scam. Most of the time you'll want to use the middleman, but the odd time you might not be bothered for a small amount.

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Should I upgrade to use the 'Trust Scan' feature?
Spoiler (Click to View)*The trust scan feature is currently disabled.
That is entirely up to you. All the feature tells you is information regarding the account you're dealing with. Using the feature can make you aware of the chance that the account is compromised. You can always just message an UB3R/3P1C and ask them to tell you. One key feature of the trust scan is that it displays the deal disputes of that user, but you can always just search their uid in the deal dispute database. The trust scan just makes it easier and saves you time. The upgrade is only $12 though so it is probably worth it if you're doing a lot of deals!

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How do I report a scammer?

Spoiler (Click to View)Staff will not get involved in deal disputes between members as it is a waste of their time to deal with absolutely every deal dispute and it is impossible to fully prove whether a user has been scammed or not in some cases and it would take up a lot of staff member's time. Instead, anti-scamming measures have been added to Hack Forums such as trust scan features and the Deal Dispute Database. Non-upgraded members are free to post any deal disputes in the Deal Disputes section. Upgraded members should also post here but they are able to make submissions to the Deal Dispute Database which will be added to the scammer's trust scan.
When writing a deal dispute, it is mandatory that users include the scammer's user id (found on profile link) in the title of the dispute, the scammer's username (update whenever they change if possible) and the scammer's profile link in the post. It is also important to add proof of the user scamming. If proof is off-site, proof must also be provided that the off-site username/alias is verified to be the scammer in question and not an impersonator (which has happened before).

Scam Reporting
The Scam Reports section is designed to alert other members of scammers. It also can serve to help resolve an issue between members. We can't get your money back or force a member to complete a deal. Do not PM staff. Our staff on occasion will ban a scammer, if the evidence is on site and apparent. If you got scammed, we would appreciate it if you report the scammer by making a thread in the scam reports section, with the following content:
Link to the scammers profile. This is to prevent confusion if a username change occurs.
Link to the thread in question if it exists, where you may have been scammed.
Search Scam Reports area for any existing threads with the scammer. Search by username and also uid. If everyone adds the users profile then UID will be very effective. Include such threads if found.
Post any images/screenshots (or videos perhaps) that you can provide as evidence of the scam. Include short explanation for every image.

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How do I open a deal dispute?

Spoiler (Click to View)Read this guide on properly filing a deal dispute. It's generally very simple. You should always remember to include the scammer's uid in the title of the thread, their profile link in the OP, all other open scam reports on the user and also include a link to the sales thread where the scam happened. You should always include relevant images in the thread too.

Scam Reporting
The Scam Reports section is designed to alert other members of scammers. It also can serve to help resolve an issue between members. We can't get your money back or force a member to complete a deal. Do not PM staff. Our staff on occasion will ban a scammer, if the evidence is on site and apparent. If you got scammed, we would appreciate it if you report the scammer by making a thread in the scam reports section, with the following content:
Link to the scammers profile. This is to prevent confusion if a username change occurs.
Link to the thread in question if it exists, where you may have been scammed.
Search Scam Reports area for any existing threads with the scammer. Search by username and also uid. If everyone adds the users profile then UID will be very effective. Include such threads if found.
Post any images/screenshots (or videos perhaps) that you can provide as evidence of the scam. Include short explanation for every image.

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[Elitas]

Notable Threads

• Scammer Reputations by Omniscient
  
• DO NOT CONTACT STAFF by Omniscient
  
• {Must Read For Safe Dealing} Beginners Guide To Using a Middleman by Funtela
  
• The NEWER Guide To The HackForum's Marketplace by Formula1
  
  

[Elitas]

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[Elitas]

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[Elitas]

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[Neal Caffrey]

I guess I'll be the first to comment then.

Good guide, but to summarise: Don't be a dumb fuckwit.

[G*59]

I guess I'll be the first to comment then.

Good guide, but to summarise: Don't be a dumb fuckwit.

Underrated advice ^

Good guide though, should be helpful for new users.

[Neal Caffrey]

Underrated advice ^

Good guide though, should be helpful for new users.

Agreed, it's very detailed, however I would suggest you add a bit of information regarding the security of taking different payment methods. If you need any help, feel free to message me :)

[ᴛᴇʀᴀ]

I like this thread good for newer members, thank you for posting this

[James Burnham]

Great thread. Thanks for writing that.