10 Tricks scammers use to fool you

[Bigguns R US]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Fake Emails Referrals

It is not uncommon for people to ask for referrals, scammers have gotten wise to this! The scammer will list referral email accounts for you to contact. The problems is these referral email accounts are really just addition email accounts the scammer has created for the purpose to give positive referrals to anyone that contacts that account in hopes that you will feel comfortable enough to place an order with the source at his “business” email account.


2. Similar emails as monitors or community vets

Scammers are forever trying to setup the perfect situation to take your money. They have figured out that having popular online community members confirming their reliability can go a long way in helping settle any jitters the customer might have. The problem is no popular online community member will ever back them so the scammers setup email account which are similar to the real email accounts a popular community member uses. For example they might add an underscore “_” – user_name@hotmail.com or switch around a couple of letters – username132@hotmail.com instead of username123@hotmail.com. So how do you get around this? Do not get the email address of references from the source. If you do decide to ask for references, which are another topic for an article altogether, always go directly to the popular online community member to confirm what you need to before order.


3. Big minimum order for first timers

You should not have to place a large order at any time, especially on any first time order, that just doesn’t make sense. With any mail order business it is common practice to order small to see that you in fact get what you orders, you get your order in a timely fashion, that there are no hidden fees, etc. Dealing with an online store or source is no different that any other purchase you might be making, you would never give large amounts of money


4. No posts or low posts and try to offer you their extras

I think everyone has come across this at some time, a new member who is offering you their “extras” but you have never heard or communicated with them before! Why would you even risk doing something like this with a total stranger? I always ask myself why that person does not offer their extras to a gym friend or training partner who they know first hand rather than picking a screen name at random, it just doesn’t make sense. This has been one of the latest schemes the scammers have been trying to run. It is not uncommon for people to get contacted by someone who offers them their “extras” but when you look into their online profile, they usually have just signed up and have next to no posts behind them. Many times the scammers will just abandon a screen name and move onto the next screen name looking for other suckers to steal money from.


5. Domestic US or Canadian pharmacy or veterinarian products always in stock with no limit

This is a sure sign of counterfeits! US and Canadian products are very well regulated, sure someone might be able to get a bottle here or there but large volume on a regular basis!?!?! Alarm bells should be going off if you come across this or someone tells you this. There are many high quality, professional “organized” counterfeiting operations currently running in several big cities in North America. These operations can product EXACT copies of many popular products which have even fooled quality control workers at the manufacturing plants! Fortunately many of these operations are using high quality raw materials but just as many of them are not using anything other than cheap raw materials in low dosages which give next to no positive gains. It is really just the luck of the draw and I won’t recommend chancing it when it comes to your body!


6. Unbelievable prices

Like they say if it is too good to be true it probably is! In this day and age it is hard for anyone to miss a chance at extremely cheap prices but at the same time getting ordering cheap products that never show is not a good deal! If you don’t get any products delivered it doesn’t matter how good of a deal you got, it does you no good. Many long term online sources do have higher prices but don’t try to save $5.00 per bottle and end up getting nothing at all.


7. I can get you anything you are looking for

Find out prices and what someone can get before you ask. People say they can get anything in any amount but before you come up with the funds lets see some proof! The sources without lists 99.9% of the time don’t have any products either!


8. Offer references of non-active community veterans

Many scammers are searching old threads for “respected vet” members from yesteryear! Like with anything people move on, especially with fitness/bodybuilding, just look at the gym and think back a few years most of the people fade away from the gym as their lives become more busy and interests change. On the internet scene there are many new faces (screen names) and a lot of the old ones are no longer around. Scammers have started to try to put old vet down as references knowing that these old internet junkies are no longer around but they fool some newbie’s who only look at post count and don’t follow up on checking out their source before ordering.


9. Offer you real references but that reference does not know they are listed!

I have seen this many times in recent years, scammers will get together a list of board members who never gave permission and many times never even talked to the scammer before. The scammer will list a few names hoping you will never follow up, many just see the names and assume the source must be telling the truth! When it comes to your money, it is up to you to do some leg work and research.


10. Give references free products but do not ship to you!

They will supply their references with products in a timely manner in hopes that the reference will help build up their client list. Before you know it the source never sends anything out. Sure you go asking around but in the end you are “SOL” – **** outta luck!

[t_dot_porkchop]

good guidelines B....

ALWAYS BE SMART!

[noctorum]

Remember guys...

Just because the email IS encrypted, doesn't mean that the source is legit.

But if it ISN'T encrypted, it is NOT legit/safe.

[t_dot_porkchop]

encrypted means nothing anyway. if the feds really want to access that info...they can.

here is another set of rules (taken from AM.com):

PLAYING THE GAME - PART 1:

I look at most of our members, and I see many PH users, and some of them will eventually (or already are) come to the dark side. What you need to understand first off, is this is a VERY different game from prohormones. AAS are illegal, and aquiring them is illegal You have 2 options, play the game stupid, and get busted, or play it smart, and REDUCE (not eliminate) your chances of getting busted. Immortal Juicer posts on many forums. He has put together an EXCELLENT post that should be required reading for anyone. Therefor, I have takenm the liberty of bringing it over here.

Let me start off by saying, I have the utmost respect for police officers and all law enforcement officials. I have friends that are police officers and they risk their lives daily for a low salary and dangerous work. They are dedicating their career to make the country a safer place to live, only to be scrutinized by the very public the have sworn to protect.

It is a shame that an illogical law has forced citizens against each other and we cannot all be on the same side. Especially when we have REAL enemies out there, common to us all.

The first time I bought gear, I drove 20min to a Food Lion parking lot and bouht 10 sustanon's for $200. I drove home 10 miles an hour under the speed limit, scanned the parking lot for unmarked cars, hid the gear in a cd box set case, the box case in a t-shirt, and the t-shirt in a backpack, made it to my apartment, locked the door behind me and started looking through the blinds for the swat team waiting outside.

It is humerous now, but it wasnt then because 10 sustanons would be the biggest drug bust in history - TO ME! I decided to get educated and now I'm a CJ minor and let me tell you, in this game, the best way to stay safe is to get educated.

I want to hear from some bros who have either been busted, or know someone who has so everyone can learn from their mistakes. Everyone I know has either incriminated themselves upon arrest, consented to a search while knowingly posessing illegal goods, or been involved with narcotics (coke, X, weed) in addition to juice. Here are a few pointers I've picked up over the past year.

Rule 1: Keep your mouth shut and only deal with close trusted friends. Staying quiet is one of the hardest things to do. You cant catch a fish if it doesnt open its mouth. The vast majority of people incriminate themselves by talking to police. Police officers are trained to elicit incriminating statements, and when you are there shaking the piss off your leg after the cops break down your front door, the cops know exactly what is going through your head.

95% of people that get busted get set up by someone they know who has their own troubles. That is the way drug enforcement works. Be wary of anyone who is introduced to you as "a good friend of mine" and then wants to talk about anything illegal.

As far as recieving packages: suspicious activity is more incriminating that normal activity.

If a package is delivered to your address, has your name on it, even if you were not expecting anything, the natural thing to do is sign, accept it, and see what it is.

Suspicious acts would include arguing with the mailman about accepting it, accepting something with a false name, or worse signing a false name and accepting. It is natural to wonder what is in the package (remember christmas). Not wanting to sign implies that you believe that package may contain something you do not want to acknowledge posession of. Not wanting to sign also shows that you are aware of the legal implications of a signature. That is suspicious.

Have the package addressed to you and sign for it. They cannot prove that you knew the contents of the package. They CAN prove you knew the contents of your house or apartment and that is why they have a search warrant and are waiting for you to establish probable cause by signing for the package.

The charges always get dropped for posession of what was in the package but they get you on what you have in your house. That is why you must have a clean place whenever you are expecting a delivery.

1. Have it addressed to you and sign if required
2. Have a clean house.
3. Do not consent to a search.
4. Do not talk to cops before talking to an attorney.
5. Always be respectful.

Big Thanks to NYC Defender for taking the time to answer my questions and Rick Collins for standing up for his beliefs, despite the current legal policies and giving us someone in the legal system on "our side."

Thanks, bros.

[t_dot_porkchop]

here is part 2:

PLAYING THE GAME - PART 2:

Dealing with sources:

First and foremost, you have to remember, this is NOT walmart. This is an illegal game, and your safety and protection, as well as your freedom, are valuable things to keep. I have asked various sources for their biggest pet peeves, or the worst rookie mistakes they have to deal with. You will find them below.

1. putting info and email or printing order out when sending funds. Guys, this is just plain dumb. Some newbies actually send money, and a LIST of the steroids they want. The rule of this game is..you send your money, and enclose NOTHING but your email addy. (Unless the source requests something different) Once it is sent, you email your source (from THAT email addy) what your order and address are. Some sources will ask that you do not include even your email addy, just email them with your order, and include the tracking number, so they can link that to your package.

2. always use tracking delivery mail (never trust the usps or any carrier) This is in YOUR best interest.

3. Going with a source just based on price. The AAS are not the only issue to consider. There is the time spent in packaging, be it foreign OR domestic. A domestic box that the vials clink together in when the box is shook, will get you into trouble. As will the box that has vials that break in transit. A good bro, who takes time in packaging your gear for your safety, is ALWAYS worth a few extra bucks.

3. not using tin foil or hiding money well inside the envelope. Some sources have specific packing details for the $, others do not. If they do not, the best thing is several layers of packaging, including tinfoil. One of my personal favorites, is putting the money in tinfoil, then in the center of a magazine. Send the magazine to your source. (NO bodybuilding mags now bros..THINK!)

4. not asking for refs. Some newbies are just SO thrilled to have the name of a source, they happily send their money away, without checking the source out. Then they cry when they get scammed. Check with MODS, check scammer databases. Always remember, a source who is TOO easy to find, usually isn't a good one. The best run silent and deep and are held close to your chest.

5. patience..Again, this isn't walmart. Delays come up, issues arise, and sources have to "lay low" a bit occasionally. Realize their game is far more dangerous than yours, and that THEY are taking a lot of the risk for you, and respect that.

6. Continual emails. Once you send out your $..plain and simple..FORGET IT for 2 weeks if domestic, 4 weeks if international. Do not go emailing your source with "did you send it yet" every hour on the hour after you get back from the post office.

7. Also, do not go frequently checking your carriers website to see if they delivered your "donation" Your IP addy is logged every time you go "check" This can be used later on down the road..against you.

8. Keep your computer clean. Once you order, clean out EVERYTHING. That includes your sources list from your email. Use Evidence Eliminator or a similar program and wipe things clean after as well. Remember, the first thing they size is your computer. Every time you hear of a bust, the first thing they take is your computer. Keep yourself AND your source safe..clean up. If you want to go to the full distance of paranoia, once you order, clean up, and do not go NEAR bodybuilding websites until you recieve. That keeps your fresh and clean computer..fresh and clean.

I hope these help. I say thank you to the sources that helped with these, you remain nameless, but you know who you are.

[noctorum]

Originally Posted by t_dot_porkchop

encrypted means nothing anyway. if the feds really want to access that info...they can.

Better than nothing.

1024-bit PGP encryption would take months, if not years to crack. Not worth it for one smalltime guy

[MarkyM]

Great advices!

[mcchunter]

i have come across several sites offering gear from europe. how can you tell if their legit? products look real and prices r good.i dont want to post sites but got them from steroids.com anybody have any input on this?
(the sites)

[vassille]

You really don;t know what's real and what's not. All I can tell you steroids are not illegal in Europe.

[mcchunter]

i guess you just have to take a chance. im a little nervous about the mail delivery though. ive heard its pretty safe about 95% but that still leaves a chance.