r/Assistance • u/AssistanceMods • Apr 14 '20
MOD Announcement SCAMMER ALERT: Private message scams, how they work and how you can protect yourself and others in the community
Many scams happen via PM, and both givers and requesters alike can be targets. Users are more vulnerable in private messages, because as moderators, we can’t protect you there. Scammers prefer to work in the shadows and in private to avoid being caught, or to skirt our requesting requirements. This behavior is against the rules, dishonest and should always be reported to the mod team immediately so we may investigate and take action to warn other users as soon as possible.
Watch for these PM scams making the rounds
$Falco****** CashApp user
Watch for CashApp tags:
$SuperGo****
$Falco******
A user with ”$Falco” and **$SuperGo” in the beginning of their CashApp tag is swooping into giver’s personal inboxes and tricking them into sending them money. When giving, if you receive a PM from someone you believe you have been speaking with on an /r/Assistance post—be sure to click through to their profile and verify that you’re messaging with the correct person before you send any assistance.
If you are contacted by an account using the $Falco CashApp name, ignore the user and report the account to us at modmail, as well as to the Reddit admins.
Bank info scammer
This scammer makes and uses random, low-karma accounts that have very little, or no activity. They reach out privately to struggling users who have recently made requests and promise help, ask users for their banking information, or offer a check that ultimately will be returned—leaving the requester’s account in the negative.
Known usernames for this scammer:
NSFW solicitors
These users lurk in PMs and offer money to requesters for inappropriate content, photos, and conversations. These users should be reported and ignored. No one should ever make you feel uncomfortable or unsafe here, and it is always okay to reach out to us if anyone ever makes you feel uneasy.
Other scams and red flags
No one should ever ask you for banking information, credit card numbers, phone number, passwords to your accounts, ID, for you to install software on your device—or any other such activity that makes you feel unsafe, uncomfortable or that may compromise your privacy.
Protect yourself, and others
If you receive an unsolicited private message:
Report the message to modmail, including a screenshot if you can. (Screenshots can be uploaded to Imgur.com, and then you can send us the link with your modmail message).
Report the unsolicited PM to Reddit admins by clicking the “report” link under the message if you’re on a PC. On mobile, the report option is under three dots “...”
Block the user.
Utilize the universal scammer list
The universal scammer list (USL) compiles a searchable, automated ban list of known scammers and suspect users on Reddit. Three months ago, /r/Assistance began utilizing this incredible resource and officially joined the universal scammer list. While the USL bot bans scammers from posting in our subreddit, these scammers can still reach out to you via PM.
Here is how you too can utilize this tool personally, to protect yourself from PM scammers:
Search the universal scammer list — We recommend bookmarking this link, and searching it any time you have a question about a user you are considering dealing with, here or anywhere else on Reddit.
If you are on a PC, you can also install an extension for Chrome or Firefox, which will label users who are on the universal scammer list throughout your Reddit experience—whether you are browsing a giving sub, or any other corner of Reddit.
When making offer posts
Givers, please ask users to comment on your post to enter your giveaways, and ask them not to PM you directly. Banned users and scammers will often try to take advantage of trusting givers who allow PMs, so please insist that users post a public comment on your offer first, then only move the conversation to PM once you have selected a recipient.
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u/Stargazerlily425 Jul 08 '20
Itsskylarbaby just sent me a message looking for $10, saying they don't have enough karma to post. I wouldn't have responded to it anyway, but I checked on the list and they're banned. Watch out, everyone.
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Apr 14 '20
It's heartbreaking how people in genuine need are missing out or those offering help are getting burned and subsequently discouraged from offering support because of low life scum taking advantage.
Thanks for the post - I would consider myself pretty savvy but I know others unfortunately aren't as clued up so I hope it reaches as many people as possible.
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Apr 14 '20
I considered myself savy, and "clued up" too...until it happened to me too.
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u/hissquirrelfriend Apr 22 '20
How did it happen? Just wondering how they managed to pull one over on someone who considers themselves “savvy” and “clued up”...
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Apr 22 '20
I'm not going to explain the scam to give others any ideas.
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u/hissquirrelfriend Apr 22 '20
Well do you mind sending me a PM? I am not planning on trying to scam anyone; I absolutely hate when that shit happens. But I admit I am fascinated as to how this person keeps being successful in their scam attempts and also want to make sure I don’t fall for it as I tend to have THE worst luck ever...
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Apr 22 '20
If you help anyone, PM them for the payment info. Don’t let them initiate the PM and it will never happen to you.
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u/RandomBro1216 May 07 '20
I’m not tech savvy or clued up but I’ve learned enough about scams and scammers that after I troll them like Kitboga or ScammerRevolts they always delete their accounts right after lol.
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May 18 '20
How do you troll them?
I try but I get so angry at how predatory they are I just end up lashing out instead.
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u/Girlpirate CRAZY SNAKE LADY Apr 14 '20
It truly is heartbreaking. We are working to make some changes very soon, to lessen the chances of this sort of thing happening in general and better protect all our users.
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u/DinahKarwrek Dec 16 '21
I almost got scammed by someone offering a referral bonus lick? They got really frustrated when I didn't understand what they were talking about. I don't want to put my banking information into any app, regardless of how empty my account is lol. It's hard Reading all of these comments because.. people either really needed the help, Or really wanted to help.. and possibly weren't able to do either.
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u/ShortAndSweeeet Jul 30 '20
I have Autism and have trouble with communication/reading between the lines. A scammer got my hopes up :(
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u/destinyisntfree Breaking Point Jul 30 '20
We are very sorry that this happened to you. Please feel free to reach out to the moderators via modmail and send screenshots and we can see what can be done!
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u/ShortAndSweeeet Jul 30 '20
Thank you. I’m not even sure how they saw my post because I’m not registered. I didn’t know about the 60 rule.
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u/sonka_mj May 03 '20
I just had u/seguel945 message me saying they saw my post about how much credit card debt I'm in and offered me a "job" to do errands by buying eBay gift cards so they can give me $300/wk to pay off my debt 😑😑😑😑😑
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u/mcjimmyjam Jul 19 '20
I got scammed yesterday. First time I ever donated anything and one of the mods told me to cancel my amazon wish list item I had sent on. Unfortunately amazon didn’t allow it. It’s really put me off helping
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u/affirmingbear Jul 20 '20 edited Jul 20 '20
What a low thing to do in response to a selfless act of kindness. The generosity and compassion displayed by those on this sub like you truly re-instill my faith in humanity that I slowly started to lose about 3 years ago. Is there anything that you need that I can help you out with? If so, please let me know.
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u/mcjimmyjam Jul 20 '20
Wow thank you so much. But as it stands I have a good paying job and don’t need anything. I want a lot of things though! But as for basics, there are others in much greater need. As for my donation. I eventually managed to cancel when the person didn’t answer the door to the amazon delivery guy! So il get my cash back
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u/ShortAndSweeeet Jul 30 '20
I’m sorry that happened to you :( it ruins it for people like me who are in desperate need. I hope it didn’t impact you too much financially.
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u/kiketetebob Apr 14 '20
This was much needed. Breaks my heart that this scum is out there and taking advantage of the goodwill of others.
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u/sarra1833 Apr 20 '20
Damned shame such low life sub humans do this to others at any time but especially during times like these.
What a way to spend one's short time on earth. Instead of helping, they live to do great harm.
Ugh.
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u/Amy4ed Jul 17 '20
Looks like I was scammed by the robertswilliam guy 😕 I should have looked here first
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u/affirmingbear Jul 20 '20
I’m really bummed to hear this. This sub usually always brings me so much hope for humanity (especially as we face such trying times). If you ever find yourself in need of assistance, please let me know friend.
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u/quickhakker May 18 '20
i fell for this (and now am £30 out of pocket (well i rounded up the guy took $30 but too lazy to do conversion) but (im not gonna proper tag the user) akablood47 caught me out cashapp name $h2ways the only reason i fell for it cause he said about flipping the $30 to $300 its been a few days and he hasnt responded to me at all, and i really could have done with that money to help pay off a debt or two
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Feb 24 '22
I dont get it, you fell for what? They said they needed money and really didnt? Or they got more out of your account than they were supposed to? Im scared to fall victim to a scam because I don't understand them. Like how does someone get scammed if someone sends them a check to deposit into their own bank account?
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u/thevomitgirl Feb 24 '22
A check scam is when someone sends you a check and asks you to cash it out for them and send them the actual cash. Typically they entice you with mentioning you can keep an amount for yourself. It's a fraudulent check that will ultimately bounce and you are on the hook for it.
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u/realbrantallen Jul 28 '22
What if you just took their check and cashed it at some check cashing place and pocketed whatever was left after their fees
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u/thevomitgirl Jul 28 '22
The check would never clear. When you cash a check at a bank it can take a couple days to realize it's a bad check. A check cashing place doesn't require those couple days and would realize the check is fraudulent immediately.
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u/lisawl7tr Apr 14 '20
Thanks for making this a sticky!
Can I ask why he is not on the USL list?
At least he wasn't the last time I work.
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u/gothmommy13 Apr 20 '20
Wow it's crazy that there's that many but it's even more messed up that they're using a username that says alive in Christ. That's messed up on all kinds of levels. Good looking out.
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u/Montana1300 Aug 13 '20
u/cutiecarlos tried getting me to text him my bank information and a photo of my license. Said it was ‘safer’ than Reddit
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u/misscarter729 Aug 18 '20
Whenever I get bs bogus sounding scams either by text or email phone call Whatever I’ll I reply 3 magic words FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION and I don’t usually hear back after that. Lol one guy actually apologized and called me ma’am!! Lol classic ! I chuckle about that often. Just cuz they’re idiots doesn’t mean they can’t be funny sometimes Haha 😆
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u/Northernmomma10 May 01 '20
This is good to know, especially since I'm fairly new to Reddit. I loathe scammers! And it's good to see how you crack down on them. Thank you for this info, very helpful.
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u/littlemissmeggie Oct 09 '20
Gosh, these scammers work fast! I posted something on the epilepsy subreddit about my mounting medical bills and moments later got a PM from wilstonb offering me a work from home job. "I can be of help financially with your debts." Searched the username right away and it led me to this post.
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u/howareya79 Apr 14 '20
Yeah recently I was contacted by someone to work online as an "assistant" and it was 200% bullshit.
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Apr 17 '20
I know exactly who you are talking about. He messaged me earlier today.
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u/howareya79 Apr 17 '20
Scumbags. I fucking hate some people
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Apr 17 '20
I told him absolutely no. Trying to taking advantage of folks during a crisis baffles me. He’s been doing it to other people too.
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u/Girlpirate CRAZY SNAKE LADY Apr 14 '20
Was it via this sub? Be sure to report it please. :)
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u/howareya79 Apr 14 '20
I did. They were blocked
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u/James_LoveAfter Apr 20 '20
Just curious, what's the scam here? Perhaps I'm ignorant, but I'm not sure I see it (I'm sure it's obvious to most)
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Apr 14 '20
I wonder if there became a rule similar to r/borrow regarding a certain time frame one must be on reddit in order to post anything. If that makes sense. I think it would help.
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u/destinyisntfree Breaking Point Apr 14 '20
We are working on implementing some new things in the future. This is something we have considered.
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u/22poppills May 03 '20
Thanks for the updated post. I've been nearly exploited a few times and its so infuriating.
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Apr 14 '20
Excellent post! I hope you'll sticky it and leave it up for awhile and also add it to the sidebar.
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u/Girlpirate CRAZY SNAKE LADY Apr 14 '20
It is stickied, and will be going on the sidebar today. I’m working on some other stuff to update the sidebar as well, and get more helpful information into the hands of our users.
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u/swayy79 Apr 14 '20
Probably a dumb question, but Is it safe to give out a non work email address?
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u/smurfasaur Sep 07 '20
Depends what information you have linked on that profile. Some emails like gmail for instance, you can input personal info. You will be relatively safe but anyone who feels like going down the rabbit hole could potentially find out a lot about you if you have that email linked to public Facebook/Instagram/Snapchat/amazon/LinkedIn/ anything else with your personal info on that profile. You should always be careful what info you but out there on the internet anyway but generally with your email you will be fine.
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u/kazrak77- BANNED Apr 20 '20
Love this! I've had to ask for help in the last few weeks and this info has been a god send! Feel so much safer knowing their are ppl looking out for us. Thank u!
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u/Speculatorfx Jun 15 '20
Woow, Thanks you for been protective to us, continue dealing with scammers and blocking them.
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Aug 12 '20
[deleted]
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u/psychonaut4020 Aug 13 '20
What if they were making multiple collections for medication? Without insurance it can be expensive. Unless they said for a CO payment
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u/smurfasaur Sep 07 '20
These people are the worst and it’s hilarious when you call them on their scam they always try and turn it around on you. Like if they insult you enough you will hand over your bank account information. Zero logic.
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u/me0wk4t REGISTERED May 27 '22
u/Harriss221_Deanne is another bank info scammer. Claims to be a philanthropist and tries to give you more than you ask for with a fake check and asks for your bank details.
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u/lockeanddemosthenes_ Sep 21 '22
I think I just got a message from this same user under the name u/Harleey_-_-Deanna
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u/superhawk79 REGISTERED May 29 '22
emilyray9 is also a scammer. Got me for 150 tried to come back for another 150 a week later and just had another redditor come to me with an exact copy paste of what she sent me. She is constantly selling a 2 kids in a hotel need rent story.
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u/CorDa616 Dec 23 '22
The scammers on both ends are ridiculous, I've had about 16 (Am requester) message me in the last 3 days, always the same copy-paste stuff in them, a philanthropist, or someone who just wants to help, etc, etc. One even asked me if I am a man or a woman, it is GLARINGLY obvious I'm a woman if you actually read the post as I don't know many men that suffer from ectopic pregnancies. I'm sorry you got scammed, horrible feeling as it's happened to me as well to a lesser degree and usually with in-game items.
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Aug 14 '20
iv been getting hit by so many scammers latley its stupid, ill add a few names to these lists.
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u/DentxHead Apr 21 '20
currently having an extensive conversation with Few-Swing about his poor grandpa who he needs to send money to. he wants me to cash a check into my account and cashapp his grandad because he's overseas and can't send it for some reason 🙄
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u/Hauntingxmas Jul 20 '20
https://www.instagram.com/p/CC3Agf4MTTQ/?igshid=1pcwh5w23c1p7 This man is a paedofile Please be aware
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u/bigbootylover1988 Aug 30 '24
Forward_Leadership83 will try to black mail you in PMs and sell “ mega links” to others,
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Feb 27 '23
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/thevomitgirl Feb 27 '23
Send a message to modmail with a screenshot (you have to upload it to imgur) of the interaction please. Thank you.
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Aug 08 '23
Someone asked me for my banking information as well in response to a post I made about advice
And they don't have any activity on there account
Luckily I wasn't looking for monetary assistance nor was I wanting to give out my information and felt it was evasive
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u/Nibiru_realm Apr 14 '20 edited Apr 14 '20
This is awesome information put out.
A lot of work went into this and you can tell.
Good job!
And thank you mods for looking out for everyone!