FISH PAL – TOR Scam Report (1)
Onion Link: http://56dlutemceny6ncaxolpn6lety2cqfz5fd64nx4ohevj4a7ricixwzad.onion
Scam Report Date: 2024/12/10
Client Scam Report Breakdown
Original Report Summary:
The scam report details a fraudulent transaction involving the website “FishPal,” hosted on the TOR network. The client attempted to purchase a $100 Amazon Gift Card for $25, a transaction requiring payment through Bitcoin. The process included sending the specified payment to the Bitcoin address bc1qgzre3jkkgatfh6kra0wusv5tlr9ev3kktse88r and submitting proof of payment through the blockchain. Despite completing these steps and providing a screenshot of the transaction confirmation, the client’s order (Order ID: R7704NN6) remained stuck on “Waiting for Payment.” The promised product was never delivered. Supporting documents, such as the website screenshot and blockchain transaction details (linked here), were included to substantiate the claim. The client emphasizes the need for investigation and action to prevent similar scams.
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Terminology and Key Details
To fully understand the report, it is crucial to clarify specific terms and concepts mentioned:
- TOR Network: A decentralized network enabling anonymous online communication and access to hidden websites. These websites, like “FishPal,” often operate outside conventional regulatory oversight, making them high-risk for fraudulent activities.
- Bitcoin: A cryptocurrency that allows peer-to-peer transactions without the need for intermediaries. Payments on TOR sites typically use Bitcoin due to its pseudonymous nature.
- Blockchain: A digital ledger recording all cryptocurrency transactions. The client used blockchain explorer tools to confirm their payment, providing evidence of the transfer to the scammer’s Bitcoin address.
- Bitcoin Address: A unique identifier for sending and receiving cryptocurrency. The address in question, bc1qgzre3jkkgatfh6kra0wusv5tlr9ev3kktse88r, served as the recipient for the fraudulent payment.
- Order Status: Waiting for Payment: This term indicates the system failed to recognize or process the payment. Scammers may deliberately keep transactions in this status to avoid delivering goods while claiming payment was incomplete.
- Proof of Payment: Documentation, such as screenshots or blockchain links, verifying the client’s payment was made as instructed.
Implications and Recommendations
This scam highlights the pervasive risks associated with conducting transactions on anonymous marketplaces, especially those offering suspiciously discounted products. The promise of a $100 Amazon Gift Card for $25 should raise immediate red flags. Such pricing often serves as bait for unsuspecting users.
The client’s comprehensive documentation, including the transaction link and screenshots, strengthens the case for further investigation. However, the unregulated nature of TOR sites poses significant challenges for enforcement and restitution. In this instance, the Bitcoin address and blockchain evidence could help identify patterns if used in conjunction with broader anti-fraud efforts.
Recommendations include raising awareness about common scam tactics, encouraging the use of escrow services on such platforms, and advising users to avoid deals that appear too good to be true. Additionally, blockchain analysis tools can track suspicious addresses to potentially disrupt similar fraudulent networks. While it may be difficult to recover the client’s lost funds, proactive measures and knowledge sharing can mitigate risks for future users.
