Horizon – TOR Scam Report (1)
Onion Link: http://cards7ndxk4fuctkgwmeq46gx6bhzt57sg4l2nbwa2p3vjnvq4trhkad.onion
Scam Report Date: 2024/08/16
Client Scam Report Breakdown
Original Report Summary:
The client has reported a scam involving the purchase of a bank card. The transaction involved the payment of 0.00216254 Bitcoin, which, at the time of the report, was equivalent to 119 units of an unspecified currency. The payment was sent to the Bitcoin address bc1qrscfnflhyh4ng9j8z833mrgx7j96kxjruucmwv. Despite completing the payment, the client did not receive the purchased bank card via email as promised. The client’s registered email address for this transaction was emzee1988@proton.me.
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Terminology and Definitions To fully understand the client’s report, it’s important to define several key terms. First, Bitcoin (BTC) is a decentralized digital currency without a central bank or single administrator, and it can be sent from user to user on the peer-to-peer Bitcoin network without the need for intermediaries. The Bitcoin address mentioned in the report (bc1qrscfnflhyh4ng9j8z833mrgx7j96kxjruucmwv) is a unique identifier that allows the sender to direct the cryptocurrency to a specific recipient. The amount involved, 0.00216254 Bitcoin, represents a small fraction of a Bitcoin, emphasizing the micro-transactions that can occur within the cryptocurrency space. The client also refers to a bank card, which is a physical or digital card issued by a financial institution, allowing the cardholder to make payments, withdraw cash, or access other financial services. The email address emzee1988@proton.me is a ProtonMail address, which is known for providing encrypted email services, suggesting that the client is concerned about privacy and security.
Context and Analysis The situation described by the client is a common type of cryptocurrency scam where a purchaser is enticed to make a payment for a product or service that is never delivered. The use of Bitcoin as the payment method adds a layer of complexity because cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible, meaning that once the payment is made, it cannot be retrieved unless the recipient voluntarily returns it. The Bitcoin address provided by the client can be traced on the blockchain, but without further identifying information about the recipient, it is challenging to recover the funds or identify the scammer. The client’s use of a ProtonMail address highlights an attempt to protect personal information, which is a prudent measure in online transactions, especially when dealing with cryptocurrencies. However, the absence of a reliable vendor or a verifiable method of receiving the purchased item increases the risk of fraud, as seen in this case where the bank card was never delivered. The report underscores the importance of conducting thorough due diligence before making payments, particularly in the realm of cryptocurrencies, where the potential for fraud is significant.
