Got scammed - sharing what happened so others do not

Yeah I got burned too and it still pisses me off thinking about it, so hopefully this helps someone spot the same bullshit before it's too late.

Scammer approached me on a Telegram group claiming they had "the best PVC in the game right now." Honestly, no real reviews I could find, just a few sock accounts hyping them up. Red flag number one: zero actual community reputation. I checked the handles, they were all created within a week of each other. Should have walked right there.

They demanded payment in Bitcoin only, no escrow, no middleman. Said it was "for security." That was red flag number two – real vendors with established reputations usually offer some kind of protection or at least accept partial payment on delivery. This guy wanted full up front. I sent the BTC, and of course the package never arrived. After a week of "tracking number tomorrow" he disappeared. Telegram account deleted, channel gone.

Here's what I should've looked for and what you need to check before sending a cent:

First thing, search the username or payment address across multiple forums – not just the one where you found them. Scammers reuse wallets and handles, so that's a quick check. Second, demand a custom verification photo: ask them to hold a blank piece of paper with today's date and your forum username next to a sample product. If they can't or make excuses, just abort. And third, never pay full price up front unless the vendor has a long, verifiable history with multiple satisfied buyers who are active members – not brand new accounts posting "great vendor" once.

Another big one: if the price feels too good compared to what you see from known suppliers, it's a hook. I fell for a deal that was way under market rate, and that desperation for a bargain is exactly what they exploit.

Best way to protect yourself is to use an escrow service if the forum offers it, or at minimum split payment – 50% up front, 50% on delivery with proof. And trust your gut. If something feels off about the communication – pushy, vague, refuses to answer specific questions – just walk. There'll always be another vendor. Better to hold your money than to donate it to some scammer who's just farming newbies.

This is exactly why the research step cannot be skipped. Sorry this happened to you.

Vendor-controlled review sections are meaningless. Only forum reviews from real community members count.