Starting now, all new registrations will require manual approval by SWAPD staff before becoming usable. On top of that, vetting of new members will increase drastically, and you should expect more instant ID verifications going forward.
Why the change?
In the past week, a certain individual has been scamming people via his Telegram channel @Pommed.
Here’s what he’s been doing:
Creating fake screenshots of SWAPD auctions.
Using them to lure people onto SWAPD.
Running ticket-like “transactions” via normal PMs (outside of our ticket system).
Sadly, he’s managed to scam an estimated $30,000–$50,000 USD out of gullible people over the last few weeks.
We believe this person is either Russian or based in the UK. We’re actively tracking him and gathering evidence.
If any crafty Samaritan here wants to lend a hand, whether that’s digging up intel on @Pommed or helping “take him out” we’d greatly appreciate it.
But bottom line:
Signing up to SWAPD is no longer instant.
Manual approval only. More ID checks.
Scammers may have won this round, but it’s not the endgame.
been receiving a lot of requests from random users to go on Telegram too. Much more than normal - i feel like anyone suggesting off-site should get insta-banned too
I don’t want to sound mean, but 9 out of 10 of the people he scammed truly seems like they deserved it, just by the way the conduct themselves.
For example:
“Of FR? I got scammed? Oh well, 5K ain’t nothing to me, we worth 150K bro”
or
“Damn that sucks, well anyway, if you want to e-sex with me, HMU on Tele”
Truly the worst of the worst types of members are being brought here to be scammed. This is why we’re closing registrations and everyone will get a solid eyeball on them before they can post/use the site.
Guys, I recommend implementing something similar to the system Twitch uses in streamer chats, depending on each configuration. The idea would be that a new account cannot talk to anyone or use chat/DM options for the first 7 days after registration. To skip that waiting period, the user could instead complete ID verification. This way, it would discourage bad actors from trying.
Also, please note that auctions are being tagged with auction, and it works for all users. I’ve received some DMs from VIP members asking why they can’t open the links!
Make the site invite-only, with accountability. If someone brings in shady leads, revoke their invite privileges. Keep invites separate from the rewards program since some users may share referral codes publicly. Instead, make it more like a vouch system for new members that also adds benefits.
For non-invited users, add a signup fee. Either refund it after X successful sales or keep it as an admin fee.
Lock DMs for unverified accounts.
Use AI to audit chats/messages (at least for new users to keep costs low). If offsite behavior is detected, lock the account, allow them to appeal so an admin reviews.
"Lately, SWAPD has been flooded with services that don’t actually deliver. Most of these come from new users who post just for the sake of it, without having the capability to fulfill them. SWAPD was originally built as a community of verified users, and that’s how it should remain. That was the whole purpose of the old SWAPD. It’s good to see that, even if a bit late, the admins are finally takin
If any crafty Samaritan here wants to lend a hand, whether that’s digging up intel on @Pommed or helping “take him out” we’d greatly appreciate it.
More investigation most be done to reveal the identity of this pathetic scammer…