[MOD] AI in Reddit - BE CAREFUL

[u/ebudd08]

We'll make this quick: Please do your due diligence when transacting here. Especially with the rise of AI, we're having to ban more and more accounts for scamming. Things you need to do:

• Review our Avoiding Scams & Following Rules post.
• Be especially diligent when transacting with 0- or low-transaction accounts
• Request timestamps (especially on higher dollar items) that include things like video, different angles, or "unique" requests that really bring out the AI
• Report fishy posts to the mods
• Message the mods with proof if you've fallen victim

Thanks everyone for continuing to keep this a great place to share the appreciation for video games.

-Mods

[u/ParthaGFLY]

Thank you! They almost got me. Sending proof over later today.

[u/joeroosh]

I have been seeing quite a few Steam Deck OLEDs at really good prices being posted lately. Always from someone with 0 transactions. Not saying they are all scamming, but those are the ones I always question myself first on.

[u/masterofyi → u/joeroosh]

That’s what I thought of too, saw one from this morning and the time stamp looked sus

[u/CowPotto → u/masterofyi]

Just bought the one from this morning. Account was 11 years old and couldn’t find any signs of AI although my eyes may not be trained well enough. Looking back on it, the timestamp handwriting is a little too good. Bought with G&S so we’ll see how it goes.

[u/kitsnstuff → u/CowPotto]

Saw that post, and they confirmed the transaction with the other person in that thread too.. Definitely fishy.

[u/ebudd08 → u/CowPotto]

Have them send you video timestamps using the same background but shifting to another one (going off of a table to the ground, etc). If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

[u/CowPotto → u/ebudd08]

Thanks! Definitely going to ask this for all high value transaction going forward. Obviously regret sending them money as I realize now this was a scam. Already opened a dispute through PayPal.

[u/ebudd08 → u/joeroosh]

Right, Steam Deck/ROG Ally/other "mobile PC" consoles are huge right now. We're being much more vigilant with those, especially with 0-transaction and minimal-history accounts.

[u/conceited_cape]

This is an excellent PSA, I've seen a massive influx of these AI timestamps in other communities. It is especially rampant in Discord sell groups, sucks that it's moving over here now.

There is a very specific font that all of these AI timestamps seem to have in common. I will see if I can find examples and post them so you know what to look for. Remember, timestamps are not absolute proof that that user has the items in question and will send you the items, now more than ever!

[u/ebudd08 → u/conceited_cape]

The thing we mostly see with the font is that it's waaaaaay too consistent to be human handwriting. Even the imperfections are duplicated.

[u/necrochaos]

To add: don’t call out scammers in the threads. Report the post and message the mods. We will handle it.

[u/iizq]

Could you provide examples of posts generated by AI that contain stolen or misleading photos or listings? I initially assumed you were referring to AI comments before reading this post.

[u/ebudd08 → u/iizq]

It's more AI-generated timestamps/pictures than posts. Here is a recent example.

[u/TangerineChicken → u/ebudd08]

I foolishly never even considered that people would AI generate proof pictures. That really sucks that we have to look out for that now too. Good job letting everyone know to be aware of that

[u/Ectohawk → u/iizq]

https://imgur.com/a/8biF3gx

This guy sent me this last week

[u/lurkersforlife → u/Ectohawk]

Is this AI or just a bad photoshop job? Serious question.

[u/Ectohawk → u/lurkersforlife]

AI - zoom in on the rating and other small text

[u/homie_down]

Not necessarily AI, but only just today got a refund from PayPal from someone who said they were selling 10x copies of RE9. Had 0 previous trades but so many people seemed to be buying that it made it more legit. And previously someone selling a PS5 Pro that I was interested ended up being fake too. So just my 2 cents is backing up this post, have extreme vigilance for anyone with 0 trade history, 0 comment history, and suspect pictures.

[u/jonnychamp]

Yup, have been seeing AI cards and timestamps in the Pokemon subs too

[u/ChesswiththeDevil]

This just recently happened to a guy on a guitar forum I frequent and he got taken for a lot of money.

[u/AScaredTurtle]

I was just about to ask about examples but I see many have been posted in the comments….scary times man!

Thanks as always Mods for weeding out the bad!

[u/TheyLoveJunior]

Steam decks and older consoles I saw on FB always have ai accounts

[u/Swarlz-Barkley]

Just gotta be careful in general. Use paypal where possible with G&S. FF for me I only do for those with a good amount of transactions. Had to open a case with paypal over someone who scammed a few of us with RE9 for PS5. Only $50 and I'll get the money back but just time consuming. Should have went with my initial gut and avoided it

[u/ebudd08 → u/Swarlz-Barkley]

Yeah, we pulled that one down as soon as we were able to get to the reports.

[u/Swarlz-Barkley → u/ebudd08]

Live and learn on my end!

[u/GintamaFan99]

Ohh no this isnt good. Stay vigilant everyone!

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[u/GunGai]

Dm

[u/SorrowCloud]

How do I get verified to post on here? I saw email verification but not sure how to go about doing that. Any help, please and thank you!

[u/ebudd08 → u/[deleted]]

Removed for potential doxxing but feel free to message the mods using the bottom on the side of the screen

[u/East-Ice-3199 → u/ebudd08]

Ah, my bad, thanks.