I don't normally post here (only lurk), but I think you guys are the only ones who could relate to my story.
I live in a semi-small town where I have been the only LocalBitcoin seller for over a year. I originally didn't even expect to sell any Bitcoin, but as time went on I began slowly getting more and more sales. Nearly everyone I sold to was primarily interested in the tech, or buying as an investment.
Everything was fine up until about two weeks ago. I meet up to trade with a younger guy who starts telling me all sorts of "interesting" things. "Did you know you can buy drugs online with Bitcoin??". I am obviously familiar with Bitcoin's many applications, and despite the stings in Florida a few months ago I decide to go through with the trade. My bad.
Fast forward to today. I get a trade request from a user I have not met before. I arrive on time at the meeting place and proceed to wait half an hour. I get fed up and leave. I am literally walking out to my car, when the buyer pulls up and flags me down (I told him what I was wearing). He proceeds to ask me about how exactly he can buy drugs online because he's just learned about Bitcoin last night. This guy has literally zero knowledge of any of the concepts, or comprehension of basic OPSec for that matter. He doesn't know what PGP is. VPN? Nope. Never used TOR. He had never even used Bitcoin before! But it's ok because his friend from 2 weeks ago recommended me to him! I refuse the sale.
This shit is hitting the mainstream, and it's going to be ugly.
With another large vendor getting busted today, I just cannot believe people would jump right in to this game without even the smallest bit of research. Lambs to the slaughter.
Sorry for the rant, I was actually angry earlier thinking about this. It's only a matter of time before this guy gets busted (I'm sure he will get his Bitcoin elsewhere), and I bet I would have been the first person he poined to when shit hit the fan.
Though probably unnecessary: throwaway, 7 proxies, etc.
Hey I just wanted to chime in on this. This could be LE observing you. If I remember correctly this is exactly how some guys in FL got arrested. They weren't vendors, but got arrested for selling BTC knowingly that there buyer (LE) was using them to buy drugs. If they say anything about drugs and you sell them coins you are assisting or w/e. I'll edit this when I find the story. Are you selling large amounts?
EDIT: http://krebsonsecurity.com/2014/02/florida-targets-high-dollar-bitcoin-exchangers/