There has been a lot of controversy surrounding BTC Fog lately. We've had many reports that they selectively scam, and these reports are increasing in frequency. Many people are asking for BTC Fog to be removed from the superlist, and some are suggesting that the only reason they remain is because the mods are somehow profiting off it.
For the record, I am of the belief that tumbling is an unnecessary waste of time and money. I have been saying this for a long time. Just to be clear, I do not pretend to be an OPSEC guru and I cannot say for certain that you will be more or less safe by using a tumbler. It is not really a mod's job to decide that anyways - we simply provide you the information and resources you need to make your own choices.
With that being said, we do want to empower and help you guys to make the right choices. That means things like discouraging you from using onion.to links, or making sure to remove EXIF data from your picture uploads. That was why we added the warning in the Superlist about BTC fog being reported as a selective scammer, so people could decide for themselves if that was a risk they wanted to take. We always try to give good advice, and we might fuck up at times, but we're human too, and this is where we depend on you.
We're not sure if we're "giving good advice" by listing tumblers in the superlist. In essence, simply having them there lends them credibility and may give some people the impression that it is necessary or at least advisable that they use them. In reality, the mods are not advising anyone to use tumblers. I am actually advising people not to use tumblers as I feel you can acheive the same goal of plausible deniability without the use of one. Am I wrong?
Let's discuss. We'd like to hear the community's views on tumbling. Do you think tumbling is advisable? Why or why not? If not, can you propose an alternative method to create plausible deniability? Should any tumblers be listed on the Superlist?
I'd like to invite /u/bitblender and /u/gramsadmin to this discussion. Perhaps one of you can explain to us the advantages that tumbling provides that cannot otherwise be achieved.
Such a waste of time and another chance to get scammed out of your BTC.
Buy BTC from LBC----> new wallet ----> Market. Or add a few new wallets in between if you're paranoid.
Plausible deniability, just bought and sold some bitcoin to make a quick $20 online. idk where they were sent.
And on top of that I have yet to see any LE case of "follow the blockchain". Plus when buying from LBC its already anonymous to begin with. Unless you choose a service or seller that requires identification which most do not.
And no offense to Grams either, it's the best service for the Darknet ever created, and I use it quite frequently. Literally my homepage on tor. Just not the tumbler.
In conclusion, the blockchain is like the USPS mail, there are so so many transactions nobody is going to pick you out and follow you for no reason. Even if you get a CD and search warrant and sent to jail, chances are they still won't follow the blockchain. You have a better chance of getting a CD while taking a shit, and unable to wipe your ass, before you get followed on the blockchain. Just my 0.001BTC
If you do choose to use coinbase, or similar service that's connected to your IRL identity, I would certainly recommend a tumbler. Even though sending to a few different wallets with plausible deniability may work just as well. Anything connected to you is always worth the extra protection. You shouldn't be purchasing bitcoin intended for purchasing illegal drugs under your confirmed identity to begin with. LBC is anonymous as it is and is why I always advise using it.