Silk Road forums

Discussion => Silk Road discussion => Topic started by: zackystrife on January 18, 2012, 04:50 am

Title: New and nervous about first buy?
Post by: zackystrife on January 18, 2012, 04:50 am
Hey guys I only found out about the site today, I'm looking to buy some weed and ecstasy but I'm pretty nervous about it. I was curious about what precautions i should take and if anyone can recommend sellers? So far the community looks great and I'm hoping its smooth sailing from here on out.
Title: Re: New and nervous about first buy?
Post by: happyroller1234 on January 18, 2012, 04:57 am
From what I've gathered:

- don't run uTorrent and Tor at the same time
- PGP for messages containing names and addresses
- use your real name and real address (treat it as if it's junk mail, and wait a few days to open it; plausible deniability)
- read buyer reviews
- bitcoin exchange > wallet > SR
- don't have any paraphernalia or drugs in house when ordering from SR
Title: Re: New and nervous about first buy?
Post by: zackystrife on January 18, 2012, 05:03 am
Thank you for the quick response, Seems straight forward. I'm amazed that such a site exists. I'm very paranoid about this stuff But I've had a look around the forums and everyone seems really helpful. As far as i can tell you can get bitcoins from different places? Is there anywhere in particular i should be getting them from?
Title: Re: New and nervous about first buy?
Post by: happyroller1234 on January 18, 2012, 05:09 am
The most mentioned places I see are Mtgox.com and Getbitcoin.com.
I personally like the Getbitcoin.com bank deposit option the most.  You just go into a Bank of America (or Chase) branch–they usually won't ask for ID, and to be safe, go to one where tellers don't know you—fill out a deposit slip and write the Bitcoin address you get from the website, and it transfers.  Seems like the safest way to me.
Title: Re: New and nervous about first buy?
Post by: D@rk_St@r on January 18, 2012, 05:11 am
It is okay to be a little paranoid it will keep you on your toes and doing things correct. My first buy I was a wreck walking to the mailbox. I always put it mixed up with my "unsorted" junk mail and write RTS ( Return to Sender) on everything I don't claim as mine.  Be sure to learn to use PGP key correctly so you can securely send your address. Personally I used dwolla > mt.gox > instawallet > SR account it seems to take a while for the first transaction to process, but the rest have been pretty quick.

As others have said make sure to check the rumor mill about a certain buyer and read their reviews about the product.
Title: Re: New and nervous about first buy?
Post by: zackystrife on January 18, 2012, 05:20 am
Again thanks for the help, I'm not entirely sure how pgp works. Can anyone walk me through it?
Title: Re: New and nervous about first buy?
Post by: zackystrife on January 18, 2012, 05:36 am
Oh also, I read the buyers guide. it says not to get it delivered to your own house or a P.O box. This is a problem for me. I don't really have anyone to send it to. Would it be a problem sending it to my own house?
Title: Re: New and nervous about first buy?
Post by: goldgutted on January 18, 2012, 05:45 am
The most mentioned places I see are Mtgox.com and Getbitcoin.com.
I personally like the Getbitcoin.com bank deposit option the most.  You just go into a Bank of America (or Chase) branch–they usually won't ask for ID, and to be safe, go to one where tellers don't know you—fill out a deposit slip and write the Bitcoin address you get from the website, and it transfers.  Seems like the safest way to me.

I just did a BoA deposit with get-bitcoins today. They are indeed one of the fastest and safest ways to get bitcoins. Do not use mtbox, I've heard that it is under heavy surveillance.
Title: Re: New and nervous about first buy?
Post by: CrunchyFrog on January 18, 2012, 05:48 am
Quote from: zackystrife
...I'm not entirely sure how pgp works. Can anyone walk me through it?
The "GPG (Step-by-Step: Windows Pictorial" thread [ dkn255hz262ypmii.onion/index.php?topic=131.0 ] in the Security sub-forum might be something worth looking at, if you haven't already.  Other than that, let us know where you're stuck or what you're unsure of and you'll find plenty of people to help you out.
Title: Re: New and nervous about first buy?
Post by: v01d on January 18, 2012, 05:53 am
A guide I wrote up for all things SR. OS security, GPG, bitcoins, etc.
http://dkn255hz262ypmii.onion/index.php?topic=9067.0
Title: Re: New and nervous about first buy?
Post by: rise_against on January 18, 2012, 06:47 am
there's always privnote.com for encrypted messages. should be just as safe a pgp if used over the tor network.
Title: Re: New and nervous about first buy?
Post by: czxtvr on January 18, 2012, 03:07 pm
Don't feel bad I still have'nt figured out how to use PGP.
Title: Re: New and nervous about first buy?
Post by: Aoth14 on January 19, 2012, 02:21 am
I'd check out Voids writeup, I'm going to read it later.

Don't shop for price. I think thats how a lot of new guys get ripped. Look for high number of transactions for real items,from real buyers. It doesnt take too long on the forums to find out who some good vendors are.

Don't open your mail at the PO or outside your house. keep the package for a while, and always have a stash place that no one knows about. Know how the item is being shipped, and question anything that seems wrong about its delivery (signing for package when you werent suppossed to). I have seen people go to prison after literally signing their own confessions handed to them by undercover law enforcement posing as mailmen and private couriers. I AM NOT JOKING  (no they werent SR/TOR users, and wouldve got busted anyway,but if I didn't recognize the mailman, or was asked to sign, I'd get real suspicious)
Title: Re: New and nervous about first buy?
Post by: abuttelmao on January 19, 2012, 02:50 am
you should not order anything without first learning how to use PGP.  you should never, ever, ever send an address in cleartext.  I don't care how secure SR is and how much your message is protected.  If it's just a bunch of nonsense characters that only ONE person can decrypt, you are much safer should anything go wrong.

ideally, all communication should be in PGP form.  poor vendors would really be overworked if that was the case though.
Title: Re: New and nervous about first buy?
Post by: doublemint on January 19, 2012, 03:17 am
From what I've gathered:

- don't run uTorrent and Tor at the same time
- PGP for messages containing names and addresses
- use your real name and real address (treat it as if it's junk mail, and wait a few days to open it; plausible deniability)
- read buyer reviews
- bitcoin exchange > wallet > SR
- don't have any paraphernalia or drugs in house when ordering from SR

Listen to this guy. The chances of getting caught are slim to none. The last step isn't necessary (But recommended), and you don't actually have to wait a few days to open it unless your really paranoid.
Title: Re: New and nervous about first buy?
Post by: Christy Nugs on January 19, 2012, 05:58 am
Welcome to the wild side.

Peace out;
Christy
Title: Re: New and nervous about first buy?
Post by: happyroller1234 on January 20, 2012, 12:16 am
From what I've gathered:

- don't run uTorrent and Tor at the same time
- PGP for messages containing names and addresses
- use your real name and real address (treat it as if it's junk mail, and wait a few days to open it; plausible deniability)
- read buyer reviews
- bitcoin exchange > wallet > SR
- don't have any paraphernalia or drugs in house when ordering from SR

Listen to this guy. The chances of getting caught are slim to none. The last step isn't necessary (But recommended), and you don't actually have to wait a few days to open it unless your really paranoid.

I'm glad you mentioned these parts, because I've been nervous about ordering mainly for this reason.  I have a few pieces and a pot stash, and I was wondering if a Controlled Delivery were to occur, would they search the house?  Also, I'm not extremely paranoid—chill but smart and cautious—but if I order from the SR, I don't know if I could delay gratification for a few days.  If you've already opened the package and they do a Controlled Delivery, what happens?
Title: Re: New and nervous about first buy?
Post by: drifter on January 20, 2012, 12:43 am
sorry for the hijack, but I thought it was better than making another thread...

To any UK/EU folk, what's the best way for a uk dude to get some BTC? To order on get-bitcoin I would have to spend over 100 dollars as I'm not from the US and that's the minimum on international buys, and I don't want to spend that much just yet.

are there any uk/eu based sites?

and I'm fairly certain I know the answer to this but wth. getting the btcs with a debit card would be a silly move right?
Title: Re: New and nervous about first buy?
Post by: doublemint on January 20, 2012, 12:53 am
From what I've gathered:

- don't run uTorrent and Tor at the same time
- PGP for messages containing names and addresses
- use your real name and real address (treat it as if it's junk mail, and wait a few days to open it; plausible deniability)
- read buyer reviews
- bitcoin exchange > wallet > SR
- don't have any paraphernalia or drugs in house when ordering from SR

Listen to this guy. The chances of getting caught are slim to none. The last step isn't necessary (But recommended), and you don't actually have to wait a few days to open it unless your really paranoid.

I'm glad you mentioned these parts, because I've been nervous about ordering mainly for this reason.  I have a few pieces and a pot stash, and I was wondering if a Controlled Delivery were to occur, would they search the house?  Also, I'm not extremely paranoid—chill but smart and cautious—but if I order from the SR, I don't know if I could delay gratification for a few days.  If you've already opened the package and they do a Controlled Delivery, what happens?

And quit being a bitch. It's just weed, probation tops. Just order the damn bud.
Title: Re: New and nervous about first buy?
Post by: happyroller1234 on January 20, 2012, 01:32 am
From what I've gathered:

- don't run uTorrent and Tor at the same time
- PGP for messages containing names and addresses
- use your real name and real address (treat it as if it's junk mail, and wait a few days to open it; plausible deniability)
- read buyer reviews
- bitcoin exchange > wallet > SR
- don't have any paraphernalia or drugs in house when ordering from SR

Listen to this guy. The chances of getting caught are slim to none. The last step isn't necessary (But recommended), and you don't actually have to wait a few days to open it unless your really paranoid.

I'm glad you mentioned these parts, because I've been nervous about ordering mainly for this reason.  I have a few pieces and a pot stash, and I was wondering if a Controlled Delivery were to occur, would they search the house?  Also, I'm not extremely paranoid—chill but smart and cautious—but if I order from the SR, I don't know if I could delay gratification for a few days.  If you've already opened the package and they do a Controlled Delivery, what happens?

And quit being a bitch. It's just weed, probation tops. Just order the damn bud.

If being a bitch means keeping a clean record, then I'm fine with that.  However, I won't be ordering weed from here.  I have a good connect.  I'm wanting to use SR for stuff like Molly, 'shrooms, DMT, 2Cs, that stuff...
Title: Re: New and nervous about first buy?
Post by: abuttelmao on January 20, 2012, 02:37 am
Just stay chill, try not to worry too much.  In the words of a wise person I've met on SR, It's not healthy and it won't do you any good.

If you're in the USA and you're white and have a clean record (I'm sorry but this is the sad truth, racism is still alive and well in the judicial system) the first time they find something illegal addressed to you, they will most likely simply confiscate it.

Keep it to personal amounts if you want to be really safe.  If you get a controlled delivery in that case, you are almost 100% guaranteed to not be serving any time.  You're just looking at a lot of legal fees and probation for a year or two.
Title: Re: New and nervous about first buy?
Post by: doublemint on January 20, 2012, 03:30 am
From what I've gathered:

- don't run uTorrent and Tor at the same time
- PGP for messages containing names and addresses
- use your real name and real address (treat it as if it's junk mail, and wait a few days to open it; plausible deniability)
- read buyer reviews
- bitcoin exchange > wallet > SR
- don't have any paraphernalia or drugs in house when ordering from SR

Listen to this guy. The chances of getting caught are slim to none. The last step isn't necessary (But recommended), and you don't actually have to wait a few days to open it unless your really paranoid.

I'm glad you mentioned these parts, because I've been nervous about ordering mainly for this reason.  I have a few pieces and a pot stash, and I was wondering if a Controlled Delivery were to occur, would they search the house?  Also, I'm not extremely paranoid—chill but smart and cautious—but if I order from the SR, I don't know if I could delay gratification for a few days.  If you've already opened the package and they do a Controlled Delivery, what happens?

And quit being a bitch. It's just weed, probation tops. Just order the damn bud.

If being a bitch means keeping a clean record, then I'm fine with that.  However, I won't be ordering weed from here.  I have a good connect.  I'm wanting to use SR for stuff like Molly, 'shrooms, DMT, 2Cs, that stuff...

You don't get a record for a small amount of weed. Also, you won't get arrested, it'll be confiscated. Unless its a large amount they wont even bother investigating. So many packages are intercepted per day; they don't bother going through the process of trying to arrest you over an eighth. Now if you sent a pound, you better lawyer up. But still, low chance of going to jail as they can't prove it.

I doubt that made sense, but whatever.
Title: Re: New and nervous about first buy?
Post by: onestopshop on January 20, 2012, 07:28 pm
sorry for the hijack, but I thought it was better than making another thread...

To any UK/EU folk, what's the best way for a uk dude to get some BTC? To order on get-bitcoin I would have to spend over 100 dollars as I'm not from the US and that's the minimum on international buys, and I don't want to spend that much just yet.

are there any uk/eu based sites?

and I'm fairly certain I know the answer to this but wth. getting the btcs with a debit card would be a silly move right?

use Intersango mate, 0% fees,

sign up for a account,
they'll give you deposit acct info,
deposit money into their acct,
money shows up 24-48 hours later on website,

buy bitcoins :)

really easy, no fees I just hope they never shut down as it took me ages to find a easy way to get BC with minimal fees..
Title: Re: New and nervous about first buy?
Post by: FreeLife1 on January 20, 2012, 08:41 pm
What is utorrent and does it come with the tor download, i am trying to avoid u torrent if you dont want to run them at the same time but i have no idea what it even is!
Title: Re: New and nervous about first buy?
Post by: happyroller1234 on January 20, 2012, 09:22 pm
What is utorrent and does it come with the tor download, i am trying to avoid u torrent if you dont want to run them at the same time but i have no idea what it even is!

If you've never downloaded it, you probably don't have it.  It's a software for downloading torrents.  Not really related to SR at all, but you're not supposed to run the two simultaneously.
Title: Re: New and nervous about first buy?
Post by: Silpheed on January 20, 2012, 09:51 pm
Is it correct to say that browing SR using the Tor Browser Bundle does not affect a running uTorrent at all?

The following page mentions that a bittorrent application would have to be configured by a user before the tracker or torrent traffic would go through Tor (which is a bad idea and shouldn't be done).

https://blog.torproject.org/blog/bittorrent-over-tor-isnt-good-idea
Title: Re: New and nervous about first buy?
Post by: v01d on January 20, 2012, 11:01 pm
Is it correct to say that browing SR using the Tor Browser Bundle does not affect a running uTorrent at all?

The following page mentions that a bittorrent application would have to be configured by a user before the tracker or torrent traffic would go through Tor (which is a bad idea and shouldn't be done).

https://blog.torproject.org/blog/bittorrent-over-tor-isnt-good-idea
It will not run through tor unless you configure it to. Nothing to worry about.
Title: Re: New and nervous about first buy?
Post by: thesatelliteoflove on January 20, 2012, 11:14 pm
Ahh, jesus, I'd never heard of using PGP for addresses. I've had a few transactions under my belt and I'm not going to send an address via cleartext anymore. What would be the best procedure for this? Does this sound right?

1. set up pgp key for self
2. send key over through SR's PM
3. seller receives my key, tells me it's ok to contact him via his key he probably has in his seller profile
4. send address via pgp

Title: Re: New and nervous about first buy?
Post by: v01d on January 20, 2012, 11:36 pm
Ahh, jesus, I'd never heard of using PGP for addresses. I've had a few transactions under my belt and I'm not going to send an address via cleartext anymore. What would be the best procedure for this? Does this sound right?

1. set up pgp key for self
2. send key over through SR's PM
3. seller receives my key, tells me it's ok to contact him via his key he probably has in his seller profile
4. send address via pgp
Easier than that. Import their public key, go to the order page, paste your public key where your address should go, encrypt your address, paste the encrypted address a few lines under your PGP key, send.

That way they can just import your key then copy and paste and decrypt your message faster.
Title: Re: New and nervous about first buy?
Post by: CaptainSensible on January 20, 2012, 11:40 pm
And don't forget how you connect to Silk Road.  You can use the Tor bundle for Windows, Mac, or Linux, but a safer way is to use Tails or Liberte Linux from a USB drive.  It's not that hard to do. 

You'll also need to learn how to encrypt files.  Once you create a PGP key you'll have two parts to it: a public key which you send to others so they can use it to send you an encrypted message only you can read, and a private key which is used to decrypt these messages. NEVER give out your private key, and keep it stored in an encrypted file. 

Finally, select a very long and complex password for your PGP key, and a another long and complex password for the file you've encrypted.  All this will help you stay a little safer.
Title: Re: New and nervous about first buy?
Post by: thesatelliteoflove on January 20, 2012, 11:43 pm
Ahh, jesus, I'd never heard of using PGP for addresses. I've had a few transactions under my belt and I'm not going to send an address via cleartext anymore. What would be the best procedure for this? Does this sound right?

1. set up pgp key for self
2. send key over through SR's PM
3. seller receives my key, tells me it's ok to contact him via his key he probably has in his seller profile
4. send address via pgp
Easier than that. Import their public key, go to the order page, paste your public key where your address should go, encrypt your address, paste the encrypted address a few lines under your PGP key, send.

That way they can just import your key then copy and paste and decrypt your message faster.

Beautiful. Thanks.
Title: Re: New and nervous about first buy?
Post by: thesatelliteoflove on January 20, 2012, 11:45 pm
Is it possible for me to keep the bitcoin program, my wallet and GPG software on an SD card and run them that way? I want nothing SR or BTC related on my computer. I already run the tor pack off the card.
Title: Re: New and nervous about first buy?
Post by: v01d on January 20, 2012, 11:51 pm
Is it possible for me to keep the bitcoin program, my wallet and GPG software on an SD card and run them that way? I want nothing SR or BTC related on my computer. I already run the tor pack off the card.
Just get liberte. It has all that but the bitcoin software. And it runs in RAM, so you aren't running a risk of anything being saved on your HDD.
Or get truecrypt and encrypt your whole HDD.

Might want to check out the tutorial:
http://dkn255hz262ypmii.onion/index.php?topic=9067.0
Title: Re: New and nervous about first buy?
Post by: thesatelliteoflove on January 20, 2012, 11:57 pm
Is it possible for me to keep the bitcoin program, my wallet and GPG software on an SD card and run them that way? I want nothing SR or BTC related on my computer. I already run the tor pack off the card.
Just get liberte. It has all that but the bitcoin software. And it runs in RAM, so you aren't running a risk of anything being saved on your HDD.
Or get truecrypt and encrypt your whole HDD.

Might want to check out the tutorial:
http://dkn255hz262ypmii.onion/index.php?topic=9067.0
Thank you. You've been a massive help, I wish I could throw a few coins your way but, alas, I'm broke now.
Title: Re: New and nervous about first buy?
Post by: birdie000 on January 21, 2012, 12:23 am
Okay.. I'm new to SR as well and am looking to make my first purchase also. But I really don't get the encryption and PGP stuff, as in I'm really paranoid to get it wrong. I'm trying to get harder drugs, so not taking every single precaution perfectly concerns me. Should I just study the FAQs on these things extensively? Also... ship it to my address or no? I keep reading mixed things about this, and about using your real name... What's best and safest?
Title: Re: New and nervous about first buy?
Post by: v01d on January 21, 2012, 01:21 am
Is it possible for me to keep the bitcoin program, my wallet and GPG software on an SD card and run them that way? I want nothing SR or BTC related on my computer. I already run the tor pack off the card.
Just get liberte. It has all that but the bitcoin software. And it runs in RAM, so you aren't running a risk of anything being saved on your HDD.
Or get truecrypt and encrypt your whole HDD.

Might want to check out the tutorial:
http://dkn255hz262ypmii.onion/index.php?topic=9067.0
Thank you. You've been a massive help, I wish I could throw a few coins your way but, alas, I'm broke now.

Don't worry about it. I aim to be as much a help to the SR community as I can.



Quote
Okay.. I'm new to SR as well and am looking to make my first purchase also. But I really don't get the encryption and PGP stuff, as in I'm really paranoid to get it wrong. I'm trying to get harder drugs, so not taking every single precaution perfectly concerns me. Should I just study the FAQs on these things extensively? Also... ship it to my address or no? I keep reading mixed things about this, and about using your real name... What's best and safest?

Might want to check out my tutorial here:
http://dkn255hz262ypmii.onion/index.php?topic=9067.0
And the SR wiki:
http://dkn255hz262ypmii.onion/wiki

Also, as long as you have everything secured there is no problem with having it shipped to your house with your name. Plausible deniability is on your side.
Title: Re: New and nervous about first buy?
Post by: drifter on January 21, 2012, 03:26 pm
sorry for the hijack, but I thought it was better than making another thread...

To any UK/EU folk, what's the best way for a uk dude to get some BTC? To order on get-bitcoin I would have to spend over 100 dollars as I'm not from the US and that's the minimum on international buys, and I don't want to spend that much just yet.

are there any uk/eu based sites?

and I'm fairly certain I know the answer to this but wth. getting the btcs with a debit card would be a silly move right?

use Intersango mate, 0% fees,

sign up for a account,
they'll give you deposit acct info,
deposit money into their acct,
money shows up 24-48 hours later on website,

buy bitcoins :)

really easy, no fees I just hope they never shut down as it took me ages to find a easy way to get BC with minimal fees..

thanks very much.

It better sfill be there when i get paid soon  ;D