Lets start with the oldest account:Icbhod/El Guapo/Deathwing14 - Alex Thomas AKA Jim Houston/Jim Huston - Multi Accounter & Bad Trader
Icbhod
Profile:
memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=1294
BTR:
viewtopic.php?f=34&t=35289
BTR:
http://bartertown.com/trading/viewtopic ... 539#p82890
(Note that there may be more BTR's. These were just "quick hits" in my search.)
Next...
El Guapo
Profile:
memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=1293
BTR:
viewtopic.php?f=34&t=65898
(Note that there may be more BTR's. This was just a "quick hit" in my search.)
Finally...
Deathwing14
Profile:
memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=14999
BTR:
viewtopic.php?f=34&t=100564
(Note that there may be more BTR's or Backouts. This was just a "quick hit" in my search.)
So, here's the story.
As many know, we've been having problems with a few users larely from the Gainesville, FL area. All of the ones we're having issues with are within a few miles of each other, according to addresses they provided to trade partners.
Many people have sent PMs to staff, seeing the similarities, suspecting that it is either one person, or a group working together.
PLEASE, NOTE: THIS IS NOT A CONDEMNATION AGAINST ALL GAINESVILLE TRADERS!!!!
Some people accused Deathwing14 of being another member (details in his BTR link), and he steadfastly denied it. He said he knew the individual but WAS NOT him.
I did a little research on my own, trying to determine if I could see any similarities, and I came across something here: http://forums.gvillegaming.org/.
I cam across a user there named "El Guapo." I found a thread (which I've archived for proof, if needed) where El Guapo mentioned his son (Alex) was looking for something. Not only did the name "El Guapo" look familiar (which I later discovered why - what I found is above), but the guy's writing style looked familiar.
When I compared the style, I noted that he "conversed" in a similar style as Deathwing14.
Further digging found a post where "El Guapo" posted his phone number. Rookie mistake, that.
So, I sent Deathwing14 a PM and asked for a phone number to call him with. He gave it to me. Lo and behold, it is the same one posted in the above forums.
Deathwing14, if you're reading this, you won't be getting a call from me. I found out everything I needed by comparing the information I had on hand.
Let this be a warning to those who think they're smarter than us; You will be caught.
It might be immediately. It might take a year. You WILL be caught, however.
It might be an Admin who catches you, or it might be one of our experienced users who notices some similarities. You never know. But you WILL be caught.
Eric