How to Avoid OSRS and RS3 Gold Scams: 2026 Security Guide

Gold scams are unfortunately common in the RuneScape community. This guide will help you identify and avoid the most common scams targeting gold buyers and sellers. ## The Most Common Scams ### 1. Impersonation Scammers create accounts with names similar to trusted sellers. They message you looking like a legitimate seller but take your payment and disappear. How to avoid: Only contact sellers through their official website, Discord, or live chat. Verify usernames carefully. ### 2. Phishing Websites Fake websites that look identical to legitimate gold-selling sites. They capture your login credentials or payment information. How to avoid: Always type the URL directly. Bookmark the official site. Never click links from strangers. ### 3. Chargeback Scams A buyer receives the gold, then disputes the payment with their bank or PayPal, claiming fraud. How to avoid: Legitimate sellers have chargeback protections. As a buyer, use a reputable seller who covers disputes. ### 4. Fake Delivery A seller takes payment but never delivers the gold, claiming issues with the trade. How to avoid: Choose sellers with a delivery guarantee and real reviews. Start with small orders. ### 5. Middle-Man Scams A middleman offers to facilitate the trade between buyer and seller, but runs off with the payment. How to avoid: Use direct seller-buyer transactions. Don't trust unofficial middlemen. ## Red Flag Checklist - "I need your password to deliver" - Block immediately - Price is 50%+ below market - Scam or hacked account - No website, Discord only - High risk - No verifiable reviews - Do not proceed - Asks you to "test" with small amount - Common trust-building trick - Uses aggressive pressure tactics - Walk away ## Secure Trading Practices ### For Buyers 1. Use a password manager - Never reuse passwords 2. Enable 2FA - On both your email and RuneScape account 3. Use a unique RSN - Consider a throwaway account for receiving gold 4. Record the transaction - Screenshots of the purchase confirmation 5. Check delivery before confirming - The seller should deliver in-game first ### For Sellers (GGWP-Boost Standards) 1. Verify the buyer's account age and activity 2. Never ask for passwords (not ever) 3. Use secure, encrypted payment gateways 4. Maintain records of all transactions 5. Have a clear refund/replacement policy ## What GGWP-Boost Does Differently - All transactions processed through Stripe and Cryptomus - Live customer support available 24/7 - Verified Trustpilot reviews from real customers - Delivery guarantee - if we don't deliver, you don't pay - No account passwords ever required - Secure encrypted checkout ## If You've Been Scammed 1. Contact your payment provider - File a dispute if you used PayPal or credit card 2. Report the seller - On forums, Trustpilot, or Discord 3. Change your passwords - RuneScape account and email immediately 4. Enable 2FA - If you haven't already 5. Learn from the experience - No legitimate seller asks for passwords or uses untraceable payment methods

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