F*ck C*shmasters!

In response to an increasing number of Twitter users sharing stories where they have been scammed by ever-present “Cash Masters”, I’m offering a few tips for my followers to stay safe online:

 

Smoking Out Catfish

Although “Verification videos” often have me laughing and/or cringing from sheer embarrassment, they can prove a user is who they say they are. However, it’s often the case that someone is hiding behind a better-looking person, stealing their pictures in an attempt to make money.

If you think a user is fake, try asking them for a picture where they’re performing a certain pose (such as face and soles in the same shot). A second line of defence is to take any pictures they have already sent you and perform a reverse image search on them. Simply upload a file, and the search engine will show you where else on the Internet that image can be found. For example, it may take you to a Tumblr blog where the catfish you’re interacting with has lifted the photographs from. This isn’t totally fool-proof, but it’s always worth a go if you’re unsure.

 

Don’t Fund Prejudice

A sub’s kink may mean they only like contributing to straight-identifying individuals. While this is perfectly acceptable, take time to browse a user’s Tweets, Retweets and Likes: the recent surge in people exploring (and, indeed, exploiting) the world of findom on Twitter means some truly nasty beings are invading the online kink community. It's possible that they could therefore be anti-LGBT and giving them praise/money will only reinforce their negative attitudes towards us.

Better still, why not tribute to genuine kinksters who likely understand aspects of BDSM better than most, will invest it in kink-related gear and provide the exact sort of treatment you want? ;)

 

Avoid Arrogant-Sounding Accounts

“Tribute before message” and/or “Unblock fee” bios are a big red flag. What would the reason behind blocking someone be? The type of person sitting behind an account like this is more than likely going to state an amount for a piece of content/meet, continually up the price until you refuse, and then block you.

Build Trust and Know Your Limits

Users who won’t talk about anything other than money should be ignored- especially those who make unthoughtful remarks. They do not consider the fact that there’s a fellow human being at the other end of their comments and are less likely to respect boundaries as a result. A decent Dom will take things at the pace you set and will not instantly demand cash.

Approach established kinksters who don’t have findom plastered all over their profile: it doesn’t take over my feed, but there are still subs dropping into my messages asking for permission to send money. That’s dominance- whereas tweeting pictures of fast food and petrol receipts several times a day is not. That’s glorified begging.

Lastly, ask fellow users who they trust and enjoy giving to.

 

Use the Right Money-Transfer Service

When purchasing custom content or used clothing, avoid CashApp on your first send to someone: it is notoriously difficult to get a refund if things go wrong. Instead, use PayPal and select the Friends and Family option. If a user doesn’t deliver, you can open a case which usually resolves in the “buyer’s” favour.

A reliable platform specifically for buying kinky wares is Male Things Worn. Sellers pay a fee to use it and are given star-ratings so that you can rely on them. Fraudulent members get banned.

Reach Out for Support

If you’ve been scammed, don’t be afraid to post about what happened: like-minded Twitter folk will rally around you. Con artists deserve to be called out so that other users can avoid, report and block them. The rate at which tweets drawing attention to deceptive “Masters” can gain traction is impressive. Accounts such as Findom Support offer this sort of support and other guidance.

 

Have Self-Respect

Lastly- never forget your worth!