<h2>Yes, Cointellect is a scam.</h2>

<p>See here:</p>

<ol>
<li><a href="http://cointelegraph.com/news/112424/is-cointellect-a-scam" rel="nofollow">http://cointelegraph.com/news/112424/is-cointellect-a-scam</a></li>
<li><a href="https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=789970.0" rel="nofollow">https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=789970.0</a></li>
<li><a href="https://medium.com/@dnivi3/rolling-up-the-cointellect-scam-60787a30f9a4" rel="nofollow">https://medium.com/@dnivi3/rolling-up-the-cointellect-scam-60787a30f9a4</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.bitcoinnotbombs.com/on-the-cointellect-cloudhashing-scam-and-the-currency-of-reputation/" rel="nofollow">http://www.bitcoinnotbombs.com/on-the-cointellect-cloudhashing-scam-and-the-currency-of-reputation/</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.1a20.com/category/cointellect-com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.1a20.com/category/cointellect-com/</a></li>
</ol>

<p>Cloud mining by definition does not require locally installed software.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-11-08T21:51:51.470Z
2014-11-08T21:51:51.470Z
Scott
<p>This is undoubtedly yet another scam. It's intent is the only question.</p>

<p>Your first port of call seems obvious; <a href="https://medium.com/@dnivi3/rolling-up-the-cointellect-scam-60787a30f9a4" rel="nofollow">Google <em>Is cointellect a scam?</em></a> 
Answer: yes.</p>

<p>Explanation:</p>

<p>Pooling the CPU resources of every miner using this software would be a fraction of the power for even the oldest ASICs. </p>

<p>As an analogy, the site is saying individuals need to dig an open cut mine with their spoons while mining rigs (ie 50ft tall trucks) are carting away pay dirt to process. Pool all the spoons you like, there's simply no feasibility of any reward - but assuming the improbable, <strong>if</strong> a block was mined, how is the ฿25 distributed? If you can't answer that then that's indicative of a scam. </p>

<p>As far as the "debate" about some users saying they've seen returns; this is how scammers operate. They use shills (fake positive reviewers) claiming profits which never occurred. </p>

<p>Whether the scam is fruitlessly using CPU to try and mine is possible, but it's astronomically more likely the software is a vector for Trojans to steal your Bitcoin. These types of malicious "mining" software are simply identifying newbie Bitcoin users, infiltrating the OS with a Trojan/RAT/keylogger, then stealing your wallet / private keys if/when they become available. </p>

<p>Assuming a Windows installation, you're basically screwed. The software likely already has your login info, passwords, private keys, credit card details; any and all are likely compromised. I'd immediately disconnect from the Internet and do a fresh install of your OS. </p>

<p>Please, research these things beforehand because so many of these services are popping up. Let's hope the Bitcoin Savings And Loan retroactive prosecution of running a Ponzi scheme sets a precedent and scares some would be scammers straight.</p>

<p>EDIT: </p>

<ol>
<li><a href="https://www.virustotal.com/en/file/f7650cbae465847c493c6ee85479d8e1ea159124021d288755eca8827e97bc00/analysis/1409061088/" rel="nofollow">Virus analysis of software</a></li>
<li>SSL certificate owned by <strong>unknown</strong></li>
<li>Company name similar to banking conglomerate but not that company</li>
</ol>

<p>Take this info as you like. It's fact. Not libellous.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-11-08T06:07:14.857Z
2014-11-11T22:46:44.023Z
2014-11-11T22:46:44.023Z
Wizard Of Ozzie
<p>Tell that to the Congress we made our presentation at in Brussels Belgium, and our happy member's forum growing daily @ <a href="http://facebook.com/JoinCoIntellect" rel="nofollow">http://facebook.com/JoinCoIntellect</a> </p>

<p>Then see our review of the conference on our post daily blog from there, along with our 24/7 support...</p>

<p><strong>The definition of cloud mining?</strong> Simply put, cloud mining means using (generally) shared processing power run from remote data center which we do^ more ways than one, if you researched we are OPEN SOURCE explained HERE; <a href="http://cointellect.com/download/advanced" rel="nofollow">http://cointellect.com/download/advanced</a> </p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-11-11T10:19:04.063Z
I've deleted the comments because they had gotten out of hand and were nonconstructive. You should get a chance to address accusations here, if it is done in a constructive way. Please put the **relevant bits in the answer** by editing it, not into comments. As it is, this answer does not explain sufficiently that your service is not a scam. I'd suggest that you **explain how your business model works, address the criticisms other answers have given, and why your service is wrongly accused** of being a scam, instead of attacking other users and linking arbitrary other things you have written.
Murch
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-11-11T12:24:13.753Z
*Dealt with elsewhere^ By all means try researching before allowing senseless ATTACKS... our integrity is intact, you are only doing yourself a dis-service with this thread. Google *Is cointellect a scam? and you find more than ONE answer! Including my answers to all the above, and then some!
CoIntellect
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-11-11T13:42:45.713Z
And finally as we are the first to suggest research both Novice & Experts ALIKE - Membership does not require downloading our software or anyone else's - even though we are IN FACT Scan Verify ACCREDITED since Sept 2014, and NO REPORTS of wrong doing! Plus we use 3rd Party Processing Visa/MC & Paypal {One of the MOST STRICT payment processors online in favor of the BUYER. Any of the product or hash mining contract services we provide are GUARANTEED... bring on the scam phishers - you know who you are!
CoIntellect
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-11-11T14:12:20.683Z
@Murch I have my previous comments and the latest saved on file in case you decide to delete these as well - you will be reported for slanderous online activity to appropriate ISP authorities!
CoIntellect
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-11-11T16:57:50.840Z
As I already wrote above, I deleted the comments, because they didn't adhere to the purpose of comments: Please **put the relevant information in the answer post**, instead of the comments. You can edit your own post in order to do so. [Comments](http://meta.bitcoin.stackexchange.com/q/633/5406) are for constructive criticism, or clarification requests. As such they are considered transient and will be removed when obsolete or nonconstructive. Comments are not the right place to post answers, answers belong in answer posts.
Murch
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-11-11T22:49:23.940Z
**Re Edits: having issues with mobile device. Will reply to you ASAP @Murch ...** But IMO if CoIntellect have thousands of happy customers surely they're able to disprove allegations in a professional manner. Management would do well to call a meeting with sales, tech support and whoever is running their PR/marketing and sort out a less verbose diatribe using industry standards of grammar, spelling and common decency for their future press releases; it keeps things professional that way.
Wizard Of Ozzie
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-11-11T22:59:49.540Z
@Cointellect If you'd like to discuss this in a forum where it's more appropriate then please do so. Murch has done you a favor by deleting your highly unprofessional rants. Think of all the customers who will be put off by your demeanor. Keep it professional for your sake. Maybe just post transaction id for your mined blocks and the distribution therein or an independent source (not your blog or Facebook) which proves me wrong. It will certainly be a better way to go than abusing critics. I've been nothing but professional with you; "it's not personal, it's business": heard that saying?
Wizard Of Ozzie
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-11-12T02:44:48.437Z
@WoO Do yourself a favor and take your own advice - as I've stated clearly before deletion and after^ I base my comments on fact - not fiction! We have our facebook forums will suffice, this thread will only expose you - on the contrary^
CoIntellect
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-11-12T03:00:55.227Z
@Murch, My comments had, and have everything to do the un-professional management of this thread, and I'm confident in my replies or would not write them to begin with for the general public to see... or few onlookers here! I don't consider deleting my comments a favor to say the least - you did yourself a favor, or at very least as WoO would say; *Me thinks?! end quote. You leave slanderous links but delete mine??!! You call that professional^
CoIntellect
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-11-12T03:29:36.127Z
Oh and pardon me for pointing out *Mine your own business! Mine^ pun intended - is that professional enough?! WOOF
OOPS should this be a question or a comment?? @Murch we will highlight this thread in tonight's blog post!
CoIntellect
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-11-13T21:52:27.720Z
Would you kindly have a look at **[tour]** for an overview how our site works, and then read my first comment again? I get the impression that it is not clear to you what I meant, and having an idea about the concept of SE might help you understanding my intention.
Murch
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-11-13T23:27:15.690Z
I understand perfectly well - as I was being sarcastic^ yet serious at the same time... Perhaps you should see my suggestions here, so you might understand me^ http://meta.bitcoin.stackexchange.com/a/235/5406
CoIntellect
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-11-13T23:44:27.397Z
Look who's talking unprofessional...When I've yet to see any tangible evidence on the attacks displayed here, arbitrarily based on pure speculation! It would appear both the moderator, and scam accusers have trouble reading standard english, and or comments & answers to **ATTACKS**... If you don't like my responses, that is your problem! Calling any company a scam **WITHOUT PROOF** is libelous period. I've already given more response than is deserving here... only to have relevant comments, and defenses deleted - our forums will do fine thanks!
CoIntellect
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-11-13T23:45:03.800Z
**There's nothing wrong with our PR's responses!** **Scam phishers** won't be tolerated, or bowed down to nonsensical metaphors^^^ The onus is upon the attackers to prove otherwise! That is the only industry standard that should be followed here or anywhere^^^^ My grammar is fine TY... short of a typo now and then. How we run our business is nobody's business but ours. BTW cointellect hasn't done ANY official press releases YET. Someone could use a lesson in etiquette and it's not me!! There is nothing professional in baseless scam claims presented here! **You have been WARNED.**
CoIntellect
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-11-08T18:26:05.917Z
2014-11-14T02:10:43.360Z
2014-11-14T02:10:43.360Z
CoIntellect
<p>Every thing's OK. I make cointellect is not scam. I have proof and can withdraw via paypal.</p>

<p><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/SKqWX.png" alt="enter image description here"></p>

<p>my contract im using here, it not a scam  <img src="https://i.sstatic.net/LYnSd.png" alt="enter image description here"></p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-11-09T18:37:12.860Z
[No referral links.](http://meta.bitcoin.stackexchange.com/questions/607/should-we-have-an-official-policy-on-referrals)
Nick ODell
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-11-09T18:43:26.270Z
I'm confused. Are you an employee of CoIntellect? If not, why did you pick the username 'Cointellect Viet Nam'?
Nick ODell
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-11-22T15:40:31.233Z
LOL i just name it to have ref =.= in viet nam,Im in Viet Nam how can i be an employee,i can speak vietnamese with you if you want ^^
Cointellect Viet Nam
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-11-22T17:08:11.967Z
`LOL i just name it to have ref =.= in viet nam` What does that mean?
Nick ODell
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-11-28T07:24:31.783Z
Referral links still aren't ok.
Nick ODell
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-12-01T22:44:07.503Z
This answer should probably be deleted. For one thing, it's not an answer. Of course scams permit people to withdraw, otherwise the scam wouldn't last five minutes. The question is whether they're actually mining in the amounts they say they are.
David Schwartz
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-12-21T17:13:23.200Z
It's weird because when someone talk about cointellect is a scam (with basic claims, but without trying cointellect), every is upvoting. But when someone proof it's not scam with screenshots, everyone downvoting it. @DavidSchwartz I don't agree with you. I think this is a good answer because question is "Is Cointellect scam?", and this answer answering exactly this question.
Eray
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-12-22T02:34:47.913Z
@Eray Saying "no, it's not a scam" and then providing evidence that's equally consistent with it being a scam and it not being a scam is not an answer. Cointellect says they're mining. If they're actually mining as they say they are, it's not a scam. If they're just paying back investors their own money, it's a scam. The answer gives us no information either way but just reveals that the person answering doesn't understand the question. There's no proof given that Cointellect is doing what they say they are doing.
David Schwartz
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-11-09T18:25:13.987Z
2014-11-09T18:42:24.087Z
2014-11-09T18:42:24.087Z
Cointellect Viet Nam
<p>Much of the evidence presented so far is weak. Addressing it, point-by-point:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><a href="https://www.virustotal.com/en/file/f7650cbae465847c493c6ee85479d8e1ea159124021d288755eca8827e97bc00/analysis/1409061088/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">The software is a virus.</a></p>
</blockquote>
<p>If you look at the scan result, you see that half of the virus scanners detect the miner as Win32.BitCoinMiner.bAM or something similar. It's not surprising that a Bitcoin mining program would be detected as a bitcoin miner.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Company name similar to banking conglomerate but not that company</p>
</blockquote>
<p>I'm not sure what banking conglomerate you're referring to, but that's probably a coincidence. The fact that I don't know what bank you're talking about means that there isn't a likelihood of confusion.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Your business model is unclear and you deflect all questions about it by saying &quot;look at my blog.&quot;</p>
</blockquote>
<p>I don't have a response to this.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>You insult and make legal threats against anyone who characterizes you as scammers.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>What are you supposed to do, not insult them?</p>
<blockquote>
<p>From dnivi3:</p>
<p>I then proceeded to check if they actually had miner software on their webpage. They indeed do. And it looks fancy, way fancier than any other miner software out there. It has gimmicky graphics which no other miner software has, which leads me to believe that they want to lure new users to use their software because it is so fancy. Warning sign two: check.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Alternate explanation: they want to distinguish themselves from the dozens of other mining pools and cloud mining providers.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>But, hey — wait — their account was created the 11th of July and their first tweet was posted the 11th of July as well. That’s suspicious considering most cryptocurrency/Bitcoin-startups have problems reaching that many followers in that short amount of time. The exchange I work, has existed for over a year and still has not crossed 1000 followers.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Spam twitter accounts need to follow normal accounts too, or Twitter will be able to find dozens of their customers just by identifying a single spam account and looking at everyone it's following.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>After I’d had enough of looking through the Twitter-profile and the fake followers, I decided I’d do a Google-search for “Cointellect”. Turns out that this new and small mining startup has tons of references on the web. And, I am not just talking a few references and posts on the web, I am talking hundreds. Google turned up ten whole pages with forum-posts in foregin languages, obscure websites and some cryptocurrency blogs and newssites.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>That's not surprising, because CoIntellect has an affiliate marketing program. Now, some of those marketers are going to straddle the line between recommending the service enthusiastically and spamming. It's unreasonable to expect CoIntellect to keep a leash on all of these users.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Additionally, there were other reviews of Cointellect on the web as well. They were all very similar, with the exact same screenshots. To me, they seemed like a copy-paste-job paid by Cointellect. See for yourself and judge if you think they are a copy-paste job or not.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>There is a massive amount of plagiarism and blogspam in online journalism. The simplest explanation is that all of those blogs are copying each other.</p>
<p>thebitcoinnews often copies articles from The Daily Doge word for word. Example:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.dailydoge.org/2014/10/29/norwegian-bitcoin-exchange-justcoin-closes-doors/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">http://www.dailydoge.org/2014/10/29/norwegian-bitcoin-exchange-justcoin-closes-doors/</a></li>
<li><a href="http://thebitcoinnews.com/2014/10/29/norwegian-bitcoin-exchange-justcoin-closes-doors/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">http://thebitcoinnews.com/2014/10/29/norwegian-bitcoin-exchange-justcoin-closes-doors/</a></li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
<p>So it seems that Sonera Corporative OU is bought from a online “ready made companies” seller. If this does not smell fishy, then what does?</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Registering a corporation in many countries (possibly including estonia) is an enormous pain. It can be simpler to buy one that has already been made.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>UPDATE 3 (10/09/2014): Just found some more interesting things. CoIntellect’s Twitter followers have suddenly dropped to 400 and the account has deleted literally all previous tweets. The tweet count is now on 18 and the follower count on exactly 400. I wonder how they got rid of all those followers. Messaged them to unfollow @CoIntellectFAQ? Hardly effective. Messaged the bot operators to get off their heels? Very effective, I’d assume. I think the latter is most likely to have happened.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Occam's Razor: Twitter noticed all of these bot accounts and deleted them. This is frequently done in waves to frustrate bot herders.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-07-30T05:34:45.190Z
Update: It turns out it was a scam after all. [¯\\_(ツ)_/¯](http://www.newsbtc.com/2015/02/08/cointellect-freezes-withdrawal-process-users-smell-scam/)
Nick ODell
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-11-12T03:27:33.180Z
2014-11-12T03:27:33.180Z
2020-06-16T11:10:03.350Z
Nick ODell
<p>I downloaded coin Miner from <a href="http://Cointellect.com" rel="nofollow">Cointellect.com</a> on my PC and I started mining.
I have some questions: </p>

<ol>
<li>Is the software a scam?</li>
<li>Has anyone gained real money from this software?</li>
</ol>

<p>When I read forums, some people talk about scam and trojan viruses installed on their machines; others show money gained.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-11-06T18:25:33.817Z
A good indicator of a scam is when they purport to have a business model that couldn't possibly make money. Also: "individual mining is now pointless. The solution is for free miners to unite." Pure nonsense.
Nick ODell
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-11-07T05:34:30.730Z
Without looking at the site... Yeah is a scam. Check your pc for malware ( is reformat) and never use this PC or anything connected for bitcoin wallets.
Jannes
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-02-05T23:27:37.343Z
This seems relevant: [BCT: Cloudmining 101 (ponzi risk assessment)](https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=878387.0)
Murch
<fraud>
Is Cointellect a scam?
Kort Ria
# Is Cointellect a scam?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2014-11-06)

I downloaded coin Miner from [username_6.com](http://username_6.com) on my PC and I started mining.
I have some questions:

1. Is the software a scam?
2. Has anyone gained real money from this software?

When I read forums, some people talk about scam and trojan viruses installed on their machines; others show money gained.

**Tags:** fraud

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: A good indicator of a scam is when they purport to have a business model that couldn't possibly make money. Also: "individual mining is now pointless. The solution is for free miners to unite." Pure nonsense.  
> **username_2**: Without looking at the site... Yeah is a scam. Check your pc for malware ( is reformat) and never use this PC or anything connected for bitcoin wallets.  
> **username_3**: This seems relevant: [BCT: Cloudmining 101 (ponzi risk assessment)](https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=878387.0)  

---

## 5 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2014-11-12. Score: 3 | Accepted answer

Much of the evidence presented so far is weak. Addressing it, point-by-point:

> [The software is a virus.](https://www.virustotal.com/en/file/f7650cbae465847c493c6ee85479d8e1ea159124021d288755eca8827e97bc00/analysis/1409061088/)

If you look at the scan result, you see that half of the virus scanners detect the miner as Win32.BitCoinMiner.bAM or something similar. It's not surprising that a Bitcoin mining program would be detected as a bitcoin miner.

> Company name similar to banking conglomerate but not that company

I'm not sure what banking conglomerate you're referring to, but that's probably a coincidence. The fact that I don't know what bank you're talking about means that there isn't a likelihood of confusion.

> Your business model is unclear and you deflect all questions about it by saying "look at my blog."

I don't have a response to this.

> You insult and make legal threats against anyone who characterizes you as scammers.

What are you supposed to do, not insult them?

> From dnivi3:
>
> I then proceeded to check if they actually had miner software on their webpage. They indeed do. And it looks fancy, way fancier than any other miner software out there. It has gimmicky graphics which no other miner software has, which leads me to believe that they want to lure new users to use their software because it is so fancy. Warning sign two: check.

Alternate explanation: they want to distinguish themselves from the dozens of other mining pools and cloud mining providers.

> But, hey — wait — their account was created the 11th of July and their first tweet was posted the 11th of July as well. That’s suspicious considering most cryptocurrency/Bitcoin-startups have problems reaching that many followers in that short amount of time. The exchange I work, has existed for over a year and still has not crossed 1000 followers.

Spam twitter accounts need to follow normal accounts too, or Twitter will be able to find dozens of their customers just by identifying a single spam account and looking at everyone it's following.

> After I’d had enough of looking through the Twitter-profile and the fake followers, I decided I’d do a Google-search for “username_6”. Turns out that this new and small mining startup has tons of references on the web. And, I am not just talking a few references and posts on the web, I am talking hundreds. Google turned up ten whole pages with forum-posts in foregin languages, obscure websites and some cryptocurrency blogs and newssites.

That's not surprising, because username_6 has an affiliate marketing program. Now, some of those marketers are going to straddle the line between recommending the service enthusiastically and spamming. It's unreasonable to expect username_6 to keep a leash on all of these users.

> Additionally, there were other reviews of username_6 on the web as well. They were all very similar, with the exact same screenshots. To me, they seemed like a copy-paste-job paid by username_6. See for yourself and judge if you think they are a copy-paste job or not.

There is a massive amount of plagiarism and blogspam in online journalism. The simplest explanation is that all of those blogs are copying each other.

thebitcoinnews often copies articles from The Daily Doge word for word. Example:

* <http://www.dailydoge.org/2014/10/29/norwegian-bitcoin-exchange-justcoin-closes-doors/>
* <http://thebitcoinnews.com/2014/10/29/norwegian-bitcoin-exchange-justcoin-closes-doors/>

> So it seems that Sonera Corporative OU is bought from a online “ready made companies” seller. If this does not smell fishy, then what does?

Registering a corporation in many countries (possibly including estonia) is an enormous pain. It can be simpler to buy one that has already been made.

> UPDATE 3 (10/09/2014): Just found some more interesting things. username_6’s Twitter followers have suddenly dropped to 400 and the account has deleted literally all previous tweets. The tweet count is now on 18 and the follower count on exactly 400. I wonder how they got rid of all those followers. Messaged them to unfollow @CoIntellectFAQ? Hardly effective. Messaged the bot operators to get off their heels? Very effective, I’d assume. I think the latter is most likely to have happened.

Occam's Razor: Twitter noticed all of these bot accounts and deleted them. This is frequently done in waves to frustrate bot herders.

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: Update: It turns out it was a scam after all. [¯\\_(ツ)_/¯](http://www.newsbtc.com/2015/02/08/username_6-freezes-withdrawal-process-users-smell-scam/)  

---

### Answer by username_4 on 2014-11-08. Score: 3

## Yes, username_6 is a scam.

See here:

1. <http://cointelegraph.com/news/112424/is-username_6-a-scam>
2. <https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=789970.0>
3. <https://medium.com/@dnivi3/rolling-up-the-username_6-scam-60787a30f9a4>
4. <http://www.bitcoinnotbombs.com/on-the-username_6-cloudhashing-scam-and-the-currency-of-reputation/>
5. <http://www.1a20.com/category/username_6-com/>

Cloud mining by definition does not require locally installed software.


---

### Answer by username_5 on 2014-11-08. Score: 3

This is undoubtedly yet another scam. It's intent is the only question.

Your first port of call seems obvious; [Google *Is username_6 a scam?*](https://medium.com/@dnivi3/rolling-up-the-username_6-scam-60787a30f9a4)
Answer: yes.

Explanation:

Pooling the CPU resources of every miner using this software would be a fraction of the power for even the oldest ASICs.

As an analogy, the site is saying individuals need to dig an open cut mine with their spoons while mining rigs (ie 50ft tall trucks) are carting away pay dirt to process. Pool all the spoons you like, there's simply no feasibility of any reward - but assuming the improbable, **if** a block was mined, how is the ฿25 distributed? If you can't answer that then that's indicative of a scam.

As far as the "debate" about some users saying they've seen returns; this is how scammers operate. They use shills (fake positive reviewers) claiming profits which never occurred.

Whether the scam is fruitlessly using CPU to try and mine is possible, but it's astronomically more likely the software is a vector for Trojans to steal your Bitcoin. These types of malicious "mining" software are simply identifying newbie Bitcoin users, infiltrating the OS with a Trojan/RAT/keylogger, then stealing your wallet / private keys if/when they become available.

Assuming a Windows installation, you're basically screwed. The software likely already has your login info, passwords, private keys, credit card details; any and all are likely compromised. I'd immediately disconnect from the Internet and do a fresh install of your OS.

Please, research these things beforehand because so many of these services are popping up. Let's hope the Bitcoin Savings And Loan retroactive prosecution of running a Ponzi scheme sets a precedent and scares some would be scammers straight.

EDIT:

1. [Virus analysis of software](https://www.virustotal.com/en/file/f7650cbae465847c493c6ee85479d8e1ea159124021d288755eca8827e97bc00/analysis/1409061088/)
2. SSL certificate owned by **unknown**
3. Company name similar to banking conglomerate but not that company

Take this info as you like. It's fact. Not libellous.


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### Answer by username_6 on 2014-11-08. Score: -5

Tell that to the Congress we made our presentation at in Brussels Belgium, and our happy member's forum growing daily @ <http://facebook.com/JoinCoIntellect>

Then see our review of the conference on our post daily blog from there, along with our 24/7 support...

**The definition of cloud mining?** Simply put, cloud mining means using (generally) shared processing power run from remote data center which we do^ more ways than one, if you researched we are OPEN SOURCE explained HERE; <http://username_6.com/download/advanced>

> **Comments:**
> **username_3**: I've deleted the comments because they had gotten out of hand and were nonconstructive. You should get a chance to address accusations here, if it is done in a constructive way. Please put the **relevant bits in the answer** by editing it, not into comments. As it is, this answer does not explain sufficiently that your service is not a scam. I'd suggest that you **explain how your business model works, address the criticisms other answers have given, and why your service is wrongly accused** of being a scam, instead of attacking other users and linking arbitrary other things you have written.  
> **username_6**: *Dealt with elsewhere^ By all means try researching before allowing senseless ATTACKS... our integrity is intact, you are only doing yourself a dis-service with this thread. Google *Is username_6 a scam? and you find more than ONE answer! Including my answers to all the above, and then some!  
> **username_6**: And finally as we are the first to suggest research both Novice & Experts ALIKE - Membership does not require downloading our software or anyone else's - even though we are IN FACT Scan Verify ACCREDITED since Sept 2014, and NO REPORTS of wrong doing! Plus we use 3rd Party Processing Visa/MC & Paypal {One of the MOST STRICT payment processors online in favor of the BUYER. Any of the product or hash mining contract services we provide are GUARANTEED... bring on the scam phishers - you know who you are!  
> **username_6**: @username_3 I have my previous comments and the latest saved on file in case you decide to delete these as well - you will be reported for slanderous online activity to appropriate ISP authorities!  
> **username_3**: As I already wrote above, I deleted the comments, because they didn't adhere to the purpose of comments: Please **put the relevant information in the answer post**, instead of the comments. You can edit your own post in order to do so. [Comments](http://meta.bitcoin.stackexchange.com/q/633/5406) are for constructive criticism, or clarification requests. As such they are considered transient and will be removed when obsolete or nonconstructive. Comments are not the right place to post answers, answers belong in answer posts.  
> **username_5**: **Re Edits: having issues with mobile device. Will reply to you ASAP @username_3 ...** But IMO if username_6 have thousands of happy customers surely they're able to disprove allegations in a professional manner. Management would do well to call a meeting with sales, tech support and whoever is running their PR/marketing and sort out a less verbose diatribe using industry standards of grammar, spelling and common decency for their future press releases; it keeps things professional that way.  
> **username_5**: @username_6 If you'd like to discuss this in a forum where it's more appropriate then please do so. username_3 has done you a favor by deleting your highly unprofessional rants. Think of all the customers who will be put off by your demeanor. Keep it professional for your sake. Maybe just post transaction id for your mined blocks and the distribution therein or an independent source (not your blog or Facebook) which proves me wrong. It will certainly be a better way to go than abusing critics. I've been nothing but professional with you; "it's not personal, it's business": heard that saying?  
> **username_6**: @WoO Do yourself a favor and take your own advice - as I've stated clearly before deletion and after^ I base my comments on fact - not fiction! We have our facebook forums will suffice, this thread will only expose you - on the contrary^  
> **username_6**: @username_3, My comments had, and have everything to do the un-professional management of this thread, and I'm confident in my replies or would not write them to begin with for the general public to see... or few onlookers here! I don't consider deleting my comments a favor to say the least - you did yourself a favor, or at very least as WoO would say; *Me thinks?! end quote. You leave slanderous links but delete mine??!! You call that professional^  
> **username_6**: Oh and pardon me for pointing out *Mine your own business! Mine^ pun intended - is that professional enough?! WOOF OOPS should this be a question or a comment?? @username_3 we will highlight this thread in tonight's blog post!  
> **username_3**: Would you kindly have a look at **[tour]** for an overview how our site works, and then read my first comment again? I get the impression that it is not clear to you what I meant, and having an idea about the concept of SE might help you understanding my intention.  
> **username_6**: I understand perfectly well - as I was being sarcastic^ yet serious at the same time... Perhaps you should see my suggestions here, so you might understand me^ http://meta.bitcoin.stackexchange.com/a/235/5406  
> **username_6**: Look who's talking unprofessional...When I've yet to see any tangible evidence on the attacks displayed here, arbitrarily based on pure speculation! It would appear both the moderator, and scam accusers have trouble reading standard english, and or comments & answers to **ATTACKS**... If you don't like my responses, that is your problem! Calling any company a scam **WITHOUT PROOF** is libelous period. I've already given more response than is deserving here... only to have relevant comments, and defenses deleted - our forums will do fine thanks!  
> **username_6**: **There's nothing wrong with our PR's responses!** **Scam phishers** won't be tolerated, or bowed down to nonsensical metaphors^^^ The onus is upon the attackers to prove otherwise! That is the only industry standard that should be followed here or anywhere^^^^ My grammar is fine TY... short of a typo now and then. How we run our business is nobody's business but ours. BTW username_6 hasn't done ANY official press releases YET. Someone could use a lesson in etiquette and it's not me!! There is nothing professional in baseless scam claims presented here! **You have been WARNED.**  

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### Answer by username_7 on 2014-11-09. Score: -5

Every thing's OK. I make username_6 is not scam. I have proof and can withdraw via paypal.

![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/SKqWX.png)

my contract im using here, it not a scam ![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/LYnSd.png)

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: [No referral links.](http://meta.bitcoin.stackexchange.com/questions/607/should-we-have-an-official-policy-on-referrals)  
> **username_1**: I'm confused. Are you an employee of username_6? If not, why did you pick the username 'username_6 Viet Nam'?  
> **username_7**: LOL i just name it to have ref =.= in viet nam,Im in Viet Nam how can i be an employee,i can speak vietnamese with you if you want ^^  
> **username_1**: `LOL i just name it to have ref =.= in viet nam` What does that mean?  
> **username_1**: Referral links still aren't ok.  
> **username_8**: This answer should probably be deleted. For one thing, it's not an answer. Of course scams permit people to withdraw, otherwise the scam wouldn't last five minutes. The question is whether they're actually mining in the amounts they say they are.  
> **username_9**: It's weird because when someone talk about username_6 is a scam (with basic claims, but without trying username_6), every is upvoting. But when someone proof it's not scam with screenshots, everyone downvoting it. @username_8 I don't agree with you. I think this is a good answer because question is "Is username_6 scam?", and this answer answering exactly this question.  
> **username_8**: @username_9 Saying "no, it's not a scam" and then providing evidence that's equally consistent with it being a scam and it not being a scam is not an answer. username_6 says they're mining. If they're actually mining as they say they are, it's not a scam. If they're just paying back investors their own money, it's a scam. The answer gives us no information either way but just reveals that the person answering doesn't understand the question. There's no proof given that username_6 is doing what they say they are doing.  

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