But it’s easy to find sellers using LocalBitcoins, and there’s an escrow service to reduce the risk of fraud. Paying cash to private sellers in person is less anonymous. The most anonymous option is buying with cash from private sellers by mail. Most services don’t accept credit and debit cards, and those that do charge very large transaction fees to cover chargeback risk. Although cash deposits are still possible in some places, transactions generally involve bank wires or commercial money-transfer services. Although MultiBit is a Java app, that’s secure as long as the Java browser plug-in is not installed. That’s especially problematic when running multiple clients via Tor for Bitcoin anonymization (as discussed below). It synchronizes the full blockchain, which is currently over 9 GB, and growing at ~630 MB per month. ![]() The original Bitcoin client (Bitcoin-Qt) has become too resource intensive for casual use. The Bitcoin Project now recommends the standalone MultiBit client for new users. The Blockchain wallet is probably the safest online wallet. Although convenient, online wallets are not very safe, because they’re far too likely to disappear, get hacked, or be shut down. In order to use Bitcoins, you’ll need a wallet. For now, it’s safest to limit Bitcoin holdings to current requirements. While that has been profitable for some speculators, it discourages routine use. Second, the Bitcoin network by design records every transaction in a public accounting log, called the blockchain.Īnother risk in using Bitcoins is price volatility. First, to comply with laws against money laundering, mainstream exchanges and purchasing channels now typically require documented identification. However, contrary to what you might have read, Bitcoins are not at all anonymous, unless you use them prudently. Many VPN providers now accept Bitcoin payments. Using toilet paper and wearing disposable gloves, lightly rub the dust into each component (cash, cover sheet and envelope). Accumulate dust from public places, containing the DNA of many people. Although it’s probably overkill, you can also take steps to confound DNA analysis. Use disposable gloves to avoid fingerprints. If driving, park at a reasonable distance to avoid sharing your license tag, but not implausibly far. Look downward as much as possible, and wear something seasonably appropriate to conceal your face (such as a hooded shirt or jacket, or a wide-brimmed hat). Before approaching, look for security cameras, and avoid looking directly at them. Go in the evening, and avoid bright lighting. Use a public drop box located at least 200 Km away. ![]() Note: This is far riskier than it was six years ago. Also, use cash given anonymously as change, rather than from an ATM or bank withdrawal. Use large denominations (no coins) and wrap the cash in a sheet of paper, with your account username printed on it. Add enough postage, but not way too much. However, do not use a color laser printer, because the printer serial number and a timestamp may be encoded in a pattern of faint yellow dots. Use a computer printer, rather than printing by hand. Include a valid return address that’s not associated with you in any way. However, there are two disadvantages: 1) time (especially for international surface mail) and 2) risk of loss or theft in transit. It’s the most anonymous option, as long as you’re not under active surveillance. Check their payment options, or email support. Several VPN providers accept cash payments by mail. And I have updated recommendations for Bitcoin mixers. ![]() Also, Electrum is now the best Bitcoin wallet in Linux. Using giftcards, mailing cash, etc are far more risky. So anyway, privacy in meatspace is basically dead, given increasingly pervasive surveillance. I’ll be doing a total rewrite soon, but that will take some time. ![]() Although I’ve updated stuff a few times since, it’s been a while. Note: I wrote this series in 2013, well over six years ago. Using Bitcoins that have been well anonymized through multiple accounts and mixing services is another option. The best option for anonymously buying VPN services is sending cash by mail. Using free VPN services is an option, but they typically cap bandwidth and throughput. That’s especially problematic for VPN services to be routed through Tor. In using nested chains of VPN services and Tor for anonymity, the weakest links are arguably the money trails to VPN services that are routed through other VPN services. Paying Anonymously with Cash and Bitcoins Introduction Back to Privacy Guides Advanced Privacy and Anonymity Using VMs, VPN’s, Tor – Part 7
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