How can you sniff out a "join my league" scam?

[nastyearwax]

How can you sniff out a "join my league" scam?

I am seeing a few posts on various forums that say they have openings, but when contacted they don't respond. They post their openings repeatedly on Dobber, Rotoworld, Fantrax and Yahoo. Also, many say "this isnt my league... just helping out the commish".

Wondering if any of the posts are legitimate.

[Axeman33]

What benefit would anyone have of creating this type of scam?

[nastyearwax]

Taking entry fees, offering prize money... but then just taking the money and running.

[Axeman33]

Who would be foolish enough to offer money to someone who doesn't respond to you?

[StuntMan12]

To be honest I've been worried about this. But I only join leagues where I know the person or have conversed with from time to time on here. I also get worried when I see join date and post count low and w/o avatar :O I'm in only 2 money leagues and one doesn't pay money but the winner of the league gets a trophy $20 yearly franchise fee (LOVE THIS LEAGUE). Now I feel like joining some more .... 5 keeper leagues isn't enough for me plus I've never been a part of an inaugural team

[JagrBomb]

fantrax is great for this, they handle all the money (for a small fee of course).

the yahoo money pools i'm in are with friends and coworkers - i.e guys i trust so i have no problem paying the commish.

i wouldn't join a random league i found on dobber or wherever unless i know the guy is a regular that can be trusted (or shamed publically if he takes the money and runs).

[Axeman33]

I dont do money leagues online. The only money leagues I do is with actual friends. That being said, I am pretty sure there are services that offer security for league fees.

[peatrc]

I've started up a few leagues over the years (maybe about half of them money leagues), and the thing that surprises me the most is how quickly some leagues fill up. If it's close to the start of the NHL season (e.g., Aug-Oct) then maybe an avg of 1 recruit/day is expected, but in non-peak recruitment times (e.g. Nov-Jul) then I'm usually happy to recruit one good new GM/week. So if a league's recruitment rate is much much faster than that, then I start to get suspicious (or maybe it's just jealousy b/c it makes me feel like a bad recruiter lol).

But from the Commish's perspective, I often ask a similar question when recruiting: how do I sniff out legit owners? It's tough over the internet when you don't have access to system logs with IP addresses.

[ericdaoust]

But from the Commish's perspective, I often ask a similar question when recruiting: how do I sniff out legit owners? It's tough over the internet when you don't have access to system logs with IP addresses.

You really can't with when dealing with the internet but one way to cut out a lot of the BS is to hang out in online communities like this one. My dynasty league has mostly regulars from this forum so at least we know a bit about the person before joining.

[peatrc]

You really can't with when dealing with the internet but one way to cut out a lot of the BS is to hang out in online communities like this one. My dynasty league has mostly regulars from this forum so at least we know a bit about the person before joining.

Yeah, for hockey leagues I've had most success with 'Dobberites'. Not 100% but typically better than the Yahoo/Fantrax forum recruits. Sometimes Rotoworld is pretty good too.

[butch]

if its not a money league then its probably one of the members of the league helping his commish recruit which is harmless .

if nobodys answering emails at the other end to your inquiry to join then its probably not a league worth wasting your time with.

if its a $ league then buyer beware

[Hansons Rule]

Earwax Mike, if yer still looking for a league, Peatr runs an excellent one.