As the US presidential inauguration approaches, the name of Ross Ulbricht, the founder of the infamous dark web marketplace Silk Road, has resurfaced in the news. This time, it’s not because of his criminal activities, but because of a potential pardon from President Donald Trump.

In 2015, Ulbricht was sentenced to life in prison without parole for his involvement in creating and operating Silk Road, a website that facilitated the sale of illegal drugs and other illicit goods. However, his case has gained attention from advocates who believe his sentence was too harsh and that he was unfairly targeted by the government.

Recently, it was reported that Trump has been considering granting a pardon to Ulbricht on his first day in office. This news has sparked controversy and divided opinions, with some arguing that Ulbricht’s actions were a threat to public safety and others advocating for his release.

But while the debate over Ulbricht’s potential pardon continues, scammers have already started taking advantage of the situation. With the promise of a presidential pardon, scammers are using Ulbricht’s name to lure unsuspecting victims into various schemes.

One such scam involves fake websites and social media accounts claiming to be raising funds for Ulbricht’s legal defense. These scammers are preying on people’s sympathy and desire to see justice served, tricking them into donating money that will never reach Ulbricht.

It’s a sad reality that in times of uncertainty and controversy, scammers will always try to exploit the situation for their own gain. And with the upcoming presidential inauguration, the potential pardon of Ross Ulbricht has become a prime target for these unscrupulous individuals.

As we await the decision on Ulbricht’s fate, it’s important to stay vigilant and not fall for these scams. Let’s not let the actions of a few tarnish the name of a man who has already paid a heavy price for his crimes.