{ "id": 609033, "title": "[PSA] Ghost / Leech Teammates", "url": "/competitions/MABe-mouse-behavior-detection/discussion/609033", "author_name": "Satwik", "post_date": "2025-09-23T09:31:29.546000", "votes": 33, "comment_count": 46, "views": 0, "content": "

Hi everyone! Just making this post to raise some awareness regarding ghost teammates.
\nI joined the RSNA IAD competition (ongoing) after 3-4 years of taking a break from Kaggle, and teamed up with a couple of people from the LB, who claimed they had experience and GPU. One of them, @leo123321 , was also a Competitions expert so I thought he was someone good. However, after merging teams, he blocked me and has disappeared since. I just saw, he is trying to team up in this competition as well , with the same claim that he has GPU He also seems to have joined EVERY competition there is. \"\"

\n

This also has happened with others before (ref- this post and this post).

\n

I request everyone to be careful teaming up, and not let these people leech off of your hardwork.

\n

All the best, and hope everyone finds good teammates!

", "messages": [ { "id": 3293216, "postDate": "2025-09-23T09:31:29.547Z", "content": "

Hi everyone! Just making this post to raise some awareness regarding ghost teammates.
\nI joined the RSNA IAD competition (ongoing) after 3-4 years of taking a break from Kaggle, and teamed up with a couple of people from the LB, who claimed they had experience and GPU. One of them, @leo123321 , was also a Competitions expert so I thought he was someone good. However, after merging teams, he blocked me and has disappeared since. I just saw, he is trying to team up in this competition as well , with the same claim that he has GPU He also seems to have joined EVERY competition there is. \"\"

\n

This also has happened with others before (ref- this post and this post).

\n

I request everyone to be careful teaming up, and not let these people leech off of your hardwork.

\n

All the best, and hope everyone finds good teammates!

", "rawMarkdown": "Hi everyone! Just making this post to raise some awareness regarding ghost teammates.\nI joined the RSNA IAD competition (ongoing) after 3-4 years of taking a break from Kaggle, and teamed up with a couple of people from the LB, who claimed they had experience and GPU. One of them, @leo123321 , was also a Competitions expert so I thought he was someone good. However, after merging teams, he blocked me and has disappeared since. I just saw, he is trying to team up in this competition as well , with the same claim that he has GPU He also seems to have joined EVERY competition there is. ![](https://www.googleapis.com/download/storage/v1/b/kaggle-forum-message-attachments/o/inbox%2F3459992%2Fd5f29a39f294a9a3e40ada4a66efb516%2Fleo.png?generation=1758619631772021&alt=media)\n\nThis also has happened with others before (ref- [this post](https://www.kaggle.com/discussions/general/578779) and [this post](https://www.kaggle.com/discussions/general/608434)). \n\nI request everyone to be careful teaming up, and not let these people leech off of your hardwork.\n\nAll the best, and hope everyone finds good teammates! \n\n", "votes": 33 }, { "id": 3371036, "postDate": "2025-12-11T08:43:07.393Z", "content": "

Notice, @leo123321 changes his profile photo. And there are two teams being cheated and adding him to the team. @addisonhoward I think kaggle should ban him to avoid more team being cheated from him, instead of finding this thread by luck like @sayedathar11's case. @p4rallax had reported him many times and providing clues, but he is still not being banned and keep finding prey to leech.

\n

\"\"

", "rawMarkdown": "Notice, @leo123321 changes his profile photo. And there are two teams being cheated and adding him to the team. @addisonhoward I think kaggle should ban him to avoid more team being cheated from him, instead of finding this thread by luck like @sayedathar11's case. @p4rallax had reported him many times and providing clues, but he is still not being banned and keep finding prey to leech.\n\n![](https://www.googleapis.com/download/storage/v1/b/kaggle-forum-message-attachments/o/inbox%2F4310004%2Fc010328086cb942f2d0aa23a74cd7820%2F123.png?generation=1765441994743880&alt=media)", "votes": 3, "replies": [ { "id": 3371042, "postDate": "2025-12-11T08:48:50.817Z", "content": "

@addisonhoward @sohier could you please look into this? I think there is more than sufficient evidence now, across 5+ teams and competitions of this happening.

", "rawMarkdown": "@addisonhoward @sohier could you please look into this? I think there is more than sufficient evidence now, across 5+ teams and competitions of this happening. " } ] }, { "id": 3371022, "postDate": "2025-12-11T08:35:08.230Z", "content": "

hi, sir, can you try to solve this:I think he is doing the same thing in cafa6(another competition), it is very unfair and dangerous, can you take actions to solve this:\"\"@addisonhoward

", "rawMarkdown": "hi, sir, can you try to solve this:I think he is doing the same thing in cafa6(another competition), it is very unfair and dangerous, can you take actions to solve this:![](https://www.googleapis.com/download/storage/v1/b/kaggle-forum-message-attachments/o/inbox%2F21593429%2F76227d45cd8e9d895e801cb5faaf8580%2Fimage.png?generation=1765442069291400&alt=media)@addisonhoward", "votes": 1, "replies": [ { "id": 3371023, "postDate": "2025-12-11T08:35:37.307Z", "content": "

@addisonhoward

", "rawMarkdown": "@addisonhoward ", "replies": [ { "id": 3371029, "postDate": "2025-12-11T08:39:23.907Z", "content": "

@martynaplomecka @ahphan hi, can you help me, he is a cheat, very disappointing! Can you see this, we have many victims

", "rawMarkdown": "@martynaplomecka @ahphan hi, can you help me, he is a cheat, very disappointing! Can you see this, we have many victims" } ] }, { "id": 3371044, "postDate": "2025-12-11T08:49:27.163Z", "content": "

Same template like @l1ghtsource showing below. How can this guy still on this platform to hurt the community.

", "rawMarkdown": "Same template like @l1ghtsource showing below. How can this guy still on this platform to hurt the community.", "votes": -1 } ] }, { "id": 3293281, "postDate": "2025-09-23T13:08:43.710Z", "content": "

\"img\"

\n

Apparently, this person enters every competition and writes to all the top participants who are looking for a team, offering resources that he probably doesn't have. What a shame.

", "rawMarkdown": "![img](https://www.googleapis.com/download/storage/v1/b/kaggle-forum-message-attachments/o/inbox%2F17107488%2Fcea64c7fd044f71cc16b32a85c7ade7e%2Ffirefox_jIh86t8X1a.png?generation=1758632816376209&alt=media)\n\nApparently, this person enters every competition and writes to all the top participants who are looking for a team, offering resources that he probably doesn't have. What a shame.", "votes": 6, "replies": [ { "id": 3293284, "postDate": "2025-09-23T13:13:40.060Z", "content": "

@l1ghtsource I think this guy Leo is the same person to @yinhewang who's account has been deleted. Same behavior, claiming he has massive resources, but turns out to be a leech. You can refer this post

", "rawMarkdown": "@l1ghtsource I think this guy Leo is the same person to @yinhewang who's account has been deleted. Same behavior, claiming he has massive resources, but turns out to be a leech. You can refer [this post](https://www.kaggle.com/discussions/general/561879)", "votes": 3 }, { "id": 3293288, "postDate": "2025-09-23T13:14:42.427Z", "content": "

That is really sad. He's also straight up lying about his score, because he is around 190 on the LB with a score of 0.948 (which I'm almost certain is just a public notebook). Hope no one falls victim to him. He also keeps changing emails apparently.

", "rawMarkdown": "That is really sad. He's also straight up lying about his score, because he is around 190 on the LB with a score of 0.948 (which I'm almost certain is just a public notebook). Hope no one falls victim to him. He also keeps changing emails apparently." }, { "id": 3293488, "postDate": "2025-09-24T01:43:36.503Z", "content": "

Some guys label so-called GPU resources as a way to trick others. Actually, it's quite easy to spot these scammers—just carefully check their competition history on their profile.

", "rawMarkdown": "Some guys label so-called GPU resources as a way to trick others. Actually, it's quite easy to spot these scammers—just carefully check their competition history on their profile. ", "replies": [ { "id": 3293664, "postDate": "2025-09-24T11:18:11.920Z", "content": "

They hide their competition history too unfortunately, what a shame

", "rawMarkdown": "They hide their competition history too unfortunately, what a shame" } ] }, { "id": 3293489, "postDate": "2025-09-24T01:55:25.540Z", "content": "

\"\" I don't have any computation resource, so when I saw this, I'm actually happy. However…🤣👉 BTW, it seems he have much more e-mail.

", "rawMarkdown": "![](https://www.googleapis.com/download/storage/v1/b/kaggle-forum-message-attachments/o/inbox%2F23271344%2F18bb6b6560cfb10a19bbb466729195a0%2Fd3966cfafbf0a645e42ff93d9b8ed34.png?generation=1758678964038459&alt=media) I don't have any computation resource, so when I saw this, I'm actually happy. However...🤣👉 BTW, it seems he have much more e-mail.", "votes": 3, "replies": [ { "id": 3293490, "postDate": "2025-09-24T02:15:38.650Z", "content": "

@kurisew but I remember email has monthly quota, how can he send a lot of emails.

", "rawMarkdown": "@kurisew but I remember email has monthly quota, how can he send a lot of emails.", "votes": 2 }, { "id": 3293492, "postDate": "2025-09-24T02:19:19.500Z", "content": "

I think that's why he keeps changing his email account on Kaggle? Maybe it lets you send more mails that way. Because his email id is different in everyone's screenshot.

", "rawMarkdown": "I think that's why he keeps changing his email account on Kaggle? Maybe it lets you send more mails that way. Because his email id is different in everyone's screenshot. ", "votes": 1 }, { "id": 3293493, "postDate": "2025-09-24T02:21:12.760Z", "content": "

I'm also considering this, but I never try to change it.🤔

", "rawMarkdown": "I'm also considering this, but I never try to change it.🤔" } ] }, { "id": 3356924, "postDate": "2025-12-01T05:14:15.083Z", "rawMarkdown": "", "votes": 1, "isDeleted": true } ] }, { "id": 3293552, "postDate": "2025-09-24T05:42:23.087Z", "content": "

We need a kaggle service app. To check scammer/cheater or background check or insurance …

\n

Actually, i would advise if you want to form team, you should do some checking and video conference for interviewing. Imagine one day if you win and you find that your teammate is a bot.

", "rawMarkdown": "We need a kaggle service app. To check scammer/cheater or background check or insurance …\n\nActually, i would advise if you want to form team, you should do some checking and video conference for interviewing. Imagine one day if you win and you find that your teammate is a bot.", "votes": 5, "replies": [ { "id": 3293557, "postDate": "2025-09-24T05:53:53.347Z", "content": "

I agree. Maybe for now , we can maintain a megathread of all such teammates in general discussions , so everyone can check the list of ghost teammates before merging with anyone.

", "rawMarkdown": "I agree. Maybe for now , we can maintain a megathread of all such teammates in general discussions , so everyone can check the list of ghost teammates before merging with anyone." } ] }, { "id": 3355306, "postDate": "2025-11-30T15:32:46.497Z", "content": "

Thanks for raising this he reached out to me for a competition my team mate made me aware of this thread and I avoided a leecher

", "rawMarkdown": "Thanks for raising this he reached out to me for a competition my team mate made me aware of this thread and I avoided a leecher", "votes": 2 }, { "id": 3371520, "postDate": "2025-12-11T14:10:58.477Z", "content": "

Hey all - we're aware of this and looking into it

", "rawMarkdown": "Hey all - we're aware of this and looking into it", "votes": 1, "replies": [ { "id": 3371532, "postDate": "2025-12-11T14:18:59.433Z", "content": "

OK，I am little afraid if this guy waste our chances of submission because he is in my team now, if need more evidence, I could provide

", "rawMarkdown": "OK，I am little afraid if this guy waste our chances of submission because he is in my team now, if need more evidence, I could provide" }, { "id": 3371563, "postDate": "2025-12-11T14:37:26.833Z", "content": "

It seems like that he is not only cheating at what he had achieved, what resource he had, how long he will involved in…… It is unfair and disappointing to other teammates who are cheated and wanting to win a gold medal and prize！！！

", "rawMarkdown": "It seems like that he is not only cheating at what he had achieved, what resource he had, how long he will involved in...... It is unfair and disappointing to other teammates who are cheated and wanting to win a gold medal and prize！！！" } ] }, { "id": 3293266, "postDate": "2025-09-23T12:17:41.093Z", "content": "

He also joined every competition as well.

", "rawMarkdown": "He also joined every competition as well.", "votes": 1 }, { "id": 3293500, "postDate": "2025-09-24T02:48:24.220Z", "content": "

This guy @seeingtimes is also @leo123321 another account. They have the same team introduction. \"\"

\n

\"\"

", "rawMarkdown": "This guy @seeingtimes is also @leo123321 another account. They have the same team introduction. ![](https://www.googleapis.com/download/storage/v1/b/kaggle-forum-message-attachments/o/inbox%2F4310004%2F6b4df85c4eafc0b39d05eb96e84ad620%2Fd3053606.jpg?generation=1758682101985866&alt=media)\n\n![](https://www.googleapis.com/download/storage/v1/b/kaggle-forum-message-attachments/o/inbox%2F4310004%2F10a9a8554d5d15dcdf46eb599ebbc888%2Fd3053606.jpg?generation=1758682171104208&alt=media)\n\n", "replies": [ { "id": 3293505, "postDate": "2025-09-24T03:03:10.877Z", "content": "

I think something big is going to happen.

\n

\"\"

\n

\"\"

", "rawMarkdown": "I think something big is going to happen.\n\n![](https://www.googleapis.com/download/storage/v1/b/kaggle-forum-message-attachments/o/inbox%2F4310004%2F35880dd40927128d57e6c84ee96ef88a%2FScreenshot_20250208-170120.png?generation=1758682968367513&alt=media)\n\n![](https://www.googleapis.com/download/storage/v1/b/kaggle-forum-message-attachments/o/inbox%2F4310004%2Fcd03021690dd76c42b8facefcf1724d9%2FScreenshot_20250208-170057.png?generation=1758682975721681&alt=media)", "votes": 1 }, { "id": 3293517, "postDate": "2025-09-24T03:29:17.337Z", "content": "

@addisonhoward you kaggle team may need to do something.

\n

BTW, the person seeingtime you screenshotted has a history of teaming up with the same teammates. I suggest you can verify this through his previous teammates.

", "rawMarkdown": "@addisonhoward you kaggle team may need to do something.\n\nBTW, the person seeingtime you screenshotted has a history of teaming up with the same teammates. I suggest you can verify this through his previous teammates.", "votes": 1, "replies": [ { "id": 3293705, "postDate": "2025-09-24T13:33:23.943Z", "content": "

I'm the one who was tricked by the ghost teammates in that UBC competition. Out of the four people in the team, only two were actually working. One claimed to be from Tsinghua University. If you think I'm the “ghost teammate ” please provide solid evidence instead of making unfounded accusations.

", "rawMarkdown": "I'm the one who was tricked by the ghost teammates in that UBC competition. Out of the four people in the team, only two were actually working. One claimed to be from Tsinghua University. If you think I'm the “ghost teammate ” please provide solid evidence instead of making unfounded accusations.", "votes": -1 }, { "id": 3293720, "postDate": "2025-09-24T13:59:28.667Z", "content": "

@seeingtimes I'm sorry if my reply caused any misunderstanding. What I meant was that if the poster thinks you were a scammer, he could verify with the teammates you've teamed up with before, as I just noticed that you've had the same group of teammates for several competitions.

", "rawMarkdown": "@seeingtimes I'm sorry if my reply caused any misunderstanding. What I meant was that if the poster thinks you were a scammer, he could verify with the teammates you've teamed up with before, as I just noticed that you've had the same group of teammates for several competitions." }, { "id": 3293724, "postDate": "2025-09-24T14:06:56.080Z", "content": "

Could you please provide the relevant IDs?

", "rawMarkdown": "Could you please provide the relevant IDs?", "votes": -1 }, { "id": 3293726, "postDate": "2025-09-24T14:14:28.890Z", "content": "

My point is, since you have a fixed group of teammates for several matches, I'm inclined to believe that you are probably not a scammer, but I just don't know the relationship between you and tom, so I didn't weigh in. sorry for your misunderstanding.

", "rawMarkdown": "My point is, since you have a fixed group of teammates for several matches, I'm inclined to believe that you are probably not a scammer, but I just don't know the relationship between you and tom, so I didn't weigh in. sorry for your misunderstanding." }, { "id": 3293727, "postDate": "2025-09-24T14:18:48.223Z", "content": "

I have no relationship with Tom, and it seems a bit abrupt to claim that I'm his another account just because we have similar team introductions.🤣

", "rawMarkdown": "I have no relationship with Tom, and it seems a bit abrupt to claim that I'm his another account just because we have similar team introductions.🤣", "votes": -1 }, { "id": 3293757, "postDate": "2025-09-24T14:53:22.727Z", "content": "

@seeingtimes We are investigating Leo and noticed that you and him use almost the same introduction template. I don’t think that’s a coincidence. There are many people here, so why does he only impersonate you?

", "rawMarkdown": "@seeingtimes We are investigating Leo and noticed that you and him use almost the same introduction template. I don’t think that’s a coincidence. There are many people here, so why does he only impersonate you? " }, { "id": 3293785, "postDate": "2025-09-24T16:28:28.437Z", "content": "

I have no idea, he just simply copied my introduction for no reason😅

", "rawMarkdown": "I have no idea, he just simply copied my introduction for no reason😅" }, { "id": 3293787, "postDate": "2025-09-24T16:30:44.110Z", "content": "

And I really do have 4xa6000 \"\"

", "rawMarkdown": "And I really do have 4xa6000 ![](https://www.googleapis.com/download/storage/v1/b/kaggle-forum-message-attachments/o/inbox%2F6625861%2F676e04e1e0d36cec508acfe0c7fc3ce1%2F36213d0828ae5f99683d4764305d4544.png?generation=1758731441736679&alt=media)", "votes": 2 }, { "id": 3293896, "postDate": "2025-09-25T00:28:17.677Z", "content": "

@seeingtimes I apologize to you. Seems Leo randomly found your team introduction and copy it. I have reached out your previous teammates and confirmed you didin't ghost them.

", "rawMarkdown": "@seeingtimes I apologize to you. Seems Leo randomly found your team introduction and copy it. I have reached out your previous teammates and confirmed you didin't ghost them.", "votes": 1 } ] }, { "id": 3293701, "postDate": "2025-09-24T13:18:24.063Z", "content": "

Are u serious…..

", "rawMarkdown": "Are u serious.....", "votes": -1 } ] }, { "id": 3372177, "postDate": "2025-12-11T21:09:38.743Z", "content": "

Hi All,

\n

I had our compliance team take a look into these reports (and a similar report happening in the CAFA 6 competition). This included a thorough dive on the user's site activity, teaming, submission rates, etc. We appreciate you looking out for the integrity of the leaderboard.

\n

To cross-reference what was shared over there:

\n
\n

While we don't manage internal team dynamics, we do want to remind everyone to be selective about who they collaborate with. When you add someone to your team, they become a full partner in your results.

\n

Regarding the specific user mentioned in these reports, we have reviewed their past team mergers and submission records. We will be taking no action at this time.

\n

The best way to ensure a fair outcome is to vet potential teammates before teaming up. Ask them what they plan to bring to the table, review their past competition history and contributions on Kaggle, and make sure you are merging with someone who is ready to actively contribute to your solution.

\n

Kaggle Compliance Team

\n
", "rawMarkdown": "Hi All,\n\nI had our compliance team take a look into these reports (and a similar report happening in the CAFA 6 competition). This included a thorough dive on the user's site activity, teaming, submission rates, etc. We appreciate you looking out for the integrity of the leaderboard.\n\nTo cross-reference what was shared over there: \n\n>While we don't manage internal team dynamics, we do want to remind everyone to be selective about who they collaborate with. When you add someone to your team, they become a full partner in your results.\n\n>Regarding the specific user mentioned in these reports, we have reviewed their past team mergers and submission records. We will be taking no action at this time.\n\n>The best way to ensure a fair outcome is to vet potential teammates before teaming up. Ask them what they plan to bring to the table, review their past competition history and contributions on Kaggle, and make sure you are merging with someone who is ready to actively contribute to your solution.\n\n>Kaggle Compliance Team", "votes": -4, "replies": [ { "id": 3372223, "postDate": "2025-12-11T22:02:11.790Z", "content": "

Taking no action on this is quite disappointing. There's clear evidence of him blocking teammates and doing no work after merging across all recent competitions (RSNA IAD , CAFA6, and 2 more threads that are linked here). Regarding his 'submission rates', it is just the highest scoring public notebooks. I'm sure everyone involved has evidence for that. Regarding the advice you shared, there is no way at all to know if he is legit. If I see someone with 7 medals, 1 silver and a competition ranking of top 500, I will tend to believe them too. Most people are not going to know that he's not a legit teammate. And if this is deemed acceptable by Kaggle Staff, there will be many more people doing the same as Leo. Also, he keeps changing emails all the time (presumably to be able to mail more people to team up). Is that allowed too? I very strongly feel there is something that needs to be done here than just letting it slide. Because clearly, there will be more and more victims. Really, really disappointed in the platform.

", "rawMarkdown": "Taking no action on this is quite disappointing. There's clear evidence of him blocking teammates and doing no work after merging across all recent competitions (RSNA IAD , CAFA6, and 2 more threads that are linked here). Regarding his 'submission rates', it is just the highest scoring public notebooks. I'm sure everyone involved has evidence for that. Regarding the advice you shared, there is no way at all to know if he is legit. If I see someone with 7 medals, 1 silver and a competition ranking of top 500, I will tend to believe them too. Most people are not going to know that he's not a legit teammate. And if this is deemed acceptable by Kaggle Staff, there will be many more people doing the same as Leo. Also, he keeps changing emails all the time (presumably to be able to mail more people to team up). Is that allowed too? I very strongly feel there is something that needs to be done here than just letting it slide. Because clearly, there will be more and more victims. Really, really disappointed in the platform.", "votes": 2 }, { "id": 3372329, "postDate": "2025-12-12T00:42:04.547Z", "content": "
The best way to ensure a fair outcome is to vet potential teammates before teaming up. Ask them what they plan to bring to the table, review their past competition history and contributions on Kaggle, and make sure you are merging with someone who is ready to actively contribute to your solution.\n
\n

I’m very disappointed with this platform. It feels like there are people scamming others but no laws to regulate them and those scammers are still roaming free. Everyone just image you are being cheated by his well-hided information, and when you win the prize he comes back to claim it, and finally you get the response from compliance team say that \"be careful when you team up\", like you lost a lot of money cheated by scammer and police just sits in their office playing cellphone and say they cannot do anything. I'm speechless kaggle cannot do something and becomes the paradise of scammer like Taiwan. What a shame.

", "rawMarkdown": "```plantext\nThe best way to ensure a fair outcome is to vet potential teammates before teaming up. Ask them what they plan to bring to the table, review their past competition history and contributions on Kaggle, and make sure you are merging with someone who is ready to actively contribute to your solution.\n```\nI’m very disappointed with this platform. It feels like there are people scamming others but no laws to regulate them and those scammers are still roaming free. Everyone just image you are being cheated by his well-hided information, and when you win the prize he comes back to claim it, and finally you get the response from compliance team say that \"be careful when you team up\", like you lost a lot of money cheated by scammer and police just sits in their office playing cellphone and say they cannot do anything. I'm speechless kaggle cannot do something and becomes the paradise of scammer like Taiwan. What a shame.", "votes": 1, "replies": [ { "id": 3372454, "postDate": "2025-12-12T03:11:11.717Z", "content": "

here I post some stuffs about the conversation @aizealotwu with leo, he claims that he refers previous cafa5 solution and make up his own, but it terms out he just submits public kernel after his teammate investigates:\"\"

\n

\"\"

\n

\"\"

\n

\"\"

\n

\"\"

\n

This is the last time I post to accuse Leo since kaggle staff decides to do nothing, I hope everyone can have good experience by avoiding his email.

", "rawMarkdown": "here I post some stuffs about the conversation @aizealotwu with leo, he claims that he refers previous cafa5 solution and make up his own, but it terms out he just submits public kernel after his teammate investigates:![](https://www.googleapis.com/download/storage/v1/b/kaggle-forum-message-attachments/o/inbox%2F4310004%2Ff11b7508de6ae41dfbc4b71267eea324%2F11111.png?generation=1765509015559446&alt=media)\n\n![](https://www.googleapis.com/download/storage/v1/b/kaggle-forum-message-attachments/o/inbox%2F4310004%2F6247474c0913b5140c6b51160c3c47fa%2F1.png?generation=1765508987162891&alt=media)\n\n![](https://www.googleapis.com/download/storage/v1/b/kaggle-forum-message-attachments/o/inbox%2F4310004%2F310b545adfa982eb4a6e38b637029751%2F11.png?generation=1765508996801491&alt=media)\n\n![](https://www.googleapis.com/download/storage/v1/b/kaggle-forum-message-attachments/o/inbox%2F4310004%2Fb748bc52601daad2671f43f286548209%2F111.png?generation=1765509003093130&alt=media)\n\n![](https://www.googleapis.com/download/storage/v1/b/kaggle-forum-message-attachments/o/inbox%2F4310004%2Ffc38f6a55a430358bd96684289cb808c%2F1111.png?generation=1765509009556785&alt=media)\n\nThis is the last time I post to accuse Leo since kaggle staff decides to do nothing, I hope everyone can have good experience by avoiding his email. ", "votes": 1 }, { "id": 3378492, "postDate": "2025-12-18T10:58:24.613Z", "content": "

mysterious Eastern characters

", "rawMarkdown": " mysterious Eastern characters" } ] }, { "id": 3372495, "postDate": "2025-12-12T03:46:05.783Z", "content": "

If they claim that he had achieved something with the possibility to truly achieved these, what can we do? For before merging, we could not truly see what they really and if is too tricky in cheating in my thought

", "rawMarkdown": "If they claim that he had achieved something with the possibility to truly achieved these, what can we do? For before merging, we could not truly see what they really and if is too tricky in cheating in my thought" }, { "id": 3377024, "postDate": "2025-12-15T15:02:40.077Z", "content": "

Please give a recommended method to \"vet potential teammates\" when they can simply lie about their progress and score, as none of us would share IP about leaderboard potential before teaming up. The fact that this is going by with no action is not a great indication.

\n

Provide the community with useful guidelines or take action against abuse. Do not do nothing. \"Ask them what they plan to bring to the table, review their past competition history and contributions on Kaggle, and make sure you are merging with someone who is ready to actively contribute to your solution.\" These are all passed by Leo, he offers compute, he offers written solutions and medals, he offers everything, and we have no method to validate it.

", "rawMarkdown": "Please give a recommended method to \"vet potential teammates\" when they can simply lie about their progress and score, as none of us would share IP about leaderboard potential before teaming up. The fact that this is going by with no action is not a great indication. \n\nProvide the community with useful guidelines or take action against abuse. Do not do nothing. \"Ask them what they plan to bring to the table, review their past competition history and contributions on Kaggle, and make sure you are merging with someone who is ready to actively contribute to your solution.\" These are all passed by Leo, he offers compute, he offers written solutions and medals, he offers everything, and we have no method to validate it.", "votes": 3, "replies": [ { "id": 3377053, "postDate": "2025-12-15T16:01:16.490Z", "content": "

Yes, some ghost guy could submit the opensource code to lie. Very very shame and hard to find what they truly are. And they had the medal where they did nothing but lying

", "rawMarkdown": "Yes, some ghost guy could submit the opensource code to lie. Very very shame and hard to find what they truly are. And they had the medal where they did nothing but lying" }, { "id": 3377091, "postDate": "2025-12-15T17:27:34.017Z", "content": "

A general recommendation is to only team-up with people who have a position on leader-board close to yours. That proves they have something to add to the team, and have done some work already.

", "rawMarkdown": "A general recommendation is to only team-up with people who have a position on leader-board close to yours. That proves they have something to add to the team, and have done some work already." } ] } ] }, { "id": 3293425, "postDate": "2025-09-23T18:56:16.707Z", "content": "

salut j'aimerais faire partir de votre groupe

", "rawMarkdown": "salut j'aimerais faire partir de votre groupe " } ], "comments": [ { "id": 3371036, "author_name": "Tom", "author_url": "", "post_date": "2025-12-11T08:43:07.393000", "content": "

Notice, @leo123321 changes his profile photo. And there are two teams being cheated and adding him to the team. @addisonhoward I think kaggle should ban him to avoid more team being cheated from him, instead of finding this thread by luck like @sayedathar11's case. @p4rallax had reported him many times and providing clues, but he is still not being banned and keep finding prey to leech.

\n

\"\"

", "votes": 3, "replies": [ { "id": 3371042, "author_name": "Satwik", "author_url": "", "post_date": "2025-12-11T08:48:50.817000", "content": "

@addisonhoward @sohier could you please look into this? I think there is more than sufficient evidence now, across 5+ teams and competitions of this happening.

", "votes": 0, "replies": [] } ] }, { "id": 3371022, "author_name": "common-people", "author_url": "", "post_date": "2025-12-11T08:35:08.230000", "content": "

hi, sir, can you try to solve this:I think he is doing the same thing in cafa6(another competition), it is very unfair and dangerous, can you take actions to solve this:\"\"@addisonhoward

", "votes": 1, "replies": [ { "id": 3371023, "author_name": "common-people", "author_url": "", "post_date": "2025-12-11T08:35:37.307000", "content": "

@addisonhoward

", "votes": 0, "replies": [ { "id": 3371029, "author_name": "common-people", "author_url": "", "post_date": "2025-12-11T08:39:23.907000", "content": "

@martynaplomecka @ahphan hi, can you help me, he is a cheat, very disappointing! Can you see this, we have many victims

", "votes": 0, "replies": [] } ] }, { "id": 3371044, "author_name": "Tom", "author_url": "", "post_date": "2025-12-11T08:49:27.163000", "content": "

Same template like @l1ghtsource showing below. How can this guy still on this platform to hurt the community.

", "votes": -1, "replies": [] } ] }, { "id": 3293281, "author_name": "lightsource<3", "author_url": "", "post_date": "2025-09-23T13:08:43.710000", "content": "

\"img\"

\n

Apparently, this person enters every competition and writes to all the top participants who are looking for a team, offering resources that he probably doesn't have. What a shame.

", "votes": 6, "replies": [ { "id": 3293284, "author_name": "Tom", "author_url": "", "post_date": "2025-09-23T13:13:40.060000", "content": "

@l1ghtsource I think this guy Leo is the same person to @yinhewang who's account has been deleted. Same behavior, claiming he has massive resources, but turns out to be a leech. You can refer this post

", "votes": 3, "replies": [] }, { "id": 3293288, "author_name": "Satwik", "author_url": "", "post_date": "2025-09-23T13:14:42.427000", "content": "

That is really sad. He's also straight up lying about his score, because he is around 190 on the LB with a score of 0.948 (which I'm almost certain is just a public notebook). Hope no one falls victim to him. He also keeps changing emails apparently.

", "votes": 0, "replies": [] }, { "id": 3293488, "author_name": "Timmy Juicehouse", "author_url": "", "post_date": "2025-09-24T01:43:36.503000", "content": "

Some guys label so-called GPU resources as a way to trick others. Actually, it's quite easy to spot these scammers—just carefully check their competition history on their profile.

", "votes": 0, "replies": [ { "id": 3293664, "author_name": "Med Ali Bouchhioua", "author_url": "", "post_date": "2025-09-24T11:18:11.920000", "content": "

They hide their competition history too unfortunately, what a shame

", "votes": 0, "replies": [] } ] }, { "id": 3293489, "author_name": "Kurise", "author_url": "", "post_date": "2025-09-24T01:55:25.540000", "content": "

\"\" I don't have any computation resource, so when I saw this, I'm actually happy. However…🤣👉 BTW, it seems he have much more e-mail.

", "votes": 3, "replies": [ { "id": 3293490, "author_name": "Tom", "author_url": "", "post_date": "2025-09-24T02:15:38.650000", "content": "

@kurisew but I remember email has monthly quota, how can he send a lot of emails.

", "votes": 2, "replies": [] }, { "id": 3293492, "author_name": "Satwik", "author_url": "", "post_date": "2025-09-24T02:19:19.500000", "content": "

I think that's why he keeps changing his email account on Kaggle? Maybe it lets you send more mails that way. Because his email id is different in everyone's screenshot.

", "votes": 1, "replies": [] }, { "id": 3293493, "author_name": "Kurise", "author_url": "", "post_date": "2025-09-24T02:21:12.760000", "content": "

I'm also considering this, but I never try to change it.🤔

", "votes": 0, "replies": [] } ] }, { "id": 3356924, "author_name": "", "author_url": "", "post_date": "2025-12-01T05:14:15.083000", "content": "", "votes": 1, "replies": [] } ] }, { "id": 3293552, "author_name": "hengck23", "author_url": "", "post_date": "2025-09-24T05:42:23.087000", "content": "

We need a kaggle service app. To check scammer/cheater or background check or insurance …

\n

Actually, i would advise if you want to form team, you should do some checking and video conference for interviewing. Imagine one day if you win and you find that your teammate is a bot.

", "votes": 5, "replies": [ { "id": 3293557, "author_name": "Satwik", "author_url": "", "post_date": "2025-09-24T05:53:53.347000", "content": "

I agree. Maybe for now , we can maintain a megathread of all such teammates in general discussions , so everyone can check the list of ghost teammates before merging with anyone.

", "votes": 0, "replies": [] } ] }, { "id": 3355306, "author_name": "Athar Sayed", "author_url": "", "post_date": "2025-11-30T15:32:46.497000", "content": "

Thanks for raising this he reached out to me for a competition my team mate made me aware of this thread and I avoided a leecher

", "votes": 2, "replies": [] }, { "id": 3371520, "author_name": "Addison Howard", "author_url": "", "post_date": "2025-12-11T14:10:58.477000", "content": "

Hey all - we're aware of this and looking into it

", "votes": 1, "replies": [ { "id": 3371532, "author_name": "common-people", "author_url": "", "post_date": "2025-12-11T14:18:59.433000", "content": "

OK，I am little afraid if this guy waste our chances of submission because he is in my team now, if need more evidence, I could provide

", "votes": 0, "replies": [] }, { "id": 3371563, "author_name": "common-people", "author_url": "", "post_date": "2025-12-11T14:37:26.833000", "content": "

It seems like that he is not only cheating at what he had achieved, what resource he had, how long he will involved in…… It is unfair and disappointing to other teammates who are cheated and wanting to win a gold medal and prize！！！

", "votes": 0, "replies": [] } ] }, { "id": 3293266, "author_name": "Tom", "author_url": "", "post_date": "2025-09-23T12:17:41.093000", "content": "

He also joined every competition as well.

", "votes": 1, "replies": [] }, { "id": 3293500, "author_name": "Tom", "author_url": "", "post_date": "2025-09-24T02:48:24.220000", "content": "

This guy @seeingtimes is also @leo123321 another account. They have the same team introduction. \"\"

\n

\"\"

", "votes": 0, "replies": [ { "id": 3293505, "author_name": "Tom", "author_url": "", "post_date": "2025-09-24T03:03:10.877000", "content": "

I think something big is going to happen.

\n

\"\"

\n

\"\"

", "votes": 1, "replies": [] }, { "id": 3293517, "author_name": "Timmy Juicehouse", "author_url": "", "post_date": "2025-09-24T03:29:17.337000", "content": "

@addisonhoward you kaggle team may need to do something.

\n

BTW, the person seeingtime you screenshotted has a history of teaming up with the same teammates. I suggest you can verify this through his previous teammates.

", "votes": 1, "replies": [ { "id": 3293705, "author_name": "Seeing Times", "author_url": "", "post_date": "2025-09-24T13:33:23.943000", "content": "

I'm the one who was tricked by the ghost teammates in that UBC competition. Out of the four people in the team, only two were actually working. One claimed to be from Tsinghua University. If you think I'm the “ghost teammate ” please provide solid evidence instead of making unfounded accusations.

", "votes": -1, "replies": [] }, { "id": 3293720, "author_name": "Timmy Juicehouse", "author_url": "", "post_date": "2025-09-24T13:59:28.667000", "content": "

@seeingtimes I'm sorry if my reply caused any misunderstanding. What I meant was that if the poster thinks you were a scammer, he could verify with the teammates you've teamed up with before, as I just noticed that you've had the same group of teammates for several competitions.

", "votes": 0, "replies": [] }, { "id": 3293724, "author_name": "Seeing Times", "author_url": "", "post_date": "2025-09-24T14:06:56.080000", "content": "

Could you please provide the relevant IDs?

", "votes": -1, "replies": [] }, { "id": 3293726, "author_name": "Timmy Juicehouse", "author_url": "", "post_date": "2025-09-24T14:14:28.890000", "content": "

My point is, since you have a fixed group of teammates for several matches, I'm inclined to believe that you are probably not a scammer, but I just don't know the relationship between you and tom, so I didn't weigh in. sorry for your misunderstanding.

", "votes": 0, "replies": [] }, { "id": 3293727, "author_name": "Seeing Times", "author_url": "", "post_date": "2025-09-24T14:18:48.223000", "content": "

I have no relationship with Tom, and it seems a bit abrupt to claim that I'm his another account just because we have similar team introductions.🤣

", "votes": -1, "replies": [] }, { "id": 3293757, "author_name": "Tom", "author_url": "", "post_date": "2025-09-24T14:53:22.727000", "content": "

@seeingtimes We are investigating Leo and noticed that you and him use almost the same introduction template. I don’t think that’s a coincidence. There are many people here, so why does he only impersonate you?

", "votes": 0, "replies": [] }, { "id": 3293785, "author_name": "Seeing Times", "author_url": "", "post_date": "2025-09-24T16:28:28.437000", "content": "

I have no idea, he just simply copied my introduction for no reason😅

", "votes": 0, "replies": [] }, { "id": 3293787, "author_name": "Seeing Times", "author_url": "", "post_date": "2025-09-24T16:30:44.110000", "content": "

And I really do have 4xa6000 \"\"

", "votes": 2, "replies": [] }, { "id": 3293896, "author_name": "Tom", "author_url": "", "post_date": "2025-09-25T00:28:17.677000", "content": "

@seeingtimes I apologize to you. Seems Leo randomly found your team introduction and copy it. I have reached out your previous teammates and confirmed you didin't ghost them.

", "votes": 1, "replies": [] } ] }, { "id": 3293701, "author_name": "Seeing Times", "author_url": "", "post_date": "2025-09-24T13:18:24.063000", "content": "

Are u serious…..

", "votes": -1, "replies": [] } ] }, { "id": 3372177, "author_name": "Addison Howard", "author_url": "", "post_date": "2025-12-11T21:09:38.743000", "content": "

Hi All,

\n

I had our compliance team take a look into these reports (and a similar report happening in the CAFA 6 competition). This included a thorough dive on the user's site activity, teaming, submission rates, etc. We appreciate you looking out for the integrity of the leaderboard.

\n

To cross-reference what was shared over there:

\n
\n

While we don't manage internal team dynamics, we do want to remind everyone to be selective about who they collaborate with. When you add someone to your team, they become a full partner in your results.

\n

Regarding the specific user mentioned in these reports, we have reviewed their past team mergers and submission records. We will be taking no action at this time.

\n

The best way to ensure a fair outcome is to vet potential teammates before teaming up. Ask them what they plan to bring to the table, review their past competition history and contributions on Kaggle, and make sure you are merging with someone who is ready to actively contribute to your solution.

\n

Kaggle Compliance Team

\n
", "votes": -4, "replies": [ { "id": 3372223, "author_name": "Satwik", "author_url": "", "post_date": "2025-12-11T22:02:11.790000", "content": "

Taking no action on this is quite disappointing. There's clear evidence of him blocking teammates and doing no work after merging across all recent competitions (RSNA IAD , CAFA6, and 2 more threads that are linked here). Regarding his 'submission rates', it is just the highest scoring public notebooks. I'm sure everyone involved has evidence for that. Regarding the advice you shared, there is no way at all to know if he is legit. If I see someone with 7 medals, 1 silver and a competition ranking of top 500, I will tend to believe them too. Most people are not going to know that he's not a legit teammate. And if this is deemed acceptable by Kaggle Staff, there will be many more people doing the same as Leo. Also, he keeps changing emails all the time (presumably to be able to mail more people to team up). Is that allowed too? I very strongly feel there is something that needs to be done here than just letting it slide. Because clearly, there will be more and more victims. Really, really disappointed in the platform.

", "votes": 2, "replies": [] }, { "id": 3372329, "author_name": "Tom", "author_url": "", "post_date": "2025-12-12T00:42:04.547000", "content": "
The best way to ensure a fair outcome is to vet potential teammates before teaming up. Ask them what they plan to bring to the table, review their past competition history and contributions on Kaggle, and make sure you are merging with someone who is ready to actively contribute to your solution.\n
\n

I’m very disappointed with this platform. It feels like there are people scamming others but no laws to regulate them and those scammers are still roaming free. Everyone just image you are being cheated by his well-hided information, and when you win the prize he comes back to claim it, and finally you get the response from compliance team say that \"be careful when you team up\", like you lost a lot of money cheated by scammer and police just sits in their office playing cellphone and say they cannot do anything. I'm speechless kaggle cannot do something and becomes the paradise of scammer like Taiwan. What a shame.

", "votes": 1, "replies": [ { "id": 3372454, "author_name": "Tom", "author_url": "", "post_date": "2025-12-12T03:11:11.717000", "content": "

here I post some stuffs about the conversation @aizealotwu with leo, he claims that he refers previous cafa5 solution and make up his own, but it terms out he just submits public kernel after his teammate investigates:\"\"

\n

\"\"

\n

\"\"

\n

\"\"

\n

\"\"

\n

This is the last time I post to accuse Leo since kaggle staff decides to do nothing, I hope everyone can have good experience by avoiding his email.

", "votes": 1, "replies": [] }, { "id": 3378492, "author_name": "Wang Zhiyao (王致尧)", "author_url": "", "post_date": "2025-12-18T10:58:24.613000", "content": "

mysterious Eastern characters

", "votes": 0, "replies": [] } ] }, { "id": 3372495, "author_name": "common-people", "author_url": "", "post_date": "2025-12-12T03:46:05.783000", "content": "

If they claim that he had achieved something with the possibility to truly achieved these, what can we do? For before merging, we could not truly see what they really and if is too tricky in cheating in my thought

", "votes": 0, "replies": [] }, { "id": 3377024, "author_name": "Tim Krige", "author_url": "", "post_date": "2025-12-15T15:02:40.077000", "content": "

Please give a recommended method to \"vet potential teammates\" when they can simply lie about their progress and score, as none of us would share IP about leaderboard potential before teaming up. The fact that this is going by with no action is not a great indication.

\n

Provide the community with useful guidelines or take action against abuse. Do not do nothing. \"Ask them what they plan to bring to the table, review their past competition history and contributions on Kaggle, and make sure you are merging with someone who is ready to actively contribute to your solution.\" These are all passed by Leo, he offers compute, he offers written solutions and medals, he offers everything, and we have no method to validate it.

", "votes": 3, "replies": [ { "id": 3377053, "author_name": "common-people", "author_url": "", "post_date": "2025-12-15T16:01:16.490000", "content": "

Yes, some ghost guy could submit the opensource code to lie. Very very shame and hard to find what they truly are. And they had the medal where they did nothing but lying

", "votes": 0, "replies": [] }, { "id": 3377091, "author_name": "Youri Matiounine", "author_url": "", "post_date": "2025-12-15T17:27:34.017000", "content": "

A general recommendation is to only team-up with people who have a position on leader-board close to yours. That proves they have something to add to the team, and have done some work already.

", "votes": 0, "replies": [] } ] } ] }, { "id": 3293425, "author_name": "Nehemi Koffi", "author_url": "", "post_date": "2025-09-23T18:56:16.707000", "content": "

salut j'aimerais faire partir de votre groupe

", "votes": 0, "replies": [] } ], "raw_markdown_by_id": { "3293216": "Hi everyone! Just making this post to raise some awareness regarding ghost teammates.\nI joined the RSNA IAD competition (ongoing) after 3-4 years of taking a break from Kaggle, and teamed up with a couple of people from the LB, who claimed they had experience and GPU. One of them, @leo123321 , was also a Competitions expert so I thought he was someone good. However, after merging teams, he blocked me and has disappeared since. I just saw, he is trying to team up in this competition as well , with the same claim that he has GPU He also seems to have joined EVERY competition there is. ![](https://www.googleapis.com/download/storage/v1/b/kaggle-forum-message-attachments/o/inbox%2F3459992%2Fd5f29a39f294a9a3e40ada4a66efb516%2Fleo.png?generation=1758619631772021&alt=media)\n\nThis also has happened with others before (ref- [this post](https://www.kaggle.com/discussions/general/578779) and [this post](https://www.kaggle.com/discussions/general/608434)). \n\nI request everyone to be careful teaming up, and not let these people leech off of your hardwork.\n\nAll the best, and hope everyone finds good teammates! \n\n", "3371036": "Notice, @leo123321 changes his profile photo. And there are two teams being cheated and adding him to the team. @addisonhoward I think kaggle should ban him to avoid more team being cheated from him, instead of finding this thread by luck like @sayedathar11's case. @p4rallax had reported him many times and providing clues, but he is still not being banned and keep finding prey to leech.\n\n![](https://www.googleapis.com/download/storage/v1/b/kaggle-forum-message-attachments/o/inbox%2F4310004%2Fc010328086cb942f2d0aa23a74cd7820%2F123.png?generation=1765441994743880&alt=media)", "3371022": "hi, sir, can you try to solve this:I think he is doing the same thing in cafa6(another competition), it is very unfair and dangerous, can you take actions to solve this:![](https://www.googleapis.com/download/storage/v1/b/kaggle-forum-message-attachments/o/inbox%2F21593429%2F76227d45cd8e9d895e801cb5faaf8580%2Fimage.png?generation=1765442069291400&alt=media)@addisonhoward", "3293281": "![img](https://www.googleapis.com/download/storage/v1/b/kaggle-forum-message-attachments/o/inbox%2F17107488%2Fcea64c7fd044f71cc16b32a85c7ade7e%2Ffirefox_jIh86t8X1a.png?generation=1758632816376209&alt=media)\n\nApparently, this person enters every competition and writes to all the top participants who are looking for a team, offering resources that he probably doesn't have. What a shame.", "3293552": "We need a kaggle service app. To check scammer/cheater or background check or insurance …\n\nActually, i would advise if you want to form team, you should do some checking and video conference for interviewing. Imagine one day if you win and you find that your teammate is a bot.", "3355306": "Thanks for raising this he reached out to me for a competition my team mate made me aware of this thread and I avoided a leecher", "3371520": "Hey all - we're aware of this and looking into it", "3293266": "He also joined every competition as well.", "3293500": "This guy @seeingtimes is also @leo123321 another account. They have the same team introduction. ![](https://www.googleapis.com/download/storage/v1/b/kaggle-forum-message-attachments/o/inbox%2F4310004%2F6b4df85c4eafc0b39d05eb96e84ad620%2Fd3053606.jpg?generation=1758682101985866&alt=media)\n\n![](https://www.googleapis.com/download/storage/v1/b/kaggle-forum-message-attachments/o/inbox%2F4310004%2F10a9a8554d5d15dcdf46eb599ebbc888%2Fd3053606.jpg?generation=1758682171104208&alt=media)\n\n", "3372177": "Hi All,\n\nI had our compliance team take a look into these reports (and a similar report happening in the CAFA 6 competition). This included a thorough dive on the user's site activity, teaming, submission rates, etc. We appreciate you looking out for the integrity of the leaderboard.\n\nTo cross-reference what was shared over there: \n\n>While we don't manage internal team dynamics, we do want to remind everyone to be selective about who they collaborate with. When you add someone to your team, they become a full partner in your results.\n\n>Regarding the specific user mentioned in these reports, we have reviewed their past team mergers and submission records. We will be taking no action at this time.\n\n>The best way to ensure a fair outcome is to vet potential teammates before teaming up. Ask them what they plan to bring to the table, review their past competition history and contributions on Kaggle, and make sure you are merging with someone who is ready to actively contribute to your solution.\n\n>Kaggle Compliance Team", "3293425": "salut j'aimerais faire partir de votre groupe " } }