scam baiting

[Mark A]

Don't know if you guys are aware of the infamous 419 Nigerian scams, which have fleeced millions off unsuspecting folks.

The hottest internet 'sport' out there now is baiting these scammers and getting them to do ridiculous things while stringing them along for as long as possible. Check out one of the funnier sites:

www.419eater.com

I'm wondering when people will start doing this w/Russian and Ukrainian scammers, it might be hilarious!

[Lynn]

... in response to scam baiting, posted by Mark A on Jan 30, 2004

I had a bit of fun with one of the Nigerian scammers a year or so ago, he got so mad that he threatened to do bodily harm to me before it was over, what a hoot. If you advertise real estate on the net in the 6-7 figure range, it's only a matter of time before the "investor" calls or e-mails.

[wilmc]

... in response to scam baiting, posted by Mark A on Jan 30, 2004

This is great!  The Nigerian hoodlums deserve all the chain pulling they get.

BUT a word of caution concerning Russian MOB scammers.
Please be very sure that they are truly corrupt.  I think many of the veterans on this forum will attest that we have received requests for compensation which after reflection turned out to be honest and reasonable, ex. small amounts to subsidize e-mail internet cafe usage.

Most of these ladies are living on very little cash and the expenses of corresponding with us can be a big burden.  

The general rule of do not send money is valid.  At least not until until you are very comfortable with the sincerity and honesty of your new friend.  Probably not until you have met and better understand her circumstances.  On the safe side watch for the obvious scams, ex. my mother needs an operation.

Let's not screw up the flow of terrific ladies from the FSU who seek relationships with American men by being cruel and vindicative inappropriately.

It is pretty hard for us to determine when some crook is masquarading as a prospective bride or is some foolish girl who would like a "sugar daddy," or is a terrific lady who needs some help and will be sensible enough to understand your caution.  

Let's act like gentlemen and if we feel we are being set up try discussing it and/or just dropping the correspondence.  If we are sure, there are responsible "scam" Black lists.

To seek revenge is ignoble.  Just be careful out there.
As you would be in any "pick up" bar here in the good old USA, or in church for that matter.

[LP]

... in response to Re: scam baiting, posted by wilmc on Jan 30, 2004

[This message has been edited by LP]

...Maybe for some. While I agree with your post and understand it's intent in general I remind you real scams are easily discernable to those with any vision.

Last I checked fraud is a crime and punishing those who perpertrate it is hardly "revenge" and no more ingnoble than any other work in law enforcement. On the contrary. FSU prosecutions have been successful (the scammer mentioned above was tried) and there are legitimate firms in Ukraine that will handle such matters for a foreigner if he has the documents to back it up. And stranger things have also happened, just look at the Aussie guy who wrote directly to Vladimir Putin.

The nature of the fraud makes it all the more despicable. And while some blame can usually be placed upon the victim the law doesn't consider it. Ignoble indeed. Any person who uses another's own affection as a weapon against them as a means to extract cash deserves no mercy in the slightest. When it comes to these scum, female or not, FSU or not, they deserve far harsher punishment then they usually receive. In the US there are laws specifically regarding such crimes, considered separate from typical fraud statues.

Lest you think I'm totally disagreeing with you, I continue to help out a few FSU women and I'm not even in the game any longer. One of those I've not met but I'm confident she's legit and in need of the assistance because I've checked her out. It's based on compassion, not affection. And like you, I personally feel too much emphasis is placed on money by MOB men when all things *other* than scams are considered. In fact, the words "cheap bastard" often comes to mind.

Btw, your warning about fraud in church is a wise one. Imho there is no greater place to be more aware because people the world over who harbor religious beliefs have generally proven themselves to be among the most easily manipulated of all.

[that guy]

... in response to Pretty hard?..., posted by LP on Feb 1, 2004

Maybe you should do some pro bono work on the subject LP instead of offering your opinions as if gilded in gold.
 Remember buddy your out of your league on legal matters unless you really believe everything you read..lol
 Come on and give us some good legal overview instead of the freshman ideology affect.

[wilmc]

... in response to Pretty hard?..., posted by LP on Feb 1, 2004

My intent was to caution our fellow members of this forum to use caution before they accuse and seek revenge upon a possible MOB scam.  I endorse reporting them to appropriate authorities and reputable "scam Blacklists."
With our long distance communication, language and cultural differences and the wealth discrepancy between FSU and US, it is easy for misunderstandings to occur.   It would be tragic to mislead and hurt an innocent woman.
Finally, I do not think it is healthy for the soul to seek personal revenge.
Let us be charitable.
Someone a lot smarter and better than us said, "vengence is mine."

[LP]

... in response to I think we are in agreement, posted by wilmc on Feb 1, 2004


... I concur. Even about being unhealthy in seeking personal revenge.

Now getting it, thats a different story.

[LP]

... in response to scam baiting, posted by Mark A on Jan 30, 2004

There are several of these 419 baiting sites and some are a riot, with brillantly crafted counterscams. There is one where the the baiter claims to be Darth Vader. He soon convinces the 419 scammer he wants to adopt him as an only son. What follows is a great read.

There are people already baiting FSU scammers. For example I know of a project last year that resulted in a film crew going to Ukraine to confront a scammer who had been strung along for months by someone on this very board. But there was nothing hilarious about it, serious antiscam work is exhausting, expensive, and can be a risky business.

Or simply string a few along with letters, at least it keeps 'em occupied and off of the legitimate marks. Use tools like Email Tracker, ReadNotify, and Visual Route to keep track of things. Just accept you won't be gaining much ground, it's equivalent to shoveling shti against the tide.

[tfcrew]

... in response to scam baiting, posted by Mark A on Jan 30, 2004

...or just out and out dumb-asses?

Will scope that site...I could use a chuckle.

[LP]

... in response to "...unsuspecting folks.", posted by tfcrew on Jan 30, 2004

[This message has been edited by LP]

...Maybe so, but I've seen MOB guys fall for stuff that would make a 419 scam look like a sure thing. Greed can assume many forms...