Think I've under-estimated the lad's intelligence.

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Posted: Thu Apr 16, 2009 5:00 am

I tried my first bating two days ago and have not had a reply. I have since realised his English seemed very good, so I think he saw through me. Here is my reply to his offer...

Dear Sir,

Let me introduce myself. My name is Wilbur. Many years ago my brother and I started a bicycle company. It grew and prospered and then spread in other directions where we saw market opportunities. My brother and I have now passed and devote our ethereal lives to assisting worthy charities. Your proposal interests us as it may allow us to further increase the assistance we can give to help those in the world around us.

I have heard that there are unscrupulous people who use the internet to swindle and so am naturally cautious, though your story has the ring of truth to it, and not being in an African country where these activities, I am told, originate adds further to my belief that yours is indeed a genuine offer.

You will pardon me testing you, but I hope you understand this is necessary to ease my mind. Could you please send me a copy of some official document that authenticates that you are who you say you are. Perhaps a passport copy or something similar?

On another matter, you say we would share the money "on a mutually agreed percentage". Can you give me an idea of what this percentage would be. My brother and I feel 50% each would be fair. That amount, (US $M1.75), could be used to benefit needy charity, and right here in Page, Arizona there is such a cause we have had on our list of worthy organisations for some time. The Grand Canyon Restoration Society urgently needs more funds to continue their magnificent work.

I look forward with excitement to your reply and hope that together we can assist both you and the Society I mentioned.

With kind regards, Wilbur Wright.

Any advise from those with baiting experience could help my future efforts.

Posted: Thu Apr 16, 2009 6:21 am

Hi ww & welcome to eater

You've put far to much effort into the initial reply. Most lads don't even bother reading them, a simple "I am interested" or "Tell me more" will usually surfice.

And if he has read it, then you're being a bit pushy asking for documents straight away. If the lad is a small time operator, then he may well not have any documents available to back up the scam, so he will drop you and work on someone a bit more compliant.

The secret is to start of interested in the deal and then slowly introduce your questions and concerns. I always find that a good leveraging tools is to ask questions after he has asked you for money, then you can reply along the lines of "I've sent your money, but before I send you the payment details could you just answer this..."

Posted: Thu Apr 16, 2009 8:07 am

Thanks B8er, that makes sense. I'll get the hang of it soon!

Posted: Thu Apr 16, 2009 8:59 am

You could also try replying with an ASEM and going from there?

Posted: Thu Apr 16, 2009 7:08 pm

My advice would be
1. Pick a few different formats from the Surplus forum
2. A short "I'm interested, tell me more" note and see which lads bite.
3. If you are still struggling ask for a mentor

Posted: Thu Apr 16, 2009 11:59 pm

Thanks MM will do.

Posted: Fri Apr 17, 2009 12:31 am

Agree with all of the above. Keep in mind, often they don't even read your first response. We've learned that it usually doesn't even matter what you say in the first response - they are going to send you their second format no matter what you say. They have a script to follow, and the initial challenge is getting them off script at all. That usually doesn't happen for at least a few emails. Hell, you could send them a first response that says "I enjoy blowing bubbles in Kilimanjaro at sunset" and you'll still get their second script saying "Thank you for your message and the content was well understood..." etc. etc.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the idea is to waste THEIR time, not yours! If you are spending more time in your responses then they are in their emails to you, you're missing the point.

I also think you hit on another point...they don't want super-smart vics. They want Ma & Pa Kettle who will fall for their rediculous schemes. I have far more success baiting as a dotty old lady living by herself than as a brilliant businessman looking for investment opportunities.

Posted: Fri Apr 17, 2009 12:33 am

that's probably because you play the dotty old lady role so much better than the businessman Laughing

i'm assuming a lot of practice in your day to day activities?

j/k Wink

Posted: Fri Apr 17, 2009 12:41 am

I'm glad I asked now... getting lots of insights to help future bating activities.

Posted: Fri Apr 17, 2009 1:19 am

JumpinJayJay wrote:

that's probably because you play the dotty old lady role so much better than the businessman Laughing

i'm assuming a lot of practice in your day to day activities?

j/k Wink

HA!

In real life I'm far closer to the businessman than the dotty old lady (well, other than the gender part). Wink

I'm practicing my dotty old lady role because I'm sure I'll get there in the future!

@Wilburwright, this whole site is a wealth of information for successful baiting, much of which you can find in the stickies in the Help & Tips forum. The stickies are your best friend!

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