R.I.P. Tae

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Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2009 7:45 pm

Tae dropped out of baiting scene last year, and her friends in the baiting world had difficulty contacting her. We thought it was pressure of work and studies, but this week we found out why. Early this year she fell ill with pneumonia, and passed away in January 2009, aged 32.

Many baiters knew Tae, either personally or through the forums, and many scammers knew her too, as "Penny Less". Between 2004 and 2008 I met her several times myself, when she was photographing scammers in various cities around Europe. She died without knowing that a scammer who she photographed was arrested by the Hamburg police recently - her photos may yet help to get him convicted and deported.

For those who never met her: Tae was a woman of few words, very softly spoken, and a great listener. She also had a wicked sense of humour, particularly when it came to ways of torturing lads, and she always took care to make those around her feel comfortable. It has been alleged that she was usually seen with either a camera or a glass of beer in her hand, and sometimes both. Well, I can now confirm that rumour was true!

She loved computers and was nearly finished with her studies in computer science in Austria. And needless to say, she found ways to use her software skills in the fight against scam, by developing an autobaiter. She also loved sports and chose her handle "Tae" from "taekwondo," one of her favorites.

But photography was her real love, and she took it very seriously. I frequently marvelled at her ability to take a perfectly framed, perfectly focussed picture of a scammer while looking innocently in a totally different direction. It was a testimony to her skill and technique, and to the quality of her carefully chosen equipment. She also used photography as an art form - I am no expert in such matters, but I think she could have been a professional photographer. Instead, she took a job with a software firm after finishing her preliminary exams.

There are a couple of images that I will always remember when I think of Tae. The first is the Mississippi Queen coming in to dock, bearing a Hamburg scammer returning from a fruitless harbour tour, having failed to meet us in the engine room. See below - he's on the top deck, right at the front, in a dark suit, looking confused. I think it was one of her favourite images too.

The second image I won't post, but it's a simple picture of Tae, myself and a few friends in London. That picture was once described as the Ultimate Baiter Trophy, and why? - because it was taken using her camera by a scammer we had tormented for 8 hours Exclamation

There will always be a hole in my heart when I think of Tae. I am just looking at our last email exchange, and Gmail's observation that "Tae is not available to chat" seems very inadequate.

Hamburg picture 1

Hamburg picture 2

Master Baiter Joined: 27 Jun 2009 Posts: 172

All my problems suddenly seem immaterial.

I was saddened to read that at 32, gone. Life is just starting.

my thoughts are with her friends and family as it is such a waste of life.

R.I.P fellow baiter, may you bait them from the clouds.

Hello I'm New here! Joined: 12 Jul 2009 Posts: 15

So Sad

Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2009 8:09 pm

RIP, before my time as a baiter, way before, but that doesn't make it any better for anyone Sad

Baiting Guru Joined: 03 May 2007 Posts: 18313

I also didn't know her; most of her activity here must have been before I joined. It's a sad loss at such a young age. I'm sorry for the loss of your friend, Zen. Crying or Very sad

Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2009 8:12 pm

Oh this is so very incredibly sad. Crying or Very sad

As you say, she was not a person of many words but a lovely lady and great baiter. My love and prayers go out to her family and friends.

** Retired ** Joined: 14 May 2007 Posts: 750 Location: Air

Me too Zen. I cant say I knew Tae first hand, but the loss of any of our own is very much a sad day.

RIP Tae Crying or Very sad

Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2009 8:31 pm

I remember her. How sad.

Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2009 8:55 pm

Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2009 9:03 pm

I didn't know Tae but this news is so sad nonetheless.

RIP Tae.

Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2009 9:09 pm

Oh my God...she was such a lovely woman and a great baiter, what a shock. Thank you Zen for letting us know, she will be sorely missed.

Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2009 9:12 pm

I did not know Tae, she was before my time here, the memory of her that her friends her convey indicate someone who will truly be missed by this community. My condolences to those who knew her.

@Zen - that was a beautiful eulogy for Tae.

Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2009 9:14 pm

I'm so sad to hear this. Zen has summed her up so well. She was far more subtle at taking photos than I'll ever be...

Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2009 9:20 pm

Nicely put Zen, thank you for the eulogy to a lovely person.

RIP Tae

Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2009 9:22 pm

32? that's very sad Sad

zen, she sounds like she was an incredible lady.
i wish i had known her.

Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2009 9:44 pm

Im so sorry. R.I.P Pretty Rose

Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2009 9:47 pm

What a heartfelt and lovely tribute. You've certainly memorialized this wonderful soul for those who knew her, as well as those who didn't. RIP Tae

Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2009 10:34 pm

I am heartbroken. Words fail me. Crying or Very sad

Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2009 10:37 pm

That tribute was lovely, Zen. Thank you for sharing her memory with those of us that didn't know her.

To all who did know this special person, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Sad

Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2009 11:14 pm

Damn damn damn. I've missed her wit and now I know why.

She was great.

Thank you Zen.

Posted: Thu Jul 16, 2009 12:08 am

Oh no.

I have never spoken to her but I know her legend from the amount and wealth of the older posts.

...

Juan's stalker Joined: 28 Aug 2008 Posts: 1423

Im so very sorry Zen, thanks for letting us all know.
I never got to know her but she sounded like the very best kind of person.
This is so terribly sad, what a tragic loss. Sad

Posted: Thu Jul 16, 2009 1:26 am

I think she was before my time here, but was a horrible loss none the less. Sad

Posted: Thu Jul 16, 2009 1:52 am

May she rest in peace... In my country, the custom is to give even numbered flowers to the dead. She had the same age as I...
A great loss to us, bigger one for the family.

Posted: Thu Jul 16, 2009 3:08 am

Nicely put, Zen!

RIP Tae!