Ethical question

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Hello I'm New here! Joined: 09 Feb 2011 Posts: 1

So, I've always been somewhat amused by scambaiting, and I've never really thought much of the ethics involved. After all, at least they aren't scamming someone who would fall for it, right?

However, while reading this, I thought of something: what if some of these "scammers" actually are looking for help with the problems mentioned? I realize such a thing is exceedingly unlikely, but in the linked bait, the pictures in particular seemed genuine. I still find scambaiting amusing, particularly when the pictures seemed shopped and such, but does anyone else think about this?[/url]

Posted: Wed Feb 09, 2011 7:31 pm

Welcome to Eater Lifut.There is a sticky about the ethics of baiting here

http://forum.419eater.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=32877
There are real beggars and appeals for charity out there.There are also lads who try to act like they are a charity.With experience you can usually tell the two apart.If you can't decide,the best option is to let it go,and bait one that is more blatant.

Posted: Wed Feb 09, 2011 7:37 pm

Welcome to Eater, Lilfut.

Like doc said, there is a sticky about ethics and there have been hundreds of threads about the ethics of scambaiting in general and about particular baits in specific.

As long as the bait is within Eater's guidelines (ie, no cashbaiting, no baiting beggers, etc, only bait scammers and not ITPs, etc.), then it is up to each individual baiter to decide what he/she feels comfortable with. Don't feel comfortable getting a tat on your scammer? Then don't do it -- others like it. Don't want to get your shredded in hash conditions? No problem, then don't safari them. And so on.

Enjoy the site! Very Happy

Posted: Wed Feb 09, 2011 9:20 pm

Hello Lilfut!

I can assure you, that somebody that is in financial crisis and really needs help is not going to promise you millions as a reward, don't you think so?

As long as all they do is asking for money, without promising millions or goods as reward - it's not really a crime - and that's why we don't bait them at all. The most common scenario is that they promise you easy millions for little to no effort -> and then some fees appear. Not very common scenario for charities and such, right? Smile

As a doc said - as long as you have any doubts you can let it go or ask some more experienced member either here, or on sister site - ScamWarners.

Hopefuly this post was helpful, good luck with your baiting Smile