Why is Scambaiting Considered Unethical by some?

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Hello I'm New here! Joined: 25 May 2018 Posts: 2

I would say, baiting scammers is even better than just ignoring 419 scams, since you are wasting the scammer's time while enjoying yourself. Also, some scammers might consider changing their life choices. So why do some people consider it unethical?

Baiting Guru Joined: 10 Oct 2010 Posts: 3876

well, it depends.

it depends on the motivation.

baiting, because they are criminals, who are trying to trick people into paying money: it is fine. especially with the ethical guidelines here.

if the motivation is, that these people are different (skincolor, etc)... well then the motivation is unethical.

especially, since in the ladder case, there will be no motivation to keep ITPs with the wrong skin color without harm.

basically, that's the problem.

Posted: Fri May 25, 2018 9:10 pm

This topic has been raised before, but basically the people who believe scambaiting is wrong believe several myths including,

myth: scammers scam because they're poor and have no choice
fact: the average scammer is often better off financially and more educated versus their peers. These are socially adapt people with computers, skilled at manipulation, able to move currency undetected, etc. etc.

myth: these poor scammers use their illgotten gains to feed their poor villiages
fact: these scammers, who are again often more well off than their peers, use this money for the same stuff as other criminals such as the cartels and the mob --parties, women, cars and booze.

myth: it's reparations. scammers, particularly those from formally colonized nations scam the west as revenge for the stealing of oil, looting of wealth, etc.
fact: they're not just scamming the west. they scam each other, victims from countries who were never involved with theirs, and, like any thief, target whoever presents themselves with money for the taking. Also, some scammers are from or in the west.

myth: scambaiting is a bunch of white people posting pictures of a bunch of black africans doing silly things
fact: both scammers and scam baiters come from just every race and country on the globe

There is another reason some people might feel it's unethical, which is that some people are simply against any form of "vigilante" justice and feel that, although the scammers are bad, it is better to allow the law to take care of them and to stay out of it. Our view is that the law is often unable to act and that we, while not breaking the law ourselves, are able to disrupt a scammers operation (and, yes, have some fun) by wasting their time, reporting their bank accounts, and generally causing them to use up their energy on us and not actual victims.

Lastly, some folks simply believe it's bad energy or bad karma to have any negative interaction with anyone. This is a valid viewpoint, just one that I don't happen to share, as it makes me far happier to think about the potential victims who might be spared from dealing with some of these creeps who are wasting their time with us.

Baiting Guru Joined: 10 Oct 2010 Posts: 3876

well, padme...

as much as I agree, that the topic was discussed, the last hefty discussion about it was quite a while ago.

one thing that I have learned is, that a community needs that discussion once in a while. it's the foundation, if people can't agree on that, it's just a matter of time, that things will shake apart.

so thank you for not locking it, and let's keep this discussion civilized (I know, that's something a mod should say).

for example, I recently saved my aunt from falling victim to a romance scammer. he then used the classic "trunk of gold in syria" twist... but I got her off the hook just today.

it's hard for me, I hate that particular guy more than any other lad, and I would LOVE to bait this lad, but I know, that I can't do that without putting her on risk.

there is so much going on...

so, discussions are important.

Posted: Sat May 26, 2018 12:45 am

@Robert Heinrich der 1. - While I empathize for you and your aunt I don't see where Padme wasn't 'civilized' in his/her reply. Personally I found it clear, informative and rather well laid out. Yes I can understand that sometimes very innocent forum posts can be misconstrued for bad moods and animosity at times but I'm simply not seeing any basis for that here.

ETA: Mind you I merely skimmed the thread for titty jokes

Posted: Sat May 26, 2018 2:31 am

Padme wrote:

fact: the average scammer is often better off financially and more educated versus their peers and victims.

Fixed that for you Smile

Baiting Guru Joined: 31 Jan 2007 Posts: 12237

oscarpiles wrote:

ETA: Mind you I merely skimmed the thread for titty jokes

As did I.

Baiting Guru Joined: 10 Oct 2010 Posts: 3876

oscarpiles wrote:

@Robert Heinrich der 1. - While I empathize for you and your aunt I don't see where Padme wasn't 'civilized' in his/her reply. Personally I found it clear, informative and rather well laid out. Yes I can understand that sometimes very innocent forum posts can be misconstrued for bad moods and animosity at times but I'm simply not seeing any basis for that here.

ETA: Mind you I merely skimmed the thread for titty jokes

no problem with that.

I just wanted to hint, that it might be time to discuss ethics, etc...

Wink

Posted: Sat May 26, 2018 1:45 pm

well robert...

Congratulations now I am locking it. A new member to eater asked a reasonable question about baiting ethics. I provided what I think most would agree was a well thought out, detailed and friendly answer. Your response to me was uncalled for and a bit sarcastic. So to use your own words, let's keep things civilized and let's not hijack new member's posts. No hints necessary. The question was asked and answered.

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