aff.419eater.com

So, as some of you may know, but most probably don't because I rarely post...I like to help victims when I can.
Well, today was a good day in that regard, so humor me while I tell you the story...
I recently took a 2nd job so I could afford health insurance. Part of the services this 2nd job offers is cash cards and...drum roll please...Western Union. As a general rule, we don't do WU because my manager thinks it's way too much trouble, but we still get people coming in for it regardless.
Well today, a nice older lady came via a cab, and as I was chatting with her, it turns out she was about to become the victim of a scam.
So, rather that turn her away, I dug deeper into the conversation, got the details, and convinced her she was being scammed. It felt GREAT!
But, later, it got me thinking in a Big Picture sort of way, and I realized some things...
First and foremost, I realized that because of all the time I've spent reading and lurking on Eater and other sites, there is literally NOTHING a scammer can say that I cannot refute totally. I can even show evidence online if required. And the thing is, I would not be in that position were it not for Eater, and it's members, both past and present.
So, sure, people here like to humiliate scammers...and Yes, we all think it's pretty funny. But literally EVERYONE here, even lurkers like me, would not hesitate to help a real victim given the opportunity, and because of all the knowledge we've gained here, we can usually convince the victims, even when their own family cannot(the lady mentioned her granddaughter had tried to warn her).
And you know what? That's a hell of an accomplishment for a website and a small community of people.
so KUDOS TO EATER in all her glory! All of you share in my small victory today!
Thanks to you all!!

That is a great message to read here on a Monday morning! It is a wonderful feeling to assist someone and stop them from being scammed. I do hope she now knows how to spot such a scheme as you can't be there all the time to assist others!

Well done !

Awesome news.

So, sure, people here like to humiliate scammers...and Yes, we all think it's pretty funny. But literally EVERYONE here, even lurkers like me, would not hesitate to help a real victim given the opportunity, and because of all the knowledge we've gained here, we can usually convince the victims, even when their own family cannot

This! Also, I think that sometimes people tend to tune out those closest to them. You may have had better luck both because of your knowledge of scams and the fact that you are not a member of her family. Fortunately for her you were in between her and the scammer on the right day. Well done.

Outstanding!

Padme summed it up best! Many baiters have found the desire and need to do more led them to our sister site www.ScamWarners.com where they could help others identify the scams that seem obvious to us (now).

You have made my week boofles. I'm sure you made the woman's year!

I'd like to add a further comment on what boofles wrote. Yes, we do enjoy the "games" we play with scammers. On a personal level though, my membership here has taught me so much about being a smarter and more educated consumer. I know before joining that even I, a trusting soul, would not have fallen for the Nigerian prince type email scam. However, my time here has shown me to identify the more highly refined and cleverly disguised scams too. It has been a real education.

That knowledge has helped me to stop several family and friends from being scammed. Like boofles writes, we all share in those victories.

It is more than just acquiring the baiting trophies. Those are milestones on this journey. It is about helping people along the way.