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45 Scammers Who Got ‘Destroyed’ By The People They Were Trying To Rip Off (New Pics)
Interview With Expert
The internet’s a double-edged sword: information at your fingertips, but also scammers lurking around every corner. From phishing emails to identity theft on social media—it’s enough to make you paranoid.
Some people, however, choose to defend themselves against scams with humor. For the past few years, Bored Panda has been diving into the r/Scams subreddit and showing you hilariously embarrassing attempts to steal people’s money.
The subreddit’s community has more than doubled in size since we last covered it: there are 783K members now! To keep you sharp, we’ve gathered new posts from r/Scams along with tips from cybersecurity pros Chuck Brooks and Burton Kelso.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Some Intense Scam, Be Aware!
Boredest Panda 1 year ago
They were admiring the pigeon pics. They’ve never see one before, since clearly they’ve never seen the outside.
Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My! 1 year ago
I have Stardew Valley, and I am NOT befriending Linus again!
Scams are hitting wallets hard these days. The Federal Trade Commission reports that Americans lost a staggering $10 billion just last year.
According to Chuck Brooks, President of Brooks Consulting International and Cybersecurity Person of the Year, modern technology has made it easier to fall victim. For example, AI can now create video and voice recordings that impersonate loved ones in distress to trick you into sending money.
RELATED:
#2
Found In Tumblr
John Dilligaf 1 year ago
just because you're a scammer doesn't mean you can't be polite
Load More Replies... Boredest Panda 1 year ago
“Great you can proceed with you’re scam” “You’re an idiot for pointing out my scam!!!”
Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My! 1 year ago
When I was in county jail, a woman there with me called her family several times a day, begging for money. She never talked to them, asked how they were, nothing. Just give her money. The other women and I were talking one day that if you're going to beg someone for money, you could at least say hello first. After that, whenever she'd call, she'd say hello, then start begging.
kelsischloe1986 1 year ago
He very well could be a bastard. But a fool he is not! That's for sure. :)
With 117k followers on Linkedin, Brooks shares insights on cybersecurity, emerging technologies, business development, and government relations. He notes that fraudsters pretending to be someone else is one of the most common scams.
This technique is known as spoofing. It’s usually done through phishing emails or text messages that look like they came from a trusted source, like a friend, a bank, or your workplace.
#3
Friend Sent Me This And I Got A Kick Out Of It. Thought Y’all Would Enjoy Too
#4
I’m Still Getting Those Random Messages. How Do You Deal With Yours?
A pug with bananas 1 year ago
Hey the phone number is there… we could POSSIBLY prank em.
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Thalia Lovering 1 year ago
Last time was a disaster. Christopher is missing his bellybutton so badly, and the dog can't hear from his left ear.
In the past, it was easy to spot spoofs because they often had misspelled words, bad images, and claims that didn’t make sense. Now, scammers can convincingly fake entire webpages, caller IDs, and even IP addresses.
#5
I Love Messing With Scammers. The Phone # Is A Spam Number That I Pulled From My Contacts
Michael Jensen 1 year ago
ANY response at all makes this a verified working phone number and will be sold to scammers. Don't respond at all. Mark it as spam and delete it.
ConstantlyJon 1 year ago
A coworker of mine just bought a new car and had to call about the one she just sold to try to cancel the warranty on it. I was like... are you making a call to someone about your car's extended warranty right now? You are a scammers wet dream!
Hannah McCoy 1 year ago
Should’ve used (248) 434-5508, the national rickroll number lol but still good idea
#6
Apple Pay Scammer Gets Pissed
Debra Robinson 1 year ago
Cotton balls, individually wrapped in aluminum foil.
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Cooking Panda 1 year ago
Jeff, I'm not done yet. I haven't even told you about Debra down the street
Sue Denham 1 year ago
Jeff, you fool! If you'd hung on in there he probably would have spilled the beans on what's *really* been happening between Billy-Bob and the local librarian.
Jenna Kay 1 year ago
I like messing with them too! I've been a mortuary, a doctor's office with bad news, grammar police (rewriting every statement to make it better), overly zealous religious person, etc. I believe my best was when I told one person that cell phones were the devil's work and I knew that because only demons use them and I was a demon in training.
Technology expert and TEDx speaker Burton Kelso also advises to be cautious of suspicious ads, as they can lead to fake versions of company websites. To stay safe, check official websites independently.
#7
Bait Not Taken
Boredest Panda 1 year ago (edited)
That’s it?! Your/my/our cat deserves better (edited to fix spelling)
Minecraft_Chicken (He/Chicken) 1 year ago
One of them is a scammer while the other one is a "cat"fisher
badmotorfinger 1 year ago
Cat looks like it doesn't know whether to eat the lobster or kick its a*s.
Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My! 1 year ago
I would never use Bouche or Audi to deflect a scammer, although they would throw me to the wolves.
#8
:)
I didn't do that... 1 year ago
Why the hell did I read that name in an intense British accent????
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Papa 1 year ago
I have to admit I laughed at this one. It's currently at #10, but should be higher. Or I've had too much beer.
michele zito 1 year ago
OMG it is 12:48 am and I am laughing so hard and loud my next door neighbor (appt) called me to find out if all was okay.
Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My! 1 year ago
Colonel Mustard and Yvette did, as well.
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Valek Fermiga 1 year ago
He's not the brightest scammer if he got taken as far as he did.... Bless him, he'll learn....
#9
F*****g With Scammers Is Fun
Reset Game 1 year ago
🤣. I did the same thing when this happened to me. I kept it going until I got bored
Valek Fermiga 1 year ago
Smoke signals are the way forward, much quicker, carrier pigeons could drop the message, at least that's the way I conduct business....
Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My! 1 year ago
Smoke signals go out when it rains.
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Even if you are tech-savvy, that doesn’t mean you’re necessarily immune to scams. For instance, younger generations who heavily rely on the internet are particularly vulnerable. According to a survey by Deloitte, American Gen Zs are 3 times more likely to fall for online fraud than boomers.
#10
Kevin
Icedragocat 1 year ago
I had a conversation similar to this not to long ago. Wasnt as amusing as this tho. Me: Thats suspicious Scamer: Dont worry 😊
#11
I Was Surprised To Get A Message From A High School Friend's Father
Kalikima 1 year ago
These poor people who come back from the dead and can't reclaim their stuff.. I feel for them..
Mimi La Souris 1 year ago
remind me a bad joke "but you're dead !?!" - "yes. but i fell better now"
#12
I Just Caught This In The Wild
Jenna Kay 1 year ago
But I do love to! Like - you need help spelling, have you ever heard of syntax, no legit message would have a time like that, have you found (insert religious or political party + link to website), and of course I have asked many a thoughtful question too, "I live in a box, how did you find me?!" "I'm so relieved that you finally found his ashes, where ever do you find them?"
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So while it may be entertaining to read these posts because some scammers are not the brightest, you need to be careful. The most effective way to protect yourself is simply to avoid interacting with them altogether.
#13
It’s Not A Story The Scammers Would Tell You…
Poison Ivy/Boo 1 year ago
Upvote for Darth Plagueis the Wise. They really need to do a movie about him and his apprentice
Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My! 1 year ago
Audi and I appreciate sand very much.
Load More Replies... ConstantlyJon 1 year ago (edited)
I have, legitimately, heard of and worked with Forex Trade before. They ship to the Philippines and I have worked for an organization that shipped there for many years. I really, really wanna know how they use a scam that works with Forex honestly.
HumanLePerson (He/Him) 1 year ago
Did you ever hear the tragedy of Darth Plagueis The Wise? I thought not. It’s not a story the Jedi would tell you. It’s a Sith legend. Darth Plagueis was a Dark Lord of the Sith, so powerful and so wise he could use the Force to influence the midichlorians to create life… He had such a knowledge of the dark side that he could even keep the ones he cared about from dying. The dark side of the Force is a pathway to many abilities some consider to be unnatural. He became so powerful… the only thing he was afraid of was losing his power, which eventually, of course, he did. Unfortunately, he taught his apprentice everything he knew, then his apprentice killed him in his sleep. Ironic. He could save others from death, but not himself.
Kenny Kulbiski 1 year ago
Sorry, but I won't be able to finish this post. I'm going to Kindle to see if they have this book yet.
#14
How My Buddy Deals With Scams
Minecraft_Chicken (He/Chicken) 1 year ago
"Honey, what should we name our child?" "Well since we are super horny, let's call her Sexy Girl!"
araT sdrawkcaB 1 year ago
My parents missed that opportunity. what a shame.
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#15
Kindly Hit Her With That Uno Reverse Card
Michael Largey 1 year ago
"Where am I from? I live at the other end of this phone line. You, know that phone I'm hanging up right now."
Brooks and Kelso recommend using multi-factor authentication on your devices to prevent scammers from getting your private information in the first place.
“This raises the bar toward stealing your passwords by requiring two or three steps to access data,” says Brooks. “You can use biometrics such as facial recognition, an eye scan, or a thumbprint to add an additional level of security”.
#16
The Person Who Definitely Wasn't Talking With A Bot
#17
I Used To Live In Los Angeles. I've Never Owned A House. I Get These Texts All The Time
I have no idea how this scam even works or what the end game is. But I've started replying in ways that make me giggle
Sue Phillips 1 year ago
I get them too. Always for some woman named Anna, who has never had my number. In fact, I am the only one who has ever had my cell phone number. Bought my first cell phone in 1994 and have had the number ever since. The one time I tried to tell the sender that they had the wrong number, they called me a b***h and other truthful names. Now I just report spam and block the numbers.
Load More Replies... S. E. in Indiana 1 year ago
We get these calls and I tell them that yes, it is for sale. 2.5 million was the last appraisal and we won't take a penny less. Right after this, they hang up.
CheshirePhrogg 1 year ago
I get them for properties I don't own and offer to sell them for $100,000 per square inch. The owners have promised me 20% if I can actually sell the house at that price
Load More Replies... Anonymous 1 year ago
I've always assumed they're legit-ish house flippers who are trying to find properties that aren't on the market yet where they could skip the usual 6% commissions to the Realtors. Maybe there's a deeper scam going on, but surely the response rate can't be high.
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Jeremy James 1 year ago
Dish soap and cold water in a spray bottle works well, but you should always blot, never scrub.
Mark Fergel 1 year ago
I reply back like this to all of them as well. Never get a response. I think the system basically says if there is a response, move them to a queue for a live follow up call.
linda harbin 1 year ago
Years ago (when we got scammer phone calls on the residence line), my son loved to mess with them. Got a call during dinner asking if we needed our carpets cleaned. While sitting at the table he put his hand around the phone and whispered loud enough for us all to hear “can you get blood out of carpet and drapes? I mean a LOT of blood here”. Then, CLICK.
#18
A Pleasant Conversation I Had With A Whatsapp Scammer Today
rorschach-penguin 1 year ago (edited)
Christ, I'm going to do this next time I hear from a "girl" with a "wrong number". I get bored and it would be nice to f**k with someone.
Sue Phillips 1 year ago
Maybe these are long cons? I need answers before my husband leaves me for a bot who is insulted because he didn't show up for dinner...
Seadog 1 year ago
After I got divorced I tried a dating site, came across someone not far away, found her on Facebook, dropped her a message, she replied, we chatted back and forth a little and she finally said "you know I'm married, right?" I told her about her profile on (dating site). Someone used her picture from FB and opened a profile in her real name and everything. She thanked me and we stayed FB friends until I stopped FBing.
Hackers are also really good at figuring out passwords by themselves. On social media, they can find people’s birthdays, places where they lived, and phrases they like to use. Don’t use that information to create your passwords and change them regularly.
#19
Scammer Was Asking Me To "Invest $300". Had To Do It To 'Em
⨺⃝ ~Just-A-Black-Cat-Lover~ ⨺⃝ 1 year ago
6th grade humor of me is losing it-- sorry-- WHERE'S THE EXIT
TheForrestGreene (he/they/it) 1 year ago
same here, i need to use this irl XD i get wayyyy too many scam messages pfft
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#20
If Messing With Scammers Is Wrong I Don’t Want To Be Right
Sue Phillips 1 year ago
I heard this in my head to the tund of Santa Clause is Coming to Town.
#21
I Have Suddenly Been Receiving Lots Of Fake Check Scams, Probably Because I Respond To All Of Them. This One Is Gold🤣
HumanLePerson (He/Him) 1 year ago
And the house is in the "up your bum around the corner" Neighborhood
Thanos'Fingers 1 year ago
... Ok you win I'm at 660 North St. the back door is open, come quick and bring the lube.
Moreover, Kelso suggests being mindful of where you share your phone number and email address. If you give them out too freely, untrustworthy companies might sell your data. This could leave you with dangerous spam emails and unwanted calls.
#22
Omg They Sent It Again
Valek Fermiga 1 year ago
Hands down one of the best insults I've ever heard - so I'm stealing it....
Arian Arian 1 year ago
A regular scam in my area - a call from "bank security". So sorry, but there was a breach of security and $5000 was sent from you account to such and such person. In order to stop it and get your money back, please provide full identification info. My usual answer: Don't worry, he is my best friend, he really needs money now, so it was a legit transaction. Long pause, then disconnect on the other side ))
#23
The Person Who Was Kind Enough To Connect A Scammer With Some Other Scammers
Spidercat 1 year ago
OP creates a listing for puppies and puts scammer's number as the contact details... Scammer ends up receiving calls.
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Jane Jayne Jain Jeign Jein 1 year ago
I like this idea but I don't see how you would get this response from the scammer. How would the scammer know which of their presumably many marks set up the puppy ploy?
Sea Squirrel 1 year ago
It's explained above the screen shots. He/she replied to the scammer 'Hope the puppies are well'.
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B Hobbs 1 year ago
It appears that most of the scammers that contact me use someone else's number, not their own number. If I tried something like this, probably some poor sod would be wondering why the heck they are getting all these calls. I do not recommend this unless you are certain that the number belongs to the scammer.
#24
Scammers Really Dislike It When You Force Them To Venture Off Script
Michael P (Perthaussieguy) 1 year ago
Not Diana Prince I hope. You would not like to make her upset
Remember that scammers rely on psychological manipulation to take advantage of you. “They use fear-based tactics to get us into our primitive brain, which is always on alert,” Alex Melkumian, founder of the Financial Psychology Center, said for Time Magazine. “[This] really just hijacks our ability to rationally think through the situation.”
#25
The Person Who Deployed Eighth-Grade Humor To Great Effectiveness
Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My! 1 year ago
Audi ligs his all the time. Too bad for him there's nothing there now but fur.
#26
I Don't Know If This Is A Money Thing Or A Serial Killing Attempt, But It Gave Me A Good Laugh Today
Zedrapazia 1 year ago
That one could as well be someone who gave a fake phone number to a creep to make them go away
Kelly H. Wilder 1 year ago
Scammer is Ryann, but they talked at Ryann's farewell party. So OP talks about themselves in the third person?
Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My! 1 year ago
It's the royal we. The scammer is quite likely a Nigerian prince.
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#27
Most Common Lost Pet Scam (Verification Codes)
Bec 1 year ago
This happened to me and I was also at work when the scammer was asking for this code and I had not heard of such a scam before so it was very frustrating as I tried to answer texts while working. It was really heartbreaking, we never did find out cat. DON'T ever post a phone # in Craigslist
Kelly H. Wilder 1 year ago
I am so sorry this happened to you, especially at such a horrible time. 😔 People can really be the worst creatures on this planet.
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HumanLePerson (He/Him) 1 year ago
I will tell you once you enter a 6 digit code
Load More Replies... Jen Mart 1 year ago
OK I don't get this either. the scammer is sending YOU the verification numbers???? Don't they want it from you? So confused Sorry Probably scammer bait here lol
JB 1 year ago (edited)
Yes, you need to watch out for this one. The (typically) 6 digit verification number grants access to your phone and everything on it, unless you have MFA enabled. Scammer sends you the verification code, you enter it to prove you’re a real person but what you actually did was confirm their hidden request to access your device.
Load More Replies... TheForrestGreene (he/they/it) 1 year ago
the spammer should know the number is real based off the cursing lol
At the end of the day, Kelso says to “trust your gut.” Delete messages that make you feel uneasy and don’t make quick decisions. “If people really want to contact you, they will reach out [until they do].”
#28
Very Bold
Dianellian 1 year ago
There’s the occasional scammer on Bored Panda. Luckily they quickly get voted down.
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Random Jackass 1 year ago
To answer the questions in order: A Remington typewriter strapped to a "The Lost World: Jurassic Park" Tomagatchi/ Mordor/ 536 C.E.
#29
What Is Going On Here? (Birthday Cake Message)
#30
They Didn’t Even Try
Seadog 1 year ago
I tried getting a home reno loan a few years back and the actual BOfA employee that called me back could barely speak English. Is BOfA that stupid to think people are going to give out personal info to someone who clearly isn't an American? At that point it wouldn't have mattered if the CEO and COB of BOfA showed up in person with an interest free loan, I wouldn't do business of any kind with BOfA...EVER.
《¤Pookie¤》 1 year ago
I got this about a month ago. It was a group chat- THEY PUT ME, MY BEST FRIEND AND A BUNCH OF OTHER PPL! MY BEST FRIEND! Stupid dumb@55
#31
The Person Who Made Sure The Scammer Was Well Fed
Funhog 1 year ago
Oh, well done, you! 👏 👏 Now the scammer has more information about you because of the metadata of the picture that you sent, including: your exact location and the unique ID number of your device. WTG!
Kelly H. Wilder 1 year ago
Is that still true even if you are stealing a picture from Google Images?
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#32
The Person Who Found A Scammer Willing To Go To The End Of Middle-Earth To Scam Them
Minecraft_Chicken (He/Chicken) 1 year ago
I love how the scammer just was done but still had to be nice about it and keep the act up.
#33
Had To Be Reminded
the sixthgirl 1 year ago
Update your *informations* below. I worry AI is going to help them improve their grammar and syntax, and they will just keep getting harder to spot.
Dave 1 year ago
The key is not to be reliant on them doing silly things like misspelling the name of the company they are pretending to be. If you're wondering if that was your bank texting you, use the app, not a supplied link. Assume every text is a scam and every public place has cameras. This is our world now.
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Mermeow Overlord (they/she) 1 year ago
NeĪflix? There are way to many streaming services these days.
Mary Ballard-Johansson 1 year ago
I get these as emails all the time. I cancelled Netflix during the writer's strike. 🤣
#34
This Sub Has Made Me Aware Of Literally Every Scam Before It Happens
doggio 1 year ago
You give them the code and they take over your account. You'll never even know it happened. Then they scam others through your legit account, except they will use a different phone number.
Virgil Blue 1 year ago
How does this work exactly? I always thought recovery codes are only sent to your personal mail or phone.
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shankShaw deReemer 1 year ago
And the scammer is texting the person's number but then asks for it? Really? Scammers are so stupid. I recently went off on one about hemorrhoids.
Jenna Kay 1 year ago
Oooooo - I will add that to my list! You should try telling them all about yeast infections next time 😝
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#35
Scammers Gonna Scam
#36
I Hate When Scammers Don't Do The Smallest Bit Of Research Ahead Of Time
#37
I Finally Received One Of These! I Feel Like A Full Member Of Society Now
the sixthgirl 1 year ago
No, it's a scam. Who loses a stranger's business card but *thinks* they might actually remember the number that was on it, so they take a shot and send a text? We don't even remember the numbers of people who *are* important to us.
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#38
Got This Yesterday. I Just Want To Rehome Some Guinea Pigs, Not Looking For This Nonsense
John Dilligaf 1 year ago
OK, this is like the 5th or 6th entry about sending a 6 digit code to verify if you're real. I don't understand this one. Can someone clue me in on this scam?
Rhonda Sands 1 year ago
They've called up *your* account & clicked on "don't remember password" which triggers a text to YOUR phone. If you give it out, you're screwed, your account is gone. They'll change the contact info to theirs & use your standing to scam others. I had my ebay account hijacked years ago, way b4 the infamous 6-digit code) I had a 100% rating with 300+ transactions, they stole my credibility & used it to steal other ppls listings, changing phone #'s & offering "pay-up-front-for-a-great-deal" on things like Jetski's in the $2500 range. If they get caught out they change the numbers back & they're gone. I didn't find out this was going on until another ebay-er saw *his* ad for a dirt bike listed on *my* account & reported it. (Scammers had missed 1 edit where they left his original phone # & somebody called him.) Maybe TMI. I'm still pissed, 22 years later 🤨
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HumanLePerson (He/Him) 1 year ago
Enter a 6 digit code so I can confirm you are sincere with this comment
Load More Replies... #39
These Scammers Man
#40
My Name Is Not Adora
Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My! 1 year ago
Ships should be hard. You never know when an orca is going to attack.
#41
I’m Sooo Tired Of This S**t
Momma Jess 1 year ago
I was selling my car and someone tried the "six digit code thing" and my response was "I'm not downloading anything or clicking on links, as someone that works in IT I'd be straight up stupid to do so"
Rafael 1 year ago
To the people not getting it, this is a way to hijack accounts using social engineering. Specifically, when a scammer see a public ad with a phone (FB, etc), they try to find any account on a service that might be tied to that phone (Google, Whatsapp etc) and request a phone change - to their phone. The service sends a 6 digit code, and then (and only then) they try this c**p on the messaging service of the ad. If the person falls for this, the scammer hijacks that account, and use it for whatever fraudulent reason they have.
S. E. in Indiana 1 year ago
I don't get this 6-digit thing. Can someone please explain this to me?
#42
If You Weren’t 100% Convinced These People Aren’t Pieces Of S**t
🇳🇬 Asi Bassey 🇳🇬 1 year ago (edited)
If they cared about helping people they wouldn’t be scamming. No surprise there.
#43
Update, My Friend Did In Fact Get A Text. Details Inside
#44
Thanks To This Sub I Knew Exactly What This Was. Wrong Number Scam
#45
Scammers Failing Hard
BenjiExists 1 year ago
Nah because he said “ayo” and it’s pretty informal, this one could not be a scam
Sweet Taurus 1 year ago
This one could potentially be true. I had the same issue when I switched phones and couldn't remember passwords and it kept sending a code to my old phone number. I never text them to ask though lol.
Add New Image
What do you think ?
Kesam 1 year ago
Bravo! This is the kind of content that draws me to BP. Not some celebrity/influencer c**p.
Thanos'Fingers 1 year ago
Just go to Reddit, where they stole it all from.
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Mike Beck 1 year ago
Same as here. I'd almost guarantee the spammers make note of which comments get reactions.
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Zedrapazia 1 year ago
Can someone tell me what all these scammers want a six digit number and a phone number (if they don't have it yet) for?
Ace 1 year ago
Phone number is required for the scammer to log in/create accounts using your details, which then send this code to confirm that the number really belongs to them. If you give it to them then they're logged in as you somewhere.
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Michael P (Perthaussieguy) 1 year ago
A recurring one for me here in Western Australia is a reminder to pay my road toll overdue amount. We don't have any road tolls here in this State. Obviously the originators of the scam have no way of knowing where the mobile number owners live. The s****y thing is that the text usually comes through very early morning. I keep my mobile on 24/7 because of family etc..
Funhog 1 year ago
Suggestion: Add your selected people to your Emergency Contacts. Then, set the 'Do Not Disturb' feature on your phone to allow calls & texts from your Emergency Contacts to come through. Be sure to test/confirm that it works for peace of mind.
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Ali H M Salehuddin 1 year ago
Bored Panda. I am browsing this very thread talking about scam. And at the same you are showing an advert that scams people. Get your act together BP! 1000000286...564e00.jpg 
Jess Smith 1 year ago
This is kind of funny. Except, a lot of scammers are actually human trafficking victims and would *love* not to be there. That's right, this is a thread of people being mean to someone who has a decent chance of being *an actual slave*. Some good sources on this include bbc.com/news/world-asia-66655047 (reporting on a UN report) theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/nov/24/the-people-targeting-you-with-cyberscams-may-themselves-be-victims-of-slavery (note: opinion), and propublica.org/article/human-traffickers-force-victims-into-cyberscamming (from 2022, still good).
Chihuahua Mama 1 year ago
I think John Oliver did an episode about this. It made me view scammer interactions differently. Best thing is to just not engage.
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Binky Melnik 1 year ago
I’m kinda sad I don’t get these because I’ve never, ever given my number out. I give out a Google number that forwards to my phone so I can use Google to weed ‘em out for me. I’d kinda like to join in the fun, but if they happen a lot, I spose I’m icky I don’t get ‘em. Most of ‘em are unbelievably stupid, and I have a hard time understanding how people fall for ‘em in the first place.
Kirsten Holmes 1 year ago
Get onto the reputable scambaiting sites. They take it to a new level and will show you how to do it safely without a phone.
Load More Replies... gmf 1 year ago
I see attempts at reverse courier scams quite a bit, where the scammer will send a courier to collect an item sold over, e.g. FB marketplace and transfer the money across. All is great until they dispute the sale, claiming you sent them a box of rocks. FB Marketplace, paypal etc. almost automatically take the buyer's side. As they arranged the courier, you will have no paperwork to prove that you actually sent the item concerned. Thus you end up a) without the item, b) without the cash and c) with potentially other liabilities and problems to boot.
Kesam 1 year ago
Bravo! This is the kind of content that draws me to BP. Not some celebrity/influencer c**p.
Thanos'Fingers 1 year ago
Just go to Reddit, where they stole it all from.
Load More Replies... Mike Beck 1 year ago
Same as here. I'd almost guarantee the spammers make note of which comments get reactions.
Load More Replies... Zedrapazia 1 year ago
Can someone tell me what all these scammers want a six digit number and a phone number (if they don't have it yet) for?
Ace 1 year ago
Phone number is required for the scammer to log in/create accounts using your details, which then send this code to confirm that the number really belongs to them. If you give it to them then they're logged in as you somewhere.
Load More Replies... Michael P (Perthaussieguy) 1 year ago
A recurring one for me here in Western Australia is a reminder to pay my road toll overdue amount. We don't have any road tolls here in this State. Obviously the originators of the scam have no way of knowing where the mobile number owners live. The s****y thing is that the text usually comes through very early morning. I keep my mobile on 24/7 because of family etc..
Funhog 1 year ago
Suggestion: Add your selected people to your Emergency Contacts. Then, set the 'Do Not Disturb' feature on your phone to allow calls & texts from your Emergency Contacts to come through. Be sure to test/confirm that it works for peace of mind.
Load More Replies... Ali H M Salehuddin 1 year ago
Bored Panda. I am browsing this very thread talking about scam. And at the same you are showing an advert that scams people. Get your act together BP! 1000000286...564e00.jpg
Jess Smith 1 year ago
This is kind of funny. Except, a lot of scammers are actually human trafficking victims and would *love* not to be there. That's right, this is a thread of people being mean to someone who has a decent chance of being *an actual slave*. Some good sources on this include bbc.com/news/world-asia-66655047 (reporting on a UN report) theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/nov/24/the-people-targeting-you-with-cyberscams-may-themselves-be-victims-of-slavery (note: opinion), and propublica.org/article/human-traffickers-force-victims-into-cyberscamming (from 2022, still good).
Chihuahua Mama 1 year ago
I think John Oliver did an episode about this. It made me view scammer interactions differently. Best thing is to just not engage.
Load More Replies... Binky Melnik 1 year ago
I’m kinda sad I don’t get these because I’ve never, ever given my number out. I give out a Google number that forwards to my phone so I can use Google to weed ‘em out for me. I’d kinda like to join in the fun, but if they happen a lot, I spose I’m icky I don’t get ‘em. Most of ‘em are unbelievably stupid, and I have a hard time understanding how people fall for ‘em in the first place.
Kirsten Holmes 1 year ago
Get onto the reputable scambaiting sites. They take it to a new level and will show you how to do it safely without a phone.
Load More Replies... gmf 1 year ago
I see attempts at reverse courier scams quite a bit, where the scammer will send a courier to collect an item sold over, e.g. FB marketplace and transfer the money across. All is great until they dispute the sale, claiming you sent them a box of rocks. FB Marketplace, paypal etc. almost automatically take the buyer's side. As they arranged the courier, you will have no paperwork to prove that you actually sent the item concerned. Thus you end up a) without the item, b) without the cash and c) with potentially other liabilities and problems to boot.
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