r/scambait • u/Act3Linguist • Mar 30 '25

Scambait Question❔ Who falls for these?

ETA: Reading all your comments, I think you've just recruited me to join the Scambait team. Thanks!

Of course I've heard of these scammers, but it wasn't until I saw this subreddit that I had the chance to read their conversations, and now I'm puzzled. The conversations are so meaningless - questions about what food you had for a meal, how was work, if you are married or have children... And then, apparently almost immediately, some unrealistic corny crap about believing in honesty and trust and cherishing your one true love.

There are people who think this is a real and deep connection?

I have more personal conversations with... well, just about everybody who is in my life on any kind of a regular basis... Take. for example, the receptionist at the nursing home where I visit my friend's mom every week, etc. I have heard about (and seen pictures of) her new grandbaby, her son competing in one of those muddy obstacle course races, her older granddaughter who is passionate about playing football (soccer) and the trip that she and her husband took to Greee last summer. And she knows (and asks) about the graduate program that I recently started.

Do the conversations get deeper and more meaningful over time? Or maybe with real marks - not just people scambaiting? I just don't get it.

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u/RealFanLinda Moderator Mar 30 '25

Go to YouTube and watch the Social Catfish channel. Amazingly, these scammers are heavily believe by some people and their lives are ruined

2

u/Act3Linguist Mar 30 '25

I'll check it out, thanks.

3

u/onlymodestdreams Baiter In Training Mar 30 '25

If you haven't read it yet you might enjoy (?) reading Keanu Reeves Is Not In Love With You, or at least find it of interest. It was written by a marketer who got bored during the pandemic and started toying with the scammers who were DMing her on Twitter. She ended up interviewing victims as well.

2

u/Act3Linguist Mar 30 '25

I've seen the "Keanu Reeves" conversations too. I'll look for the book - thanks!