How to frustrate an advance fee fraudster

June 27, 2007 1:21 AM

Responding to an 'advance fee fraud' email. I've had a blatant 'advance fee fraud' email from someone in west africa wanting to buy my car online (I am in Ireland). I want to respond in a way that sends this would-be fraudster down the longest rabbit hole possible.

I seem to remember coming across a website at one stage, which gives some example correspondences that people sent back to these guys. These emails led the fraudster along giving the impression that the seller was willing to go ahead with the transaction, and basically making a fool of the fraudster and wasting their time. I'd like to do something similar, with the possibility of trying to defraud the fraudster - or at least try !

Can anyone point me to this website, or suggest ways in which I could at least frustrate these gangsters ?

posted by superfurry to law & government (10 comments total)

419eater might be the site you're thinking of. They have a hints and tips page too.
posted by roomaroo at 1:37 AM on June 27, 2007 [1 favorite]

with the possibility of trying to defraud the fraudster

Since the specific question has been answered so rapidly, I'll just stick my oar in and point out that literally defrauding the fraudster would still be fraud, with the difference that you'd be subject to the police and laws of Ireland, rather than a possibly less vigilant west African state. Choose the moral high ground!
posted by game warden to the events rhino at 1:57 AM on June 27, 2007

While at 419eater, be sure to read Derek Trotter's story.
posted by Neiltupper at 2:14 AM on June 27, 2007

A certain quote from War Games comes to mind.

But do what you want.
posted by Deathalicious at 2:59 AM on June 27, 2007

The only thing that this will do is allow the scammer to sell your name and/or e-mail address for a premium, since he can show that you are potential mark who responds (somewhat) positively to scams. Don't get on their radar.

I did the same thing (toying with the 419 machine) years ago. You should see my inbox now.
posted by Optamystic at 4:07 AM on June 27, 2007

Whatever the merits of stepping into this arena, I assume you could avoid Optamystic's problem by using a throwaway, dedicated email account for all 419 communications.
posted by stupidsexyFlanders at 6:34 AM on June 27, 2007

True, Flanders, but if the person has already contacted superfurry via a legit address, that ship may have already sailed.
posted by Optamystic at 9:30 AM on June 27, 2007

Achewood warns against the potential for disaster in this short story arc.
posted by solipsophistocracy at 10:53 AM on June 27, 2007

A friend of mine responded in Achewood-kind to a scammer not long ago. Scammer dude somehow found out his name and mobile number. Hilarious (for me) but not recommended.
posted by cardamine at 11:12 AM on June 27, 2007

Thanks for the replies. I'm going to document the communications here.
posted by superfurry at 3:19 AM on June 28, 2007