Galexia

An Overview of International Cyber-Security Awareness Raising and Educational Initiatives (2011)

United States – Campaign 13 – 419 Eater

Scam Eater 419 archives correspondences between 419 scammers and civilians who pose as people interested in the foe opportunity the scammers present. After several exchanges, the civilian reveals his intentions to capture the scammer in the act. At this point, the civilian posts his correspondences on this website to alert other consumers of scams circulating on the Internet. The website defines this practice as scam baiting. The website invites new members to participate in the practice of scam baiting. There is a forum on the website for scam baiters to discuss the practice of scam baiting. The website also provides awards for the ‘best’ scam baiting e-mails, and any pictures scammers have sent civilians. According to the website, these archives are created to alert and warn consumers of scams circulating on the Internet.

 

Item

Notes

Campaign Name:

419 Eater

Organisation:

419 Eater

Main URL:

http://www.419eater.com/index.php

Dates:

Not mentioned

Costs:

Not found

Topics covered:

– Letter Archive (Correspondences and information accumulated about individual scams. This information is posted by various individuals onto the site)

– Trophy Room (Pictures of actual individuals who attempted to scam others. Questionable these are reliable photos)

– Hall of Shame (Scammers who sent photo shopped images of themselves to the site)

– 419 FAQ (information about 4 – 1 – 9 scams)

– Propaganda (artwork by members of the anti-scam community to warn others about scammers)

– Links (40 links to other sites)

– Forums

– Scambaiting Tips

– Video Files (Videos of scammers who accomplish ‘fake feats’ in an effort to collect money. Not yet available)

(all links available from home page in top bar)

Target Audience:

– Consumers

Methodology:

– Literature

– Videos

– Forums

Evaluation:

Not found

Sources:

1. ‘Home’ 419 Eaters <http://www.419eater.com/index.php> (accessed 5 June 2010).