Scam Bites: Origins. How My Scambaiting All Began

Scam Bites is a series of less complex scambaiting videos with minimal editing and interruption.

In this episode, we will look at one of my very early attempts at scambaiting, back in 2004.

Here's the link to the full transcript on 419Eater:

In case you have questions about my scambaiting videos or efforts, you might find the answer below:

[AtomicShrimp]

It's not entirely conventional for me to publish a video on a Thursday, but I figured in a very real sense, I've already kept you waiting 16 years for this...

[MuchWhittering]

This scambait is so old that John Barosa was still at law school.

[Misspol]

Atomic Shrimp: "English is not my first language"
Also Atomic Shrimp: uses phrases like "I am distraught beyond the point of physical pain"

[Coltonmatson]

"Let's went scam baiting again before already"

Is it that you doesn't understand English?

[gavinaustin]

I don't buy YouTuber merch, but I'd buy a "respond to aggression not with compliance but with righteous indignation" shirt.

[ushi]

I absolutely love how your writing switches between completely broken and perfect english depending on when it's convenient to you.

[rellsw]

I died laughing when you explained that you wanted him to take a picture of himself holding a sign that said "waiting for Dick."

[mattwhelan]

got to love all those Zimbabwean 'political asylum seekers' in South Africa that have 'family drivers' this is pure gold

[thefamouscommenter]

It’s horrifying to think of what would happen to someone who fell for this scam. Not only would they be robbed, they’d be outright kidnapped

[spacer]

i feel like making a dangerous criminal write "My Dearest Dick" in a heartfelt attempt to lure and kidnap a cartoon character is the funniest thing conceivable and i hope you never stop

[AdmiralEclipse]

Jesus, im worried about someone that would actually fall for this. I can't imagine the horrors they go through once they actually arrive in South Africa.

[saucyjack]

Trying to get the driver to hold up that sign was genius. This video made my day.

[allisonfitzmaurice]

“So even 16 years ago it was risk free.”
2004 wasn’t 16 years ago...WAIT

[Bigfluffydragongaming]

"Attn: Sir/Madam/Ceo."

Ah yes, the three genders.

[jinxsnofan]

Scammers used to try and kidnap people?? That is actually horrifying, I never knew about that!

[np]

Calling WB Studios: "Hello, ma'am. May I speak to Dick Dastardly about his trip to South Africa?"

[africa_everyday]

You act like an idiot to scammers with the hope of saving (educating) some vulnerable people in the society from SCAMMERS. People like you are Superheroes without cape. Love you Mr Mike. 😍

[markmedlinskas]

Wow it's crazy to see how scams have gotten dumbed down in the last few years. This guy actually has good grammar and methodical well-thought out responses compared to the ones featured usually. Wonder if that's because back in 2004 not many people had access compared to the internet so only the more literate people could/wanted to use one.

[Sandwich]

It's no longer called death, it's an absence from earth. I've decided to take a leave of absence from living, I'll be stepping down from the role of being alive to pursue new deathly endeavours.

[Scrubworks]

"I had some hardness with my email box yesterday."
You too huh? You wouldn't believe how many emails I've received promising me hardness.