Complete Scambaiting Guide 2025

Anonymous Communication Channels

Create dedicated email accounts using services like ProtonMail, Tutanota, or mainstream providers with fake credentials. Never use your primary email address.

Virtual Phone Services

For voice communication, use:

• VoIP Services: Skype, Google Voice, or Discord for voice calls
• Burner Numbers: Temporary phone services for SMS verification
• Call Forwarding: UK services like Flextel or DMClub (costs scammers money to call)

Security Measures

• Use VPN services to mask your real location
• Consider dedicated devices for scambaiting activities
• Never save real passwords or personal data on baiting devices
• Regularly scan for malware - scammers often send infected files

Creating Fictional Identities

Develop detailed backstories that are believable but completely fictional:

• Name & Address: Use fake name generators, verify addresses don't exist using Google Maps
• Professional Background: Choose careers you understand or can research thoroughly
• Personal History: Create consistent family situations, interests, and life events
• Financial Profile: Develop believable wealth sources that justify large transactions

Banking Information

Generate fake but realistic financial details:

• Invent bank names or use real banks with fake account numbers
• Create plausible routing numbers, IBAN codes, and SWIFT codes
• Understand banking terminology for your target region
• Warning: Scammers may attempt to use you for money laundering - never provide real financial access

Finding Scammers

Most people receive scam emails without seeking them:

• Spam Folders: Check your email spam folder - never reply from your real account
• Scam Databases: Browse fresh scams at ScamWarners
• Social Media: Scammers often operate on dating sites and social platforms

Initial Contact Strategies

You can reply to scammers even if they didn't originally email your baiting address:

• Copy the original scam email into your reply
• Use "Re:" followed by their original subject line
• Scammers send thousands of emails - they rarely verify recipient addresses

Psychological Manipulation

Use scammers' greed against them:

• Elaborate Backstories: Create complex scenarios requiring multiple steps
• Legal Complications: Introduce fictional legal hurdles and bureaucracy
• Technical Difficulties: Claim computer problems, travel issues, or family emergencies
• Religious/Cultural Elements: Add ceremonies, traditions, or religious requirements

Document Production

When scammers request identification or financial documents:

• Never send fake IDs - they may use these to scam others
• Corrupted Files: Send renamed .DLL files or use File Destructor
• Oversized Files: Create massive files that are difficult to download
• Password Protection: Send encrypted files with fake passwords

Payment Delays

Master the art of promising money while never delivering:

• Bank transfer "complications" and processing delays
• Legal approval requirements and documentation issues
• Family member interference or business partner complications
• Government regulations and tax requirements

Trophy Hunting

Challenge scammers to provide proof of their identity:

• Request photos with specific signs or text
• Ask for pictures in particular locations or poses
• Demand video calls or recorded messages
• Create elaborate verification requirements

Reverse Engineering Scams

Turn the tables by making demands of scammers:

• Request upfront payments for "processing fees"
• Demand proof of funds or legal documentation
• Insist on third-party verification services
• Create your own bureaucratic requirements

Team Operations

Collaborate with other scambaiters for maximum impact:

• Coordinate multiple personas targeting the same scammer
• Share intelligence on scammer operations and techniques
• Develop sophisticated long-term operations
• Document and share successful strategies