Wrong To Scam A Scammer?

[Maxx Mazda]

So long story short, some guy is attempting to scam my buddy on a $3500 car, online. Won't give his address, he's "out of town" the car is in storage, etc. It's a scam a mile away. So now he "has someone else interested in it" and wants a $1000 deposit to hold the car. Like I said, we know it's a scammer, but want to have some fun. So, I thought we should ask for his bank info to do a wire transfer of the money (he's played totally stupid at this point and the guy actually thinks he's gonna get the full $3500) and then if we get the bank info, is it ethical to take $500 or so if it's there?

I dunno, not saying it would, but it might be nice to scam a scammer., I realize at that point you'd be no better than him, but seriously though. What are your thoughts?

 

[RacerXGirl]

Although I can understand why you'd like to teach him a lesson, it's not worth potentially going to jail from committing a federal offense (wire fraud). Report him to the appropriate authorities and let Karma take care of his worthless hiney.

 

[crashkelly]

So long story short, some guy is attempting to scam my buddy on a $3500 car, online. Won't give his address, he's "out of town" the car is in storage, etc. It's a scam a mile away. So now he "has someone else interested in it" and wants a $1000 deposit to hold the car. Like I said, we know it's a scammer, but want to have some fun. So, I thought we should ask for his bank info to do a wire transfer of the money (he's played totally stupid at this point and the guy actually thinks he's gonna get the full $3500) and then if we get the bank info, is it ethical to take $500 or so if it's there?

I dunno, not saying it would, but it might be nice to scam a scammer., I realize at that point you'd be no better than him, but seriously though. What are your thoughts?

Wipe him out completely...whats he gonna do...call the cops and say "hey this kid caught me on my scam and ripped me off instead! Arrest him and so I can go back to my life of scamming."

The only thing is how are you going to be able to take the money out? Youd have to forge his signature and they ask for id at the bank.

 

[Ehkart]

Still kinda sketchy.... all morals aside this could legally come back to haunt you. I'm all for teachin' someone a lesson but he could say anything not just that you stopped him from scamming etc. Plus hes gotta have a contingency plan just in case someone gets smart to his "style" of business, right? Assume the worst and hope for the best; then base your decision on the results.

 

[mountjonas]

i didnt' read the story, but the first thing that came to my mind was don't sink to his level. he'll get what he deserves soon enough.

 

[blue-sun]

http://www.siliconvalleysleuth.com/2005/08/scam_the_powerb.html

 

[Notorious]

Well, do you really want to go to jail for $500 bucks. If he hasn't technically done anything wrong yet he can report you without any major consequences to him.

 

[jersey_emt]

Two wrongs don't make a right, and it is not worth the chance of jail time just to get back at a scammer. Contact the authorities and let them take care of it.

 

[Hughes412]

So long story short, some guy is attempting to scam my buddy on a $3500 car, online. Won't give his address, he's "out of town" the car is in storage, etc. It's a scam a mile away. So now he "has someone else interested in it" and wants a $1000 deposit to hold the car. Like I said, we know it's a scammer, but want to have some fun. So, I thought we should ask for his bank info to do a wire transfer of the money (he's played totally stupid at this point and the guy actually thinks he's gonna get the full $3500) and then if we get the bank info, is it ethical to take $500 or so if it's there?

I dunno, not saying it would, but it might be nice to scam a scammer., I realize at that point you'd be no better than him, but seriously though. What are your thoughts?

DO IT!!!
But when you get busted and go to jail you'll wish you hadnt

 

[jred321]

it's ok to mess with a scammer. doing something you can go to jail for isn't a good form of messing though

 

[crashkelly]

Well, do you really want to go to jail for $500 bucks. If he hasn't technically done anything wrong yet he can report you without any major consequences to him.

just because he hasnt "yet" scammed him doesnt mean what he's doing is illegal...it is called conspiracy to commit fraud....planning to commit a crime is just as illegal as commiting a crime.

 

[Alejo_NIN]

WHY NOT JUST REPORT HIM TO THE PROPPER AUTHORITIES?

DON'T YOU BELIEVE IN THE JUSTICE SYSTEM IN THIS COUNTRY? ( i giggled when i said that...)

 

[Maxx Mazda]

WHY NOT JUST REPORT HIM TO THE PROPPER AUTHORITIES?

DON'T YOU BELIEVE IN THE JUSTICE SYSTEM IN THIS COUNTRY? ( i giggled when i said that...)

I'm sure the justice system i nthe USA is fine, but um... Justice in Canada? What's that?

 

[Maxx Mazda]

http://www.siliconvalleysleuth.com/2005/08/scam_the_powerb.html

THAT IS AWESOME!!!

 

[Notorious]

Ok, but what do you think is worse? Fraud or conspiracy to commit fraud. Scamming 500 bucks and using the defense "he was going to scam me first" is probably going to get you laughed at by the judge.

just because he hasnt "yet" scammed him doesnt mean what he's doing is illegal...it is called conspiracy to commit fraud....planning to commit a crime is just as illegal as commiting a crime.

 

[Smooth1]

Although it's a good idea,but it ain't worth becoming bubbas' butt buddy. (butthump)

 

[Foolish]

Wrong? Morally, I'd say "no," but legally, if you get the bank info and take his money, you're the criminal.

Like the others have said, it's not worth it.

 

[Maxx Mazda]

Oh I know it's wrong, I'm not gonan do it, I jsut wanted to know who here would?

 

[Salmon_Rob]

you cant. i work at a bank, you cant withdraw without id

 

[Familia323]

I think what would be better is if you actually set him up so that you can prove he IS trying to scam your friend, then get him arrested. That would be much more satisfying.