'Teaching people how to avoid scams is better than helping someone who's lost a ton of money': Scambaiters are going viral on YouTube
Briefly

Scams have skyrocketed, costing Americans over $12.5 billion in 2024, prompting a response from online vigilantes engaging in scambaiting. Providers like Rosie Okumura and Trilogy Media's Ashton Bingham use creativity to confront scammers, educating the public on fraud prevention. While effective in garnering attention and entertainment, the ethical implications of potentially harmful methods remain a controversial topic. These individuals have managed to monetize their efforts, with millions of views and subscribers, highlighting a growing movement against online scams.
"I feel like teaching people how to avoid scams is better than helping someone who's lost a ton of money, or putting myself in a dangerous situation."
"Hunting a Scammer with Cops" has amassed more than 5.6 million views since its 2022 release, showcasing the growing audience for scambaiting.
Read at Fast Company
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