Oct 21, 2007
Scammers and internet anonymity
by JohnFog
I know I'm knew here, but I can already see that there are a handful of scammers/idiots. The credit system is a great idea, but I'm not writing this to deal with that. What I'm writing about is why people scam. Most of you will say "because there stupid" or "lol, runescape", but I think if you met these people in real life, they would be decent polite people. I know they may be 12-14, but they will have some general respect towards other people unless their parents are inept at raising children.
I think the internet is too blame. Because face it, you can trace as many IP's as you want, but unless you were scammed a hefty amount of money, you will probably never go to visit your scammer unless he lives next door. The fact that they are anonymous gives them a feeling like they are immortal, because there parents probably don't know, and will probably never find out, they are invincible to punishment. I recently re-read The Lord Of The Flies, and in this case, the internet is the savages mask. It sheilds them from all shame and all responsibilty.
To stop this, is impossible, and stupid to try, but to prevent it, and make sure every user that wishes to trade can recognize a scammer before they get scammed, is very possible, but a challenge.
Sincerely,
Johnfog
Note:This is my first article, please rate generously.
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