So, I’ve been trying to scambait recently. The problem is, that they always seem to know what I’m doing and won’t speak with me too long before hanging up. Is it because of my voice? I have a normal, mid twenties male voice. Should I put on an accent or something?
Could be, I assume their normal customer base would be older folk.
@Toboar#138280 You could try MorphVOX software
You could try doing your best “old person” voice. I don’t use a voice changer, I’m just naturally good at doing voices haha. I have the best luck while sounding as old as possible.
I also have had quite a good bit of luck with a southern accent. My best advice is to just sound confused and naive, they will scam anyone. Give them an opportunity to start their script and hopefully they will take the bait.
@Toboar#138280 You could try to alter your voice a bit, but the key IMO is to sound absolutely genuine. To do that, you need to be prepared before ever making (or taking) the call. Like when they ask you your zip code, spit it out like you have been doing it for years without any hesitation. Same with all the other info they typically ask for. Hesitation, pauses, fumbling with an answer and similar actions are a sure sign that you are making crap up. To that end, it helps to have a reference in front of you with all the info you know they will be asking - Name, address, phone number, SSN, bank info, etc… doing so and you can snap answers right back at them.
Remember - you are an actor - so immerse yourself in the part.
I just use a southern accent or Indian accent depending on who I’m talking to.
Could be time of day. By 4:pm they have been getting so much garbage, they pretty much are throwing away incoming calls. Could be your number, could be your caller ID, could even be confidence in your voice. I often find asking them to explain things, because I’m confused & don’t understand goes along way to making them feel that I’m vulnerable.
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@Otis#138338 Name, address, phone number, SSN, bank info, etc… doing so and you can snap answers right back at them.
I usually have windows open with ssn-verify, fakepersongenerator, bestcreditcardgenerator, and maybe my favorite soundboard. Doesn't keep me from slipping, though. Just yesterday I noted down the name of an SSA scammer, and when I made a succeeding call, I blurted out his name to the female who answered. It was a Hispanic name, Victor Castro if memory serves, which threw me off. She paused for a bit and carried on with the script. No harm, no foul.
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@jaymee#138372 I usually have windows open with ssn-verify, fakepersongenerator, bestcreditcardgenerator, and maybe my favorite soundboard.
Those are nice to get a base identity, but I take it a bit further. For example, I will find an address using google maps, then keep altering the address until it puts it someplace where there is a tree covered lot or someplace where a house could be but not visible from the satellite image. That way a map search will turn up the address as being valid, although unable to determine the type of dwelling that is there. Then I'll search for nearby banks and try to find some obscure branch that is not very well known and not too close - I'll use that name as my bank, and note how far it is from the address (in miles and time as indicated by google maps). Then I'll do the same with stores, and locate a Walmart, Target, CVS, etc... so I know about how far they are from the address as well. Occasionally I'll note some point of interest nearby, like a town square with a fountain or something, or even just a 'favorite' local bar or eatery so I can mention it as part of my dialog with the scammer - which makes it really sound genuine. They are playing their part, so you gotta play yours even better!
Maybe try to have a high voice and sound young? But yeah just try to act confused. Some dude called me an mfer and he has an indian accent which made it kinda funny