In the digital age, where the internet has become a central part of our daily lives, the threat of cybercrime looms large. But amidst the stories of loss and deception, there are beacons of hope—everyday Australians who have taken up the mantle to fight back against the scammers. These individuals are not your typical superheroes; they don't don capes or masks, but they are heroes nonetheless, dedicating their time and skills to protect others from falling victim to online fraud.


One such hero is Ben, a Brisbane father of two and an IT worker by day, who transforms into a scam-busting 'avenger' by night. His passion for cybersecurity has led him to a peculiar hobby: scamming the scammers. Ben has spent years delving into the mechanics of online scams, dedicating around 30 hours a week to tracking down cybercriminals and reporting mule accounts to banks. In the past year alone, he has reported a staggering 649 mule accounts.


Ben's efforts are not just about getting even; they're about keeping people safe when their own banks can't. He supports the People Before Profit campaign, advocating for mandatory compensation for scam victims, similar to the legislation introduced in the UK. This legislation requires banks to compensate scam victims within five business days, except in cases of gross negligence—a model that Ben believes Australia should follow.


The tools of his trade are simple yet effective. Ben rents out a VOIP service to make calls from his computer, purchases US numbers, and uses burner SIMs for WhatsApp messaging—all while maintaining his anonymity through aliases. His strategy is to play the fool, which causes scammers to let their guard down, making it easier to extract information and shut down their operations.

Ben's work has evolved from merely baiting scammers to a more focused approach to drawing out details to dismantle their schemes. In one instance, he kept a scammer on the hook for two years, convincing them to reveal 80 mule bank accounts.

But Ben isn't alone in this fight. Across the Tasman Sea, a Kiwi named Mr de Hek has also been making waves. His business networking company was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, which coincided with a surge in scam activity. Mr de Hek began creating videos to warn people about scams, dedicating about 70 hours a week to this cause. Despite earning only about $5,000 a year from his videos, he's relentless in his pursuit, even taking on odd jobs like window cleaning to fund his anti-scam crusade.


Unlike Ben, Mr de Hek doesn't hide his identity, which has led to death threats and even a defamation lawsuit from an American cryptocurrency entrepreneur, which was later withdrawn. His boldness extends to crashing Zoom meetings run by accused scammers, causing enough disruption to make people leave upon recognising his name.

Then there's SpookyChicken, a scam baiter from Queensland's Fraser Coast, who, like Ben, has an IT background. What started as a hobby during the boredom of lockdown has become a full-time endeavour after he lost his job. SpookyChicken spends his days researching scammers, working to expose their tactics and protect potential victims.

These Aussie 'avengers' are part of a growing community of scam baiters, individuals who use their knowledge and skills to turn the tables on scammers. They're not just seeking revenge; they're on a mission to educate the public and dismantle fraudulent operations.


Have you ever encountered a scam or know someone who has? Perhaps you've even considered joining the ranks of these cyber vigilantes. If you're interested in learning more about how to protect yourself and others from online scams, or if you have a story to share, we'd love to hear from you. Your experience could be invaluable in the ongoing battle against cybercrime.
Remember, in the fight against scammers, knowledge is power. By staying informed and vigilant, we can all play a part in safeguarding our community from these digital predators. So, are you ready to join the ranks of these Aussie heroes and scam the scammers?