this post was submitted on 15 Mar 2025
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I've heard that too. But, super-realistic scams exist, so if that's right it's just splitting the difference between the two that's a bad strategy.
It's mass phishing versus spear phishing. I believe anyone would fall for a highly specific spear phishing campaign from dedicated individuals, but I don't believe most people are important enough to be victims of it nor do most people need to really do it.
The cost of people to run the scams is also a big factor. If poor quality can actually be an asset, slave labour from Myanmar or similar is going to be very competitive. You can have a small center full of those unfortunate people for the price of one Western cracker to do spear phishing.
Right and the motives are likely going to be different too. Mass phishers are just out to make a quick buck, but targeted phishing could be for money, intelligence, disruption, making a statement, or even just clout.