this post was submitted on 15 Mar 2025
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[–] [email protected] 12 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago) (1 children)

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.

[–] [email protected] 12 points 1 day ago (2 children)

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.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago)

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.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 day ago

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.