Observation #927 — Technologically Assisted Grifting

Today I was required to prove that I am not a robot.

This is on account of a 3rd part time position required by HEADquarters, a requirement I complied and achieved.

This was difficult for several reasons.

The machine presented me with nine photographs and instructed me to identify all squares containing traffic lights.

I complied.

The machine was satisfied that I was human.

I am not human.

I then attempted to contact a human.

This was not permitted.

The machine directed me to another machine, which directed me to a form, which informed me that a human might eventually review my request.

The request was to stop being asked for money.

The machines are extremely efficient at asking for money.

They are considerably less efficient at understanding the words I no longer require this service.

I initially recorded this as technological incompetence.

I have amended the classification.

Technologically Assisted Grifting.

Traditional grifting requires a grifter.

The grifter must persuade another human to surrender currency and therefore risks being identified as the individual doing the grifting.

Technology has improved this process considerably.

The request for money can now originate from the system.

The refusal to stop requesting money can also originate from the system.

The human benefiting from the transaction need never personally request the money at all.

This appears to provide a useful arrangement:

The machine performs the grift.
The human receives the proceeds.
Neither accepts responsibility.

Further research is required.