Wed 15 Jun 2005
Social engineering your way into a packed club
Posted by Fabián Rodríguez under English , General , Libre , Mozilla , Security , Society , TechA couple of weeks ago I was at a conference I won’t name in a city I won’t name, with another open source fan I have to name. Monday PM we were off the conference, looking for some action - is that remotely possible outside Montreal ?
Sure enough, the hotel people directed us to the local spot, just 2 blocks from where we were staying! Yeah right, we tought to ourselves.
Well, it turns out the place was packed and there was this huge line-up outside, at least 200 people waiting. I dragged my friend straight to the door where the tough looking doorman almost ignored me until I introduced myself and I just asked “Perhaps I could do something so we get inside soon ?”. Of course I was hoping he’d understand my body language the right way (meaning, here’s a quick 20$ for you).
“Of course 5$ will do it, just not here. I’ll catch up with you guys inside so other staff won’t notice. Just wait a few secs.”. Five ? Hell, that’s CHEAP! Sure enough about 5 minutes later we went in. Perhaps my black Mozilla polo helped ?
Best thing is he never found us inside (yes, it was packed!). When we left I offered to fulfil my part of the deal but the guy was surrounded with staff so this was actually free.
I love Mozilla ![]()
June 20th, 2005 at 1:38
Although I admire the fact that you got in for a mesely 5 bucks, that hardly qualifies as social engineering. It smells like a bribe to me…
June 20th, 2005 at 10:56
The thing is I didn’t pay anything! OK, I admit social engineering by definition would also mean I didn’t havy any intention to pay to begin with… but this was a free ride
June 26th, 2005 at 12:01
Oh, that changes everything then!
August 12th, 2005 at 14:42
Lucky… The 5 bucks don’t seem like much at all, free is better… how the heck did you do this I have no idea. Good story.