[Blink]

When people hear "social engineering" they often think of getting free stuff. This IS technically one form of social engineering, but social engineering is a much broader subject. Marketers, hackers, government agents, con artists, and many other people all use social engineering. Social engineering can be defined as "The psychological manipulation of people into performing actions or divulging confidential information" (Wikipedia). However, even this definition isn't the greatest. Social engineering is taking advantage of social tendancies to get something.

If all you want is free stuff, and you are tired of me annoying you, look here:

Spoiler: If all you want is free stuff

Never use a script or a predefined "method". Just don't.

You should read scripts and methods, but just to get an idea of what you can do. Then, get creative and think.

Call up whoever you wanna scam social engineer, and make up as you go. BUT, start with something small, like Starbucks, Coffee Bean or whatever else you have. Never falter, pretend like you actually have an issue and need a refund or second drink or whatever. You might not get it the first time (try to ask them to "remake" your drink if you are having a hard time refunding), but that's OK, try again next time.

Then, move on from coffee and build up.

For the real guys:

Spoiler:

Read about old attacks, I reccomend "Ghost in the Wires" by Kevin Mitnick, it's a great book, that actually has a story. (So, I also reccomend it to those of you who don't want to learn this, it's still a good book.) You can start by doing what was said in the skid free stuff section, or you can try to SE family members and friends (who WON'T get mad at you) for information or to get them to install something, get creative.

Come up with theoretical attacks when you get bored, this helps you get used to coming up with stuff and helps you be creative.

And, for the end:

Spoiler:

Congrats, you made it to the end of this thread! Now go get some free coffee or start reading! Good luck!