SOLC #13/31 -
I'm slicing with the Two Writing Teachers community for Day Thirteen of Thirty-One of the Slice of Life Challenge in March. Thank you Stacey, Tara, Anna, Betsy, Dana, Kathleen, Beth, and Deb. I wonder how many people are out there trying to reach us for unsavory purposes? I wish they would find other tech work, but who am I kidding? I wish, but really know, that some of the following e-mails that are dumped into my scam mailbox (thank you Gmail) are clicked on, but not by me. And then the tragedy begins. The computer is hacked, and it's a mess.
I learned long ago with an old pc when I clicked on what I thought was an English teacher's site. I wish now I had paid more attention to what it said so I could share, but I didn't. It's just that all hell broke loose on my computer. It eventually needed erasing, and some files ended up lost, and now forgotten. I do back up everything now, but still, also cautious.
Here is a compiled list of what "THEY" offer:
Thirty-Six messages from the past few days that now have been deleted.
- work from home offer
- find a lawyer - three times!
- Three messages from Wal-mart - gift certificates I've won!
- CostCo is trying to reach me, as is Olga, a representative of "Exotic Russian Women".
- Christie Brinkley's skin care will make me beautiful.
- several dental care offers - how do they know?
- cash and insurance to take care of my timeshare maintenance - I don't have a timeshare.
- offers for added security with a hidden camera - FREE
- rent to own help
- airfare deals
- online Nursing degrees, easy to get financial aid
- Senior Soulmates - with lots of hearts!
- Amazon prime points expiring - Amazon doesn't use this e-mail to contact me
- perfect solution to acne
- iPhone tips - wrong e-mail
The key words: worth looking into, you've missed. . ., free, cheaper, waiting for you, all that is good, watch your home, compare and save, cut down on your bill, help on your settlement, must confirm, your file has been updated, best. . . Enough said?
Emoji stars flash and hearts beat to attract. I know you might find this an easy "of course", but please be careful!
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| No Worries! |
Add to it hacked accounts and emails sent from friends pleading for help, asking for money. Even when you are knowledgeable and careful, sometimes you may forget. Thank you for reminding to watch out.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Terje. And yes, I had forgotten, but have received a few of those. That kind of scam were on the news again, too.
DeleteDon't you wish people would put their energy toward something more useful? We actually had a very official call from someone claiming to be from the IRS. They left an intimidating and ominous message about the urgency of calling back and potential ramifications for not addressing the situation now. We were pretty sure it was scam but called our accountant to make sure. Just so you know, she said the IRS will always address issues through the mail. Phew!
ReplyDeleteAnd that was on our news recently, too, Molly. Some people don't know, and it must sound scary. I'm glad you didn't "bite".
DeleteI remember once I was sent a "Phishing" scam. "Click here and give us your bank account number." Ugh. I didn't click or give, but goodness me! I also had the same experience as Molly. Some people claiming to be the IRS called a few times before they gave up. A good reminder to stay aware. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Kendra, it's rather amazing how many times the e-mail comes in.
DeleteI had my identity stolen some years ago --it was awful!!! I am so careful now, but I always worry when I get these messages. Thanks for the tips.
ReplyDeleteClare
I'm so sorry, and glad it's cleared up now, Clare. You're welcome.
DeleteI totally understand what you are saying. If these people would put there knowledge to good use just think of all that could be accomplished.
ReplyDeleteYes, and I do wonder how much "reward" they gain? Clicking on just any site is something to think about first.
DeleteSome of those scams made me laugh, Linda, and then I thought of vulnerable people who do get caught up in these nefarious dealings, and how awful it becomes for them. Yes, that 70's laptop looks better and better these days.
ReplyDeleteIsn't that "laptop" fun? I found the pic on Morguefile, had to share. Yes, the topics make me laugh too, but if there is a need, I can see how someone would be tempted. The Walmart e-mail enters the spam often! Thanks, Tara.
DeleteSo sad really. Just yuck.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. Thanks, Carrie.
DeleteCraziness out there! I just compromised my own credit card by entering in data to what I thought was a site I used before. Luckily, I noticed my error- and I cancelled the card right away and had a new one issued.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you caught it! Thanks for telling about this.
DeleteLike Molly, we got the IRS call. It is sad that we have to be so careful. Thanks for the reminder, Linda!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Catherine. The IRS scam/warning was on the news again last night. And another person was interviewed who believed it. So sad.
DeleteHow irritating! I just try to stay vigilant and keep my virus software up to date. Hope you didn't lose anything too important.
ReplyDeleteI think it was so long ago that fewer important things were even on the computer, Elsie. I have a lot more now, hence the backup. And yes, it is a constant irritant.
DeleteLinda _ I use to worry about these with my mother. She would get mail offers or phone calls. As she got older she could not tell the difference. We finally would have her save all her mail and my brother would stop by to collect it for fear she would send away for things or give money to anyone who said they needed help.
ReplyDeleteIt's just sad that someone would prey on older people or those who don't understand. I'm glad you figured out a plan, Joanne. Thanks for sharing.
DeleteIt is truly amazing and anoying Linda! It's almost as bad as the amount of junk mail we get.
ReplyDeleteCatalog Choice has been very helpful, but my name seems to then fly onto other lists too. I get a lot too.
DeleteWouldn't it be great if the hackers got hacked and we could get back at them? I worry about the elderly people who are so easily taken in by these scams. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteYes, me, too, Judy. I know that some are trying to catch those who are trying to scam, but their are so many.
DeleteOnce I clicked accidentally and got boobs dancing on my computer screen. Appalling to sat the least. I like to think I am more cautious, but it only takes a second and a click to make a mistake. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteWe've had a few funny stories like that at school, too, Margaret. It's alarming. Glad you shared.
DeleteI just messed up when I got something that looked like Apple and included an app I never purchased. When I clicked on the link it asked for lots of info. I was crazy and did what I was told. I immediately knew I messed up. I called Apple and yes, I did. I called my credit card company and yes I have a new card once again.
ReplyDeleteGRRRR....
Bonnie K.
So sorry, Bonnie. It's so tricky, and even you as an expert took it on faith that it was okay. I guess that's the trouble, they use well-known, and trusted, companies for the bait. Glad you caught it in time.
DeleteHaha, I love that you looked through the spam to see the patterns in typical subjects and typical wording! So silly, yet so easy for people to fall prey to!
ReplyDeleteI've seen nearly the same spam for a while, so it wasn't hard to gather, Jennifer. FREE can be very enticing, right? Thanks for giving me a smile, too.
DeleteMy favorite are the overly-formal English messages from foreign countries claiming they need help moving money into the country. They aren't about hacking your computer or stealing your identity; they're just a good old-fashioned con. You send us $10,000, we'll send you $1 million. I usually read them before deleting for a good laugh.
ReplyDeleteI actually read a great novel in which the main character was a Nigerian engaged in one of these scams, I Do Not Come to You by Chance. Highly recommended. http://www.amazon.com/Do-Not-Come-You-Chance/dp/1401323111
Linda, regarding your comment on my Neruda post last week: I see what you mean about the poem maybe being a little bitter, but I think it's just honest. It's pushing a little, criticizing the things we do that keep us from being our best selves, but I think it's done with love. That's a concept I've been thinking about a lot lately after hearing Kevin Powell speak last month. He talked about calling out those around us who do wrong (in particular, in his speech, friends who are generally good people but make racist remarks), but doing it from a place of love. We can't keep silent, even when the person is a close friend or family member. But we must criticize and correct from a place of love. And I think that's what the Neruda poem is doing, trying to lovingly nudge people in the right direction. Thoughts?
I went back to re-read the poem, Mark, & it still feels like someone slamming their fist down at all the tragedy he is observing, & saying "stop". Perhaps it is from a form of his love for the earth, for mankind, I don't know. He was rather in love with love, don't you think? When I speak up to someone about a remark that I feel is denigrating someone or some group, it is out of love for that person, or group, hopefully to help the person change their ideas. Thanks for the title. I certainly will look for it.
DeleteI feel like my email is full of those too! I have even recently tried to unsubscribe to many 'commercial' sites. I also from time to time just click on things without reading carefully.
ReplyDeleteI've unsubscribed too, & also tried to figure out who has shared my name. I really haven't a clue, Ana. Thanks for coming by.
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