The scammers are still out there, no doubt looking for christmas present funds.
I was on Facebook yesterday when a Chat window popped up from a Friend of mine, short conversation followed "how you doing, what's happening" etc.
He then went on to explain that he'd had to make a quick trip to Malaysia to visit a relation who was visiting there and was in hospital very sick. "My credit card won't work here and I left home in a hurry with little cash, could you loan me $1000USD until I get home?" Smelling a rat I rang the said Friend who confirmed he was at home watching telly nowhere near Malaysia. I suggested he contact as many of his Friends as possible to warn them not to believe any messages they may get apparently from him.
I played along with the DH for awhile while I used the F/B reporting function then told him I couldn't raise any money and goodbye.
It is too easy for any nerd to pick an identity from F/B, copy their Profile Pic then create their own page in that name using that pic then chat to any of the friends and play this scam.
Watch out, they are out there and they want your money.
They are pretty good the way they operate. Usually they send an email from a close friend or relative with the same story. I bet they catch a few...Always pays to be extremely cautious especially emails asking you to click on a link....Banks asking you to log on etc. Just hit "Delete" to save yourself a lot of money..
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Retired Airline Pilot and Electrician..
I'm not old, I've just been young a long time....Ken
Since light travels faster than sound, some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
My cousin had a similar experience not so long ago. In this case it was her 'nephew'. She twigged right away and asked a few pertinent questions to be sure, then warned the rest of us, as well as her real nephew that he'd been hacked.
Scammers use email, landlines and texts to ply their trade too, why not toss your computers and phones in the river too.
Nobody that I know has been "bitten" or is "whinging".
Some people do put their lives for all to see but many, many more just put basic info that can be found anywhere and use f/b as another communication medium which works very well.
Take a 'heads up' as it is intended or ignore it, up to you.
Cheers Neil
No one is suggesting we abandon technology Neil.
It's all about exposure, the more you give them the easier it is for em to sting you, for better or worse everyone makes their own decisions.
Unfortunately some of us zig when we should zag.
-- Edited by Santa on Sunday 16th of December 2012 11:01:48 AM
I agree 100%. Why create problems in your life. It's too easy for people to be agressive & nasty when hiding behind a keyboard, plus making yourself accessible to scammers. I have a free hour on my mobile, (& have had for many years) which allows me to talk personally with whom ever I want.
Scammers use email, landlines and texts to ply their trade too, why not toss your computers and phones in the river too.
Nobody that I know has been "bitten" or is "whinging".
Some people do put their lives for all to see but many, many more just put basic info that can be found anywhere and use f/b as another communication medium which works very well.
Take a 'heads up' as it is intended or ignore it, up to you.
You can be scammed simply by throwing out an old envelope with your name and address in the garbage. Technology is here to stay and I reckon facebook is great. We post pics of our travels and can contact family and friends all the time. I have been a bit of a nomad all my life but through facebook I have reconnected with friends I grew up with and share a lot of memories. Don't shoot the messenger just watch out who sent the message.
Facebook is what you make it - set up your account to suit yourself - only accept people you know as "friends" - great way to keep in touch with family and friends, especially young people - they are a lot more savvy than us, usually.
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jules "Love is good for the human being!!" (Ben, aged 10)
Each to their own, but I love FB for keeping up with my many cousins around the country, as well as friends and family. Only stupid or naive people put all their personal info on there.
My 2nd son has been working in Darwin for 6 months and I found out more about what he was doing through FB than emails or phone calls.
Of course there's been trouble with abuse etc...even in my own family...but it's easy to click a button and de-friend that person.
And a lot of the young ones who get into trouble have no security on their profile, and befriend anyone who asks. Again, I've seen it.
In some respects this site is more public than face book. Anyone on the internet can see what I am typing here where as in face book only those I choose can see what I type. Each internet page/site has its good and bad points, you just need to be mindful of what you put out there at all times.
In some respects this site is more public than face book. Anyone on the internet can see what I am typing here where as in face book only those I choose can see what I type. Each internet page/site has its good and bad points, you just need to be mindful of what you put out there at all times.
I have been ripped off in life but I'm not quite ready to chuck it in yet.
Facebook has many good quallities, you just have to use common sense and read the security stuff properly.
I believe there is even a spot where you can make it that you can only recieve messeges from friends so, unless the person has actually hacked that friends account, it should be safe.
Anything you think seems a bit suspicious, don't touch. much like life.
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Home is where we hang our hats - Home now in Yamba NSW
I have been ripped off in life but I'm not quite ready to chuck it in yet.
Facebook has many good quallities, you just have to use common sense and read the security stuff properly.
I believe there is even a spot where you can make it that you can only recieve messeges from friends so, unless the person has actually hacked that friends account, it should be safe.
Anything you think seems a bit suspicious, don't touch. much like life.
Simply a suggestion, please don't feel compelled to comply
