Is gmail known to be lots less secure?
My anecdata is that the vast majority of these scams come from hotmail or gmail accounts.
I guess that as a broad generalisation people that use free gmail/hotmail don't view computer security in quite the same way as those that have proper domains for their business/serious personal emailing.
My anecdata is that the vast majority of these scams come from hotmail or gmail accounts.
Isn't that simply a factor of the fact that enormous numbers of people have hotmail or gmail accounts?
My countervailing anecdatum is that the only time I've had a holiday disaster scam email, it came from a yahoo address, while the overwhelming mass of other dodgy spam from friends' addresses has been from corrupted BT accounts.QuoteI guess that as a broad generalisation people that use free gmail/hotmail don't view computer security in quite the same way as those that have proper domains for their business/serious personal emailing.
I'm sure that madcow's employer was paying plenty for its gmail for business setup, and has every right to assume it's as secure as any other email provider; equally, I don't think that choice will have affected the attitude he or his colleagues take to security.
As for private use, sure, if you have your own domain you may well have a reasonably secure approach. But I'm not convinced that choosing a free email provider indicates anything much as compared to simply using your ISP's email service.
...But the bigger problem was that a relative of his has sent four figure sum to the scammers.
Thing is, it's pretty hard to tell the source of an e-mail.
Just because it claims to come from joe.blow@gmail.com doesn't mean that it actually did.
It doesn't mean joe's e-mail account is compromised.
Obviously, these scams rely on sending the mail to someone who is likely to know joe, so they must harvest e-mail address pairs that have some chance of working.
So it *could* be joe's account that's compromised.
But it might well be anyone who happens to have both you and joe on their contact list.
Hard to say.
[...] the overwhelming mass of other dodgy spam from friends' addresses has been from corrupted BT accounts.
Thing is, it's pretty hard to tell the source of an e-mail.
Just because it claims to come from joe.blow@gmail.com doesn't mean that it actually did.
It doesn't mean joe's e-mail account is compromised.
Obviously, these scams rely on sending the mail to someone who is likely to know joe, so they must harvest e-mail address pairs that have some chance of working.
So it *could* be joe's account that's compromised.
But it might well be anyone who happens to have both you and joe on their contact list.
Hard to say.
Since initiating Sun Protection Factor on my domains the number of bounced mails spoofing send from <random chars>@mydomain has dropped significantly.
My anecdata is that the vast majority of these scams come from hotmail or gmail accounts.
I guess that as a broad generalisation people that use free gmail/hotmail don't view computer security in quite the same way as those that have proper domains for their business/serious personal emailing.
Valued Customer,
Please note that starting from February 23, 2016 we will be introducing new online banking authentication procedures in order to protect the private information of all online banking users.
You are required to confirm your online banking details with us as you will not be able to have access to your accounts until this has been done.
As you're already registered for online banking all you need to do is to confirm your online banking details.
Confirm your details
Once you've completed this you'll be able to manage your money whenever you want, giving you more control of your finances.
Regards
Customer Service
Halifax - Uk Alert Team
Hello Friend,
You probably must be thinking how strange it is to receive a letter from a total stranger. I'm karin Bengt, from Sweden, and I'm sorry for reaching out to you in such a strange way, I decided to use the Internet because it still remains the safest and fastest means of getting information, sharing opinion across to an audience and connecting with people from half way around the world. The purpose of this email is for us to get connected, be friends and learn about each other. I'll hope to hear from you again.
Kind Regards.
Karin.
^^^^^^ Go on, reply and ask for a photo!
.... sent a real letter.
[...]
The letter has a franked envelope, and a franked return envelope, so their returns must be good to risk over £1 on a scam.
It'll probably stop in a day or two - but it's annoying as some of the [Cured] stuff is coming to genuine email addresses we use.
It'll probably stop in a day or two - but it's annoying as some of the [Cured] stuff is coming to genuine email addresses we use.
Inbox rule in the meantime ?
What is odd is that they all have the word [Cured] in the subject line??
DHL Express ServiceFile "DHL_parcel_b078d8354.zip", size 10444 was deleted by Kaspersky Security 8.0 for Linux Mail Server
Anti-Virus status: Suspicious
Threats found: HEUR:Trojan-Downloader.Script.Generic
What is odd is that they all have the word [Cured] in the subject line??
I've had a load of those, but instead of an attachment they had e.g.QuoteDHL Express ServiceFile "DHL_parcel_b078d8354.zip", size 10444 was deleted by Kaspersky Security 8.0 for Linux Mail Server
Anti-Virus status: Suspicious
Threats found: HEUR:Trojan-Downloader.Script.Generic
I don't run Kaspersky, and neither does my ISP. Is it possible they are sending their spam via a compromised mail server, but have failed to turn off the virus filter?
i have no close relation because i lost my wife in a Plane Crash in Sebreneska Eastern Europe in 1985 ever since then I have remain single...God has really Blessed me with fortunes.;D
even if you don’t have the $95 try to borrow it
Do not be tempted, that stuff is a disaster, and may cost thousands to remove in order to cure the rot that it might cause.
Dry Rot
Dry rot is the most serious form of timber decay in a building and requires over 20% moisture level for spore germination. It is a fungus that destroys wood and eventually reduces timber to a dry crumbly consistency. It thrives in moist unventilated conditions and can occur in the areas of a property that are not often seen, so damage may be extensive before the attack is discovered.
Where is Prof staying (don't say she's in student digs in Currie Hall)
Begging via packets of tissues 'for sale' being left on empty train seats together with begging note is a new one. Apparently organised crime behind this one, so don't be tempted.
Begging via packets of tissues 'for sale' being left on empty train seats together with begging note is a new one. Apparently organised crime behind this one, so don't be tempted.
Been going on for a while. Organised gangs, mostly eastern European, been hitting Southern for over a year.
From: Catholic Charities <info@christ.com>
To: Me
Subject: Catholic Charities Assistance Letter.
Dear Loved one,
It fills us with delight to announce that our organization has been enjoying your patronage in the locality from last two decades. It makes us proud to do something for the local area development.As you are aware that this area is having a population of not less than 1000 people live there. Most of them are really poor people and live on daily labor. Those people have provided us so many services though they are poor. We wish to provide them with basic amenities for life in the coming festival eve.
The list of such items includes clean drinking water, their dwelling houses, some medicines, food materials and garments. Also, some additional things like nutritious foods, medicines and books for children will also be distributed. Our efforts can be flourishing with your whole hearted support. We wish your support with us.TEXT PHONE NUMBER (423)330-1100
james mcnurlen..Email to reply:[redacted]
Headquarters: Alexandria, Virginia
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
Catholic Charities USA
Carli Gray <behehrhe2@gmail.com> Mr Larrington Subject: Plan Renewal Details#736290
Hello there, <Mr Larrington>
Thank you again for subscribing to us!
We are glad to see you choosing MCAfee Total as your preferred Network shield and PC Security service provider.
Your subscription plan was reactivated on July 11, 2023 (auto-renewal), and it will remain active until July 10, 2023, unless you choose to cancel.
The annual total amount of $ 379.89 has been successfully processed from the updated payment method; this charge will reflect on the statement shortly.
Order and Transaction Details:
Reference ID: 5095954361
Seller's name: MCAfee Total Corp.
Payment mode: Auto debit
Subscription fee: $ 379.89
As you opted for auto-debit, the recurring fee will be debited again next year on July 10, 2024, unless you choose to cancel the subscription or stop auto-debit payments.
If you wish to opt out or drop all charges and want the full amount refunded back to the original payment source, please contact us at +1 (888) 713-5736.
Sincerely,
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McAfee Service Team
Toll-free Number: +1 (888) 713-5736.
Hubert Kelly <apsisjsjjh73@gmail.com> Mr Larrington Subject: Order Completed Successfully#326081
Hi there, <Mr Larrington>
Thank you again for subscribing to us!
We are glad to see you choosing GEEK Squad as your preferred Network shield and PC Security service provider.
Your subscription plan was reactivated on July 11, 2023 (auto-renewal), and it will remain active until July 10, 2023, unless you choose to cancel.
The annual total amount of $ 389.99 has been successfully processed from the updated payment method; this charge will reflect on the statement shortly.
Order and Transaction Details:
Reference ID: 94737-22816
Seller's name: GEEK Squad Inc.
Payment mode: Auto debit
Subscription fee: $ 389.99
As you opted for auto-debit, the recurring fee will be debited again next year on July 10, 2024, unless you choose to cancel the subscription or stop auto-debit payments.
If you wish to opt out or drop all charges and want the full amount refunded back to the original payment source, please contact us at +1 833 216 0626.
Best regards
Hubert Kelly
Head Of Accounts Handling Team
Toll-free Number: +1 833 216 0626.
I have emailed the "seller". I am away until Wednesday so if nothing has happened by then I will contact Paypal.
Dear Manager,
Good day. Do you need fabric key ring now?
Our price and quality are good.
Custom design: available.
Keyring type: embroidery or printed.
Meterial: fabric, metal etc.
Mini order: 200/design.
Hope to discuss with you more :)
Dear Keith Walker,
Your assisted bin collection application has been successful. Please ensure your bins are safely accessible to the bin crew.
If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to get in contact.
Adur & Worthing Councils
The worst part is two of my mates gone done after I passed them the link, and 5 of _their_ mates got done similarly. Agh.Isn't this the classic method of spread; people who might not trust the scam if they saw it themselves, do trust their mates.
Bank of England <user40@shistatus.co.uk> Me <redacted> Santander.co.uk
Update your information, it will only take 2 minutes!
This email is intended for , .
Santander
Update your information, it will only take 2 minutes!
Helo ,
We recently made an effort to connect with you via telephone, but regrettably, the contact number we have in our records appears to be inaccurate. We find this worrisome, as it's important that we can reach you promptly and effectively.
As part of our continuous effort to maintain up-to-date records, we are encouraging all of our customers to review and refresh their contact details, which include their email address and mobile phone number. This ensures that we can swiftly contact you should any security concerns arise regarding your account.
To modify your details, please sign into your digital banking account and amend your information therein. Having precise and current details for you is crucial, so kindly take a few moments to refresh your information at your earliest convenience.
Please be aware that neglecting to update your details may lead to complications with your account, including potential restrictions on certain transactions.
Area Personal
[Snip]
"hello!,I love your writing so much! proportion we keep up a correspondence extra approximately your post on AOL? I need an expert on this space to resolve my problem. Maybe that is you! Taking a look ahead to peer you."
QuoteDear Keith Walker,
Your assisted bin collection application has been successful. Please ensure your bins are safely accessible to the bin crew.
If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to get in contact.
Adur & Worthing Councils
If that were really Adur & Worthing Council, then I'm sure there would be lots of bloat to the email, in the form of footers about the council, data protection and the like. But that's the entirety of it in the quote.
At least they don't call me Margret.
As per another thread, I have listed some stuff on FB marketplace within minutes I was contacted by two scammers.
#1 - "I will pay you cash" Sending cash via courier who will collect the item. Only he wants me to pay for Insurance. "Don't worry you will get it back"
#2 - "I will pay paypal". Cash does not arrive. "Look in your spam folder" and there I have a clearly genuine message from paypayonlinebusiness@gmail.com explaining that I need to pay £200 to expand my account to business.
And there's no way to report that to FB <fume>