Congratulations beneficiary! - Off-topic

I just wondered, what's the most you've ever been "offered" in one of those dodgy scam emails, and have you ever had correspondence with the sender?
Personally, I've had $12,000,000 offered to me. I obviously don't need it though as I totally ignored the email. I've never corresponded with any of them, but I do occasionally enter bogus bank account details in the hope that the bank will see someone entering rubbish and be able to trace them by IP address. I also had some interesting back-and-forth with a scammer trying to "buy" my Nokia N95 a few years ago, to the point where I got his personal phone number and posted it online.
So how about you? How much have you been offered, and have you any interesting stories?

johncmolyneux said:
I just wondered, what's the most you've ever been "offered" in one of those dodgy scam emails, and have you ever had correspondence with the sender?
Personally, I've had $12,000,000 offered to me. I obviously don't need it though as I totally ignored the email. I've never corresponded with any of them, but I do occasionally enter bogus bank account details in the hope that the bank will see someone entering rubbish and be able to trace them by IP address. I also had some interesting back-and-forth with a scammer trying to "buy" my Nokia N95 a few years ago, to the point where I got his personal phone number and posted it online.
So how about you? How much have you been offered, and have you any interesting stories?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most of the email scams I've received seem to come from England. They usually involve the Queen and that I'm a long, lost distant relative, or something like that, and they are needing to issue me some sort of inheritance.

Related

AT&T Users - READ ME - Account Privacy Issues

I have also posted this in the hermes section, I created 2 threads to better the exposure to AT&T users in the forums they most frequent.
Hello Fellow AT&T Customers,
I want to notify all AT&T users of a situation that currently arose so you can protect yourself from having it happen to you. Last week a third party was able to call AT&T Customer Care and obtain all account information for all lines that I have. I have started a blog about this at http://www.tri-syndicate.com AT&T Customer Care management states that nothing will be done to compensate me for the harassment, and that it can happen to anyone. I am starting this blog to fight back at AT&T so this doesn't happen to anyone else.
If you haven't done so already I would suggest calling and setting a password on your account because it will help but not completely stop this from happening.
I am unsure of carrier policies outside of the U.S. but the U.S. carrier policies need to be changed before further damage may occur. I know they have obtained my cellular numbers but I do not know if they were able to obtain my address as well, this I am still trying to find out.
If anyone has any tips, suggestions, or ideas I am all ears.
Regards,
CUSTEL
AT&T's position on this is quite clear... you don't have any privacy...
"Well, it's not your record; it's our record. You don't own it; we own it, this may later be used to say it's not protected by the Privacy Act."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/06/22/AR2006062201742.html
Thank's for the link smuook hadn't seen that before.
Someone must have it out for you. Whenever I call customer service they ask me a whole bunch of questions regarding my account. Maybe someone got hold of your bill either from the mail or garbage and used that to pretend to be you. Hope you find out who is doing this to you. Keep a record so this way you have proof.
As for the reference to AT&T's policy "AT&T said it does not share the data with third-party marketing firms, but it cites circumstances under which it shares customer information with the government and law enforcement." and "News reports allege that AT&T and other telecom companies handed over millions of customer calling records to the National Security Agency to help track down terrorists."
This can be done to almost any company if order by a court of law. Point being safegaurd all of your personal accounts, shred all personal information and be vigilant about who and what information you give to who.
its far to easy for third parties to access ones account information. it can be done in a multitude of ways even in the store itself. I have had first hand issues with exes tracking down my bill information while I was on T mobile in the past it is a major issue imo. I feel you Custel and I really hope nothing major comes of thie beach. Its tough to make things more private because then even we as account holders become frustrated with the security measures and the amount of time we spend on hold while waiting to be served by customer service. We all want fast and secure service but right now we aren't getting it.
Definitely put a passcode on your accounts and NEVER add Authorized users to the accounts. they cause more trouble then they are worth.

let the verbal slamming begin (blackberry)

i have a tilt and love it but is for personal use. i was told by my boss that if i got a blackberry he would pay the service. sooooo, instead of buying one at full price i was wondering if anybody in the u.s. on here had a bb curve for att for sale if so please e-mail me at [email protected]
KD8DNS said:
i have a tilt and love it but is for personal use. i was told by my boss that if i got a blackberry he would pay the service. sooooo, instead of buying one at full price i was wondering if anybody in the u.s. on here had a bb curve for att for sale if so please e-mail me at [email protected]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the future, the proper forum for this is the General section. Some mod will see this sooner or later and move it there.
Let's keep the flames off until then
eeeeeeeeeeew..u sure u wannna go for a blackberry??
;-)
Why not install the Blackberry software on your Tilt and let your boss pay for the Blackberry service?
he has this stupid i.t. guy and the jackass says it must be a blackberry device, i already brought up the software idea!
KD8DNS said:
he has this stupid i.t. guy and the jackass says it must be a blackberry device, i already brought up the software idea!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So tell your boss to buy you a Blackberry device since you already have a better solution and his retarded it guy doesn't know what he's talking about.
kyphur said:
So tell your boss to buy you a Blackberry device since you already have a better solution and his retarded it guy doesn't know what he's talking about.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I second that.
To be honest my friend, I had a Blackberry before coming to Tilt...among a million other phones. I had the Curve. You cant get AIM to work, the apps are trash, browser is worse than PIE before scroll fix, the maps didn't work right and sooo much more. You cant record movies, the pics are 2mp, and soo much more.
Thats my 2¢...but if your boss forces you...i suppose you could go with a pearl...its not as crappy as the curve.
ok so does anybody know who has one for sale really cheap
Also, dont forget to repost your req to the forums at http://crackberry.com/
My problem is similar to KD8DNS.
I am about to be given a blackberry to access our company Lotus Notes mail on a Domino server. Our IT department insists that we are bound to use a blackberry device and not the connect software.
Can anyone tell me that if I install the software myself on my TyTn would my IT department be able to know of this?
If you connect to corporate bb server, your IT have to grant access each time you connect a device to the server (whatever real bb device or wm device with bbconnect you use).
Same each time you reinstall the bb client (change rom, hard reset.....)
I had myself to convince them, and finally they accepted, to connect me thru bbconnect. Had given a try to bb device for a couple of months, but impossible to get used to it.
My agency is the same. We are in the market for some type of PDA phone. I've been trying to convince them to go with a Win Mobile device, like the Tilt. They are in love with Blackberry.
I finally got an answer just yesterday as to why. They claim the Win Mobile devices battery usage is inferior to Blackberry devices (Win Mobile eats batteries). As I've never owned a Blackberry, I don't know if this is true...
I know my Tilt can use up a full charge quickly. My BlackJack II seems to do alright, although it doesn't even come close to all the features of the Tilt.
I don't know how to argue against the Blackberry...
you see im a volunteer firefighter, and i had a call to a structure fire, all went well, we put the fire out and so on. well i had my breathing apparatus on and my blackberry in my pocket. for those that dont know, a scba (secondary contained breathing apparatus) is a air tank that you wear like a packback, when i took the scba off the corner of the scba slammed my leg, just so happened that the blackberry was right there, so it cracked the screen shattered the lcd and now im in deep crap with my boss, and not one to be spreading my problems to everyone else, i just had a new baby and really cant afford the full, almost 500.00 that att wants to just walk out with one with no contract, so i figured id post this thread in hopes that someone has a ATT curve that they dont need. Im NOT asking for a freebe just a good price. Im just really glad this didnt happen to my TILT i think i would have gone into a deep state of depression. Thanks guys/gals you all here have been very good people to me.
got to att site
I've gotten several curves off the att site as refurbs as low as 29... have to watch for them. also, enter your business email and you may qualify for premier and get more discounts.
Sorry to hear about the BB. Won't your boss have them all insured anyway?
And how about Ebay for a cheapie?

FML! Left my N7 on a plane.

So United has a horrible Lost and found system. I called them less then 30 minutes after walking off the plane. I wanted someone to walk to my seat and physically grab it. Since i was near the rear of the plane and the last one out of my row im pretty sure no other passenger would of grabbed it. All they could do is basically tell me to report it on the website and i "might" get a call. The thing is I know and have talked to a few flight attendants and it seems like a lot of the time there co-workers hide the stuff and keep it for themself. So instead of united actually doing a physical check it is pretty much as good as gone at this point. I really have no faith i will get it back. It was a flawless N7 16gb too!. Doubt I will buy a new one to replace it even though i really loved the device, I just have too much other things going on to afford it atm. So if I dont get a call/email in the next few days, it was nice being a part of these forums and loved the vibe here.
That sucks. Hope you able to get it back. Good luck!
This reminds me when I lost my old GBA case on a plane. It had so many good games in there, and the GBA itself. I still had my SP case though, that had the SP and games as well, so I didn't lose everything.
I miss you Nightmare in Dreamland.
Anyway, sorry to hear about losing your Nexus.
omg that is so sad. i almost cried reading your post.. I would hate to loose mine right now . It will come in handy starting next week. Wed i have to have a bicep tendon surgery..
boohooo
i so hope they do the honest thing and get it back to you
Get a case or sleeve that you can tether to your bag, belt, etc. Also, Case Logic LNE07 comes in red so it's hard to visually miss it.
Scythe024 said:
So United has a horrible Lost and found system. I called them less then 30 minutes after walking off the plane. I wanted someone to walk to my seat and physically grab it. Since i was near the rear of the plane and the last one out of my row im pretty sure no other passenger would of grabbed it. All they could do is basically tell me to report it on the website and i "might" get a call. The thing is I know and have talked to a few flight attendants and it seems like a lot of the time there co-workers hide the stuff and keep it for themself. So instead of united actually doing a physical check it is pretty much as good as gone at this point. I really have no faith i will get it back. It was a flawless N7 16gb too!. Doubt I will buy a new one to replace it even though i really loved the device, I just have too much other things going on to afford it atm. So if I dont get a call/email in the next few days, it was nice being a part of these forums and loved the vibe here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
United Airlines is the worst. From the most cramped planes with the worst seats in the industry, to the worst customer service there is. I used to fly Continental exclusively, but since the merger, no more. Good luck.
Any chance you had Lookout or some other tracking service installed? Sucks man. My wife is a flight attendant and she has turned in several Kindle's and what-not in, so perhaps there is a chance. Best of luck!
ExploreMN said:
Any chance you had Lookout or some other tracking service installed? Sucks man. My wife is a flight attendant and she has turned in several Kindle's and what-not in, so perhaps there is a chance. Best of luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes i have lookout installed.
You never know, I found someone's kindle on a Southwest flight and took it right up to the counter. They said they had already hear from the passenger and knew whose it was. Messing with other people's gadgets is bad mojo.
Scythe024 said:
yes i have lookout installed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you tell if it's still at the airport? If yes, that is a very good sign that it's probably been turned in (and someone turned it on and connected to wifi...but lets hope that was in an effort to identify you for good reasons). If it pops up online anywhere outside of the airport...it's pretty much gone. Hopefully you changed all your passwords to all your accounts too...notified any credit cards you have tied to any of those accounts, etc.
ExploreMN said:
Can you tell if it's still at the airport? If yes, that is a very good sign that it's probably been turned in (and someone turned it on and connected to wifi...but lets hope that was in an effort to identify you for good reasons). If it pops up online anywhere outside of the airport...it's pretty much gone. Hopefully you changed all your passwords to all your accounts too...notified any credit cards you have tied to any of those accounts, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it wasnt able to locate it which leads me to believe it wasnt turned on and connected to wifi. I had google wallet active on there but no credit card tied to it, just the $10 that came free.
Scythe024 said:
So United has a horrible Lost and found system. I called them less then 30 minutes after walking off the plane. I wanted someone to walk to my seat and physically grab it. Since i was near the rear of the plane and the last one out of my row im pretty sure no other passenger would of grabbed it. All they could do is basically tell me to report it on the website and i "might" get a call. The thing is I know and have talked to a few flight attendants and it seems like a lot of the time there co-workers hide the stuff and keep it for themself. So instead of united actually doing a physical check it is pretty much as good as gone at this point. I really have no faith i will get it back. It was a flawless N7 16gb too!. Doubt I will buy a new one to replace it even though i really loved the device, I just have too much other things going on to afford it atm. So if I dont get a call/email in the next few days, it was nice being a part of these forums and loved the vibe here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you bought it with a credit card you might have some buyer protection like, replacement for stolen or broken items. I buy everything with American express, I have a 90 day window in which they will replace if lost, stolen, broken, etc.... Plus they extend any warranty an additional year...
Visa has something like this on a few of the cards...
Scythe024 said:
it wasnt able to locate it which leads me to believe it wasnt turned on and connected to wifi. I had google wallet active on there but no credit card tied to it, just the $10 that came free.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you need to input your passcode anyway, unless you have it stored in your tablet for someone to find out
I am really surprised that Google doesn't have an easy way to register our devices. Every Android device has numbers associated with it that can't be changed. The MAC addresses for both the WiFi and Bluetooth interfaces are unique, so every device that has either of these radios could be identified. It should be part of the OS that these tablets can't install any software if the registered owner reports it lost or stolen. If the device has cameras, a picture should be taken when it's connected to the internet. These pictures could be retrieved when a valid case number or subpoena is provided. At least a warning should appear on the tablet saying it has been reported lost or stolen. Make it a pain to use a misappropriated tablet.
Yes, I know there are programs out there that do this for you, but they are easily circumvented by doing a full factory reset of the device. Come on Google! Take a bite out of crime!
Jroyd said:
I am really surprised that Google doesn't have an easy way to register our devices. Every Android device has numbers associated with it that can't be changed. The MAC addresses for both the WiFi and Bluetooth interfaces are unique, so every device that has either of these radios could be identified. It should be part of the OS that these tablets can't install any software if the registered owner reports it lost or stolen. If the device has cameras, a picture should be taken when it's connected to the internet. These pictures could be retrieved when a valid case number or subpoena is provided. At least a warning should appear on the tablet saying it has been reported lost or stolen. Make it a pain to use a misappropriated tablet.
Yes, I know there are programs out there that do this for you, but they are easily circumvented by doing a full factory reset of the device. Come on Google! Take a bite out of crime!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Someone on another thread said that somebody sold them a Nexus 7 that was apparently known to Google as stolen, and I guess Play access was disabled or something, I don't know the exact details though...
An app is only easily removed if it is loaded as a user app. If it is am system app a standard reset went be enough. On the other hand maybe they will be smart enough to take it further.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
A very similar thing happened to me on a BA flight inbound to heathrow years ago. On that occasion i left a case containing some sennheiser noise cancelling headphones and an ipod nano in the seat pocket. I realized just a short distance from the gate and went back but they wouldn't let me back on. They never found for me either. I was eventually told that "I think someone has add it mate".
Jroyd said:
... If the device has cameras, a picture should be taken when it's connected to the internet. These pictures could be retrieved when a valid case number or subpoena is provided. At least a warning should appear on the tablet saying it has been reported lost or stolen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have my devices set to take front and rear photos on evey boot and on multiple incorrect passcodes which are uploaded staight to dropbox and google plus. They also text each other with gps coordinates on every boot. Again, this is only useful if the thief doesn't factory reset or flash a new rom.
I wonder if devs could implement a passcode for cwm et al to secure the flashing process?
Sent from my GT-P7500 using xda app-developers app
goto play.google.com and install plan B remotely, youll be able to track it once it's online, as long as it's still tied to your google account
---------- Post added at 06:15 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:14 AM ----------
drhunter said:
I have my devices set to take front and rear photos on evey boot and on multiple incorrect passcodes which are uploaded staight to dropbox and google plus. They also text each other with gps coordinates on every boot. Again, this is only useful if the thief doesn't factory reset or flash a new rom.
I wonder if devs could implement a passcode for cwm et al to secure the flashing process?
Sent from my GT-P7500 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This was discussed before but i think they said they couldn't because it could lock you out of your device
Slate on a plane!!
Sorry, just had too
I read on Google's help pages that they can remotely lock a device so might be worth calling them. If someone can't use it they might put it back in lost property or something.

I work in tech support for a major US carrier...Wow some people...

Does anyone else here work in the technical support or any cellular related fields whether it's retail or customer service? Some people are really freaking ignorant of the technology or absolutely stubborn when it comes to how phones and service works. I am tired of people demanding a new phone when every little thing happens. Does a car dealership replace your current car with a new one when it's under warranty? No they fix the problem with the car. It's not my fault you moved and you don't have coverage at your new house. When you got your phone we gave you a grace period to try it out and determine if coverage is good enough where you live. Moving doesn't give you a new grace period. You're not under contact anymore so if you want to leave us...pay off your device and go. I'll even help you unlock it once you've paid it off. Backups, backups...holy sh*t freaking backup your data people. When an application wreaks havoc or you got ad bots or whether something software related fails you might as well be prepared to hard reset your phone. No, you're not getting a warranty replacement without doing that step first. You're gonna have to transfer your data either way so back your sh*t up. It's not my responsibility to ensure your pictures and contacts don't get lost. Take some responsibility for your data and educate yourself on how to save it. Warranty is not an upgrade path either. Don't ask for a different color or model. That one year by the manufacturer is for the exact model. We (the carrier) are nice enough to take care of the warranty on behalf of the manufacturer. You think Samsung or Asus will send you an upgraded or different device? Take it up with them. Don't whine and cry because you can't scam warranty and insurance for an upgrade. You want a new phone then pay off the one you have or buy it at full price.
Anyways just had to vent. Working in technical support is actually a lot of fun and I really enjoy educating and teaching customers how to use their devices and explore the world a smartphone has to offer. However the amount of rampant stupidity and unreal requests are absolutely absurd.
Tell me about it. Every. Single. Bloody. Day.
I truly, truly believe there should be a driving license for using a smartphone. The amount of people who have no idea how the device, the one that they entrust their entire lives to, actually works is damn near astronomical.
"My WiFi doesn't work. What did you do to it?!?! *insert expletives filled capslock rant about fraud and scammers*" To a provider that doesn't supply landlines, only mobile. About 80% of the people apparently don't know the difference between WiFi and Mobile Data.
Had this gem last week: Someone opened the charger flap on the S5, and the thing broke off. He bend down to pick it off the floor, and dropped the phone instead. Screen cracked, phone dead. Now that customer is demanding that the provider covers the repair costs of the dropped phone. He claims it wasn't his fault that the phone dropped, it was the fault of that broken off flap, and so it should fall under warranty.
"How do I view the photo I just took?" Why are you even using a smartphone?
This also happens about three times a day:
"My phone doesn't work." No other information, just that.
"Sir, which brand and model is your phone?"
"It's an iPhone."
"Which one?"
"An S4."
"Uh, sir, an iPhone 4S or a Samsung Galaxy S4?"
"Aren't they all the same?"
And then there's these people:
"I have a bill here for 300 quid of additional, out-of-package costs. I was calling a friend and forgot to end the call. You should've ended it for me. I'm not paying that."
Oh, and the amount of people referring to 4G as G4.... -.-
On the other side of that coin, I hate talking to the CS reps of ANY technology company.
"I need you to reprovision my data because your system thinks I have an iPhone and it's messing with my data"
"Sir, may I ask have you restarted your phone?"
and I have to go thru like 12 different times telling him to please do what I asked in the first place.
Or I walk into a T-Mobile store and the rep is telling me I can't use a verizon phone on the network, because it's verizon.
"But the phone comes unlocked, just give me a SIM card"
"Verizon is CDMA blah blah"
And I get to argue with the guy for an hour about how things actually work.
Or even worse when I try to get a warranty replacement device. No I don't want to restart my phone or factory reset it, or put in my Google Account login information again, or try a new SIM card, or anything like that.
The device is broken, I know about phones, just replace it and let's get on with it!
So trust me it's very frustrating for us consumers too...
Yep, definitely frustrating for consumers.
I have a phone that runs on unknown network bands, can I test a sim (i would pay the $2 if required)?
Nope, you are already on the best network.
But yours has different frequency bands
*Blank stare* Umm your already on the best network for reception
*Walk out knowing I could do the job better*
Sent from my fake galaxy note 4, now revived from the dead, again!
You do realize that the shop assistants are hired for their sales skills, not their knowledge of the product, I hope? All they receive is Sales training, not product information nor technical training.
Most of them couldn't tell an iPhone apart from a Samsung if their lives depended on it. Going to those monkeys with a tech question is like asking a 5 year old about String Theory. It's pointless.
You might as well walk into IKEA's storage section with a question about network frequencies. You're statistically more likely to find people with tech knowledge there than behind the counter in a provider shop. :laugh:
ShadowLea said:
You do realize that the shop assistants are hired for their service skills, not their knowledge of the product, I hope? All they receive is Sales training, not product information nor technical training.
Most of them couldn't tell an iPhone apart from a Samsung if their lives depended on it. Going to those monkeys with a tech question is like asking a 5 year old about String Theory. It's pointless.
You might as well walk into IKEA's storage section with a question about network frequencies. You're statistically more likely to find people with tech knowledge there than behind the counter in a provider shop. :laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the B&M guys, the "service technicians" on the phone, the "specialists" on the phone, the guys in chats etc.
I have never had someone who knew enough about networks, bands, actual device specs etc, talk to me from any portion of any phone company.
And I've been on every phone network...
orangekid said:
This is the B&M guys, the "service technicians" on the phone, the "specialists" on the phone, the guys in chats etc.
I have never had someone who knew enough about networks, bands, actual device specs etc, talk to me from any portion of any phone company.
And I've been on every phone network...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I know in the EU, you never actually get to speak to the Tech guys when you call in. It's still only a Customer Contact employee. They contact the Tech department on an internal line, but the tech lads never speak to customers. Don't know if the US system is different (probably not).
Oh I've met my fair share of the technologically handicapped in the shops, too. One shining example is the idiot who told me, in 2013, that I shouldn't use Android because it was still a Beta version, and thus I would be at risk of viruses. :laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh:
ShadowLea said:
Oh I've met my fair share of the technologically handicapped in the shops, too. One shining example is the idiot who told me, in 2013, that I shouldn't use Android because it was still a Beta version, and thus I would be at risk of viruses. :laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortuneately they hate Windows Phone to, which is a shame because aside from apps, it is the second best operating system (beats IOS by a mile)

New job interview process - just need advice

So, I'm in the final hiring process for a new position in the IT field, for a Senior Infrastructure role. The company has indicated to me that in addition to three perfect interviews, three references and everything else that went fine, that they need a current or former supervisor as a reference as well, and that's part of their "policy," of which they seem to not budge from. Has anyone heard of this? I've had a ton of interviews in my ~11 years in IT and have never heard of this. Just curious if there is a way to find wiggle room, considering that one of my references went from a Senior Systems Engineer role (technically above me, but not reporting to him), to a CIO role at another company within two years. I just find it strange that this seems to be a stopping point of an otherwise awesome hiring process. The issue here is that I only have info for one supervisor that I reported to that is no longer with the company I work for now, but I have not heard back from, unsure if it's still a good number. I know one one other within my company now that I used to report to, but it's against HR policy to give references for current or former employees while currently employed with this company. Just kind of confused on what to do next.
Weren't you asking for a letter of recommendation from your former employees when you left them? I work in IT as well (Telecommunications and networking) and I have 3 letters of recommendation in the past 15 years and a bunch of "certificates of excellence" signed by the supervisors or the NOC directors.
I don't know... you are in a tricky situation. If they are not asking for a signature of a supervisor you reported directly to, I would just hand them a letter from any respectable figure. Even if you didn't really work with him or her (e.g. a CCNP friend), you can just both lie and confirm you both worked on a project in the past. This, as a last option.
@agentfazexx
It's worth asking your former managerial colleague to provide an 'informal' reference based on their observations. Even if it's not a telephone call, a letter of reference might do. Best way to circumvent your HR Policy.

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