Something my GP had tried following up on, in 2024.
Even though I’d been warned a hospital referral could take a while, I felt I should chase this up.
So asked my surgery about it.
Their advice?
Was to email the relevant mental health trust.
Something I did yesterday.
They’ve auto replied: to let me know it’s going to take three days for a formal reply.
But, hopefully?
That should get me more information.
~≈🏥≈~
I had a call, yesterday: and I wish I’d kept the number.
As … ?
It turned out to be scammers, trying to persuade me to install an app called AnyDesk, so they could take remote control of my machine.
I strung them along for a while: and found out several things.
That the scammers concerned don’t know common Mac keyboard shortcuts: they didn’t know CMD (⌘) and N opens a new window in a Mac app.
They thought it was the more common Windows equivalent, CTRL(^) and N.
They were confused when I told them the AnyDesk webpage I’d found was one that warned about scams: rather than the download page.
But … ?
They’d also tried remotely accessing my email account: and had phoned my internet service provider, to get a PIN that would let them do that.
I’m thankful I didn’t notice that text message.
And equally thankful I didn’t hand that over.
That, and the remote access software, could have installed all sorts of stuff.
I’m just thankful I’d recently my email password, and let my Internet service provider know about the attempt.
But also felt I should remind you of a couple of things.
The main point?
You should not give someone you don’t know access to your devices: you get a call from someone claiming to be your ISP, or a security company, a call you haven’t asked for, tell them where to get off!
The minor points?
The AnyDesk software* is cross platform: would let a PC user remotely control a Mac, a Mac user remotely control an Android phone: what have you. Something I’d not realised could be done.
Don’t install software a caller like that asks you to.
Never give them PIN numbers or bank details!
Have a nice day … !
~≈🧑🏻💻≈~
Let’s move on.
Yesterday’s Teaser saw Mum†, Olga‡ and Debbi§ putting in their answers: with everyone scoring five out of five.
Let’s see how everyone does with today’s questions, shall we?
* From what I can see, the AnyDesk¹ app is a legitimate piece of software: IT departments use is to remotely access any piece of company kit — Macs, PCs, Linux machines, iPhones, iPads, Android phones and tablets, FreeBSD machines, Raspberry Pi’s — and do running repairs and software installation.
But, like any piece of software? People have found alternative uses.
“… the street finds its own uses for things.”
“Burning Chrome”, by William Gibson.
† Hello, Mum¶ … !
‡ That’s a result, then, Olga¶. We’ve been having the same cooler evenings: they’re VERY welcome!
§ I hope they’re OK, Debbi¶: I’m assuming they didn’t have enough water, is that right … ?
¶ I thought these clips would appeal …
¹ What I think has happen … ? Is that the scammers have tried breaking into my email account, to try and hijack it. During this attempt, they’ve been sent a PIN as verification. That PIN’s been sent to my mobile. They’ve realised this: and phoned me to try and talk it out of me.
Q5) Wyoming Thanks for the warning, Paul, and well done on spotting it. I keep getting phone calls from people who desperately want to offer me jobs I've never applied for. They are automated calls, but some want you to add them on WhatsApp... And, of course, all kinds of emails. The problem with those, now with AI, is that usually you could spot them because the spelling was atrocious, but AI can help make them sound and look better. As you say, even when things have a legitimate use, crooks will find a way to twist them and use them for their illegal businesses.
Hi Paul sorry to hear about your medical concerns.... bit of a bummer! But hopefully it will be sorted soon. Take care x My answers for today as follows: 1. Volkswagen Beetle 2. Portchester 3. Anglican 4. 2001 5. Wyoming. Ps. Great choice of music. Loved the Carl Orff clip.
I love it when someone comments. But, having had anonymous comments I feel may be libellous, actionable or just plain offensive, over the years?
I’d appreciate you* leaving your name — with a link to your website or social-media profile†, for preference — before you post a comment.
Should you choose to use a pseudonym/name, I’d appreciate it if that name were to be polite and inoffensive. I’d rather you kept it clean, and relatively grown up. Comments left with a pseudonym will be posted at my discretion: I really prefer a link.
Contentious, actionable or abusive posts left anonymously will not be posted. Nor will comments using offensive pseudonyms or language, or that are abusive of other commenters.
Thank you.
* I know many value their online privacy. I respect that. But hope you respect my wish to see who’s commenting on my blog: and my wish for you to introduce your self to me, and to your fellow commentors.
† Your Facebook, X/Twitter, Blogger, Instagram, TikTok or LinkedIn profile are acceptable. I also like seeing folks webpages.
Q1) A Volkswagen Beetle
ReplyDeleteQ2) Porsche
Q3) Anglican
Q4) 2001
Q5) Wyoming
Thanks for the warning, Paul, and well done on spotting it. I keep getting phone calls from people who desperately want to offer me jobs I've never applied for. They are automated calls, but some want you to add them on WhatsApp... And, of course, all kinds of emails. The problem with those, now with AI, is that usually you could spot them because the spelling was atrocious, but AI can help make them sound and look better.
As you say, even when things have a legitimate use, crooks will find a way to twist them and use them for their illegal businesses.
1 VW Beetle
ReplyDelete2 Porsche
3 Orthodox
4 2002
5 Wyoming
Hi Paul sorry to hear about your medical concerns.... bit of a bummer! But hopefully it will be sorted soon. Take care x
ReplyDeleteMy answers for today as follows:
1. Volkswagen Beetle
2. Portchester
3. Anglican
4. 2001
5. Wyoming.
Ps. Great choice of music. Loved the Carl Orff clip.
You should just hang up on these people, Paul. Or don't answer if you don't recognize the number.
ReplyDeleteActually, I think the actor just got very overheated. We had water on-set. Perhaps he should have had more to drink. He seems to be okay now.
1. the Volkswagen Beetle
2. Porsche
3. Anglican
4. 2001
5. Wyoming
Still imprisoned in Portmeirion, I see. :) Well, hey Wales! Be seeing you! Ha ha ...