Submitted 3 months ago by jeffw@lemmy.world to technology@lemmy.world
https://www.wired.com/story/usps-scam-text-smishing-triad/
It boggles my mind that people fall for these scams, and do so in such large numbers.
So much stupidity and/or so little tech literacy. Ow.
And it’s depressing that there are so many sleazy people out there doing all kinds of bad things in general. Shame.
It doesn’t help that a lot of businesses do the shit that builds the bad habits.
My bank has called me to verify a purchase (as in I called the number on my card and got redirected back to the same person). A variety of businesses routinely send direct action links that immediately request login information. Many online businesses require your phone number for a purchase and immediately opt you in to text messaging without consent.
All that shit teaches people that that shit is normal and legitimate.
It can happen to anyone, even you! All it takes is for you to be a bit tired, stressed, or have a bit of an emotional response and it can quickly spiral.
Hell, even the guy who came up with the term “phishing” clicked a phishing link at the height of his cyber security career and just barely caught himself before providing info.
These people aren’t idiots, they are victims who were tricked.
Yes, you are right of course. It’s a sad state of affairs.
I’ve fallen for it too and I’m technically a security researcher depending on how you read my job description
[# Systematic Destruction (Hacking the Scammers pt. 2)
Taking on the “Smishing Triad”](blog.smithsecurity.biz/systematic-destruction-hac…) g
His blog on the topic if you don’t want the wired summary.
Paywall
Lost_My_Mind@lemmy.world 3 months ago
I don’t have a lot of money. What I do have is a very particular set of skills. Skills I have aquired over a lifetime that make me a problem for people like you. If you return my wifes money, and take her off your list, that will be the end of it. I will not pursue you. If you refuse, I will look for you. I WILL find you. And I will HACK you.
…uh, digitally I mean. I’ll hack your computers. Not like with a machette or anything. Oh my god, could you imagine, going all Jason Voorhees when someone hacks his wife??? Imagine all the blood!!! There would be sooooo much blood if you chopped of a scammers head!!! What were talking about again? Oh yeah!!!
Doon doon doon doon
Chhhh chhhh chhhh chhhh!!!
And then I just hack you to bits…
Can you imagine???
No, really. Try to imagine it.
Just imagine it!!!
IMAGINE ALL THE BLOOD!!!
Ok, I kept you on the phone long enough. I’ve hacked your computer, traced the call, and alerted the police.
Byyyeeeeee!!!