Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Beware - This scam is alive and well

Scamming alert!

The following was a message that I received from a friend of mine in Melbourne, Victoria Australia.

You may know that I am the world's greatest skeptic about online warnings, but today I have experienced something so believeable it almost sucked me in, so I thought I should pass it on just in case it happens to you (you may have already heard of it).

I was home from work today with my cold when I answered a phone call from a woman with a sub-continental accent on a scratchy line (warning bells!). She was calling from a company called Max Global IT, an official partner of Microsoft based in Clayton (Victoria). When I said I couldn't understand her, she put me onto a guy, who went through the spiel again and said they had recieved an alert through the Microsoft network that we had viruses in our computer (Has the computer been running slowly?; has there been a warning message pop up when you first boot up? etc. Yes to all, plus we had a warning we were about to max our downloads - most unusual for us - so it had some plausibility). I did a quick Google for "Max Global scam" and didn't find anything, so kept the guy on the line. He directed me to a Microsoft Partners page, where the company was listed and included a phone Melbourne phone number, then proceeded to take me into my computer to look at various things, including a list scattered with scary red "Error" dots with white crosses and yellow "Warning" badges that definitely looked like we had a problem, I thought.

Then the line dropped out and I thought that was it, so I called the number on the Max Global website and got a recorded message about being busy, "so call back later" (I'm back to scam mode). Then the guy called back and we talked about why I couldn't get through ("tech problems" that were behind him dropping out, he said), then he passed me over to a bloke with a slimy American-type accent ("a Manager") who said I had every right to be concerned etc but hoped that what they had shown me showed I needed to upgrade my security and that I should talk to one of his "sweeties" (scam mode back on) who would tell me how I could do that and "you have a nice day!"

Of course, his "sweetie" goes straight into what I needed to fix the problem and it would only cost whatever, so how would I like to pay for it? At which point I said, "thank you for alerting me to the problem, I'm going to hang up now" and did!

I was on the phone for more than half an hour. I then rang Microsoft and they quickly said "don't touch it", it is a scam, and pointed me to their news centre where I found the following media release - I experienced virtually every point made.

Sorry it is such a long explanation, but they were highly convincing (and while I usually don't suffer cold callers, I didn't want to dismiss them just because fitted the stereotype, with their Indian/subcontinental accents - hey, I know nothing about computers, so maybe it was real), so watch out and alert others.

Humps

Posted Under Security and Privacy
MICROSOFT ISSUES WARNING ON PHONE SCAM
26 August, 2010 | Sydney, Australia
Microsoft today warned Australians to be wary of a phone scam that has left some victims hundreds of dollars out of pocket.

Scammers are using several well-known brands, including Microsoft, to fool people into believing that something is wrong with their computers. The scam typically unfolds in the following manner:

• A cold caller, claiming to be a representative of Microsoft, one of its brands or a third party contracted by Microsoft, tells the victim they are checking into a computer problem, infection or virus that has been detected by Microsoft.
• They tell the victim they can help and direct them to a website that then allows the scammers to take remote control of the computer.
• The cold caller will then spend some time on the computer trying to demonstrate where the ‘problems’ are and in the process convinces the victim to pay a fee for a service that will fix the computer.

“In reality, there is nothing wrong with their computer but the scammer has tricked the consumer into believing there is a problem and that paying the fee is the best way to get it fixed. Often they will also push the customer to buy a one year computer maintenance subscription. They are just trying to scam innocent Australians out of money,” said Stuart Strathdee, Microsoft Australia’s chief security advisor.

Strathdee also said that the callers presented themselves in a professional manner and sounded genuine.

“Don’t be fooled, Microsoft is not cold calling consumers in regards to malfunctioning PCs, viruses or any other matter,” he said.

“We strongly advise Australians to simply hang up if they receive a call of this nature and not to respond to any communications from these scammers.

“If you’re not sure, contact Microsoft on 13 20 58 or the Police,” he said.

For more information, Microsoft recommends the following resources:

Microsoft Online Safety site
Australian Government

Monday, September 27, 2010

The difference between cats and dogs.

Excerpt from a dog's diary.........


8:00 am - Dog food! My favourite thing!

9:30 am - A car ride! My favourite thing!

9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favourite thing!

10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favourite thing!

12:00 pm - Lunch! My favourite thing!

1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favourite thing!

3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favourite thing!

5:00 pm - Milk Bones! My favourite thing!

7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favourite thing!

8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favourite thing!

11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favourite thing!


By contrast, an excerpt from a cat's diary reads...



Day 983 of my captivity....

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets.

Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to maintain my strength.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape.

In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet. And today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet.

I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I'm capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a 'good little hunter' I am. Bastards!

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. So I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. But I could still hear the noises and smell the food.

I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of 'allergies.' I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking! I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches.

The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return!

He is obviously retarded.

The bird has to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly.

And I'm certain that he reports my every move.

My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe ... for now, anyway.

One final comment. I have been assured by GTF that the above is exactly how it is between the two species.

Mess with seniors at your own peril!!!

This is so true! They always ask at the doctor's office why you are there, and you have to answer in front of others what's wrong and sometimes it is embarrassing.

There's nothing worse than a Doctor's Receptionist who insists you tell her what is wrong with you in a room full of other patients. I know most of us have experienced this, and I love the way this old guy handled it.


A 65-year-old man walked into a crowded waiting room and approached the desk.

The Receptionist said, 'Yes sir, what are you seeing the Doctor for today?'

'There's something wrong with my penis', he replied.

The receptionist became irritated and said, 'You shouldn't come into a crowded waiting room and say things like that. '

'Why not, you asked me what was wrong and I told you,' he said.

The Receptionist replied; 'Now you've caused some embarrassment in this room full of people. You should have said there is something wrong with your ear or something and discussed the problem further with the Doctor in private.'

The man replied, 'You shouldn't ask people questions in a roomful of strangers, if the answer could embarrass anyone. The man walked out, waited several minutes, and then re-entered.

The Receptionist smiled smugly and asked, Yes??'

'There's something wrong with my ear,' he stated.

The Receptionist nodded approvingly and smiled, knowing he had taken her advice. 'And what is wrong with your ear, Sir?'

'I can't pee out of it,' he replied.

The waiting room erupted in laughter.


Mess with seniors and you're going to Lose!

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Sentences that have a kick in the tail.

Paraprosdokian sentences. Some new, some old....

A paraprosdokian (from Greek "παρα-", meaning "beyond" and "προσδοκία", meaning "expectation") is a figure of speech in which the latter part of a
sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected in a way that causes the reader or listener to reframe or reinterpret the first part. It is frequently used for humorous or dramatic effect, sometimes producing an anticlimax. Some paraprosdokians not only change the meaning of an early phrase, but also play on the double meaning,creating a syllepsis...

Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.
Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.
The last thing I want to do is hurt you. But it's still on the list.
Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
If I agreed with you we'd both be wrong.
We never really grow up, we only learn how to act in public.
War does not determine who is right - only who is left.
Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
The early bird might get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.
Evening news is where they begin with 'Good evening', and then proceed to tell you why it isn't.
A bus station is where a bus stops. A train station is where a train stops. On my desk, I have a work station.
How is it one careless match can start a forest fire, but it takes a whole box to start a campfire?
Some people are like Slinkies ... Not good for anything, but you can't help smiling when you see one tumble down the stairs.
Dolphins are so smart that within a few weeks of captivity, they train people to throw them fish.
I thought I wanted a career, turns out I just wanted pay checks.
A bank is a place that will lend you money, if you can prove that you don't need it.
Whenever I fill out an application, in the part that says "If an emergency, notify:" I put "DOCTOR".
I didn't say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you.
Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?
Why do Americans choose from just two people to run for president and 50 for Miss America?
Behind every successful man is his woman. Behind the fall of a successful man is usually another woman.
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice.
Always borrow money from a pessimist. He won't expect it back.
A diplomat is someone who can tell you to go to hell in such a way that you will look forward to the trip.
Hospitality: making your guests feel like they're at home, even if you wish they were.
I scream the same whether I'm about to be eaten by a great white shark or if a piece of seaweed touches my foot.
Some cause happiness wherever they go. Others whenever they go.
There's a fine line between cuddling and holding someone down so they can't get away.
I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not sure.
I always take life with a grain of salt, plus a slice of lemon, and a shot of tequila.
When tempted to fight fire with fire, remember that the Fire Department usually uses water.
You're never too old to learn something stupid.
To be sure of hitting the target, shoot first and call whatever you hit the target.
Nostalgia isn't what it used to be.
A bus is a vehicle that runs twice as fast when you are after it as when you are in it.
If you are supposed to learn from your mistakes, why do some people have more than one child?
Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.

Thanks to young Kellie for the above.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly!!

In life things are not always that simple.

The following are a few scenarios that illustrate the point.

Good, Bad and Ugly

1. Good: Your wife is pregnant.
Bad: It's triplets.
Ugly: You had a vasectomy 5 years ago.

2. Good: Your wife is not talking to you.
Bad: She wants a divorce.
Ugly: She is a Lawyer.

3. Good: Your son is finally maturing.
Bad: He's involved with the woman next door.
Ugly: So are you.

4. Good: Your son studies a lot in his room.
Bad: You find several porn movies hidden there.
Ugly: You're in them.

5. Good: Your hubby and you agree, no more kids.
Bad: You can't find your birth control pills.
Ugly: Your 13 year old daughter borrowed them.

6. Good: Your husband understands fashion.
Bad: He's a cross-dresser.
Ugly: He looks better than you.

7. Good: You give the "birds and bees" talk to your daughter.
Bad: She keeps interrupting.
Ugly: With corrections.

8. Good: The postman's early.
Bad: He's wearing fatigues and carrying a gun.
Ugly: You gave him nothing for Christmas.

9. Good: Your son is dating someone new.
Bad: It's another man.
Ugly: He's your best friend.

10. Good: Your daughter got a new job.
Bad: As a hooker.
Ugly: Your co-workers are her best clients.
Way Ugly: She makes more money than you do!


Thanks once again to young Dee for this.

What makes up 100%

Thanks to young Dee for this piece of practical maths.

What makes 100%?

From a strictly mathematical viewpoint it goes like this:-

What makes 100%?

What does it mean to give MORE than 100%?

Ever wonder about these people who say they are giving more than 100%?

We have all been to these meetings where someone wants you to give over 100%

How about achieving 103%? What makes up 100% in life?

Here's a little mathematical formula that might help you answer these question.

If:

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z is represented as:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26.

Then:

H A R D W O R K

8+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98%

K N O W L E D G E

11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96%

But:

A T T I T U D E

1+20+20++9+20+21+4+5 = 100%

And:

B U L L S H I T

2+21+12+12+19+8+9+20 =103%

AND, Look how far ass kissing will take you.

A S S K I S S I N G

1+19+19+11+9+19+19+9+14+7 =118%

So, one can conclude with mathematical certainty that whilst hard work and knowledge will get you close, and attitude will get you there, it's the bullshit and ass kissing that will put you over the top.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

This has to do with the FB Group site 'My Important Stuff'

I am sending this out to you as a 'wider' audience as you may like to join the site as a friend.

This message is for actioning by the Administrators (Co Founders) of the FB Group Site ' My Important Stuff'.

An early warning. Please be aware that I can ramble. Short sharp sentences are not natural to me. You have been advised!

I am sending this message out to all of you who are the friends of the site as you are considered from now on as being 'observers'. Your job should you so choose is to follow the development of a new www site as it comes together through the collaboration of a team of teens and young twenties. You are encouraged to post comments and to also make comment on any Discussion Page item as you so feel led. You may be surprised to find that the Co Founders take on board your comment, or a variation of it and apply it to the site. Then you have the satisfaction of knowing that you contributed to the development of the site. That to me is fantastic.

Now to get started.

I would like you to action the following over the next week. The items are not in order, however the sooner you start the better, bearing in mind that I want you to be comfortable with everything that is being asked of you. If you do have any concerns, then I can be contacted by email or on 0427 523 119.

1. We have three cell groups involved in the planning. For sake of accountability, I am deeming the first named person as the cell head.

A. Tammy Rossouw, with the remainder of the group comprising Dine Bredenkamp and yet to be named third member and or fourth member

B. Danny Brown, with the remainder of the group comprising Emma Cuerden and yet to be named third member and or fourth member

C. Stephanie Cook, and yet to be named other members of her group.

Just a hint. You may find that the missing member of your group could already be an observer, and should that be the case, please let me know and hopefully we can then bring them across to be a Co Founder should they take up your offer of being involved in a more serious way with the site. Likewise, if you happen to be an observer, and would like to join in one of the above groups then please contact the first named person of the cell to discuss the idea more fully.

The other Co founders are:

D. Sisters, Emily and Claire Williamson who I have gotten to know over the past 12 months on FB. They are both creative in their own ways, and I believe that they can contribute well to the site. I have asked both of the girls to each invite another friend to join them and I am still waiting to hear about their nominated choices.

E. Joshua Hinds. Young Josh will be contributing with the wording side of the site as well as bringing in ideas as to layout , etc.

F. Then there is myself and my wife Vivien along with Graeme Freeloader, a very self opinionated cat whom we will all come to 'tolerate' over time.

2. Go to the FB Group site 'My Important Stuff' (MIS) and click on the Discussions - Co Founder Profiles.

I would like you to add your own profile in the reply box and then hit Post reply and that will add your profile to the site and allow the rest of us to know more about who you are.

As an example, this is the one that I have put on the page:

Graeme Brattle aged 62 years

28 years in the banking industry with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia.
10 years in the mortgage loan industry with Access Home Loans and the Victorian Police Credit Co-op.
Two years with the Commonwealth Government Child Support Agency.

Currently enjoying being involved with the GCCF (Gold Coast Christian Family Church)
Residing at Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast, Queensland Australia.

We will play around and refine the profiles before the www page is up and running, and at that time we will also ask you to provide a picture to go with each of your profiles.

3. Then look at the other Discussion questions and see if there is anything that you would like to add. Already young Dine has made a good comment in relation to the question relating to 'What should the site contain by way of content' her comment was '.... are you only wanting it to be a website where young people can store their important stuff or were you looking into including a social networking/blogging side to it'? My response was the site will try and provide whatever you as the Co Founders would like it to. Provided of course that it is within some $ cost limits, which we would need to discuss with the web designer.

What about ideas for a logo for the site? Feel free to add any comment as it will go into the melting pot and be open for blending in with other ideas.


4. To get an overview of the site that we already have up and running for the over 45's or so and to familiarise yourselves with the content I would like each of you to do the following:

A. Log into the site www.wherethereisawill.com.au

B. Scroll down the left hand side of the Home page and click on the 'Special Offers' link

C. Join the site by clicking on the 'click here and complete the online form'

D. Once you are a member then I would like you to add something that is important to you that you may have kept over the years. The item may be where you keep your favourite teddy, or favourite book or even your favourite sporting item. For example, if you scroll up the Home page to the 'Search for a Document' screen and do a search on our friend Graeme Freeloader DOB 18/09/1947 then you will be able to see where he keeps his collection of furballs.


Well, that is it for now. I hope that you find the items easy enough to follow. Remember, should you have any concerns or questions I can be contacted by email graemebrattle@hotmail.com or on mobile 0427 523 119.

Regards,

Graeme Brattle