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From: Don Y <blockedofcourse@foo.invalid>
Newsgroups: sci.electronics.design
Subject: Re: Phishing
Date: Mon, 9 Sep 2024 16:31:21 -0700
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On 9/9/2024 2:50 PM, Joerg wrote:
> On 9/9/24 2:41 PM, Don Y wrote:
>> On 9/9/2024 1:58 PM, Joerg wrote:
>>>> Too late to prevent his ex-wife from sending $400 to "him"...
>>>>
>>>> Maybe she will have learned her lesson?
>>>
>>> Mine was a phone call. Heavy Indian accent, "This is the Windows company. We 
>>> would like to help you solve a problem we have detected with your 
>>> Windows"... me "Oh yeah, you are right, there are at least nine windows here 
>>> that really need cleaning. Do you use Windex for that?"
>>
>> We don't accept calls from "unknown" callers so don't have that problem.
>>
> 
> I don't either but I could not resist to pull that prank.

Our phone simply doesn't ring so there is no "missed opportunity".
(why would I want the phone to annoy me if I'm not going to answer it?)

>> Regardless, one would *think* that folks could use some common sense;
>> "How did this guy discover a problem with MY computer and know the
>> telephone number that would get him in touch with ME?"
>>
>> We're really careful about giving out "personal" information, even to
>> friends, out of fear they will record it in some device that can be
>> compromised and used as a beachhead to access *us*.
>>
>> "My birthdate?  Oh, you MISSED it -- it was a few years ago.  But,
>> that's OK; I wasn't expecting you to acknowledge it...  Thanks
>> for the sentiment, though!"
>>
>> [I use an assortment of random dates when queried by online services,
>> 1/1/1980 being a favorite, for obvious reasons]
> 
> I never give them anything.

Many sites require a "valid date" to complete the "registration"
process.  Some will make the argument that they need "assurance"
that you are of age to be able to enter into a legal relationship.
Others, to ensure you aren't a "minor".  (Amusing to think that
they assume folks will be truthful in their answers and that
simply *asking* the question constitutes "due diligence")

We are also cautious about how to answer "security questions"
(which can also leak information).

"What was the name of your first pet?"
2334 B X Z (a common name, no?)

And, never give out a phone number for 2FA.

Of course, it means you have to keep careful track of your LIES...  :>