I have just received an email via the address I use solely for BCTS. This appears to be spam and thus means that someone who knows my email addy may have been compromised.
I "viewed source" and it refers to something called Zorbia which is apparently HongKong based. I didn't look any further and I didn't open it. It went in the bit bucket.
I don't know anyone there (I think) and I don't want invites to strange websites I've never heard of. I prefer to keep myself to myself until I understand what I'm dealing with. No, I don't Twit and I don't FacePlant either.
This address must have come from someone's address book. Erin and Co. are usually hot on such things so I don't think it comes from the mother ship. If you have my address in yours I suggest you do some quiet investigation.
On the Internet, one can never be too careful.
Penny
Comments
Just so you know...
...e-mail addys are not usually cleverly-encrypted random strings of characters with no known referents. There are, in fact spam-bots which do nothing but probe e-mail providers with random destinations in hopes of producing one which doesn't bounce, which is promptly added to one or more lists and sold to spammers as one of "millions of verified e-mail addresses."
This "intrusion" may not be anyone's "fault," but simply the luck of the draw.
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Cheers,
Puddin'
A tender heart is an asset to an editor: it helps us be ruthless in a tactful way.
--- The Chicago Manual of Style
Something else to be aware of.
There has been a change in the TOS(terms of service) of most major e-Mail providers. While no actual "Person" is supposed to be reading your e-Mail bots now scan the the content for "a more targeted internet experience" (wording varies), draw your own conclusions. This also goes for all the main IM providers. Governments are also changing laws so they can tap in to this information. It seems like somebody has decided that privacy doesn't really apply to the internet at all. Unfortunately the only option seems to be not to use e-Mail or IMs.
note: TOS and Privacy Polices are rather difficult reading, they are all in legalese, and what is in the TOS at times seems to contradict the Privacy policies.
PS. don't forget Search Engines either.
Spoofing
Just wait until you get caught in the sights of some worm that decides to make your life miserable like me.
S/he got my phone number and thinks it great sport to call all over the North American continent leaving my number as the missed call number when they hang up. I have had strips taken off me for blocking phone service to medical personnel or waking someone in the middle of the night.
The internet is wonderful but posting instructions for this type activity is worse than irresponsible.
Best
DJ
I ran a quick check and can find nothing ...
... that might be similar.
Just asked a few friends too - they have received nothing similar.
So I breathe a relieved sigh.
J.
I saw your statement about
I saw your statement about Twit & FacePlant and had to pass this on.
Did you hear? UTube, Twitter, and FaceBook are looking to combine into one super-social site... they plan on calling it "UTwitFace".