reply on: Even VPs at Blockstream are getting phished. Do not answer the phone. \ stacker news ~security

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261 sats \ 14 replies \ @grayruby 19 Jan \ on: Even VPs at Blockstream are getting phished. Do not answer the phone. security

I just default to assuming everyone who calls me that I don't know is a scammer. Email too. I once had an issue with my Amex credit card and they called me about it. I didn't believe them so I hung up and called the phone number on the back of the card and it turned out to be true but better safe than sorry.

31 sats \ 4 replies \ @000w2 19 Jan

Data only eSIMs are the way

33 sats \ 3 replies \ @kepford 19 Jan

What, no phone number is the answer to phone based scams? LOL. Sure does cut off a big vector but most people still need a phone number. VOIP numbers have the same issues.

150 sats \ 1 reply \ @000w2 19 Jan

People can call through encrypted messaging apps, for unsolicited contact there's email. Phone numbers are an anachronism.

13 sats \ 0 replies \ @kepford 19 Jan

No argument on that point. The phone system is deeply flawed.

148 sats \ 0 replies \ @NostrDevTeam 19 Jan

Not having a phone number is definitely the way

21 sats \ 1 reply \ @ek 19 Jan

I think I once got a call from the FBI and I just hung up thinking if it’s really them, they probably have better ways to contact me than through a cold call lol

192 sats \ 0 replies \ @grayruby 19 Jan

I once got a call from someone posing as a CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) agent trying to claim I owed back taxes and if I didn't pay immediately they would press charges. I said something to the effect of "I am glad you called did you get my T5063 amendment in the mail". And the guy goes on again about how I owe these taxes. And I reply "yes, I understand but if you review the T5063 amendment I sent you, you will see you actually owe me $5000 dollars, so when can I expect my payment?" and the guy hung up. That was fun.

125 sats \ 5 replies \ @k00b OP 19 Jan

It sounds like these guys are very good, like 10,000+ hours worth of practice, at convincing you they aren't a scammer. At this point, the more legit the call seems, the more suspicious we should be.

79 sats \ 2 replies \ @grayruby 19 Jan

Good point. A highly professional call might be a red flag.

85 sats \ 1 reply \ @k00b OP 19 Jan

I imagine most companies won't try very hard to convince you they are legit at least and probably aren't in a rush.

71 sats \ 0 replies \ @ek 19 Jan

Yeah, in one legit call from a bank, they just asked for my PII before they even introduced themselves, lol

They seemed surprised that I wanted to confirm we were looking at the same document.

38 sats \ 0 replies \ @kepford 19 Jan

I think the urgency is what gets most people. They create a panic emotion and people don't think clearly under pressure.

20 sats \ 0 replies \ @Bell_curve 20 Jan

I was almost duped by a scammer on Telegram recently. He or she sends me a message: how is it going? my reply: I have to evacuate today scammer: do you have time to chat before you evacuate? me: no, fuck you and fuck off

userInfoBot is a great tool for unmasking users on Telegram

33 sats \ 0 replies \ @kepford 19 Jan

Exactly. I default to only answering known numbers.