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Black Hat
Biggs is a technical journalist with more than seven years of real-world IT experience (programming and management), and he handles complex topics on the page in a fun, easy to understand manner. The book begins with the tale of a hapless spam victim in Germany, and moves on to introduce us to Alan Ralsky, the "spam king of Detroit."
Ralsky describes himself as an honorable marketing professional, but a Detroit Free Press article in November of 2002 pointed out that his computers vomit out more than 650,000 emails each hour. While his label of spammer or marketer may be debatable, there's no question about his efficiency. From the interview with Ralsky, Biggs moves into telling the story of his own struggle with spam. The discussion then turns to various relevant legal and social issues, and this shift is a hallmark of the book's positive qualities.
Black Hat effortlessly moves from straightforward factual reporting to first-person narratives to social and political commentary. The factual sections are just-the-facts-ma'am-reporting that would seem at home in any newspaper or technical journal. The first-person narrative sections are funny and reassuring. For leery technophobes like me, it's nice to know the experts struggle with many of the same computer bugaboos that plague me. The political and social commentary sections succinctly explain legal and cultural influences that shape the world of the internet today.
A good example of the political commentary is the chapter entitled "Upload or Perish: Pirates." As an aspiring author myself, I've always found myself believing that "sharing" intellectual property was inherently wrong. So I chose not to use Napster or Kazaa or the other options and totally agreed with efforts to prosecute active Napster users. But in this chapter, Biggs points out the misguided attempts of the industry by targeting the wrong people in their fight against sharing and piracy. In Eastern Europe and China, there are CD-pressing factories spewing out thousands of copies, complete with jewel case, printed insert, and full-color printing that are almost impossible to distinguish from the real product.
Biggs writes: "BMG Music representative Rob Anderson told me that many of the pirates have better CD and DVD reproducing equipment than even the large, official distributors." The discussion of industry actions targeting the wrong people continues with "Record companies can sue as many 12-year-olds as they want...but the equation will always be the same: piracy cannot be stopped." Detailed explanations of key landmark piracy lawsuits follow and the chapter ends with Biggs providing some suggestions for how the industry can help themselves in more effective ways, rather than attacking kids with home computers and a Jones for Metallica. Quite simply, he states the industry should use the technology to effectively deliver their product, at a reasonable cost, to the consumer. If listeners are going to share files, then the industry should harness the technology instead of stomping their feet and demanding that teenagers continue to trek down to the local mall and spend twenty dollars on a CD that may only have one or two good songs.
Personally, I'm still not sure that I believe in file sharing. Just because something isn't tangible (it's music or it's words or it's code) doesn't mean someone didn't work hard for it and invest in it. But Biggs' illuminating discussion certainly made me see how the industry has mismanaged their very lifeblood. I may not be file sharing anytime soon, but I won't be part of the angry mob hunting down file sharers any longer.
In Black Hat, Biggs manages to clearly explain certain technical aspects of spam, viruses, and other internet parasites. For instance, we've all seen that pile of gibberish at beginning of spam e-mails and Biggs explicates that mess in a way that anyone can understand. Like those rare moments in high-school English class when the teacher explains a poem that you always thought was unintelligible garbage, and the light goes on, and suddenly that long-haired Brit makes sense -- after reading Black Hat, I now understand much of what was to me only gibberish before.
In the chapter entitled "Shockwave: Worms and Viruses," Biggs dissects a simple, working worm. The worm was written by 16-year-old in Austria named Second Part to Hell with a taste for programming to White Zombie. Biggs interviews the worm writer and delves into the world of programmers he likens to sword makers, steeped in art and tradition. They do not include any dangerous payloads in their worms, but the possibility that someone could use the worm for malevolence isn't their concern, any more than the sword maker worries about how the weapon is being used. The dissection of Second Part to Hell's worm begins by actually showing the PHP web-programming code. Biggs then walks through each section, explaining how the worm selects which files to infect, creates a copy of itself, and processes its code to spread, and finally appends itself to the top of each file so it can seek out new victims.
The book goes on to discuss Nigerian 419 scammers, malicious virus writers, hacking legends like Lord Digital, spyware, and ultimately what a user can do to protect their computer and data. Entertaining and educational, Black Hat was a valuable read to a non-technical person like me. Best of all, John Biggs' suggestions for protecting my computer against the frightening aspects of the internet have made my cyber activities more comfortable and secure.
You can purchase Black Hat: Misfits, Criminals, and Scammers in the Internet Age from bn.com. Slashdot welcomes readers' book reviews. To see your own review here, carefully read the book review guidelines, then visit the submission page.
I have to ask, is the treatment of "spyware" and "419 scams" only a mention in the book, or is there some detail given to these important subjects?
Also, I am technical, too, but I readily admit to buying and reading "... for Dummys" series books on many (including technical) subjects. It's nice to see a Slashdot review for this type of book.
Kinetic stupidity has a new brand leader: Allen Zadr.
Those assassination threats are real. Be sure to do as you are told.
When I get an unexpected e-mail, I'm sure it's from some identity theft villain full of virtual lock picks just dying to snatch all my private information.
Because going through life in perpetual fear is always the best way to deal with it.
If you are afraid of something, learn about it. If it doesn't make the fear go away, at least you can learn how to minimize the threat.
(I think that's what this book is about)
Those sending $49.95 will receive a full, detailed rebuttal to these scurrilous attacks against my clients. Or better yet, send your credit card number and we'll just bill you.
I am just curious cause I've been looking for something like this to explain to my parents, both of whom are self-described computer-stupid, and are in need of such knowledge due to some past issues. They're the type of people who might use the acronym CPU and mean a hard drive, if you know what I mean, when describing computer problems. Is this something I could give to them and they'd understand, or is this something I give to someone who's already has a technical understanding of computers?
"What can a thoughtful man hope for mankind on Earth, given the experience of the past million years? Nothing." -Bokonon
From the review
Personally, I'm still not sure that I believe in file sharing. Just because something isn't tangible (it's music or it's words or it's code) doesn't mean someone didn't work hard for it and invest in it. But Biggs' illuminating discussion certainly made me see how the industry has mismanaged their very lifeblood. I may not be file sharing anytime soon, but I won't be part of the angry mob hunting down file sharers any longer.
This suggests that the way to get this message out to people is more through media (books, maybe films?) than just whining about it amongst ourselves or trying to argue with people.
On the other hand, the reviewer is specifically reading the book, looking for this information, rather than having it forced on him, so would seem to be more receptive.
It's just too bad that the media is owned by so few people, all of whom have a vested interest in keeping things the way they are.
Rhymes that keep their secrets will unfold behind the clouds.There upon the rainbow is the answer to a neverending story
At least works like this will help to increase the awareness that the fact that people could be out to screw you over does not disappear and give way to a fairy-tale world just because you go online. People who would feel insecure not locking their cars and their houses do some amazingly stupid things online because there's still this idea that Microsoft or the Web site (think online shopping) or their ISP will take care of all security matters for them. I hope the book sells well, as awareness in this area is sorely needed, plus it sounds entertaining.
It is a miracle that curiosity survives formal education. - Einstein
It's funny, if you go to his site, do a select all and you'll see black on black text with the name: EditRegion1. That's a DreamWeaver template. Oh well, this is an uninteresting fact.
Not even a mention of satelite king Cap'n Crunch.
I am Bennett Haselton! I am Bennett Haselton!
If you are afraid of something, learn about it.
Um, that's probably the reason the reviewer bought the book.
Am I on? or maybe I have a whole chapter... but wait... I have to get caught before anyone knows enough about me to through me in a book.
- Your stupidity got you into this mess, why can't it get you out? -Will Rogers
Okay, you've admitted that you're not technically competent, but now you're claiming that the book is providing you with "more than enough information about how to protect my vulnerable computer"??? How do YOU know? Just because you're paranoid (which is good in this case) doesn't make you competent enough to judge the merits of this text. On the other hand, it just might be a good one.
Just another day in Paradise
But what I lack in technical skills, I more than make up in apprehension about the darker aspects of the internet. What?
This site IS for experts, and we aren't going to be interested in a book that is for 'laymen'.
I think it's a suggestion for our Xmas shopping lists, in order to keep Uncle Louie from calling all the time asking if such-and-such email is fake or not...
Stop by my site where I write about ERP systems & more
Be sure to send this book to your parents then send them here.
:)
My mom didn't find it that funny..
To summarize:
- Misfits, Crinimals, and Scammers, Oh MY!
- Misfits, Crinimals, and Scammers, Oh MY!
Were off to see the Wizard, the wonderful Wizard of WorTheres no place like 127.0.0.1
Theres no place like 127.0.0.1
I've always found myself believing that "sharing" intellectual property was inherently wrong.
Even if it is PART of their business model?
as in shareware, radio, publicly displayed art, etc...
Do you feel you owe an artist or his family a few dollars if you enjoy a statue or a painting?
What about the architect when you enjoy a building or a park?
It's good to post it because we all know someone who could use a book like this.
My mother-in-law, brother-in-law and wife who like to download libraries of "little smilies" from banner ads, chocked full of spyware, who don't understand attachments and their danger are prime examples.
I can explain it till I'm blue in the face, but all I get is a blank stare. A professional writer, with a sense of humour, might be able to get through to them.
I disagree. There are various levels of expertise. I could be an expert in computational theory, but have only a passing familiarity with network intrusion. I think this type of book is great for filling knowledge gaps that each one of us have. And a review of such book is indeed appropriate for /.
Besides, it's important for us technologists to understand the human side of technology. All of these cybercrimes is a result of the innovation that we made and it's imperative that we look towards the social aspects as well as the technical.
"Glory is fleeting but obscurity is forever" - Napoleon Bonapart.
Uh... so?
Should we just sugarcoat everything?
"Oh no, sir, if you choose our information superhighway services you don't run into red, gaping, dilated anuses or any other similar pictures that would scar and twist your and your childrens' fragile little minds forever. No, we don't have identity theft even if you splash you credit card number around the net. We promise you won't receive 200 penis enlargement spams per day, numerous 419 scams on a daily basis or viruses and porn dialers to spice up your internet experience. Bestiality, child porn, liberal ideas, fisting, chix-with-dix? What are you talking about, sir? Oh no, sir. We are here to simply provide you and your family with good, clean, christian family entertainment on the information superhighway".
The owls are not what they seem
That's not a bad reflection on the Journalist, only on me for feeding a Troll.
Kinetic stupidity has a new brand leader: Allen Zadr.
spend twenty dollars on a CD that may only have one or two good songs.
<P>Ah, good, this old chestnut. Guess what? Risk is part of life. The meal you buy may not be up to snuff, the album you buy may not be 100% excellent all the way through. Whoop-de-doo.
<P>Also, that $20 is getting you 60+ minutes of music whereas 25 years ago more money (inflation, remember?) would get you a 35 minute LP.
It doesn't mean much now, it's built for the future.
/. is not only for experts. I am an expert on scams but not computers. I am far from one and I still read /. everyday. It is very informative and educational.
BTW, I can not wait to order this book. It looks like a fun read.
For one, this could be a very useful book for us to buy and hand off to relatives, S.O.'s, bosses, etc.
;-)
Second, nobody said this was a site for experts. It's just news for nerds. No claim as to whether those are *expert* nerds or not.
Condescend much?
I wouldn't worry your pretty little head about it.
Not to start a flame war but I realy don't get spam.
Use the simple aprach of 3 email address types:
Work / Personal only HUMANS get this.
Websites that you trust. This is where you send mail that you get from ebay ect. Also used for stites that you might forget your passward ect. Tends to get a fair amount of psudo spam from things like dell saying "10% off laptops" ect but you may want to look into these things so there not realy spam.
And finaly A new hotmail address every month or so for sites that want personal info to log in ect where you want to look at something but you think you might get spam. Think of it as giving microsoft a DNS attack with every new spam this act needs to deal with.
Basicly, use defence in depth and a willingness to change your email address every once in a while and your golden.
PS: use a web from to handle new customers / tec requests instead of email address on a website and you don't get spam.
It hasn't happened yet, and I doubt that it ever will.
I survived the Dick Cheney Presidency 7 to 9 AM 7-21-07
Personally, I'm still not sure that I believe in file sharing. Just because something isn't tangible (it's music or it's words or it's code) doesn't mean someone didn't work hard for it and invest in it.
I believe the growth of intangibles in our society will require a cultural/corporate paradigm shift. As much as we'd like to believe otherwise, the amount of effort we exert is not the only factor which determines our effort's worth. Supply and Demand.
The proliferation of books and music has traditionally be limited by access and the physical space they take up amongst your personal belongings (unless you go to your Library - Does anyone know if there have been similar historical issues with brick and mortar libraries?). The internet has become a digital library with no return date but, current laws make this illegal.
Here's an idea... How about instead of creating wrapper technologies which block sharing songs, books, and code, all are freely available but wraped in technologies which allow for easy donation to the effort's creator? An encoder which integrates certificates and paypal. I got nothing against middle (wo)men... they can maintain the servers. I can't imagine that this doesn't exist somewhere already...
Michalangelo Progr
Hacker isn't a phrase, it's a word! (follow link in parent to see what I'm complaining about)!
SJW: a person who perceives an injustice, and while correcting it, commits a greater injustice.
But what I lack in technical skills, I more than make up in apprehension about the darker aspects of the internet
Oh, well... in that case you're hired. Who needs technical skills if you're a certified fraidy cat?
"Is this just useless, or is it expensive as well?"
Perhaps this is a touch offtopic, but I think this is a very misunderstood attack strategy on the part of the RIAA and there are quite a few people who seem not to understand it. Not understanding things technical is the point of this thread. =) If I've misrepresented something, someone ought to tell me.
The point of "attacking uploaders" is that people in a P2P network are essentially selfish. So long as they can get their own content, most parties in the network derive no benefit from uploading to others. People are much more likely to "stop uploading" than they are to "stop downloading" because of this. Instead of attacking people where it matters (Stop getting things for free!), the RIAA strategy works by cutting off the supply (Stop this annoying service that eats up your bandwith and doesn't provide you any benefit).
The problem, of course, is that if *everyone* stops sharing, the P2P network ceases to exist, and if a large enough majority stops sharing, the network becomes bogged down by bandwith issues (because the only way to operate a truly efficient network is to have truly distributed bandwith).
Essentially, the "Stop Uploading" attack has little to do with the fact that the RIAA places some sort of greater moral or legal weight on actually copying a file for someone else. Instead, it's a clever, underhanded way of attacking a P2P network designed to fly under the radar of most pseudo-techies operating nodes.
If you're interested in that stuff, I guess it might be worth checking out.
Which is yet another way of saying people fear what they do not understand.
I'm sorry. That was mean.
--- Ban humanity.
I am here to learn. Plus, many /.'ers think they are legal experts and post their legal opinions. What is the difference with a legal expert posting on a programmer board?
Work / Personal only HUMANS get this.
This works quite well, right up until one of these humans who doesn't know what they're doing gets infected with one of those viruses and starts spamming everyone with your address in the from field.
I think that if you look at copyright law, it is not illegal to receive an illegal copy of something. Copyright law makes it illegal to *distribute* copyrighted material.
So the guy downloading a file isn't breaking the law - the guy uploading it is. Or at least they can make a much more clear-cut case in court that the uploader has broken the law.
What?
LETS DECOMPOSE & ENJOY ASSEMBLING
In fact, I'll probably have to get someone to help me add in the tags necessary to convert this review to readable HTML.
/. ID and password, I'd be happy to log in with your ID and add the HTML links to goats^c^c^c^c^c ... um, I mean the HTML to post your story.
If you post your
It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men. -Frederick Douglass
Yes, it would. Too bad that it doesn't work that way in reality. The Baen Free Library has found that the dead-tree copies of their titles actually increase in sales after being posted online for free download.
No book on Black Hats would be complete without an interview with Fyodor in it.
Google confirms: Ruby is the world's most beloved programm
Except that swordmaking takes skill and years of experience, as opposed to running a one-line script.
----
"Ours was a free culture. It is becoming much less so."-Lawrence Lessig
You don't like it, but I hoped that it would be funny. Which makes it more effective than explaining that I don't feel that this guy is very credible, because he seems to feel that the next best thing to understanding something is fearing it.
"John Bigg's new book Black Hat: Misfits, Criminals, and Scammers in the Internet Age is an entertaining and educational book that provides me with more than enough information about how to protect my vulnerable computer."
Considering that you already said that you're not very technical, I fail to see how you are qualified to make this judgement.
Hopefully the book makes the point that the only truly secure computer is one that is locked in a shielded vault without any internet connection (and some would say that the power cord should be unplugged just to make damn sure...).
Even the "experts" have been wrong about what it means to be "secure" before. Once upon a time you were ok as long as you didn't run any executables that were sent to you. Then you were ok as long as you didn't run any server programs. These days just the act of surfing the web without the latest patches or leaving your computer connected to the internet without a firewall is inviting disaster. Who would have thought?
I used to laugh at Star Trek episodes where a virus would make it onto the Enterprise by travelling backwards through a carrier wave or something equally ridiculous, and I always thought "haha, no computer viruse would ever spread that way, fools!". Now I have to think "heck, who knows... in the future maybe computer viruses *will* spread that way".
are scary then others.
The Kruger Dunning explains most post on
it's been shown, over and over, that the 'donation' system does not work with internet distribution.
The Kruger Dunning explains most post on
When I read the title of this article, was anybody else thinking it was some sort of (evil) Red Hat fork?
My rights don't need management.
"When I get an unexpected e-mail, I'm sure it's from some identity theft villain full of virtual lock picks just dying to snatch all my private information."
Nonsense. Just decent, hard-working Nigerians who believe in the virtues of charity. Silly paranoids.
If it bleeds, it leads.
Think about it: even the Bible ends with fire, brimstone, and the Pocyclypse. Humans need conflict and challenge, and have the need to rubberneck at auto crashes, or gossip about the misfortunes of another. This goes back to our earliest days. Why? I don't have an answer to that, probably because my science is rocks, not biology or sociology. But I know that it is so, just as people stare at the fire (or the modern equivalent for most people-the TV).
That's because reading a whole book on line makes your eyes bleed. I would rather buy a book then try and read it on line any day.
As far as I'm concerned, it's lazy journalism.
...
It's not lazy journalism if he talked to BMG Music representative Rob Anderson and that's what the guy said. I agree with the original response, journalists talk to PR people to get more information. They can read press releases on their own, they don't need them regurgitated.
Sloppy journalism cannot be excused, even if it makes an argument you agree with
I totally agree with you here, but you shouldn't assume that things are assumtions, as you seem to imply in your post.
1) I know that China's black market is bad because I've heard about it in the news. Now you could say this is an example of xenophobic paranoia again. However, china online* talks about black martket problems too. Perhaps these countries [are] named to increase xenophobic paranoia, but you should support your point when you imply it is true. Maybe show that there are examples of black markets in the US. Support instead of stating blindly. For example:
2) Why** not? If they can, then they will, at least some of them. One possible reason is that the bootlegger was set up more recently than the legit distributor and so got the best stuff on the market, better than was avaliable to the legit guy, who hasnt been able to upgrade yet. I don't know if this is true, but at least I'm making a theoretically possible arguement.
ok, enough. My point is support arguements you make well, don't troll, and try not to make assumptions.
*this seems to be based in Chicago, kinda weird, but it is "for china" and all its articles focus on china, so I would argue that it is not xenophobic {towards china, at least}.
**saying the fuck doesn't help in most cases
I'm sorry if I misinterpretted the entire parent, and I'm also sorry for feeding a troll.
done
I life my life for myself. Many will think that a selfish attitude, and they are right. But it is no more selfish than those who would tell me how to live my life, for example by telling me to not climb mountains, get shot at, or sleep alone and unprotected in Grizzly country. It is my life, and my choices. I believe that life is about choosing either to live, or merely exist. For me, living is seeking out experiences and challenges, and I'd rather die while living, even if it be fighting to save the life of someone else, rather than to die in a chair of an aneurism.
There better be a whole chapter dedicated to SCO.
"It's the height of ridiculousness to say for those 9 lines you get hundreds of millions."
2) Why the fuck would bootleggers use better quality reproduction systems than the legitimate distributors?
Because they are in free market competition with the legitimate product.
For the protected product you make maximum profit by producing inferior quality items that degrade and must be repurchased periodically.
For the illegitimate product you make maximum profit by producing a superior item, but selling it at a vastly lower price.
It's a market thing.
Nor is the practice restricted to places like China. Major American distributors have been known to set up their own pressing plants and pass off the output as the legitimate product.
KFG
Hard work doesn't necessitate a return on investment
This just won't work. Maybe you should try out this system with your boss: give them your work for free, and make it easy for them to make donations to you. It is very reasonable to try and charge people for your work, even if it is intangible.
There is a precedent with literature and art (in the past), one that much of science currently uses: grants. If these intangible works are in the public good, then the public should sponsor them. In Mexico, artists are allowed to pay their taxes in art. We should up funding for individual artists, not cut off their paychecks.
Your loss. I've read several books on my laptop. IMHO, it's no different than reading slashdot, minus the trolls and lame running gags.
Doesn't it make sense for slashdot to at least post a biographical blurb of the reviewer?
So at least we know some of the potential conflicts of interest or biases that the reviewer may have.
there are many kinds of nerds. I find no place in the FAQ some sort of exact IT criteria to read and post here. I think the other poster was out of line to you and a touch snobbish. No one is an expert in all aspects of nerd-dom.
Because going through life in perpetual fear is always the best way to deal with it.
Perpetual vigilance, on the other hand...
Wouldn't say that I'm paranoid - but back in my windows days - and to some extent even now running Linux - I treat(ed) every email attachment as a potential virus. Probably why I never got infected via email (infected just once, thru other computers at a LAN game.)
I do know some windows users who *are* afraid of viruses - and I'm not sure they are all that wrong to be, either - not when you have to call a tech and pay $ if your computer gets hosed.
SB
It's old. The more humans I meet, the more I like my cats. At least they are honest.
there are many kinds of nerds. I find no place in the FAQ some sort of exact IT criteria to read and post here. I think the other poster was out of line to you and a touch snobbish. No one is an expert in all aspects of nerd-dom. Thanks. I admit that my feelings were hurt. How silly is this? My feelings should not have been hurt. Maybe I am PMS'ing? ;)
I am a ubernerd and have been one since high school band. I am not a programmer but I read this board for very good reasons. I prosecute computer crimes dealing with fraud. I have to understand computers and the types of fraud in order to do this competently. /. has taught me so much and I am so greatful for the stuff I have learned. Why should I not read it or be here? I thought that many programmers here would want a "smarter" public. Including this one attorney.
(Oh yeah, I am a very good mother with guilt. Just ask my two sons!)
yay, don't worry about it. Slashdot, like all uncensored forums, will have it's advantages and disadvantages. It's a large place with many diverse viewpoints and personalities. Being a lawyer you are hip to the concept of sometimes people do *non good* stuff. Happens meatworld as well as cyber world. I'm not a programmer either, just a plain old blue collar laborer kinda guy mostly, but I've always been a hardware and science geek, in school I had the bulging briefcase and sliderule and pocket protector and dorky glasses, heh, so well, here I be, it fits. I like geopolitics and macro economy as well, as a long time hobby of much interest, and we sorta hit on those subjects here as well as strictly "software and programming", so I indulge there for whatever it'sworth. There are a lot of programmers here but it's not exclusively for programmers near as I can tell. If ther owners want to make it that way, they can say so and I'll abide by the rules. Until then, near as I can see, it's for any nerds/geeks, which covers a lot of ground. Just pick and choose what you want, it's all you can do, and don't let the crap get to ya. ;)
Anyway, without violating seekrit priveleged attorney client booshwah stuff, in any vague terms, what's the most interesting computer case you might or might not have had? Might as well have a short interesting little completely off topic side thread.
The same person who said just about everything else of importance: James Brown.
And of course, I should know.
I am endlessly stuck on eBay or other internet auction fraud. Did you know that it is 15% of all consumer fraud in the country right now? ID theft is the biggest but right behind it is Internet Auction fraud. We have many cases in my state of fraud over the internet. I see the trends though. We have many "stupid" criminals. They are the ones that are caught. Like I always say....FOLLOW THE MONEY!
I might be the last person left who has never bought or sold anything from e bay. I've gone browsing a few times to look for neat stuff, but never really did anything there.
..well, it wasn't my bill! Told the telco that I just wan't going to pay for it, as I discovered the scammer and gave them his name, and also the fact that he was a repeat offender, and had scammed phone useage from other peopleas well, and gave them that info so they could cross check complaints. They didn't care much, just said I was liable for it either way. Bogus. I just get a phone through a third party local vendor now. It also made me a real hardcase in giving out information not needed just to be joe consumer, I just stand there and make a stink, give them my fraud story, embarass them. The best one was back when radio shack was still routinely wanting phone number and address and show size and mothers favorite color, etc. I just plain didn't want to give them that to get two batteries and a flashlight bulb stuff. They don't do it now but they used to. I would refuse, they would say "the computer won't let me do the transaction without this info". So I would say something like "FINE, my name is Fred Ziffle and I live at 1600 pennsylvania avenue,washington dc and my zipcode is 90210 and my phone number is 555-1212". Along those lines. Anyway, that's my supermarket discount food club cards now and anyplace else that want's that jazz but doesn't really need it. People are too casual with their important stuff. I'm suspicious on the web in general, even buying online, I got to have a real phone number that works for a company, and then I send a check or a PO money order, I don't do the CC online deal. I love the net, but I am too paranoid now to use a lot of the functions that revolve around my meager stash of cash.
15%, huh? Does seem high, but I guess the anonymity helps fraudsters. Does ebay actually cooperate, or are they slow and obfuscatory?
ID theft is bad, happened to me before,I think one place I worked at had shady people in the ofice, that's how they got the info. Anyway, I had to eat some utility bills they weren't mine,for places I never lived at, and also had a tax snafu, someone used my soc sec # to work against and claimed like no taxes, 13 kids or something. That was bogus deeeee-luxe.. One utility bill, a phone bill, I only paid partially then got mad/annoyed about it, shoot it was over 500 clams, I just didn't have it and
If you are afraid of something, learn about it
I'd love to, but I'm too busy cleaning the sand out of my nostrils.
'No rational religion claims "supernatural" exists, that's an atheist slander.' - seen on slashdot.
If you see someone walking around your house with a pair of shears, watch out, because that's the guy who emailed you saying he's going to get you SNIPPED.