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Posting little details of our life on various threads…

(139 Posts)
Allira Thu 04-Sept-25 09:50:54

Apologies if I sound like an old worry wort 🌸
Can't be too careful - scammers are always trying to keep one step ahead.

Allira Thu 04-Sept-25 09:49:09

luluaugust

I think you are right GG some people do post a lot of detail over time. I don’t know about you but I change names and even locations slightly at times.
Our main credit card was also hacked along with other friends which was from a well known shop, seems to have been a lot lately.

I had two credit cards used by someone from a reputable British firm. I received the goods, needed an exchange and did it by phone. My card details were used by someone for other purchases.
The reputable firm denied that any of their staff would do such a thing. 🤔 I learnt later that apparently they pass the card details on to a third party for a backhander.

Athrawes Thu 04-Sept-25 09:48:32

A good reminder GrannyGravy13
Thanks

Allira Thu 04-Sept-25 09:44:11

I agree, Grannygravy13
I went to a talk about scams; we think we know better and wouldn't be so daft but some scammers are so clever even those who should know about them have been caught.

Did anyone see this BBC programme? I missed it but it's probably still available on iPlayer.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c04nx1vnw17o#:~:text=It%20is%20called%20Shwe%20Kokko,jail%2C%20awaiting%20extradition%20to%20China.
Scam Interceptors is another good programme.

The UK has lost £billions to scammers.

RosieandherMaw Thu 04-Sept-25 09:40:37

Boz

The worst thread for this was "What can you see from your window".
One poster gave the area - the fact that the flat was over Sainburys and over-looking a railway station that was named.

Gobsmacked by so much info. I Googled and found the location within 2 minutes.
Frightening

But we do say where we live on the Good Morning thread, at least that was its original aim, a snapshot of weather round the country and a brief word about our plans for the day.

Jaxjacky Thu 04-Sept-25 09:37:38

All of my passwords are from a random generator and don’t remotely connect to anything in my life, however I understand your concern.

Boz Thu 04-Sept-25 09:34:41

The worst thread for this was "What can you see from your window".
One poster gave the area - the fact that the flat was over Sainburys and over-looking a railway station that was named.

Gobsmacked by so much info. I Googled and found the location within 2 minutes.
Frightening

NotSpaghetti Thu 04-Sept-25 09:12:58

I have never used a date, address etc in a password.
I'm surprised people do to be honest.

Do people do this?

merlotgran Thu 04-Sept-25 09:12:23

Anyone who can work out my passwords from stuff I post on Gransnet must have worked at Bletchley Park during the war.

karmalady Thu 04-Sept-25 09:08:15

Could even be done via commissioning a crafted article via GN and then PM

This is why I remain as neutral as possible, not giving dates for anything, birthday, anniversaries of any type. Like everyone else I have been through the whole gamut of these dates but no-one knows nor will know

luluaugust Thu 04-Sept-25 09:07:01

I think you are right GG some people do post a lot of detail over time. I don’t know about you but I change names and even locations slightly at times.
Our main credit card was also hacked along with other friends which was from a well known shop, seems to have been a lot lately.

25Avalon Thu 04-Sept-25 09:05:38

My IPad will choose and remember difficult passwords for me. Just hope I never lose my iPad but it never leaves the house.

karmalady Thu 04-Sept-25 09:04:06

There is someone on a thread, popped on having been widowed, male and in the `suffering` stage. Now being befriended by one of our regular and vulnerable posters. I know this vulnerable poster uses PMs. Step 2 he could well start to make contact via pm and on it goes

Action fraud speaker said that first they befriend or share common hobbies, interests etc. This vulnerable poster has given many details about herself on GN over past years

GrannyGravy13 Thu 04-Sept-25 08:56:04

I am probably being overly cautious and overthinking this, but having just had my main credit card hacked and used has focused my mind.

Each time we post our favourite book, old fashioned names in family, our favourite this that and the other, gives a would be hacker a helping hand into what may (or may not be) one of our passwords.

We celebrate our GN friends birthdays and anniversary’s on here daily, it is not beyond the realm of someone with dubious motives to put these little gems of information together and wham bam thank you gran they are in.

It is not my intention to frighten, just to be more careful.

Apologies if I sound like an old worry wort 🌸