I was so amazed at how obscure it was to delete a comment from Google's Blogger that I decided to create a MyAnswers solution.
The problem is what at first looks like a legitimate comment, often lately becomes apparent it was little more than a cleverly disguised marketing trick, often with a generalised compliment, but possibly with an undesirable link. When I realised after I've accepted the comment, I then wanted to go back and remove the comment. That is when I found it was extremely obscure to remove a comment.
You can find out how to delete a comment from Google Blogger with the MyAnswers solution 1972.
- Kelvin Eldridge
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Alert: Westpac - Security center advisory, iBanking online protection, Account identity check
Today I let three emails past OzEfilter so I could check them out. The reason I decided to check is I consider three different attacks against Westpac at roughly the same time was unusual.
All emails are phishing attempts designed to get people to log on and thus give away their log on details.
Now whilst I and others have noticed most phishing attempts have poor grammar, it occurred to me the spelling is a very obvious way for Australians to flag that something isn't quite right. In Australia our preferred spelling has evolved to be slightly different from other parts of the English speaking world.
The subject: Security center advisory is a dead giveaway. The spelling of centre as center is something I'd never expect a reputable bank to send out in an email.
However, as a result of my work creating the preferred Australian English spellcheck dictionary, it occurred to me all of these emails contained the word authorization, as can be seen in the following paragraph.
Please pay attention that your online banking account is suspended because of missing information. In order for it to remain active,please pass the account authorization process.
I decided to check how often Westpac uses authorization as opposed to authorisation (the preferred Australian English spelling) by doing a search on their web site.
The results were:
authorization: 2
authorisation: 146
That's an amazing 73 to 1 usage of the preferred spelling over the secondary spelling in Australia. Both spelling variations are valid in Australia. The preferred spelling however is authorisation.
I thought this observation was very interesting. Because many people in Australia consider the ize spelling to be American (they don't realise it is a valid Australian spelling, but yes it is the single American way to spell the word) they will almost instinctively feel there is something not quite right with the email. Listen to you instincts. If something doesn't feel right, it often isn't.
Large companies in Australia spend a considerable amount of time and money on presentation. Before something is released to the public, it will generally have been reviewed, possibly by a number of people. Phishing attempts generally won't put the same amount of effort into their writing. The use of the wrong spelling, bad punctuation, poor grammar, missing spaces and poor layout, are obvious signs of phishing attempts. Some phishing attempts are amazing in their quality of presentation, but most phishing attempts aren't up to the standard of bank correspondence and that should flag that something might not quite be right in an suspect email.
I hope this observation about the Australian English language assists others to spot suspect emails.
- Kelvin Eldridge
All emails are phishing attempts designed to get people to log on and thus give away their log on details.
Now whilst I and others have noticed most phishing attempts have poor grammar, it occurred to me the spelling is a very obvious way for Australians to flag that something isn't quite right. In Australia our preferred spelling has evolved to be slightly different from other parts of the English speaking world.
The subject: Security center advisory is a dead giveaway. The spelling of centre as center is something I'd never expect a reputable bank to send out in an email.
However, as a result of my work creating the preferred Australian English spellcheck dictionary, it occurred to me all of these emails contained the word authorization, as can be seen in the following paragraph.
Please pay attention that your online banking account is suspended because of missing information. In order for it to remain active,please pass the account authorization process.
I decided to check how often Westpac uses authorization as opposed to authorisation (the preferred Australian English spelling) by doing a search on their web site.
The results were:
authorization: 2
authorisation: 146
That's an amazing 73 to 1 usage of the preferred spelling over the secondary spelling in Australia. Both spelling variations are valid in Australia. The preferred spelling however is authorisation.
I thought this observation was very interesting. Because many people in Australia consider the ize spelling to be American (they don't realise it is a valid Australian spelling, but yes it is the single American way to spell the word) they will almost instinctively feel there is something not quite right with the email. Listen to you instincts. If something doesn't feel right, it often isn't.
Large companies in Australia spend a considerable amount of time and money on presentation. Before something is released to the public, it will generally have been reviewed, possibly by a number of people. Phishing attempts generally won't put the same amount of effort into their writing. The use of the wrong spelling, bad punctuation, poor grammar, missing spaces and poor layout, are obvious signs of phishing attempts. Some phishing attempts are amazing in their quality of presentation, but most phishing attempts aren't up to the standard of bank correspondence and that should flag that something might not quite be right in an suspect email.
I hope this observation about the Australian English language assists others to spot suspect emails.
- Kelvin Eldridge
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Alert: Link exchange proposal between and my site
I often receive these link exchange requests. In years gone by requests link exchange requests looked like they were written by the person concerned. A check of the site and you'd see their name on the site and you had a pretty good feeling as to whether or not you wanted to exchange links.
Now I receive link exchange requests most days, and sometime multiple requests a day. I've tried to unsubscribe with no effect. They just keep coming. That's OK because usually I just let OzEfilter delete them at the mail server so they don't get read or reach me.
In this case the email was sent from Peru. I checked the site and it has Google advertising which is designed to generate them income by people clicking on the ads. There are a serious of articles. I checked the About page and they hadn't bothered to enter any information. This site feels like it has been quickly set up as a marketing exercise.
I really don't know the idea behind these sites. Maybe it is to get people to visit the site and click on the Google ads. The marketers could be sending out hundreds of thousands of these invitations and if a small percentage link to them that could get them traffic and clicks.
The following is the body of the email I received today.
My name is, Web Marketing Consultant. I’ve greatly enjoyed looking through your site justlocal.com.au and I was wondering if you'd be interested in exchanging links with my website, which has a related subject. I can offer you a HOME PAGE link back from 2 of my Online Business websites which are:
with page rank 3 with page rank 3
If you are interested, please send me the following details of your
site:
TITLE:
URL:
I'll add your link as soon as possible, in the next 24 hours. As soon as it's ready, I'll send you a confirmation email along with the information (TITLE and URL) regarding my site to placed at yours.
I hope you have a nice day and thank you for your time.
Kindest regards,
My feeling is you should delete these emails and ignore them. Their approach appears is to use a standard template to simply market themselves. It is highly unlikely they have never visited your site or read what your site offers. You'll see there is nothing in the email that relates to my site except for the domain. Anything they've included about me is easily harvested from the internet.
In this case the lack of real contact details on the site is a concern. The fact the email came from Peru flags that something is a bit weird. Checking the domain shows it is registered in Peru, but then checking the site for the domain contact shows another site quickly put together with an About page that has not been set up.
I'd suggest to anyone receiving these offers to simply bin them. If you want to exchange links get to know the people. Make sure they are bona fide and you'd be happy to refer people to them. Your users will thank you for the extra effort.
- Kelvin Eldridge
PS. Another clue I missed in the domain registry information which indicates this request is highly suspect is the domain was registered two days ago. I wouldn't be interested in exchanging links with a site that has zero track record. There is nothing to say it will still be around in two more days.
Take care with any unsolicited offers you receive via the internet.
Now I receive link exchange requests most days, and sometime multiple requests a day. I've tried to unsubscribe with no effect. They just keep coming. That's OK because usually I just let OzEfilter delete them at the mail server so they don't get read or reach me.
In this case the email was sent from Peru. I checked the site and it has Google advertising which is designed to generate them income by people clicking on the ads. There are a serious of articles. I checked the About page and they hadn't bothered to enter any information. This site feels like it has been quickly set up as a marketing exercise.
I really don't know the idea behind these sites. Maybe it is to get people to visit the site and click on the Google ads. The marketers could be sending out hundreds of thousands of these invitations and if a small percentage link to them that could get them traffic and clicks.
The following is the body of the email I received today.
My name is
If you are interested, please send me the following details of your
site:
TITLE:
URL:
I'll add your link as soon as possible, in the next 24 hours. As soon as it's ready, I'll send you a confirmation email along with the information (TITLE and URL) regarding my site to placed at yours.
I hope you have a nice day and thank you for your time.
Kindest regards,
My feeling is you should delete these emails and ignore them. Their approach appears is to use a standard template to simply market themselves. It is highly unlikely they have never visited your site or read what your site offers. You'll see there is nothing in the email that relates to my site except for the domain. Anything they've included about me is easily harvested from the internet.
In this case the lack of real contact details on the site is a concern. The fact the email came from Peru flags that something is a bit weird. Checking the domain shows it is registered in Peru, but then checking the site for the domain contact shows another site quickly put together with an About page that has not been set up.
I'd suggest to anyone receiving these offers to simply bin them. If you want to exchange links get to know the people. Make sure they are bona fide and you'd be happy to refer people to them. Your users will thank you for the extra effort.
- Kelvin Eldridge
PS. Another clue I missed in the domain registry information which indicates this request is highly suspect is the domain was registered two days ago. I wouldn't be interested in exchanging links with a site that has zero track record. There is nothing to say it will still be around in two more days.
Take care with any unsolicited offers you receive via the internet.
Friday, April 09, 2010
Alert: UPS Delivery Problem NR.1266955
I received an email today which included an EXE file attachment (a program). I decided not to have OzEfilter delete the email so I could check for malware. The malware wasn't picked up by Microsoft Security Essentials as malware and the attachment is potentially harmful. The attachment is named UPS_invoice_1683.zip which contains the program UPS_invoice_1683.exe.
The body of the email is the following:
Dear customer!
Unfortunately we were not able to deliver the postal package sent on the 14th of January in time because the addressee's address is wrong.
Please print out the invoice copy attached and collect the package at our department.
United Parcel Service of America.
Performing an update on Microsoft Security Essentials did not detect the malware as a newer update had not been released. The current definitions version is 1.79.1453.0.
I also submitted the file to the online scanning service mentioned in MyAnswers solution 1890 and will update this post later with the result.
One thing I did find interesting with the malware file is the file has an icon which is designed to make it look like it is a word document. I've found people in the past being tricked when they felt an attachment was a Word document. This is not a Word document.
You should delete this type of email.
- Kelvin Eldridge
UPDATE: The attachment has now been confirmed as new malware.
The body of the email is the following:
Dear customer!
Unfortunately we were not able to deliver the postal package sent on the 14th of January in time because the addressee's address is wrong.
Please print out the invoice copy attached and collect the package at our department.
United Parcel Service of America.
Performing an update on Microsoft Security Essentials did not detect the malware as a newer update had not been released. The current definitions version is 1.79.1453.0.
I also submitted the file to the online scanning service mentioned in MyAnswers solution 1890 and will update this post later with the result.
You should delete this type of email.
- Kelvin Eldridge
UPDATE: The attachment has now been confirmed as new malware.
Thursday, April 08, 2010
MyTreasure: How To Start A Business On Your Kitchen Table and The five Pillars Of Guaranteed Business Success added.
I've now updated my list of books available on my MyTreasure book page. The books that have been added are:
The 5 Pillars Of Guaranteed Business Success by Dr Greg Chapman
How To Start A Business On Your Kitchen Table by Barbara Gabogrecan
Happy reading,
- Kelvin Eldridge
The 5 Pillars Of Guaranteed Business Success by Dr Greg Chapman
How To Start A Business On Your Kitchen Table by Barbara Gabogrecan
Happy reading,
- Kelvin Eldridge
Alert: I recevied a Diners Club International/ANZ statement and I don't use their services
Yesterday I received a statement from Diners Club International which also had the ANZ logo. Whilst the statement was for the amount $0.00, receiving a statement for a card that I don't use, from a bank that I don't use was a real concern. I'd advise anyone in this situation to call Diners Club International.
Today I followed up. It turned out the problem occurred as a result of software migration. I've not been a member of Diners Club. It has been years since I used ANZ, but I do recall the ANZ sending me out an application. The application I am lead to believe was a pre-approved application.
I now suspect that as part of the software migration process, pre-approved inactive accounts with no balance, had statements generated that shouldn't have been created and sent out. As a developer I understand how such a situation can occur.
According to the customer support person I spoke to, this has happened to others and the account will now flagged for review and followed up by another department.
The reason it is important to follow up in this type of situation is the potential for identity theft. It is important to know that no one is trying to open an account in your name. If you receive a letter or statement like this, make sure you contact the company concerned and record the date, time and name of the person you speak to, and keep a record for later reference. I've learnt the hard way that you need to keep details.
So in summary, this is a procedural error in the IT systems and there is no reason to be concerned. Just make sure if it happens to you, to follow up with the organisation concerned.
- Kelvin Eldridge
Today I followed up. It turned out the problem occurred as a result of software migration. I've not been a member of Diners Club. It has been years since I used ANZ, but I do recall the ANZ sending me out an application. The application I am lead to believe was a pre-approved application.
I now suspect that as part of the software migration process, pre-approved inactive accounts with no balance, had statements generated that shouldn't have been created and sent out. As a developer I understand how such a situation can occur.
According to the customer support person I spoke to, this has happened to others and the account will now flagged for review and followed up by another department.
The reason it is important to follow up in this type of situation is the potential for identity theft. It is important to know that no one is trying to open an account in your name. If you receive a letter or statement like this, make sure you contact the company concerned and record the date, time and name of the person you speak to, and keep a record for later reference. I've learnt the hard way that you need to keep details.
So in summary, this is a procedural error in the IT systems and there is no reason to be concerned. Just make sure if it happens to you, to follow up with the organisation concerned.
- Kelvin Eldridge
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
Inspirational books by authors like Michael Gerber, John Gray, Robert Kiyosaki, Stephen Covey and others.
If you're a budding entrepreneur, or simply interested in personal development, I'm now making a few of my books available for others in the local area. A small fee applies for borrowing the books with the aim of growing the collection. The books currently available are:
The E Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber
Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus by John Gray
Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T Kiyosaki
The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People by Stephen R Covey
The Biology Of Success by Dr Bob Arnot
The New Dynamics Of Winning by Denis Waitley
I've also included the following books for those interested.
Playing With Fire by Gordon Ramsay
Super Highway To Success by Lee-Ann Gottani
Feng Shui by Sarah Rossbach
You can find these books via MyTreasure or use the following link.
MyTreasure is currently in beta. It is an excellent way to sell, share, swap, rent or simply give away your excess items. MyTreasure was used to create the page. The page was then modified to suit my requirements, but doesn't need to be modified by others.
Happy reading.
- Kelvin Eldridge
The E Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber
Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus by John Gray
Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T Kiyosaki
The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People by Stephen R Covey
The Biology Of Success by Dr Bob Arnot
The New Dynamics Of Winning by Denis Waitley
I've also included the following books for those interested.
Playing With Fire by Gordon Ramsay
Super Highway To Success by Lee-Ann Gottani
Feng Shui by Sarah Rossbach
You can find these books via MyTreasure or use the following link.
MyTreasure is currently in beta. It is an excellent way to sell, share, swap, rent or simply give away your excess items. MyTreasure was used to create the page. The page was then modified to suit my requirements, but doesn't need to be modified by others.
Happy reading.
- Kelvin Eldridge
Friday, April 02, 2010
Why I created the Electricity Cost Calculator
If you're interested in saving energy around the home or office, I wrote up a short article about why I created the Energy Cost Calculator. The Energy Cost Calculator and power meter have enabled me to reduce our electricity bill by around 20%. Click here to read the article. You can also access the article from the Energy Cost Calculator page.
- Kelvin Eldridge
- Kelvin Eldridge
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Easter 2010 and Greek Easter
Easter is almost here. The Easter period is Friday the 2nd of April to Monday the 5th of April. Whilst I've always known Good Friday and Easter Monday are holidays in Victoria, I thought it was interesting to see Easter Saturday is also a public holiday in Victoria. I must admit I didn't know that.
Today I heard a couple of people talking about Greek Orthodox Easter. I remember in my younger years wondering why Greek's had Easter on a different day so I decided it was time to do a bit of reading.
I found the article on GreekCity to be quite interesting and the article on Wikipedia shows the Western and Eastern dates for Easter to be the same this year and next. The reason for the difference between the days Easter falls on is quite interesting.
To everyone have a great Easter.
- Kelvin Eldridge
Tags: Greek Easter, Orthodox Easter, Easter Orthodox
Today I heard a couple of people talking about Greek Orthodox Easter. I remember in my younger years wondering why Greek's had Easter on a different day so I decided it was time to do a bit of reading.
I found the article on GreekCity to be quite interesting and the article on Wikipedia shows the Western and Eastern dates for Easter to be the same this year and next. The reason for the difference between the days Easter falls on is quite interesting.
To everyone have a great Easter.
- Kelvin Eldridge
Tags: Greek Easter, Orthodox Easter, Easter Orthodox
Monday, March 29, 2010
Sell your excess items for FREE.
You can now sell your excess items using MyTreasure for free. The program has always been free, but required you to use your own free space on the internet, or to pay for hosting from me. I decided to make things much easier and simply provide free hosting.
Now you can download MyTreasure, get your list of items together and then request a username and password to use with MyTreasure and I'll set up the free space for you to use.
How can selling my items be free when everyone else is charging to advertise my items, or charge base listing fee and then a commission?
The answer is the MyTreasure page you create includes advertising. For those who wish to participate in Virtual Profit Sharing (it is free to join Virtual Profit Sharing) you can enter your Virtual Profit Sharing code and if people click on the ads and subsequently buy from a Virtual Profit Sharing partner, you get a share of the profit. So not only do you get free advertising to sell your excess items, but VPS members also get another way to get some money.
Now is the time to get some cash for those excess items you have laying around the place taking up space. Download MyTreasure and get stated. You may just end up raising enough money to pay for your next well earned holiday. That's what I call treasure.
- Kelvin Eldridge
Now you can download MyTreasure, get your list of items together and then request a username and password to use with MyTreasure and I'll set up the free space for you to use.
How can selling my items be free when everyone else is charging to advertise my items, or charge base listing fee and then a commission?
The answer is the MyTreasure page you create includes advertising. For those who wish to participate in Virtual Profit Sharing (it is free to join Virtual Profit Sharing) you can enter your Virtual Profit Sharing code and if people click on the ads and subsequently buy from a Virtual Profit Sharing partner, you get a share of the profit. So not only do you get free advertising to sell your excess items, but VPS members also get another way to get some money.
Now is the time to get some cash for those excess items you have laying around the place taking up space. Download MyTreasure and get stated. You may just end up raising enough money to pay for your next well earned holiday. That's what I call treasure.
- Kelvin Eldridge
Friday, March 26, 2010
IT: Apple iPhone - This accessory is not made to work with iPhone
There was no accessory attached to the iPhone, and selecting Yes whilst putting the iPhone into Airplane Mode, still didn't fix the problem. The message kept popping up every few minutes and was really quite annoying.
Interestingly the problem vanished once I returned to Melbourne. The only thing I can put it down to is Merimbula had great weather that was a little more humid. The problem hasn't returned.
On the internet I found others having similar problems, and in some cases they had their iPhone swapped under warranty, but I wanted to share this experience in case it helps others. It may simply be a matter of some moisture causing a problem. I don't know what caused the problem, but perhaps knowing it might vanish may assist others.
- Kelvin Eldridge
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Alert: Facebook Password Reset Confirmation NR.43452
I received the following email which included the attachment: Facebook_password_Nr2457.zip which contains the file Facebook_password_Nr2457.exe.
Microsoft Security Essentials did not detect this attachment as being malware, yet there is no doubt to me it is malware. Using OzEfilter I would have deleted this email at the mail server safely away from my computer.
Hey ,
Because of the measures taken to provide safety to our clients, your password has been changed.
You can find your new password in attached document.
Thanks,
The Facebook Team.
I would advise that if you receive this email to delete the email and not open the attachment.
- Kelvin Eldridge
PS. This has been confirmed as malware by the service I use as detailed in MyAnswers solution 1890.
Microsoft Security Essentials did not detect this attachment as being malware, yet there is no doubt to me it is malware. Using OzEfilter I would have deleted this email at the mail server safely away from my computer.
Hey
Because of the measures taken to provide safety to our clients, your password has been changed.
You can find your new password in attached document.
Thanks,
The Facebook Team.
I would advise that if you receive this email to delete the email and not open the attachment.
- Kelvin Eldridge
PS. This has been confirmed as malware by the service I use as detailed in MyAnswers solution 1890.
Alert: Google AdWords - Why are my ads not running?
If you receive an email with the subject: Google AdWords - Why are my ads not running?, this is a phishing attempt most likely aimed at getting your Adwords username and password.
Using Outlook if you hover your mouse over the Click here to review your ads and let us know if we made a mistake., you'll see the address displayed and you will see it is not a Google site.
Our advice is to delete these emails.
OzEfilter showed me this email was from the Netherlands which is another indicator it is a fake.
- Kelvin Eldridge
Using Outlook if you hover your mouse over the Click here to review your ads and let us know if we made a mistake., you'll see the address displayed and you will see it is not a Google site.
Our advice is to delete these emails.
OzEfilter showed me this email was from the Netherlands which is another indicator it is a fake.
- Kelvin Eldridge
Disposable email addresses
Today I received a request from a person using a disposable email address. My belief is it is completely their right to use a disposable email address. That is their choice. However what I do is then my choice.
In Australia we have excellent anti-spam laws, and in general, most Australian business I have dealt with that have sent spam either don't generally realise they are breaking the anti-spam laws, or at a minimum, immediately remove your details when asked. Australians are generally a good bunch and this shows with spam. From my measurements less than 1% of spam originates from Australia. I actually suspect some of that spam may come from infected computers but those will be generalised marketing material and not a specific directed email request. Around 99% of spam comes from overseas.
All email sent from me are to people who have given me their email address either in person, or by providing the information via a form or email. I make no exception. I use no third party lists. If you ask me to remove your details I will immediately delete your details from my database and send an email thanking you for taking the time to let me know what I do isn't of interest to you.
If I receive an email from someone using a disposable email address I take the attitude they don't value what I do enough to provide bona fide details. They simply haven't spent a moment to check out the information I provide on the site. In that case I simply delete the email. If someone doesn't respect what I do and value my time and effort. I am extremely appreciative of the time and effort people give to me and I try to show as much respect as I can. I only ask others to treat me in the same way.
If I receive an email from any of the following domains (and any others I identify as businesses providing disposable email addresses) then I apologise in advance that you won't receive a response. I still respect your right to choose and I do appreciate your reasons for your choice. I only ask you respect me right to choose not to respond.
spamgourmet.net
spamgourmet.org
spamcannon.net
antichef.com
antichef.net
neverbox.com
recursor.net
dfgh.net
spameater.org
xoxy.net
mycleaninbox.net
inboxclean.org
0wnd.net
0wnd.org
mamber.net
9ox.net
mailinator.com
zippymail.info
PutThisInYourSpamDatabase.com
ThisIsNotMyRealEmail.com
binkmail.com
SpamHerePlease.com
SpamHereLots.com
SendSpamHere.com
chogmail.com
SpamThisPlease.com
frapmail.com
obobbo.com
devnullmail.com
trash2009.com
mt2009.com
trashymail.com
mytrashmail.com
owlpic.com
fificorp.com
fificorp.net
fificorp.com
anonymbox.com
MailEater.com
explodemail.com
spamfree24.org
spamfree24.de
spamfree24.info
spamfree24.com
spamfree24.au
trashmail.net
guerrillamailblock.com
- Kelvin Eldridge
In Australia we have excellent anti-spam laws, and in general, most Australian business I have dealt with that have sent spam either don't generally realise they are breaking the anti-spam laws, or at a minimum, immediately remove your details when asked. Australians are generally a good bunch and this shows with spam. From my measurements less than 1% of spam originates from Australia. I actually suspect some of that spam may come from infected computers but those will be generalised marketing material and not a specific directed email request. Around 99% of spam comes from overseas.
All email sent from me are to people who have given me their email address either in person, or by providing the information via a form or email. I make no exception. I use no third party lists. If you ask me to remove your details I will immediately delete your details from my database and send an email thanking you for taking the time to let me know what I do isn't of interest to you.
If I receive an email from someone using a disposable email address I take the attitude they don't value what I do enough to provide bona fide details. They simply haven't spent a moment to check out the information I provide on the site. In that case I simply delete the email. If someone doesn't respect what I do and value my time and effort. I am extremely appreciative of the time and effort people give to me and I try to show as much respect as I can. I only ask others to treat me in the same way.
If I receive an email from any of the following domains (and any others I identify as businesses providing disposable email addresses) then I apologise in advance that you won't receive a response. I still respect your right to choose and I do appreciate your reasons for your choice. I only ask you respect me right to choose not to respond.
spamgourmet.net
spamgourmet.org
spamcannon.net
antichef.com
antichef.net
neverbox.com
recursor.net
dfgh.net
spameater.org
xoxy.net
mycleaninbox.net
inboxclean.org
0wnd.net
0wnd.org
mamber.net
9ox.net
mailinator.com
zippymail.info
PutThisInYourSpamDatabase.com
ThisIsNotMyRealEmail.com
binkmail.com
SpamHerePlease.com
SpamHereLots.com
SendSpamHere.com
chogmail.com
SpamThisPlease.com
frapmail.com
obobbo.com
devnullmail.com
trash2009.com
mt2009.com
trashymail.com
mytrashmail.com
owlpic.com
fificorp.com
fificorp.net
fificorp.com
anonymbox.com
MailEater.com
explodemail.com
spamfree24.org
spamfree24.de
spamfree24.info
spamfree24.com
spamfree24.au
trashmail.net
guerrillamailblock.com
- Kelvin Eldridge
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Alert: Domain Notification: This is your Final Notice of Domain Listing -
I received this email today which comes across as a warning that I needed to renew one of my domains. My domain doesn't need renewing and is not with the company sending the email. The company sending the email has the following details.
Domain Services
47-47 36th Street #16452
Long Island City, NY 11101
United States of America
If you receive a domain renewal notice always treat it with suspicion. The domain and contact details are public. In this case this company is using what I consider to be a scare tactic aimed at putting the domain holder under pressure. When under pressure people will make mistakes.
Some years ago this approach was very common in Australia, was frowned upon and has now largely stopped. This company is based in the United States.
Interestingly those who fall for this type of email end up paying much more for their domain registration and often don't realise they have transferred their domain to a completely different company. Normally the cost to register a COM domain is around $10USD for a year. This company charges $75USD for one year.
The intent of this type of notice is to trick people to move their domain from their existing registrar and in the process end up paying much more.
If you receive a domain renewal notice go to your domain registrar's site and check your expiry details. If your domain needs renewing renew it through their site. Don't use links in an email you receive as the email may be a fake.
- Kelvin Eldridge
Tags: domain registration, domain registrar, domain registry, domain name registration
Domain Services
47-47 36th Street #16452
Long Island City, NY 11101
United States of America
If you receive a domain renewal notice always treat it with suspicion. The domain and contact details are public. In this case this company is using what I consider to be a scare tactic aimed at putting the domain holder under pressure. When under pressure people will make mistakes.
Some years ago this approach was very common in Australia, was frowned upon and has now largely stopped. This company is based in the United States.
Interestingly those who fall for this type of email end up paying much more for their domain registration and often don't realise they have transferred their domain to a completely different company. Normally the cost to register a COM domain is around $10USD for a year. This company charges $75USD for one year.
The intent of this type of notice is to trick people to move their domain from their existing registrar and in the process end up paying much more.
If you receive a domain renewal notice go to your domain registrar's site and check your expiry details. If your domain needs renewing renew it through their site. Don't use links in an email you receive as the email may be a fake.
- Kelvin Eldridge
Tags: domain registration, domain registrar, domain registry, domain name registration
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Aluminium cans
The thought of aluminium cans being a good way for community groups to raise funds I'm sure enters the mind of many people including myself. I decided to investigate and share what I find in case it helps others.
The average aluminium can weighs 14.7 grams (based on 2005 figures)
It thus takes 68 cans to make a kilogram.
I called a scrap merchant and they will pay 80 cents per kilogram.
Each can is thus worth around 1.18 cents.
A few months ago I decided to start collecting cans rather than throwing them into the recycle bin. I've collected 158, or nearly $2 worth. Over a year I'd probably end up collecting about $10 worth of cans.
I can't help but feel that with 300 houses around me. If everyone collected $10 worth of cans a year, then collectively we could donate around $3,000 a year to local groups. A school for example could start a collect-a-can project. Our local primary school has around 300 students and our local secondary college has over 1200 students. If the families chipped in their cans say quarterly, there would be a nice bonus for the school. The same applies to community groups.
I also asked about collection, as it really isn't worth the time for everyone to drive kilometres and back to drop off cans. We agreed a good size to make it worthwhile would be around 100kg, although smaller amounts would be OK too. But really, to me, we should minimise travel and thus the cost on our environment.
To save room cans should be crushed. I recently saw a can crusher for sale, but given the money you get for each can, it'd probably be best just to donate the money. I stand on my cans wearing sturdy footwear. It could be easy to twist your ankle if you slip so be careful. I've also seen another person crush their cans using a very heavy industrial hammer.
I hope the above information helps others.
- Kelvin Eldridge
PS. I found this neat trick with a can I thought I'd share. If you leave around 20% of the contents of the can in the bottom of the can, you can balance the can on the bottom rim so it sits at about a 45 degree angle. It's a great looking effect.
PPS. Thanks to Boomerang Scrap Metal Pty Ltd for their time answering questions.
Tags: aluminium cans, aluminium can, recycling cans, aluminum cans
The average aluminium can weighs 14.7 grams (based on 2005 figures)
It thus takes 68 cans to make a kilogram.
I called a scrap merchant and they will pay 80 cents per kilogram.
Each can is thus worth around 1.18 cents.
I can't help but feel that with 300 houses around me. If everyone collected $10 worth of cans a year, then collectively we could donate around $3,000 a year to local groups. A school for example could start a collect-a-can project. Our local primary school has around 300 students and our local secondary college has over 1200 students. If the families chipped in their cans say quarterly, there would be a nice bonus for the school. The same applies to community groups.
I also asked about collection, as it really isn't worth the time for everyone to drive kilometres and back to drop off cans. We agreed a good size to make it worthwhile would be around 100kg, although smaller amounts would be OK too. But really, to me, we should minimise travel and thus the cost on our environment.
To save room cans should be crushed. I recently saw a can crusher for sale, but given the money you get for each can, it'd probably be best just to donate the money. I stand on my cans wearing sturdy footwear. It could be easy to twist your ankle if you slip so be careful. I've also seen another person crush their cans using a very heavy industrial hammer.
I hope the above information helps others.
- Kelvin Eldridge
PS. I found this neat trick with a can I thought I'd share. If you leave around 20% of the contents of the can in the bottom of the can, you can balance the can on the bottom rim so it sits at about a 45 degree angle. It's a great looking effect.
PPS. Thanks to Boomerang Scrap Metal Pty Ltd for their time answering questions.
Tags: aluminium cans, aluminium can, recycling cans, aluminum cans
Monday, March 22, 2010
Malware alert: Verify your ANZ online Bank statement for the month of march
By now I would have thought most people would simply delete this type of email. But recently on the news I've heard of people responding to emails like this so I thought it best to continue to warn others.
Delete these emails. They are attempting to trick people into revealing their banking details.
I highly recommend people do not provide their email address to a financial institution. There is no reason for them to keep your email address on record. My banks don't have my details so I know every email I receive from a bank or financial institution is fake and thus malicious.
I also use OzEfilter (a product I wrote) to delete emails at the mail server safely away from my computer.
On the news recently I saw people buying cars unseen from fake eBay motor emails. Today I received an interesting post on one of my sites with the following:
6 Hours Ago I received a phone message from (+972) 284-0600 / (+972) 2840600 and was made to believe the the person calling was a scam.
This person then goes on to ask for assistance. I suspect this is a scam that is cleverly designed to trick good natured people. Those who help are most likely more gullible and thus likely to be scammed.
What I suggest is with any unexpected email that looks even slightly unusual, perform a Google search on a section of text and see if you get results. For example do a search on the phone number and enclose it with quotes. You'll see quite a few people questioning whether the same email or perhaps a call. The telephone number may be real because that is what could be used as bait, but the intent of the communication is to trick the person into doing something.
The best thing is to delete the email and not respond.
It appears the volume of undesirable activity designed to fleece people is rapidly rising on the internet. Take care because it only takes a moments lapse to do something with an undesirable outcome.
I hope these experiences help others.
- Kelvin Eldridge
Delete these emails. They are attempting to trick people into revealing their banking details.
I highly recommend people do not provide their email address to a financial institution. There is no reason for them to keep your email address on record. My banks don't have my details so I know every email I receive from a bank or financial institution is fake and thus malicious.
I also use OzEfilter (a product I wrote) to delete emails at the mail server safely away from my computer.
On the news recently I saw people buying cars unseen from fake eBay motor emails. Today I received an interesting post on one of my sites with the following:
6 Hours Ago I received a phone message from (+972) 284-0600 / (+972) 2840600 and was made to believe the the person calling was a scam.
This person then goes on to ask for assistance. I suspect this is a scam that is cleverly designed to trick good natured people. Those who help are most likely more gullible and thus likely to be scammed.
What I suggest is with any unexpected email that looks even slightly unusual, perform a Google search on a section of text and see if you get results. For example do a search on the phone number and enclose it with quotes. You'll see quite a few people questioning whether the same email or perhaps a call. The telephone number may be real because that is what could be used as bait, but the intent of the communication is to trick the person into doing something.
The best thing is to delete the email and not respond.
It appears the volume of undesirable activity designed to fleece people is rapidly rising on the internet. Take care because it only takes a moments lapse to do something with an undesirable outcome.
I hope these experiences help others.
- Kelvin Eldridge
Friday, March 19, 2010
Malware alert: Facebook Password Reset Confirmation NR.94576
Facebook users should be careful with emails with the subject Facebook Password Reset Confirmation NR.94576. The email contains the attachment Facebook_details_538.zip which is malware.
For those using Microsoft Security Essentials this is detected as malware and taken care of. For those using OzEfilter you'll be able to delete this email at the mail server before it reaches your computer. My email originated from Thailand.
The body of the email contains:
Hey sales ,
Because of the measures taken to provide safety to our clients, your password has
been changed.
You can find your new password in attached document.
Thanks,
The Facebook Team.
Take care,
- Kelvin Eldridge
For those using Microsoft Security Essentials this is detected as malware and taken care of. For those using OzEfilter you'll be able to delete this email at the mail server before it reaches your computer. My email originated from Thailand.
The body of the email contains:
Hey sales ,
Because of the measures taken to provide safety to our clients, your password has
been changed.
You can find your new password in attached document.
Thanks,
The Facebook Team.
Take care,
- Kelvin Eldridge
Monday, March 15, 2010
Malware alert: Best deals on Trading Post !
I received this email and since it is targeting Australians, I felt it was prudent to let others know about this malware. The email pretends to be sent from Telstra Corporation and includes a single graphic image. When you you click on a vehicle you'll go a web site which isn't the trading post site. It is a site with the domain embarqhsd.net. The email was actually sent from America.
My feeling is it is a phishing attempt. You should delete emails like this immediately. If you receive an unexpected email with links, open your browser and type in the web site address rather than using a link in an email. A moment of care can save you time and grief.
- Kelvin Eldridge
My feeling is it is a phishing attempt. You should delete emails like this immediately. If you receive an unexpected email with links, open your browser and type in the web site address rather than using a link in an email. A moment of care can save you time and grief.
- Kelvin Eldridge
Monday, March 01, 2010
JustLocal is now trialling local property listings
I've now added to the Templestowe, Templestowe Lower, Doncaster, Doncaster East, Eltham and Bulleen postcode pages, a link to a page showing the latest properties listed in the area. Select Real Estate For Sale to go to the page listing the local properties. If a property interest you, click View to go to the selling agents site and the property.
If you're interested in a local property, it makes sense to check out the agent's information. Currently however agent's don't generally have a strong presence on the internet, so agents have to also forward their information on to one or more other advertisers at considerable cost to home sellers. Now if you're looking for a property by searching for the address in Google, you'll often find our page first in the results. A single click will then take you directly to the agent's page for the property and I feel that is the best place to find all the information the agent wishes to share.
If you or someone you know is thinking about selling a property, you're welcome to contact me and take advantage of the free market appraisal and recent property sales report I've organised with a leading independent real estate group. Should you wish to sell your home, I've also organised a no risk advertising approach. Your information will be passed onto the agent and they or an agent from their group will contact you.
However, it doesn't matter who you decide to sell your property with the agents I know or not. I'll still provide a link if the agent you select has a suitable page, so others can easily find your property using Google.
The trial for local real estate listings will run for the next 3-6 months. If you find this service to be of value I welcome your feedback. My aim is to provide services you find of value and I'll only know if you let me know either by using a service I provide, or by writing to me.
May your next home be the home of your dreams.
Kelvin Eldridge
If you're interested in a local property, it makes sense to check out the agent's information. Currently however agent's don't generally have a strong presence on the internet, so agents have to also forward their information on to one or more other advertisers at considerable cost to home sellers. Now if you're looking for a property by searching for the address in Google, you'll often find our page first in the results. A single click will then take you directly to the agent's page for the property and I feel that is the best place to find all the information the agent wishes to share.
If you or someone you know is thinking about selling a property, you're welcome to contact me and take advantage of the free market appraisal and recent property sales report I've organised with a leading independent real estate group. Should you wish to sell your home, I've also organised a no risk advertising approach. Your information will be passed onto the agent and they or an agent from their group will contact you.
However, it doesn't matter who you decide to sell your property with the agents I know or not. I'll still provide a link if the agent you select has a suitable page, so others can easily find your property using Google.
The trial for local real estate listings will run for the next 3-6 months. If you find this service to be of value I welcome your feedback. My aim is to provide services you find of value and I'll only know if you let me know either by using a service I provide, or by writing to me.
May your next home be the home of your dreams.
Kelvin Eldridge
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