For anyone who has never had the pleasure, I would recommend the comedian James Veitch and his TED Talk “This is what happens when you reply to spam email”.
Of course you can see where this is going.
I use WhatsApp and Telegram a decent amount, for keeping touch with friends domestic and international. But there always seems to be a steady stream of bot accounts trying to either sell something or simply swindle access to one of my accounts.
Twas two weeks before Christmas, and out of the blue (and with a provocative profile picture) ‘Barbara’ messages me:
Barbara Rebecca, [Dec 12, 2024 at 6:45:14 AM]:
Can you reply to me?
Matt Kindzerske, [Dec 12, 2024 at 7:33:40 AM]:
Well, to be candid, if it’s taken you this long to finally message me, I’m not exactly in a rush. What do you want?
Barbara Rebecca, [Dec 12, 2024 at 7:34:54 AM]:
Thank you for your reply .
My name is Elysia .
I would like to introduce you to a job that will allow you to earn a lot of money in a short period of time
The task is very simple for you,do you want to try?
Matt Kindzerske, [Dec 12, 2024 at 7:35:49 AM]:
I’m confused, your telegram profile says your name is Barbara. This is so like last summer, just exactly who are you Barbara?
Sometimes we just don’t know
Barbara Rebecca, [Dec 12, 2024 at 7:37:05 AM]:
Let me explain a little. If you want to do it, you can do it.
It doesn’t take much time because you can do it from home
I don’t have to spend a lot time on it, but i can make 300-800 per hour from home
I invite you to work hard together with me
Matt Kindzerske, [Dec 12, 2024 at 7:38:03 AM]:
OK, but it must involve cryptocurrencies, otherwise I’m out.
and you still need to explain the Barbara vs. Elysia thing
Barbara Rebecca, [Dec 12, 2024 at 7:40:18 AM]:
The name on the account we are using is different from the name on the introduction letter
Because we separate work and personal
Do you want to try?
Matt Kindzerske, [Dec 12, 2024 at 7:44:16 AM]:
We!?!?! Is this a new pronoun thing you’re doing? It sounds star trekky, like borg. usually it’s just a third-person thing, I’ve never seen the first person pronoun change, with you I’m not surprised. Or do … you not want me to use ‘you’?
… and I await the response.
Matthew Kindzerske 