Thanks. I learned something.
...........Dr. Watts, "The Continental Harmony,1774
Original Message:
Sent: 02-12-2023 13:26
From: Jason Kanter
Subject: Piano Scam = GC1
bill ballard says "Do you have a citation for the suggestion that simply opening an email is something which 1.) sends a notification back to the spammer, or 2.) executes a negative action in your computer. The only thing which opening an email does is to add a "screen draw" to the selected object, something probably very easy to rebuff by the OS."
That's easy! .. many of us use Gazelle, which sends emails to our clients, and also reports to us when each email is DELIVERED … OPENED … CLICKED. If Gazelle can do that…
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Jason Kanter
Lynnwood WA
(425) 830-1561
Original Message:
Sent: 02-12-2023 10:29
From: Bill Ballard
Subject: Piano Scam = GC1
Peter Grey went:
When one opens one of these emails it confirms to the scammer that they have contacted a "live" email address. <snip>.
A further risk in opening these things is that there can be hidden virus (or similar) software attached that automatically gets activated simply by opening the email. One can reduce their risk (though not completely eliminate) by directing to spam (and then delete regularly).
Do you have a citation for the suggestion that simply opening an email is something which 1.) sends a notification back to the spammer, or 2.) executes a negative action in your computer. The only thing which opening an email does is to add a "screen draw" to the selected object, something probably very easy to rebuff by the OS.
I've opened these scam emails from time to time, and even answered them with a "Shame on You!". The frequency of these scams to my addresses has not changed one iota (OK, hardly noticeable). I also regularly run a geneal maintenance program (MacKeeper) which includes virus protection and ad app removal, and that hasn't reported anything signaling an increase in such scams.
So I'd be interested to hear more about this suggested threat.
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William Ballard RPT
WBPS
Saxtons River VT
802-869-9107
"Our lives contain a thousand springs
and dies if one be gone
Strange that a harp of a thousand strings
should keep in tune so long."
...........Dr. Watts, "The Continental Harmony,1774
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-12-2023 08:49
From: Peter Grey
Subject: Piano Scam = GC1
When one opens one of these emails it confirms to the scammer that they have contacted a "live" email address. A guaranteed live address is more valuable than one that is not and gets sold at a better price to other scammers. The best thing to do is label it as spam and it will (and anything that resembles it in the future) will automatically go into spam. You'll never see it and I won't get opened.
"But!", you say, "what if it is legit and goes into spam? Then I miss the call." I have confirmed repeatedly that if someone I don't know, but is legit, is trying to contact me, they will try again such as with a phone call, etc. I no longer worry about labeling anyone or anything unknown to me as spam. The real ones always get through somehow and the fakers reach their expiration date.
A further risk in opening these things is that there can be hidden virus (or similar) software attached that automatically gets activated simply by opening the email. One can reduce their risk (though not completely eliminate) by directing to spam (and then delete regularly).
Okay...so it was suggested online that deleting your spam actually encourages more spam. This is BS. I have experimented and determined that the frequency of spam has nothing to do with what you do with your spam folder. Just another piece of internet misinformation (confirming that you can't believe everything you read or hear on the internet...wow!)
Peter Grey Piano Doctor
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Peter Grey
Stratham NH
(603) 686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com
Original Message:
Sent: 02-05-2023 11:18
From: Nancy Salmon
Subject: Piano Scam = GC1
The other problem with this scam is that it makes it impossible to legitimately give away a piano.
I had a customer with a Chickering cocked hat grand, brown action, all original parts, needs rebuild (pinblock shot) which I tried to offer to collectors and museums. Only had 2 negative responses but it was when this scam started.
As I get older, and less likely to do my "someday" projects I will have more of my own odd pianos to give away - lots of personal time on the phone.....
Nancy Salmon
Original Message:
Sent: 2/4/2023 1:31:00 PM
From: James Kelly
Subject: Piano Scam = GC1
Just got another offer for a free piano . They do not give up. Curious to see how many in PTG will get the same email and how wide the net was cast
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James Kelly
Owner- Fur Elise Piano Service
Pawleys Island SC
(843) 325-4357
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