AI car ads have gotten too real

[redpoint5]

I've never owned a personal phone of any kind. By the time I moved away from my folks and started working, landlines were obsolete. I had a work issued pager from age 16 (State of Oregon employee), and cell phones after that. Unfortunately that means I answer all calls since they are usually customers. Even some local customers have cell numbers from the other coast, so an area code 3000 miles away isn't an indicator that I can ignore the call.

That said, I get very little spam or scam calls.

[JSH]

Originally Posted by redpoint5

When a scammer calls, just tell them to hold on a sec while you find your wallet, and set the phone down until they give up. That creates a just a little friction in that system.

It also confirms that your number is active and connected to a real live human - which is valuable information for scammers. It also gives them the opportunity to record your voice for future AI scams. (This isn't really that new, scam callers have been trying for years to get people to say simple phrases used by banking systems for verification for years)

Old people have also been falling chain emails with photoshopped pictures since the internet existed. My mother used to send me multiple fake emails every day related to politics. I would respond, point out that she had been fooled by a fake, and then move on. Eventually she stopped including me on the emails - now she only sends them to people that want to believe they are real so they can talk about their conspiracies in peace without someone injecting reality.

There is zero friction (for me) from simply not answering the phone. Occasionally it is a real person calling me like a doctor's office confirming an appointment but most of that is done by text today. Any real person with a real reason to call me with leave a message - which I will return using the number I have for them. Anyone I know personally will just send me a text.

Back to AI video and voices - this is really only a concern for public figures or those that put themselves out on the internet. It takes voice recordings to fake someones voice in a call or video - the more that better. Which is why recent examples like the fake AI Biden robocall in New Hampshire or the Taylor Swift video are done so well - lots and lots of source material to train the AI. If the scammers don't have your voice print - they can't fake your voice. So why mess around with scammers by answering their calls?

[JSH]

Originally Posted by redpoint5

I've never owned a personal phone of any kind. By the time I moved away from my folks and started working, landlines were obsolete. I had a work issued pager from age 16 (State of Oregon employee), and cell phones after that. Unfortunately that means I answer all calls since they are usually customers. Even some local customers have cell numbers from the other coast, so an area code 3000 miles away isn't an indicator that I can ignore the call.

That said, I get very little spam or scam calls.

I got my first company cell phone in 2004 and from then until about 4 years ago I didn't have a personal phone except for a few points when I was between jobs. 4 years ago I decided to carry a personal phone for 2 main reasons.

1. Everything done on my company devices is tracked and monitored.
2. If I'm ever deposed for a lawsuit my corporate phone records and usage are fair game for discovery. (It looks like I'll have that joy for the first time here shortly - my wife has been deposed by lawsuits twice - something I have managed to avoid until now)

Ironically most of my spam is easy to identify as I still have the same number from more than a decade ago when I lived in Alabama. If a call has an AL area code it is 100% spam.

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by JSH

scam callers have been trying for years to get people to say simple phrases used by banking systems for verification for years

So why mess around with scammers by answering their calls?

As I said, I can't tell junk calls from a customer (unless they are so frequent I have them in my contacts). I also almost never get spam (maybe 2 calls a year) or a scam call (once ever so far). If I'm answering by default, might as well waste the scammer's time.

[freebeard]

Originally Posted by JSH

Cellular phones are new technology that allows you to take your phone with you anywhere and cost less than the old technology phones that plug into your wall.

AKA pocket panopticon.

If I'm answering by default, might as well waste the scammer's time.

I spent two decades doing phone work, B2B cold sales calls and then technical support (hardware and software). So I understand call lists and scripts, and have some sympathy for the individuals that can't find a better job.

Some will try to pull the call back on script (good luck with that), others recognize the futility and bail early. I am easily entertained.

[Piotrsko]

My treatment is simple: if you arent on my contact list, you go to voice mail stating you have to be the on my contact list to get an answer. The phone doesn't even ring or flash. This does require me to keep my contact list current, not a big task, but is sometimes an issue with multi line businesses and unpublished number strings.

The unanswered numbers get cleared periodically by auto blocking and reporting the number as spam to mama google. After about 6 months of of this my spam calls have dropped to something like one every so often so apparently the word gets out to not bother me. Wife who refuses to do this gets a bunch daily.

[freebeard]

My solution is to not have anything worth taking.
citizenwatchreport.com/ny-mag-financial-columnist-gave-scammers-50000-in-a-shoe-box/

A financial advice columnist for New York Magazine admitted she was scammed out of $50,000 by a con man who claimed to be a CIA agent and ordered her to stuff a shoe box full of cash and hand it to a courier in a white Mercedes.

[freebeard]

Originally Posted by myself

AKA pocket panopticon.

How is everyones cell phone doing?

Suspicious 0bservers had a good multispectral replay of the X-class flares.. But the impact was in the South Pacific, not North America.

OTOH S2 Underground saw an opportunity to stress test GhostNet.

https://github.com › s2underground › GhostNet
GitHub - s2underground/GhostNet: GhostNet
GhostNet GhostNet is the overarching term for a collection of communications networks set up to allow users around the world to exchange information without relying on pre-established infrastructure. Far from being just an emergency plan, GhostNet is intended to ease the transition of radio technology...

[jakobnev]

I was trying to get AI to help with me against all the data collection, but it was being a bit boring:

Originally Posted by You

how do i make my information have no value, or even negative value to companies like google and facebook?

Originally Posted by ChatGPT

Maintaining privacy and minimizing your digital footprint can be challenging, but there are some steps you can take to reduce the value of your information to companies like Google and Facebook. Keep in mind that complete anonymity may be difficult to achieve, but you can take measures to limit the data you share:

Use Privacy-Focused Search Engines:
Consider using privacy-focused search engines like DuckDuckGo or Startpage. These search engines don't track your search history.

Opt out of Targeted Advertising:
Adjust your ad preferences on platforms like Google and Facebook. You can usually find settings to limit ad tracking and personalize your ad experience.

Review App Permissions:
Regularly review and update app permissions on your devices. Disable unnecessary access to your location, contacts, and other personal information.

Limit Social Media Sharing:
Be mindful of the information you share on social media platforms. Share only what is necessary, and adjust your privacy settings to restrict access to your profile.

Use Private Browsing and VPNs:
Enable private browsing modes and consider using virtual private networks (VPNs) to enhance online privacy.

Manage Cookies:
Configure your browser settings to automatically delete cookies or use browser extensions that block tracking cookies.

Check and Adjust Privacy Settings:
Regularly review and update privacy settings on your devices, apps, and online accounts. Disable unnecessary data collection features.

Avoid Clicking on Personalized Ads:
Refrain from clicking on personalized ads, as they contribute to the profiling of your interests.

Use Disposable Email Addresses:
Consider using disposable or alternate email addresses when signing up for online services to minimize the connection between your various accounts.

Educate Yourself:
Stay informed about privacy policies of the services you use and understand how your data is being used. This knowledge will help you make informed decisions about your online presence.

It's important to note that while these steps can help reduce your digital footprint, achieving complete anonymity may be challenging. Companies often collect data through various means, and it may not be possible to eliminate your online presence entirely. Additionally, always be aware of the terms of service and privacy policies of the platforms and services you use.

Originally Posted by You

Do you have any ideas that are a bit more creative, like only clicking on ads for products you would never buy etc.

Originally Posted by ChatGPT

While engaging in activities like clicking on ads for products you wouldn't buy may not necessarily be an effective or ethical strategy, there are some creative and privacy-conscious approaches you can consider:

Randomized Information:
When filling out online forms or creating accounts, use randomized or fictional information for non-essential details. This can help dilute the accuracy of your profile.

Create "Noise" Profiles:
Maintain secondary or "noise" profiles on social media platforms with limited personal information. Use these accounts for non-essential interactions or to follow topics of interest without revealing much about yourself.

Browser Fingerprinting Tools:
Use browser fingerprinting tools or extensions that intentionally introduce noise into your digital fingerprint, making it more challenging for companies to track you based on device characteristics.

Generate Ad-Noise:
Engage in activities that generate ad noise, such as clicking on ads for general topics or interests rather than specific products. This can make it harder for companies to build an accurate profile of your preferences.

Automated Tools:
Consider using automated tools or browser extensions that generate random search queries or visits to websites. Keep in mind that some websites may have measures to detect and prevent automated activity.

Selective Sharing:
When prompted for information, provide only what is absolutely necessary. For example, if a website asks for your phone number for account creation, consider using a temporary or disposable phone number.

Use Ad-Blocking Software:
Install ad-blocking software to minimize exposure to online ads altogether. Keep in mind that some websites may restrict access to content if ad-blockers are detected.

It's essential to approach these strategies with caution and consideration for ethical guidelines. Engaging in activities that intentionally disrupt online services may violate the terms of service of those platforms and may have unintended consequences. Additionally, the effectiveness of these strategies may vary, and it's essential to stay informed about the evolving landscape of online privacy. Always prioritize legal and ethical approaches to protect your privacy.

Originally Posted by You

Do you have any examples of those automated tools you mentioned?

Originally Posted by ChatGPT

While there are tools and browser extensions that claim to enhance privacy by generating noise or randomizing data, it's crucial to approach them with caution. Some tools might violate the terms of service of certain websites, and their effectiveness may vary. Here are a couple of examples, but please note that their suitability and safety can change over time, and it's important to do your own research before using them:

TrackMeNot:

TrackMeNot is a browser extension designed to create random search queries in the background, making it harder for search engines to build an accurate profile of your interests. It's available for browsers like Chrome and Firefox.

Website: TrackMeNot

AdNauseam:

AdNauseam is an ad-blocker extension that not only blocks ads but also clicks on them in the background. It aims to obfuscate your online profile by generating "noise" through interaction with ads.

Website: AdNauseam

Please keep in mind that the use of these tools might have consequences, and they might not be foolproof in protecting your privacy. Additionally, some websites and services may have mechanisms to detect and counteract automated or suspicious activities.

Always read the documentation, reviews, and terms of service associated with any tool or extension you consider using. It's also a good idea to stay informed about the latest developments in online privacy and adjust your strategies accordingly.

[Piotrsko]

Would be nice if the reccomended adblocker stuff actually worked per their advertising.

My experiences says it doesn't.

And clicking through in the background? Talk about hallucination. Computers are good at recording numerous clicks and aren't prone to getting bored. You end up building this huge tenedency towards the very nonsense you try to avoid. I see stuff across related platforms being shared, looking at you Alphabet. Do a search in G**gle and it shows up in Etsy responses.