For all the incredible technology we’ve invented, it shouldn’t surprise me that we’ve also managed to create an endless supply of fakes, frauds, and other assorted fucktards.
And yet...I’m still amazed at how low they can go, how tricky their dickie is.
Every day there's a new email claiming my account has been suspended. A text insisting I owe unpaid tolls. A phone call informing me that the IRS is moments away from sending a tactical team to seize my IKEA furniture.
The creativity would almost be impressive if it weren't so damn annoying. And so damn dangerous.
That's why I try to stay on high alert for fuckery.
Case in point: yesterday I received a text reminding me about an appointment I supposedly had across town.
The address looked legitimate. The message sounded professional. For about half a second, my brain wondered, “Did I forget something?”
Then common sense kicked in. I didn’t have an appointment.
Delete.
Report as spam.
Block the number.
Done.
Granted, blocking these clowns feels a bit like trying to hold back the ocean with a beach towel. They'll just spoof another number tomorrow and try again. Their entire business model depends on catching us when we're distracted, stressed, tired, or simply not paying attention.
They don’t need everyone to fall for it. They only need a few people.
So here’s my friendly reminder: don’t make it any easier on them!
If you receive an unexpected text, email, or phone call asking you to click a link, confirm personal information, send money, or panic immediately, simply pause for a second.
Take a breath and ask yourself if it actually makes sense.
Did you really schedule that appointment?
Are you actually expecting that package?
Does your bank text you from random phone numbers?
Probably not.
When in doubt, don't click the link. Open the company's app yourself. Type the website into your browser. Or call the customer service number listed on your card or statement. Taking an extra minute can save you hours of frustration and possibly thousands of dollars.
The internet has made our lives easier in countless ways. Unfortunately, it's also made life easier for scammers and spammers.
I know it’s annoying. I know it’s exhausting. Some days it feels like we’re all doing unpaid QA (Quality Assurance) work for the internet.
But every scam you recognize is one that fails.
Every spam message you report makes it a little harder for them to reach the next person.
Every suspicious link you refuse to click is one less opportunity for some digital parasite to profit from someone else’s trust.
Your attention is valuable.
Your personal information is valuable.
Your time is valuable.
Please treat them that way.
Keep calm, stay vigilant, and don't let the bots and buttheads win!
Clint 🌈✌️
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ends 07-15-26
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