Preventing online frauds ..

*👍 Encyclopaedia of types of Online Frauds and way to prevent the same 👍*

This email is sent as precautionary measures to all. Though this msg is bit lengthy, we request everyone to read at least once. You may agree or disagree with some of the points. But, our main moto is to keep you and your family members alert from fake calls. 

A lot of cases are coming to light every day where even the most educated are becoming victims of online frauds, transferring their hard-earned money to scamsters through UPI or the internet. The amounts at times are painfully in lakhs. And once gone, it is going to be very hard to come back despite more and more complaints.

Modus operandi of scamsters :- 

1. You get a call from the Police away from your city that your parcel has narcotics / banned substances, and an FIR is being registered.  

2.  Your son / daughter is caught with drugs or met with an accident. Immediate money is required for hospitalisation/ bail.

3.  A known friend/ relative will call you or message you to lend money for some grave emergency.    

4.  Someone will pose as your customer, like to buy your product/ services and will send you advance money through a QR code which actually will be programmed to take money instead of giving. On first successful transfer he will plead a mistake and will send another QR to return the wrongly transferred amount and again polish off your money and keep repeating till you realise what is happening to you. E.g. OLX frauds.  

5.  Someone will tell you to renew your Insurance policy which is lying defunct. And entice you with gains and schemes.

6.  You have won a lottery and to get it online transfer of mandatory charges otherwise it will lapse in one hour.

7.  Irresistible offers for making money through shares & stocks trading, financial scheme, cheap plots, holidays, gifts, vouchers, investment, or anything financial.  

8.  AI cloned voice or video of your near and dear one pleading for help to bail him/her out of an emergency.    

9.  Threat to leak your intimate moments caught through your hacked phone or laptop camera. Overseas hackers demand ransom in Bitcoins. Famous Ransomware frauds.  

10.  A response to your ad for renting out a property / sell / purchase with immediate transfer of token money request.

11.  Calls from fake IT department, or ED or any so-called Govt Regulatory agency, scaring you to act before yesterday or immediately.

12.  Various types of Parcel frauds.

Each day a new way to siphon off your money online is being invented and successfully implemented.

Thumb rules to be followed to stay safe:-

1.  Always disconnect the call and call back your family/ friend to cross check from whose number or ID the scamster has made a call.

2.  Authenticate every such call by calling back, if you prefer to do so.

3.  Do not believe any person on call whom you have never met in person. Do not do any financial deal with unknown agent of even your own favourite bank/ LIC/ company.

4.  Cut the call if it starts with "A very good afternoon I am so & so speaking on behalf of so & so bank, kya meri baat Mr /Mrs ........ so & so se ho rahi hai.. "

5.  Install a premium version of Truecaller or any other call id software (certainly not promoted) which will warn you 90% of time for any potential fraud caller, do not pick such call and immediately block him on your phone.

6.  Never do UPI/ wallet transfers to anyone whom you don't owe a dime.

7.  Never transfer money when you are extremely busy, attending some important meeting, watching a show/ movie or out with friends. The moment they realise this half their job is done.  

8.  Never ever share the OTP that you received especially Aadhar OTP and the bank OTPs with anyone.

9.  Do not respond to messages regarding a threat that your electricity will be disconnected or your ATM card will be disabled or your bank account will be frozen.  All these are hoax.  

10.  Never do KYC updates on telephone calls. Do it through bank's authorised Netbanking or visit branch in person.  

11.  Do not link your bank account with UPI which have a huge balance. Do open another account and keep a small balance in it for UPI transfers.

12.  Always check the full details written with the QR code received for any UPI transfer.

13.  Call the caller to meet in person and check his credentials and still refuse to deal through him by telling that you do all your deals through a family member who is also an agent.

14.  Do not transfer any amount while the caller is live with you. He deliberately engages you in conversation which you are being led to stupidity.

15.  Never believe a caller if he says that his UPI is not working so he is requesting you to use yours, and it's an emergency.

16.  Mind you 100% such emergencies are fake but the caller will convince you of its genuineness. Do ask the name of that hospital where accident victim is not getting admission and tell him the name of some random doctor known to you who will help, he will disconnect the call.  You should actually call that hospital and find out truth.

17.  There are no free lunches and no easy gains.   Any lure which is bigger than the prevailing trends is a sure shot trouble. Avoid irresistible offers from unknown.

18.  Do not join advertised Whatsapp/ Telegram groups to learn inside tips for stock trading and multiplying your money.

19.  Stay alert stay safe. Don't be vulnerable, easy victim and gullible.  

20.  Do not respond to calls that you have multiple sims on your mobile and your phone will be disconnected in two hours or so.

21.  Shared for veterans/retired ones & all your near & dear ones for whom you care.

In the end, it is always advised to keep a close circle of friends and share their numbers with you/your parents so as to have a quick cross-check by calling the friends and ensuring the safety, and certainly to avoid huge losses at the hurried moments.

Why Iran is shocked ?

Picking top Iranian military generals (camped outside the country and helping terror outfits like Hezbollah) and atomic energy scientists, finishing off each of them at their sweet pace seems an effective Israeli strategy against Iran of late, conducting cyber attacks on Iranian nuclear and defence installations, destabilising and weakeing Iranian military response looks to be the interesting path Israel has chosen against Iran. 👍👍

Iran, unbelievably stunned after its offense with app 450 missiles, drones etc was effectively intercepted and destroyed by Israeli Iron  dome system *outside Israeli soil*, licking its bruised and hurt pride, has threatened further attacks on Israel (verbal onslaught) in the near future. 🙂

Overcoming old age fears and tensions

It's completely understandable to experience occasional feelings of loneliness and helplessness in old age. These feelings are complex and can arise from various factors, but remember, one is not alone in experiencing them. Here are some steps that may help:

Addressing the Feelings:

• Acknowledge and Accept: Don't bottle up emotions. Allowing yourself to feel and acknowledge the loneliness and helplessness is the first step towards dealing with them.
• Identify Triggers: Try to understand what triggers these feelings. Is it isolation, physical limitations, loss of loved ones, or something else? Knowing the triggers can help find solutions.
• Talk it Out: Share feelings with someone trustworthy, a friend, family member, therapist, or even a hotline for seniors. Talking can provide relief and offer new perspectives.

Combating Loneliness:

• Reach Out: Reconnect with old friends and family. Initiate phone calls, visits, or even video chats. Consider joining senior centers or online communities with shared interests.
• Stay Active: Participate in activities one enjoys, whether it's gardening, reading, playing games, or volunteering. Engaging in meaningful activities can combat loneliness and provide a sense of purpose.
• Seek Support: Consider joining a senior citizen support group or program. One can find them through local agencies, community centers, or senior living facilities.

Managing Helplessness:

• Focus on Independence: Maintain independence as much as possible. Do what one can for yourself, even if it takes longer or requires some assistance. This can empower and boost a sense of control.
• Ask for Help: Don't hesitate to ask for help when needed. There are many resources available for seniors, such as home care services, transportation assistance, and meal delivery programs.
• Find Purpose: Identify activities that give life meaning and purpose. Volunteering, mentoring, or simply sharing wisdom with others can contribute to a sense of fulfillment and combat helplessness.

Additional Resources:

• National Council on Aging: https://www.ncoa.org/
• AARP: https://www.aarp.org/
• Eldercare Locator: https://eldercare.acl.gov

Remember, it's crucial to take care of emotional and mental well-being as one ages.

How students can be more effective in the class..

More often than not, students are concerned how they can be more effective in the class. It refers to smart learning. There are many tools by which one can learn more and be more effective. This note is on the soft aspects of effective learning.

Being more capable in the classroom involves not just academic skills, but also the soft kills like one's attitude, study habits, and engagement with the learning environment.

Here are some tips to boost your classroom capability:

Before class:

• Prepare actively: Read assigned materials, preview upcoming topics, and come up with questions you might have.
• Plan and organize: Pack your materials, review notes from previous classes, and set some learning goals for the day.
• Get a good night's sleep: Being well-rested helps you focus and absorb information better.
  

During class:

• Engage actively: Participate in discussions, ask questions, and take clear notes. Don't be afraid to volunteer answers or clarify doubts.
• Listen attentively: Pay attention to the teacher's explanations and your classmates' contributions.
• Take effective notes: Use a system that works for you, like mind maps, outlines, or color-coding. Try to capture key points, examples, and connections between ideas.
  

After class:

• Review your notes: Revisit and revise your notes soon after class, while the information is fresh in your mind.
• Complete assignments: Start working on homework early so you have time to ask questions and revise your work if needed.
• Seek help: Don't hesitate to reach out to your teacher, a tutor, or study group members if you need clarification on concepts.
  

Beyond basic skills:

• Cultivate a growth mindset: Believe in your ability to learn and improve, even when faced with challenges. Embrace mistakes as opportunities for growth.
• Develop good time management: Plan your studying and assignments effectively to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Take breaks to avoid burnout.
• Maintain a positive attitude: Being enthusiastic and curious about learning makes the process more enjoyable and successful.
• Build relationships with your teachers and classmates: Having a supportive network can provide helpful insights, study aids, and encouragement.
  

Remember, being capable in the classroom is a continuous process. 

It's about effort, consistency, and finding the strategies that work best for oneself. One should not be afraid to experiment and adjust the approach to maximize the learning potential.

George..

Why India is with Israel ..

We see lot of pro-palestine demonstrations across the world. People have right to protest.

As long as Israeli refugees are in Hamas / Palestine custody and Hamas leaders are continuing attacking Israelis from under the hospitals, let Israel decide.. 

Let us ask Hamas / Palestine to release all the 240 hostages and then if Israel attacks the hospital, Israel is at fault. Not until all the Israeli hostages are released..

For Israel it is a question of survival. And Israel is not going to budge to these radical Islam followers targeting to wipe out Israel from the earth. 

In spite of defeat in all earlier wars with Israel, radical Arab leaders and their countries have not learnt any lesson of modesty and accommodation. They are nothing and a big zero in front of Israeli intellectual, economic, technological and military might. This is why Arabs and Islamic terrorists are fuming at Israel.

Even defeat after defeat, why do the *Arabs shamelessly* poke the Jews repeatedly and invite reprisals, violence and death ?

The feeling of inferiority and repeated defeat of the Arabs in Jewish hands is boiling in their minds, leading them to replicate such blunders regularly from time to time. They know Arabs are no match for the superior Jewish brains and its war machines. Wars of 1948–49, 1956, 1967, 1973, 1982, and 2006 are examples for the world to see. 

" The hardest thing in war is not dying, but living with defeat." - Paul Fussell

Peace loving countries are always on the side of TRUTH. Eventhough India as a vibrant democratic nation will not suppress dissent arising from some quarters, India as a great peaceful, cultural, intellectual leader of the world always remains with ISRAEL, ALWAYS ..  

George 

Top ten technological Innovations of all time ..

I have compiled a list of the top ten innovations (through Internet resources) that have had a profound and lasting impact on human history and society: starting with the first at number 1 to the tenth at number 10.

1. The Wheel (circa 3500 BC): The invention of the wheel revolutionized transportation and machinery, enabling the development of carts, chariots, and various mechanical systems.

2. The Printing Press (15th century): Johannes Gutenberg's printing press made mass production of books and documents possible, democratizing knowledge and information dissemination. Paved way for mass education and raising human life standards.
   

3. Electricity (18th century): The harnessing of electricity has led to a wide range of technological advancements, including electric lighting, motors running generators, electronics, and modern smart grid power systems.

4. Steam Engine (18th century): The steam engine powered the Industrial Revolution, transforming manufacturing, transportation, and agriculture.

5. Telegraph (19th century): The telegraph enabled long-distance communication by transmitting coded messages over electrical wires, laying the foundation for modern telecommunications. Precursor to the Internet.
   

6. Internal Combustion Engine (19th century): The internal combustion engine powered automobiles and revolutionized transportation, leading to the modern automotive industry and the development of the Spark Ignition high capacity engines powering all global heavy duty land based transportation.
   

7. Internet (20th century): The creation of the World Wide Web and the internet has transformed how people communicate, access information, and conduct business globally. Geographical Information systems through Internet maps has made transportation and exploration of unknown land quite easy
   

8. Penicillin (20th century): The discovery of antibiotics, starting with penicillin, revolutionized medicine by treating bacterial infections and saving countless lives. Even though we are come very much ahead in antibiotics since Penicillin, it has improved our health and helped us successfully wade through many global health threats.
   

9. Transistors and Microchips (20th century): The development of transistors and microchips paved the way for the birth of the digital revolution enabling modern electronics, including computers, smartphones, and the digital age including AI, Robotics, 3D Printing, IoT etc to thrive
   

10. Solar Power (20th century): The harnessing of solar energy for electricity generation is a major step toward sustainable and renewable energy sources, addressing environmental concerns. Our dependence on non-renewable energy resources and the environmental pollution it resulted in is being turned upside down by the emergence of renewable resources, most important being solar energy, besides wind and tidal energy.

    Nuclear energy through fission and fusion has also been a great technological innovation of the 20th century, but it poses as great a threat to humanity (with potential to wipe out the whole human race) as it is a blessing and development.

    Artificial Intelligence in the growing stages (Artificial Narrow Intelligence - ANI and Artificial General Intelligence - AGI) is also a great technological innovation that it is to have the same impact as electricity has had on humans for over two and a half centuries and still continues to have a strangling grip.
    

This list represents just a small selection of significant technological innovations throughout history. Many other inventions have had a profound impact on human society, and the importance of each innovation can be viewed from different perspectives, depending on the context and the criteria used for evaluation. 

 As a person born in the 60s, I have had the good opportunity of living through the emergence and commercialisation of the innovations of 

• Internet, 
• transistors and microprocessor chips and 
• Solar power. 

I am hopeful that in the coming years with the 4th Industrial revolution heating up, we can see many more great technological innovations that will make our life comfortable and productive.

George.

 

What should SCM providers be looking at AI to attract customers and retain them ?

The key operational factors that influence customer purchasing decisions for supply chain management facilities in the SCM sector include:

• Cost: Customers want to find supply chain management facilities that can help them reduce their costs. This includes factors such as the cost of storage, transportation, and labor.
• Reliability: Customers need to be able to rely on their supply chain management facilities to deliver their products on time and in good condition. This includes factors such as the facility's track record of on-time delivery, its security measures, and its disaster recovery plan.
• Flexibility: Customers need supply chain management facilities that can adapt to their changing needs. This includes factors such as the ability to handle different types of products, the ability to scale up or down operations quickly, and the ability to meet customer-specific requirements.
• Technology: Customers want to work with supply chain management facilities that use the latest technology to track and manage their products. This includes factors such as the use of warehouse management systems (WMS), transportation management systems (TMS), and real-time tracking.
• Customer service: Customers want to work with supply chain management facilities that are responsive to their needs and provide excellent customer service. This includes factors such as the availability of 24/7 customer support, the willingness to go the extra mile to meet customer needs, and the ability to resolve problems quickly and efficiently.

In addition to these key factors, customers may also consider other factors when choosing a supply chain management facility, such as:

• Location: Customers may prefer to work with supply chain management facilities that are located near their own operations. This can help to reduce transportation costs and lead times.
• Reputation: Customers may also consider the reputation of a supply chain management facility before making a decision. This includes factors such as the company's financial stability, its industry awards and recognition, and its customer testimonials.
• Sustainability: Customers may also be interested in working with supply chain management facilities that are committed to sustainability. This includes factors such as the company's environmental practices, its social responsibility initiatives, and its ethical sourcing practices.

Supply chain management facilities can use this information to develop marketing and sales strategies that appeal to potential customers. For example, a supply chain management facility can highlight its cost-effectiveness, reliability, flexibility, technology, and customer service in its marketing materials. The facility can also invest in building a strong reputation and demonstrating its commitment to sustainability.