I will be taking the next few days off for the New Year and the blog will return on January 2, 2012. I wish everyone a great and prosperous holiday and all the best for 2012.
---------->>>>>>>>>>>gene
---------->>>>>>>>>>>gene
Friday, December 30, 2011
Thursday, December 29, 2011
The Real Lord of War VII
As we move into discussing money laundering, we must why it is necessary for an arms dealer to launder his money in the first place.
Remember what we discussed earlier - the arms trade is a heavily regulated and controlled industry. Many laws, both internal (per country) and international exist to control the flow of weapons. This makes sense, of course. The international trade in weapons can destabilize entire governments and countries. Government try (or at least pretend to) control this arms flow for these reasons. Also, there are national security considerations. The United States would not really want Iran to get its advanced weaponry which obviously could be used against it in a possible future conflict.
Therefore, if an arms dealer wants to transfer and sell arms illegally, he cannot of course "report" his income to tax authorities and it is impossible to make large bank deposits without raising some alarms. Hence, arms dealers also have to resort to money laundering and shady deals to try and avoid detection. Arms dealing goes hand-in-hand with fraud and white collar crime.
Remember what we discussed earlier - the arms trade is a heavily regulated and controlled industry. Many laws, both internal (per country) and international exist to control the flow of weapons. This makes sense, of course. The international trade in weapons can destabilize entire governments and countries. Government try (or at least pretend to) control this arms flow for these reasons. Also, there are national security considerations. The United States would not really want Iran to get its advanced weaponry which obviously could be used against it in a possible future conflict.
Therefore, if an arms dealer wants to transfer and sell arms illegally, he cannot of course "report" his income to tax authorities and it is impossible to make large bank deposits without raising some alarms. Hence, arms dealers also have to resort to money laundering and shady deals to try and avoid detection. Arms dealing goes hand-in-hand with fraud and white collar crime.
NOTE: THE INFORMATION IN THIS BLOG IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE NOR IS IT INTENDED TO BE LEGAL ADVICE. IF THE READER HAS ANY LEGAL QUESTIONS, PLEASE REFER TO AN ATTORNEY.
Have a great and fraud-free day.
----------à>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>gene tausk
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
The Real Lord of War VI
How did Viktor But deal in such large amounts of arms and equipment? How was he able to sell them all around the world?
The "secret," such as it is, is that But had access not only to arms and equipment, but also to large scale transportation such as military aircraft and large scale civilian aircraft as well. Remember - But was able to take advantage of the chaos in the post-Soviet Union to acquire the arms in the first place. He also was able to use Soviet planes and tankers to transport the weapons anywhere in the world. This gave him an invaluable tactical advantage in that not only could he supply the arms, he could also transport them to anywhere in the world.
It is estimated that But supplied the arms and equipment to such random countries as Congo, Angola, Liberia and Afghanistan.
As promised, we will begin discussing But's ability to get paid for these illegal arms dealings.
The "secret," such as it is, is that But had access not only to arms and equipment, but also to large scale transportation such as military aircraft and large scale civilian aircraft as well. Remember - But was able to take advantage of the chaos in the post-Soviet Union to acquire the arms in the first place. He also was able to use Soviet planes and tankers to transport the weapons anywhere in the world. This gave him an invaluable tactical advantage in that not only could he supply the arms, he could also transport them to anywhere in the world.
It is estimated that But supplied the arms and equipment to such random countries as Congo, Angola, Liberia and Afghanistan.
As promised, we will begin discussing But's ability to get paid for these illegal arms dealings.
NOTE: THE INFORMATION IN THIS BLOG IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE NOR IS IT INTENDED TO BE LEGAL ADVICE. IF THE READER HAS ANY LEGAL QUESTIONS, PLEASE REFER TO AN ATTORNEY.
Have a great and fraud-free day.
----------à>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>gene tausk
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
The Real Lord of War V
Before we begin to discuss the money laundering operations and fraud operations of Viktor But, one more aspect of arms trading must be discussed.
It is clear to even the most casual observer that arms trafficking and the purchase and sale of arms and weapons of war are regulated by international laws and treaties, as well as the laws of various nations. For example, in the United States, the interstate sale of arms, ammunition and lethal weapons are generally controlled by, among other laws, the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution and various laws under the United States Code. Violations of these laws can result in extreme criminal penalties, both under Federal law and the laws of the various states. It is not possible to simply "buy and sell" arms and weaponry without involving multiple Federal laws in these matters. State laws are involved as well, but these vary from state-to-state.
When the purchasing and selling of arms and other types of weapons in the international arena, multiple laws of nation states and international agreements are involved. For example, it is not possible to sell American weapons to many nations in the world, especially those nations which have been designated as terrorist or "rogue" nations. This situation also applies in the reverse.
So, when a person like Viktor But is selling arms and equipment all over the world and not following "the law," he is violating many different types of laws from various nations and international organizations and treaties. This not only creates a legal nightmare, but also exposed Viktor to many different criminal liabilities.
It is clear to even the most casual observer that arms trafficking and the purchase and sale of arms and weapons of war are regulated by international laws and treaties, as well as the laws of various nations. For example, in the United States, the interstate sale of arms, ammunition and lethal weapons are generally controlled by, among other laws, the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution and various laws under the United States Code. Violations of these laws can result in extreme criminal penalties, both under Federal law and the laws of the various states. It is not possible to simply "buy and sell" arms and weaponry without involving multiple Federal laws in these matters. State laws are involved as well, but these vary from state-to-state.
When the purchasing and selling of arms and other types of weapons in the international arena, multiple laws of nation states and international agreements are involved. For example, it is not possible to sell American weapons to many nations in the world, especially those nations which have been designated as terrorist or "rogue" nations. This situation also applies in the reverse.
So, when a person like Viktor But is selling arms and equipment all over the world and not following "the law," he is violating many different types of laws from various nations and international organizations and treaties. This not only creates a legal nightmare, but also exposed Viktor to many different criminal liabilities.
NOTE: THE INFORMATION IN THIS BLOG IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE NOR IS IT INTENDED TO BE LEGAL ADVICE. IF THE READER HAS ANY LEGAL QUESTIONS, PLEASE REFER TO AN ATTORNEY.
Have a great and fraud-free day.
----------à>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>gene tausk
Monday, December 26, 2011
The Real Lord of War IV
I mentioned at the beginning of this blog thread that we would be discussing how Viktor But's armsrunning activities involved fraud. Fraud is, of course, the subject matter of this blog so at some point we need to discuss it. However, once again, the sheer scale and scope of But's arms dealing needs to be explored first.
The time when But was working was both fortuitous (for him) and unlucky (for the rest of the world). As stated, But was able to take advantage of the fall of the Former Soviet Union to purchase and sell weapons all over the world. This would not have been possible during the time of the Soviet Union when all arms sales were subject to State control (in this case, the Communist Party of the Soviet Union). It would also have not been possible during a time when the rule of law was more strictly enforced (although the Russian Federation has a long way to go, the rule of law is better now then it was 20 years ago). But was able to find the right time to make his illicit sales.
It was unlucky for the rest of the world in that But was able to sell his weapons to numerous conflicts around the world. The world has never had a shortage of conflicts, but during the nineties, all hell was breaking loose in places such as Africa (the horrific civil war in Liberia, "blood diamond" mining in Sierra Leone, the genocide in Rwanda, the various attempts to seize power and minerals in Congo (Zaire)). For an arms merchant like But, this was a market ready for the taking.
The time when But was working was both fortuitous (for him) and unlucky (for the rest of the world). As stated, But was able to take advantage of the fall of the Former Soviet Union to purchase and sell weapons all over the world. This would not have been possible during the time of the Soviet Union when all arms sales were subject to State control (in this case, the Communist Party of the Soviet Union). It would also have not been possible during a time when the rule of law was more strictly enforced (although the Russian Federation has a long way to go, the rule of law is better now then it was 20 years ago). But was able to find the right time to make his illicit sales.
It was unlucky for the rest of the world in that But was able to sell his weapons to numerous conflicts around the world. The world has never had a shortage of conflicts, but during the nineties, all hell was breaking loose in places such as Africa (the horrific civil war in Liberia, "blood diamond" mining in Sierra Leone, the genocide in Rwanda, the various attempts to seize power and minerals in Congo (Zaire)). For an arms merchant like But, this was a market ready for the taking.
NOTE: THE INFORMATION IN THIS BLOG IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE NOR IS IT INTENDED TO BE LEGAL ADVICE. IF THE READER HAS ANY LEGAL QUESTIONS, PLEASE REFER TO AN ATTORNEY.
Have a great and fraud-free day.
----------à>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>gene tausk
Sunday, December 25, 2011
The Real Lord of War III
It is an old adage that crime feeds on chaos. And, as we have discussed, the end of the Cold War meant that a person like Viktor But could prosper in this chaos.
In the movie "Lord of War" which, as discussed, is a thinly veiled story of But's life, there is a line where Nicholas Cage's character states that "the three most important exports from the Former Soviet Union were depressed Russian writers, caviar and AK-47's. No one was purchasing Russian cars." Although a humorous line, there is a great deal of truth.
Much of the former Soviet economy was based on the production of military instruments and military gear. The AK-47 to which Cage's character refers is far and away the most popular automatic weapon on the planet. It can survive in every climate and under the most extreme conditions. This one weapon has probably killed more human beings than any other weapon in the history of mankind (which is a remarkable statistic considering that guns did not really come into play as a weapon until the 18th century).
This crazy world where AK-47's and related armaments could be bought from a former superpower gave Viktor But the ability to sell death to the world.
In the movie "Lord of War" which, as discussed, is a thinly veiled story of But's life, there is a line where Nicholas Cage's character states that "the three most important exports from the Former Soviet Union were depressed Russian writers, caviar and AK-47's. No one was purchasing Russian cars." Although a humorous line, there is a great deal of truth.
Much of the former Soviet economy was based on the production of military instruments and military gear. The AK-47 to which Cage's character refers is far and away the most popular automatic weapon on the planet. It can survive in every climate and under the most extreme conditions. This one weapon has probably killed more human beings than any other weapon in the history of mankind (which is a remarkable statistic considering that guns did not really come into play as a weapon until the 18th century).
This crazy world where AK-47's and related armaments could be bought from a former superpower gave Viktor But the ability to sell death to the world.
NOTE: THE INFORMATION IN THIS BLOG IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE NOR IS IT INTENDED TO BE LEGAL ADVICE. IF THE READER HAS ANY LEGAL QUESTIONS, PLEASE REFER TO AN ATTORNEY.
Have a great and fraud-free day.
----------à>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>gene tausk
Friday, December 23, 2011
The Real Lord of War
For those of us who lived through the Cold War (man, am I getting old...), the end of the Soviet Union and the dissolution of the Warsaw Pact and the Eastern European satellite states (Poland, Romania, Bulgaria etc.), was the defining moment of my generation. We all grew up in the shadow of the nuclear threat and the idea of Mutual Assured Destruction (appropriately named MAD). We generally believed that the Russians were cold-hearted people that would gladly press the nuclear button on the drop of a dime (nothing can be further from the truth - Russians are among the warmest and friendliest people I have known in my life). It was taken as a fact of life that, one way or another, the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe was here to stay and it would stay for a long, long time.
Then, in one instant, it was over. Events beginning in 1989 led to the overthrow of the oppressive governments of Eastern Europe and, to everyone's surprise (and don't let anyone tell you differently), the peaceful dissolution of the Soviet Union. On January 1, 1991, the hammer-and-sickle flag flew over the Kremlin in Moscow. On December 31, 1991, it was lowered for the last time and replaced with the tricolor flag of the Russian Federation. This event was repeated in 14 capitals in now independent states.
This unprecedented transfer of power created a power and legal vacuum that was ready to be exploited. And, this was the opportunity of a lifetime for Viktor But.
Then, in one instant, it was over. Events beginning in 1989 led to the overthrow of the oppressive governments of Eastern Europe and, to everyone's surprise (and don't let anyone tell you differently), the peaceful dissolution of the Soviet Union. On January 1, 1991, the hammer-and-sickle flag flew over the Kremlin in Moscow. On December 31, 1991, it was lowered for the last time and replaced with the tricolor flag of the Russian Federation. This event was repeated in 14 capitals in now independent states.
This unprecedented transfer of power created a power and legal vacuum that was ready to be exploited. And, this was the opportunity of a lifetime for Viktor But.
NOTE: THE INFORMATION IN THIS BLOG IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE NOR IS IT INTENDED TO BE LEGAL ADVICE. IF THE READER HAS ANY LEGAL QUESTIONS, PLEASE REFER TO AN ATTORNEY.
Have a great and fraud-free day.
----------à>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>gene tausk
Thursday, December 22, 2011
The Real Lord of War
One of my favorite movies is "Lord of War," starring Nicolas Cage and Bridgette Moynihan. It is a semifictionalized account of a Russian/Ukrainian arms dealer who makes a fortune selling arms to various 3rd world dictators and hot conflicts all over the world. It is a great film and one that is highly recommended.
But, it is not fiction. "Lord of War" is based on the real-life story of Viktor But (pronounced "boot"), born in the Former Soviet Union who rose through the ranks of the Soviet army and GRU (military intelligence/special forces) and, according to some stories, the KGB as well. Viktor But was for many years the most infamous arms dealer on the planet. He indeed provided arms to both sides in a conflict and, according to some estimates, is responsible for killing more human beings on this planet since Chinggis Khan (But did not kill them directly, of course, but the arms he sold made him indirectly responsible for these deaths).
Viktor But is now serving hard time in a Federal detention center and will not be getting out anytime soon. But, his story is worth telling, not only for the arms dealing but also for the fraud and white collar crime that was needed to fund his operations. We will briefly discuss But's arms career, but spend more time (of course) talking about the fraud that But used to "earn" and launder his money.
But, it is not fiction. "Lord of War" is based on the real-life story of Viktor But (pronounced "boot"), born in the Former Soviet Union who rose through the ranks of the Soviet army and GRU (military intelligence/special forces) and, according to some stories, the KGB as well. Viktor But was for many years the most infamous arms dealer on the planet. He indeed provided arms to both sides in a conflict and, according to some estimates, is responsible for killing more human beings on this planet since Chinggis Khan (But did not kill them directly, of course, but the arms he sold made him indirectly responsible for these deaths).
Viktor But is now serving hard time in a Federal detention center and will not be getting out anytime soon. But, his story is worth telling, not only for the arms dealing but also for the fraud and white collar crime that was needed to fund his operations. We will briefly discuss But's arms career, but spend more time (of course) talking about the fraud that But used to "earn" and launder his money.
NOTE: THE INFORMATION IN THIS BLOG IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE NOR IS IT INTENDED TO BE LEGAL ADVICE. IF THE READER HAS ANY LEGAL QUESTIONS, PLEASE REFER TO AN ATTORNEY.
Have a great and fraud-free day.
----------à>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>gene tausk
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Spam, spam, spam, spam...good spam, wonderful spam....VIII
OK - before we move onto the next topic, I've received a few requests concerning the Monty Python title to this thread. So - here you you go:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anwy2MPT5RE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anwy2MPT5RE
NOTE: THE INFORMATION IN THIS BLOG IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE NOR IS IT INTENDED TO BE LEGAL ADVICE. IF THE READER HAS ANY LEGAL QUESTIONS, PLEASE REFER TO AN ATTORNEY.
Have a great and fraud-free day.
----------à>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>gene tausk
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Spam, spam, spam, spam...good spam, wonderful spam....VII
So - although spam is annoying, it is also a carrier of viruses, malicious software and can be used to enter computer systems for classified or personal information.
The most important factor with spam is simply to block it. Spam, fortunately, is a relatively "low tech" form of fraud and intrusion into your computer's software and and hardware systems. It works in the most basic way possible: by sending masses of emails to override your email filter and get your attention. In this respect, spam is nothing more than the 21st version of a "chain letter."
Just keep in mind to block spam and keep a lookout for emails that are not from recognized sources or do not make any sense. This is just basic advice in the modern world. Also, fortunately, spam is such an old method of fraud and overriding computer systems that most people are aware of it, or at least have heard of it. Also, fortunately, most ISP's and service providers provide a "spam" folder for placing incoming spam messages away from your system and "junking" them.
We will move on to a new topic tomorrow.
The most important factor with spam is simply to block it. Spam, fortunately, is a relatively "low tech" form of fraud and intrusion into your computer's software and and hardware systems. It works in the most basic way possible: by sending masses of emails to override your email filter and get your attention. In this respect, spam is nothing more than the 21st version of a "chain letter."
Just keep in mind to block spam and keep a lookout for emails that are not from recognized sources or do not make any sense. This is just basic advice in the modern world. Also, fortunately, spam is such an old method of fraud and overriding computer systems that most people are aware of it, or at least have heard of it. Also, fortunately, most ISP's and service providers provide a "spam" folder for placing incoming spam messages away from your system and "junking" them.
We will move on to a new topic tomorrow.
NOTE: THE INFORMATION IN THIS BLOG IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE NOR IS IT INTENDED TO BE LEGAL ADVICE. IF THE READER HAS ANY LEGAL QUESTIONS, PLEASE REFER TO AN ATTORNEY.
Have a great and fraud-free day.
----------à>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>gene tausk
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Spam, spam, spam, spam...good spam, wonderful spam....VI
More spam prevention tips:
1. Don't respond to the "removal request" email address that shows up in some spam. It is better to label it as "spam" to your ISP and avoid it in the future.
2. If you have your own website (as does my Firm), don't put a link to your email address. Instead, offer user s a form they can use to contact you.
3. Avoid online service profiles that include contact information.
1. Don't respond to the "removal request" email address that shows up in some spam. It is better to label it as "spam" to your ISP and avoid it in the future.
2. If you have your own website (as does my Firm), don't put a link to your email address. Instead, offer user s a form they can use to contact you.
3. Avoid online service profiles that include contact information.
NOTE: THE INFORMATION IN THIS BLOG IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE NOR IS IT INTENDED TO BE LEGAL ADVICE. IF THE READER HAS ANY LEGAL QUESTIONS, PLEASE REFER TO AN ATTORNEY.
Have a great and fraud-free day.
----------à>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>gene tausk
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Spam, spam, spam, spam...good spam, wonderful spam....V
One of the ways that spammers work around blocks and other defense systems are "zombies." Zombies are a relay network used by spammers which use relay systems to move from one computer (or network) or another to fool or deceive computer systems. By running from one network to another, the zombies can fool a network into letting emails (spam emails) into a system and into your computer.
Other types of zombie systems will "trick" a network into letting its emails run through its systems. The system network does not recognize the spam for what it is and lets it bypass its safety systems. This way, the network itself does not know what it is doing.
The key to all of this, therefore, is to always be careful when looking at unknown email. There is no foolproof system that will prevent unwanted emails and no network safety system can replace caution and common sense.
Other types of zombie systems will "trick" a network into letting its emails run through its systems. The system network does not recognize the spam for what it is and lets it bypass its safety systems. This way, the network itself does not know what it is doing.
The key to all of this, therefore, is to always be careful when looking at unknown email. There is no foolproof system that will prevent unwanted emails and no network safety system can replace caution and common sense.
NOTE: THE INFORMATION IN THIS BLOG IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE NOR IS IT INTENDED TO BE LEGAL ADVICE. IF THE READER HAS ANY LEGAL QUESTIONS, PLEASE REFER TO AN ATTORNEY.
Have a great and fraud-free day.
----------à>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>gene tausk
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Spam, spam, spam, spam...good spam, wonderful spam....IV
Well, we have defined what is spam. The logical question is: what can we do about it?
Fortunately, there are some simple answers. Most internet providers provide spam blocking materials and software devices to block incoming spam. When you get an unwanted email, you can mark it as spam and your ISP will take care of the matter.
If spam continues and for some reason the spam marker does not work, then contacting your ISP or even free services like Yahoo and Google will resolve the problem.
Of course, if you receive a spam email and the email has an attachment, do not open it under any circumstances.
We will continue with this tommorrow.
Fortunately, there are some simple answers. Most internet providers provide spam blocking materials and software devices to block incoming spam. When you get an unwanted email, you can mark it as spam and your ISP will take care of the matter.
If spam continues and for some reason the spam marker does not work, then contacting your ISP or even free services like Yahoo and Google will resolve the problem.
Of course, if you receive a spam email and the email has an attachment, do not open it under any circumstances.
We will continue with this tommorrow.
NOTE: THE INFORMATION IN THIS BLOG IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE NOR IS IT INTENDED TO BE LEGAL ADVICE. IF THE READER HAS ANY LEGAL QUESTIONS, PLEASE REFER TO AN ATTORNEY.
Have a great and fraud-free day.
----------à>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>gene tausk
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Spam, spam, spam, spam...good spam, wonderful spam....III
OK - we know what is spam. Other than the fact that it is annoying, why should we really care? We can always delete it and not worry about it.
Well, first of all, as we discussed in a previous post, spam can "clog" a computer network and its systems. This is because of the vast bulk emails that are sent. But, unless you are a network administrator or an IT professional, this does not really affect us (in the sense that it is up to the network administrator or the IT professional to clear the backlog.
Remember what I stated earlier, however, spam can also be used for fraud. Spam are carriers of 419 scams. Spam is also used to collect information on the recipients of such emails. Remember, with bulk emailing, sometimes it is easy to "overlook" one and provide information to a request for such information by not paying attention to where the email originated. Also, it goes without saying that spam mails can contain viruses.
Spam, by its very nature, is not meant for "good" purposes. This only leaves the option, therefore, that spam is sent for "other" purposes.
Well, first of all, as we discussed in a previous post, spam can "clog" a computer network and its systems. This is because of the vast bulk emails that are sent. But, unless you are a network administrator or an IT professional, this does not really affect us (in the sense that it is up to the network administrator or the IT professional to clear the backlog.
Remember what I stated earlier, however, spam can also be used for fraud. Spam are carriers of 419 scams. Spam is also used to collect information on the recipients of such emails. Remember, with bulk emailing, sometimes it is easy to "overlook" one and provide information to a request for such information by not paying attention to where the email originated. Also, it goes without saying that spam mails can contain viruses.
Spam, by its very nature, is not meant for "good" purposes. This only leaves the option, therefore, that spam is sent for "other" purposes.
NOTE: THE INFORMATION IN THIS BLOG IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE NOR IS IT INTENDED TO BE LEGAL ADVICE. IF THE READER HAS ANY LEGAL QUESTIONS, PLEASE REFER TO AN ATTORNEY.
Have a great and fraud-free day.
----------à>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>gene tausk
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Spam, spam, spam, spam...good spam, wonderful spam....
So - just what is this wonderful thing called "spam?" We need to define it if we are to talk about it.
Spam is unsolicited bulk email. Just like in the past with snail mail, where a person or organization could buy mailing lists of potential clients and then send a "form" letter to these people with offers of some good or service, in today's world it is possible to buy mailing lists (or even find them) of millions of email addresses (yes, that is "millions") and send out bulk emails offering goods or services for sale.
Spam can cause a multitude of problems. First of course, most people find it annoying (with good reason). Second, however, spam can tie up a computer network if enough bulk email is sent (and as we all know, millions of unwanted emails can be sent all over the world in a blink of an eye). Third, bulk email can also cause impairment to systems or data or to programs simply by the large numbers of email that is send. Fourth, spam can be used as a cover to send emails that are carriers of a virus. Fifth, of course, the spam can be used to commit fraud.
More on this later.
Spam is unsolicited bulk email. Just like in the past with snail mail, where a person or organization could buy mailing lists of potential clients and then send a "form" letter to these people with offers of some good or service, in today's world it is possible to buy mailing lists (or even find them) of millions of email addresses (yes, that is "millions") and send out bulk emails offering goods or services for sale.
Spam can cause a multitude of problems. First of course, most people find it annoying (with good reason). Second, however, spam can tie up a computer network if enough bulk email is sent (and as we all know, millions of unwanted emails can be sent all over the world in a blink of an eye). Third, bulk email can also cause impairment to systems or data or to programs simply by the large numbers of email that is send. Fourth, spam can be used as a cover to send emails that are carriers of a virus. Fifth, of course, the spam can be used to commit fraud.
NOTE: THE INFORMATION IN THIS BLOG IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE NOR IS IT INTENDED TO BE LEGAL ADVICE. IF THE READER HAS ANY LEGAL QUESTIONS, PLEASE REFER TO AN ATTORNEY.
Have a great and fraud-free day.
----------à>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>gene tausk
Monday, December 12, 2011
Spam, spam, spam, spam...good spam, wonderful spam....
OK - back in town, everything is up to speed, let's move onto our next topic. Which, as you can guess from the title line, is "Spam." And no, I am not talking about the all-purpose "meat" dish that is a legendary product of the Hormel foods corporation and so popular in Hawaii. I am, of course, talking about the unwanted email that every single person with an email account on Planet Earth receives (including BTW, world leaders and the President of the United States). Spam is the original virus of the internet age and I can confidently predict that as computers, software and hardware continue to evolve, spam will always be a part of their evolutionary heritage, in much the same way that viruses have become a part of the evolutionary heritage of life on this Earth.
Spam, however, can be used for fraud, which is a topic we will be exploring in the posts throughout the rest of December.
And yes, for any Monty Python fans out there, the title comes from their still hilarious sketch on the subject.
Spam, however, can be used for fraud, which is a topic we will be exploring in the posts throughout the rest of December.
And yes, for any Monty Python fans out there, the title comes from their still hilarious sketch on the subject.
NOTE: THE INFORMATION IN THIS BLOG IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE NOR IS IT INTENDED TO BE LEGAL ADVICE. IF THE READER HAS ANY LEGAL QUESTIONS, PLEASE REFER TO AN ATTORNEY.
Have a great and fraud-free day.
----------à>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>gene tausk
Friday, December 9, 2011
Personal Encounters V
Need to take a break for the next two days since I will be celebrating my 20th wedding anniversary (hard to believe) but I will be back on Monday with a new topic.
Hope everyone has a great weekend.
------------->>>>>>>>>>>>>>gene
Hope everyone has a great weekend.
------------->>>>>>>>>>>>>>gene
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Personal Encounters IV
As I mentioned in my last post, the important step once it is discovered that your passport has been stolen is to report it immediately so it can be cancelled. Failure to do so can lead to enormous problems not only for you, but possibly for the government as well.
As I mentioned at the beginning of this thread, their is a vast industry of underground passport sales and tracking. As anyone who has received a new passport in the past five years knows, passports are not just folded cardboard books anymore. They are high-tech devices with built in transmitter chips that can be electronically read and transmitted from various points around the world. The entire point of this is to deter passport fraud.
However, even with these high tech devices, passport fraud and forgery is still a big issue. Once an identity thief has an actual passport, it is much easier to try and use this actual passport as a way to create a forged one - on the back of the actual person from whom it was stolen.
As I mentioned at the beginning of this thread, their is a vast industry of underground passport sales and tracking. As anyone who has received a new passport in the past five years knows, passports are not just folded cardboard books anymore. They are high-tech devices with built in transmitter chips that can be electronically read and transmitted from various points around the world. The entire point of this is to deter passport fraud.
However, even with these high tech devices, passport fraud and forgery is still a big issue. Once an identity thief has an actual passport, it is much easier to try and use this actual passport as a way to create a forged one - on the back of the actual person from whom it was stolen.
NOTE: THE INFORMATION IN THIS BLOG IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE NOR IS IT INTENDED TO BE LEGAL ADVICE. IF THE READER HAS ANY LEGAL QUESTIONS, PLEASE REFER TO AN ATTORNEY.
Have a great and fraud-free day.
----------à>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>gene tausk
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Personal Encounters III
So - my passport was stolen and I went to the American Consulate to get a new passport.
There is another factor in the necessity to get a new passport as soon as possible and to report your passport stolen. To put it bluntly, it protects you.
Once a person discovers that a crime has been committed, in this case that a passport was stolen, by quickly reporting it I have cut off all personal responsibility for the matter. If I take the affirmative steps to report the passport stolen, and if the passport is used (or attempted to be used) in the future, I have done my part to protect myself. Likewise, if I do not report it stolen as soon as I discover that it was stolen, I am setting myself up for possible problems.
More on this later.
There is another factor in the necessity to get a new passport as soon as possible and to report your passport stolen. To put it bluntly, it protects you.
Once a person discovers that a crime has been committed, in this case that a passport was stolen, by quickly reporting it I have cut off all personal responsibility for the matter. If I take the affirmative steps to report the passport stolen, and if the passport is used (or attempted to be used) in the future, I have done my part to protect myself. Likewise, if I do not report it stolen as soon as I discover that it was stolen, I am setting myself up for possible problems.
NOTE: THE INFORMATION IN THIS BLOG IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE NOR IS IT INTENDED TO BE LEGAL ADVICE. IF THE READER HAS ANY LEGAL QUESTIONS, PLEASE REFER TO AN ATTORNEY.
Have a great and fraud-free day.
----------à>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>gene tausk
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Personal Encounters II
So - I mentioned in the last post that my passport was stolen. I immediately moved to report it stolen and get a new one. Why is this so critical?
First, from a practical point of view, a person cannot travel internationally without a passport. So, unless I wanted to get stuck in Russia (which would not be a bad thing), I would have to get a new passport in any case. It makes sense to take care of this sooner rather than later. I discovered that my passport was missing on a Friday and since the Consulate would have been closed over the weekend, it was practical to get it taken care of when I knew the Consulate was open. To do otherwise would have meant that I would have been without this vital document for at least two days; two days when I might have needed it.
Second, from a fraud examiners point of view, passport fraud is a big worldwide industry. Passports from advanced nations such as the U.S. are in high demand because they are sold to high-tech "passport surgeons" who try and alter the passport for a new identity for someone else. My stolen passport may have been used for such a purpose. It is important for the American Consulate or Embassy to know about my stolen passport ASAP so they can put a stop to my passport and passport number to prevent it from being used by anyone else.
More on this tomorrow.
First, from a practical point of view, a person cannot travel internationally without a passport. So, unless I wanted to get stuck in Russia (which would not be a bad thing), I would have to get a new passport in any case. It makes sense to take care of this sooner rather than later. I discovered that my passport was missing on a Friday and since the Consulate would have been closed over the weekend, it was practical to get it taken care of when I knew the Consulate was open. To do otherwise would have meant that I would have been without this vital document for at least two days; two days when I might have needed it.
Second, from a fraud examiners point of view, passport fraud is a big worldwide industry. Passports from advanced nations such as the U.S. are in high demand because they are sold to high-tech "passport surgeons" who try and alter the passport for a new identity for someone else. My stolen passport may have been used for such a purpose. It is important for the American Consulate or Embassy to know about my stolen passport ASAP so they can put a stop to my passport and passport number to prevent it from being used by anyone else.
More on this tomorrow.
NOTE: THE INFORMATION IN THIS BLOG IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE NOR IS IT INTENDED TO BE LEGAL ADVICE. IF THE READER HAS ANY LEGAL QUESTIONS, PLEASE REFER TO AN ATTORNEY.
Have a great and fraud-free day.
----------à>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>gene tausk
Monday, December 5, 2011
Personal Encounters
Well, the "major project" to which I referred earlier was a trip to St. Petersburg, Russia. Just got back in town and although I had a great time (I love Russia), I myself was the victim of theft which could lead to fraud. So, there is no time like the present to discuss how I took care of this situation. Yes, anyone can be the victim of fraud and theft. The most important part is taking care of the situation.
So, long story short, my passport was stolen. Aside from being the victim of a theft, which is always difficult and unpleasant, the most irritating part of having a passport stolen in a foreign country is that it needs to be replaced. A person cannot travel internationally without a passport. So, this means that an American citizen, or a citizen of their own country, must go to their country's Embassy or consulate and get a new one. Since I was in St. Petersburg, Russian Federation, I had to go to the consulate in St. Petersburg (in Russia, the USA has its embassy in Moscow [the capital], and consulates in St. Petersburg, Vladivostok, and Ekatirinburg).
So, a few hours later, I was able to report my passport stolen and get a new one (and I give extreme props to the good people at American Citizen Services at the St. Petersburg consulate for their excellent work).
But - why is it important to report when a passport is stolen and get a new one as soon as possible?
More later.
So, long story short, my passport was stolen. Aside from being the victim of a theft, which is always difficult and unpleasant, the most irritating part of having a passport stolen in a foreign country is that it needs to be replaced. A person cannot travel internationally without a passport. So, this means that an American citizen, or a citizen of their own country, must go to their country's Embassy or consulate and get a new one. Since I was in St. Petersburg, Russian Federation, I had to go to the consulate in St. Petersburg (in Russia, the USA has its embassy in Moscow [the capital], and consulates in St. Petersburg, Vladivostok, and Ekatirinburg).
So, a few hours later, I was able to report my passport stolen and get a new one (and I give extreme props to the good people at American Citizen Services at the St. Petersburg consulate for their excellent work).
But - why is it important to report when a passport is stolen and get a new one as soon as possible?
More later.
NOTE: THE INFORMATION IN THIS BLOG IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE NOR IS IT INTENDED TO BE LEGAL ADVICE. IF THE READER HAS ANY LEGAL QUESTIONS, PLEASE REFER TO AN ATTORNEY.
Have a great and fraud-free day.
----------à>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>gene tausk
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