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#Post#: 5854--------------------------------------------------
TGIF Net Report: 2026-05-01
DIR By: VE3RD
Date: May 2, 2026, 6:12 am
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[center]TGIF Net Report: 2026-05-01[/center]
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[/hr]
Net Control: Robert (K4WZV)
Topic: Internet Fraud, Scams, and Phishing Protection
Talk Group: 31665
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[/hr]
Executive Summary
Tonight's net focused on the critical and ever-evolving
landscape of digital security. Robert (K4WZV) and various
contributors discussed the "red flags" of internet scams,
including artificial urgency, email spoofing, and the dangers of
search engine "sponsored" links. Participants shared personal
stories of identity theft and check fraud to highlight the
importance of skepticism and due diligence in an increasingly
connected world.
Key Takeaways:
[] The "Hover" Rule: Always hover over links and sender
addresses to verify the true destination before clicking.
[] Skepticism of Urgency: Legitimate institutions (banks,
IRS) rarely demand immediate action via email or text under
threat of arrest or account closure.
[] Reporting: Victims or those who encounter scams are
encouraged to report incidents to the FTC at
reportfraud.ftc.gov.
[] Credit Protection: Freezing your credit with the major
bureaus is a highly effective way to prevent unauthorized
account creation.
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Main Discussion & Highlights
Red Flags and Phishing Tactics:
Joe (WB3IHY) opened the discussion by emphasizing that "urgency"
is the scammer's best friend. Phrases like "act now" or "your
account will be locked" are designed to make you bypass your
critical thinking. He also noted that security questions (like
your mother's maiden name) do not require accurate answersyou
can provide a "fake" answer as long as you remember it, making
it harder for scammers to dig up your info online.
Technical Spoofing:
Fred (KC8USA) reminded the group that scammers are adept at
imitating legitimate local numbers and bank logos. He stressed
the importance of checking the "source" of an email. If the
sender's address doesn't match the company name when you
right-click or hover, it is a fraud.
Social Media and Marketplace Scams:
Deion (KE4TLC) shared a cautionary tale of a Facebook scam where
a fraudster used his QRZ photo to sell a radio. The buyer was
coerced into using PayPal "Friends and Family," which offers
zero protection. The consensus from the net was to never use
unprotected payment methods for commercial transactions.
Search Engine Dangers:
Chris (N6PPP) highlighted a growing trend where scammers pay for
"Sponsored" results on Google. These ads appear at the very top
of search results and often lead to clone websites (e.g.,
"homedepot.net" instead of ".com"). Users were advised to scroll
past sponsored ads to find legitimate links.
The "Check Fraud" Incident:
Roger (WB4T) shared a live scenario where he received a priority
mail cashier's check for over $1,000 for a $30 item. The scammer
only wanted the "tracking number" from hima tactic likely used
to commit insurance or mail fraud. Mark (KF5MG) urged that such
incidents should be reported to the Federal Trade Commission
(FTC) or Secret Service rather than simply shredded, to help
build a case against these networks.
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Complete Check-in List
Net Control Station:
Net Control Station:
[*] K4WZV Robert
Short-Time Check-ins:
[] N2MRH Joe
[] N6CZE
[] KB4QCE
[] K9FEH
[] KD9ITO Teal
[] KE8PCQ
[] WB3GCK
[] WC7V
[] K7DCE
[] WB8KOB
[] KB8IWO
[] K4YGD
[] KD0CID / KD0CIV Delores
[] KE4TLC
[] N9NJS
[] N6PPP
[] NT9Q
[] KE8APO
[] N4MNN
[] N2FYA
[] KA3NGT
[] K8TLH
[] N1ID
[] VE6TLC
[] K2OZ Danny
[] K2ANN Ann
[*] WB4T Roger
Regular Check-ins (Groups 0-3):
[] WB3GETM Michael
[] WB3IHY Joe
[] N1XQX
[] VE3RD Phil
[] KB3JQQ
[] VE3JAR Vic
[] W1GSK Mick
[] KA2YED
[] W2SHR Steve
[] AD2CH Mark
[*] KW0Z
Regular Check-ins (Groups 4-6):
[] KF5KHS
[] K5GU
[] N4ZWR
[] N4XV
[] KD4BJA
[] NG5N
[] N5YAK
[] KK4UAK
[] W4SFX
[] K9PAL
Regular Check-ins (Groups 7-9):
[] KC8USA Fred
[] KC8UKB Eric
[] N9RUT
[] WD9HGO
[] KB9LIQ
[] NS8G
[] KB8KES
[] KC9SIO
[] N8ASH
[] N9DYO
[] K8WF Bill
[] KB8PFL
Open & Late Check-ins:
[] KC1MNJ Maka
[] KC1LKO McGill
[] KC9MEC Jean
[] WA1WQC Dave
[] KC3CJU Martha
[] N4HYK Van
[] KF5WFA
[] KB3PTP
[] NY2S
[] K7JJL
[] KF5MG Mark
[] N5ZKF Philip
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Closing Remarks & Acknowledgments
In Memoriam:
[] Mitch Savage (EA7KDO): The creator of the TGIF network.
Mitch was an intricate part of the community, helping with
Nextion screens and supporting all members. He will always be
remembered.
[] James Valley (KS6S): Recognized for his participation and
donation to the network; he is truly missed.
Technical Credits & Acknowledgments:
[] Ty (KG5RKI): Main coder for the TGIF network.
[] Andy (G7LRR): Dashboard and server management.
[] Support Team: Glenn (N3MEL) for the forum, Mark (AD2CH),
Doug (K85CDK), and Joe (WB3IHY).
[] Documentation & Media: Vic (VE3JAR) and Phil (VE3RD) for
support, Nextion streams, and recordings.
73 to all, and Thank God It's Friday!
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