New Scam?

[Bambino]

This is a new one on me. Maybe someone else has heard of it before, but I haven't. In any event, it's something to think about and be aware of. 

Criminals are dropping thumb drives randomly on the street or in shops with viruses or back door access software on them that can tunnel into your computer. People/kids will pick them up - be curious - and open them on their computer at home. It’s called a ‘drop attack’ then the fun begins… It could be nothing, but who walks around with a thumb drive in their pocket that can fall out randomly? 

For anyone who doesn't know what a thumb drive is, below is an example of a type of one, of which there are many:

[pgn]

Used to get those at trade shows a decade ago, with sales or product literature on... Wouldn't trust one as far as I could throw it!

 

[Oxonian]

I recall this scam being publicised in the pre-Covid era @Bambino, but I haven't heard it mentioned recently. 

Thanks for reminding us about it ! 👍 

[Pipstop78]

Gordon Bennett why do these people feel they need to do this 

[Oxonian]

It is just a different - and fairly old - variation on the scam theme @Pipstop78.

It relies on folks being curious and somewhat thoughtless ! 👍