Wednesday morning I tried to log in to my Gmail account & got an error message that my password was incorrect. What? I have Norton security which automatically fills in my passwords, so I knew something was wrong, but had no idea what was going on.
I kept trying & trying. I googled “can’t log into email” and followed their steps, to no avail. I couldn’t get a link to any of my secondary email accounts, because they were all linked to my primary email. Note to Self: always have accounts that aren’t directly linked to each other.
I tried my mother’s computer. Still no access – so it wasn’t just my computer. Then I tried her gmail account. That’s when I saw the fake email. Oh no! I was just sickened. It hadn’t even dawned on me the full ramifications of what had happened. I didn’t realize that my entire list of email addresses had received the bogus email.
I went back to Google & followed the steps to change my password. It took a few tries. Mainly because I was panicked. Google needed verification I was who I said I was. And it wasn’t just a simple question. They wanted 5 email addresses. Well, shoot, I couldn’t get into my gmail account, so I didn’t have any addresses. Note to Self: print off your email addresses for safekeeping.
I went on to Facebook & got some of my friends email addresses, to Blogger, then to your blogs, then to your profiles, then got some of your email addresses. I took me over an hour, but it finally worked. I got my password changed and could log into my gmail account. But no new emails were showing up. I get around 50 emails each day, mainly because I subscribe to so many magazines online, so I knew there was still a problem.
They were all in the trash. Back to Google and how to fix that problem. Once I figured that out, I saw a lot of friends & family had emailed me asking if I was okay and what the heck (Hack) was going on.
Then I went on Twitter. I had messages from Twitter followers that they too had received the email. OMG! Are you kidding me? Just how big was this hack?
So I tweeted that I had been hacked. I went on Facebook & said the same thing. Hubs called & said he was getting phone calls from family members who wondered if I was okay and what the Hack was going on.
I started answering emails, one by one. Facebook messages, one by one. Twitter DM’s, one by one. It took me 2 days. I got a phone call @ 11 last night from a cousin, so it’s still going on. Ugh!
One friend (an attorney) had heard of this type of scam and emailed me. She wanted a response back before she believed it was me. Actually 2 responses.
I truly hope no one bought into this and actually sent money, but I don’t know. All of my emails addresses were deleted so I can’t get in touch with absolutely everyone to let them know what happened.
After replying to everyone, changing all my passwords online – emails, Facebook, Twitter, my website, my art sites, Norton, Paypal, etc. I was totally spent. I could barely look at the computer, much less blog or write.
I tried to find the positive in the whole dang situation. Actually, this wasn’t too hard. I found I have a wonderful group of friends & followers who were genuinely concerned for my welfare. A bigger group than I ever dreamed of.
In fact, Hubs had a wonderful point – if I didn’t have such a large group of friends & family, I wouldn’t have been hacked.
It was little consolation, but I learned many valuable lessons.
- Have multiple emails on different servers with totally different passwords
- Print off all email contacts & keep the hard copy in a safe spot
- Make my passwords totally different (I’m still working on this)
- Change your passwords regularly, like every month.
Now I’ve set up a calendar where I am reminded to change them on different days of the month. It’ll take some time, but I’ll feel better.
If you do any work online, I hope you take away some value from my experience. Even if your work isn’t online, it’s just good to know. The news is full of Facebook hacks & Twitter problems.
Yes, it’s a sad commentary on life today. But feeling secure in exchange for the wonderful connections I have with all of you is so worth it.
Thank you to everyone who voiced your concern. I was truly overwhelmed & grateful.
Colleen
When I got the email I knew it was bogus because it didn't "sound" like you at all. Also, I have received so many from foreign countries that are nearly the same script. I didn't reply tho, because I wasn't sure if that was part of the virus. Glad you have gotten to the bottom of this. I am looking forward to doing a feng shui consultation soon! I took pics, and got a layout map from my building manager. I'll email you later this week. (I am on vacation!!) Glad you are getting back to normal. WHat an ordeal!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry this happened to you - what a terrible concern and worry. And it makes me mad we even have to worrry about people who do this kind of thing.
ReplyDeleteWith very few exceptions, most of us are out here meeting and interacting with other decent, nice, people with the best of intentions. It may be why we get 'hacked' sometimes. We don't expect anyone (who may have ulterior motives or scamming motives) to do something like this.
You've opened my eyes about the passwords - I'll be changing mine on a regular basis. I trusted Norton, too - I thought I was safe!
Glad you're getting back to normal. If there's any bright side to this - at least you know we care about you!
Susan
I'm so glad you were able to get back into your accounts and change the passwords. I once had my internet explorer hijacked and it was a nightmare! Each and every thing I ever did was compromised. Most people should know when they receive an email that is not addressed to them PERSONALLY (and written with that personal touch-it's usually generated and sounds like spam) they should be Leary to do what it asks. I have heard over and over that you really need to change you password on social networks monthly as that is the biggest source, just like you mentioned.
ReplyDelete