Well, I knew it would happen. It was just a matter of time. Responding to the encouragement of younger people, I joined Facebook in March. It didn’t take long to understand why I didn’t need another complication on my computer.
I use my computer for my business and to keep in touch with friends, but I don’t want to connect to perfect strangers just because we happen to know person or persons in common. It became perfectly clear that the social network was able to access those who regularly e-mail me and offer them — in my name — an “invitation” to be a friend.
Friends don’t need an invitation. Give me air. I had no idea that so many “special offers” were in the wings for me. The sheer number of inquiries from a glut of companies increased by the day — and it was very apparent that it coincided with the date that I decided to avail myself of the social network’s services.
It’s not that I’m against meeting new people. I am capable of striking up a conversation with just about anyone. What I don’t need is someone else making the decision to do it for me.
The World Wide Web offers users a wide variety of topics for research, news as it happens, and weather radar to aid in our safety during the stormy season so common in a Hoosier spring. Price comparisons are easy and shopping is a breeze, although I must warn you that opening an account with an online vendor can put you at risk. The best strategy is to shop as a New User or Guest. That way, no credit card information is saved.
Speaking from experience, that information can get out. I have spent the better part of two and a half weeks to respond to letters from nearly a score of vendors wanting me to complete a “purchase” after the credit card was declined. Well, it wasn’t declined, folks. It was canceled. Somehow, some little scoundrel managed to get the credit card number, my address and phone number and used it at will.
My first clue came when a company called to inquire about “pet jewelry” to be shipped to me. It seems that the web thief had given the right billing address, but the wrong mailing address. I assumed that it was a gift, since Mother’s day was just around the corner and told the caller to contact the purchaser and tell them to call me to confirm the gift. A call four hours later informed me that I was the purchaser. Wrong! The mental image of my 135-pound Newfoundland wearing jewelry prompted me to laugh out loud. Asking more questions, I found that the items had been charged to me that they amounted to hundreds of dollars. Right. I would outfit a dog in something that expensive….
A subsequent call that evening sent up a big red flag. Someone had my credit card number. I immediately called the company and canceled the card. There are safe ways to shop on line and ways that expose you to risk.
Play it safe. As for me, technology still has a lot of uses. Yes, one element bit the dust, but I consider that a rarity. Use your computer, but be careful. If you are not, you may be sorrier than you can imagine. Think about it.