Public Enemy Exposed

We expose consumer infringements, dark patterns, roadhogs and other nasty stuff in Africa.  We are independent, not affiliated and seek positive change.   Promotion of Digital Self-Defence

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npub1d242amth5rk5sjcq460dpnaa36flpptdrfxm6ch9wdq4qtj8pu2q28j7ed

NIP-05 Address

pee_at_mastodon.online@momostr.pink

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nprofile1qqsx424wa4m6pm2gfvq2a8kse77caylss4k35ndavtjhxs2s9ers79qqe63tq

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npub1d242amth5rk5sjcq460dpnaa36flpptdrfxm6ch9wdq4qtj8pu2q28j7ed

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Last Notes

2024-07-02 20:50:47

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geeez, with a thing like that, tracking shoppers and the products in a trolley throughout a shop, from shelve-to-shelve and even throughout a mall, becomes child's play - if so abused. Btw, has anyone got a new Driving Licence (*South Africa) recently - I noticed a tiny pill-shaped bump in mine today (centre-left), which looks awfully like a chip. @npub142a…95sc

2024-07-02 12:45:44

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here's the Article, with a link to the Video, how they do it. https://businesstech.co.za/news/banking/759831/criminals-are-targetting-tap-to-pay-in-south-africa-what-you-need-to-know/

2024-07-02 12:32:13

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then that's scary stuff! When they warned about it happening a couple of months ago, I vaguely remember mention of them using a Mobile Phone with an App. Not sure though anymore. I guess they figure their tactics out, just like pickpockets. @npub142a…95sc

2024-07-02 09:42:53

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I use an RFID Wallet, but that won't help us with the current NFC-skimming Scam. Someone goes to the Till, tells the person behind that they forgot something and lets you go ahead. Comes back while you are paying, stands close and uses his skimming device to capture the Card details.

2024-07-02 09:17:33

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I think in some countries they call using a Mobile Phone with Apple Pay/ Google Pay, Tap-to-Pay, 👇. Nonetheless, since the NFC-skimming scam started in SA, I had the function on all my Cards deactivated.
https://files.mastodon.online/media_attachments/files/112/716/131/125/503/927/original/5fb8431d5370e089.png

2024-07-02 03:54:59

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I've been very cautious about the likes of ApplePay and GooglePay - instead of 2 companies getting your information to profile you and learn your intimate habits and secrets, it would be 3. This now rightfully so, it appears: https://www.theverge.com/2024/7/1/24190177/nfc-multi-purpose-tap-to-pay-concept #NFC #TapToPay #ApplePay #GooglePay #Surveillance #SurveillanceAdvertising

2024-07-01 22:04:01

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this sounds really good, especially because it does not have all the other spy 'features', like fitness tracking or health monitoring. Only concern is tracking, as you can no longer shield it in an RFID Wallet like a Card and NFC-skimming - I guess that could be fixed with a PIN. If it had some sort of shield to prevent tracking, I might consider it.

2024-06-19 06:56:20

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ahhh, I did not see that Post. Surely all the Lithium Coin Batteries would be rechargeable ?@npub142a…95sc

2024-06-19 06:32:43

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didn't know they are rechargeable. Just looked on Communica, they don't have a charger 🧐. If you find a locally available and workable solution, do share @npub142a…95sc

2024-06-15 17:14:10

Does #RCS really offer E2EE? 🧐 Is it on permanently? What kind of Encryption? First I hear of it, as it's new to iPhone https://www.wired.com/story/guide-to-rcs-why-it-makes-texting-better/

2024-06-15 16:45:38

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nope. Tried both buttons and different Browsers. If you check store availability on the main product page, it gives you the stores with availability, but upon check-out they demand location services. Dark Pattern!

2024-06-15 14:03:10

That's your loss #IncredibleConnection #SouthAfrica. I'll just buy elsewhere. The point of collecting in-store is that you don't get my address. #Consumer #Privacy
https://files.mastodon.online/media_attachments/files/112/621/001/856/926/052/original/3561e96ff67281a6.png

2024-06-13 09:03:25

So you try out a new Salon/Barber Shop, one that's rated in the Top 3 in #SouthAfrica and charges a premium for that; more than the other mid- to upmarket ones. After the job's done, the Cashier/Receptionist asks how much Tip she can add to the amount. What do you do, considering that a place like that should pay a decent Salary, instead of subsidising their obligations and this being downright rude. #Barber #Salon #Hair

2024-06-04 10:03:12

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while on the subject of forgetfulness, just found an old scribble on my table. Electricity (depends on your Municipality offcourse): 2019 - R2.16 p/kWh; 2020 - R2.35 p/kWh; 2021 - R2.73 p/kWh; now R3.32- p/kWh @npub1a52…8jl2

2024-05-21 12:24:57

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perhaps they can't - National Security Letter. Just like with the push-notification debacle. It's good practice to install a device from scratch from time-to-time and if you have software like iMazing, it's quiet an eye opener.

2024-05-21 11:24:11

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"what happens on your iPhone, stays on your iPhone" 😜, so all the little three-letter friends have something worthwhile to hack.

2024-05-20 12:21:29

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still struggling with setting up Notifications in HA.
https://files.mastodon.online/media_attachments/files/112/473/386/258/179/477/original/73b61e581ed6ff01.png

2024-05-20 12:00:15

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those plugs are running off Solar. The only thing still on Eskom is the Geyser, Stove (which I don't use) and the Ceiling Lights. So Eskom can po*s off now 😅

2024-05-20 11:09:07

Life's bliss with #Solar and #HomeAssistant . Got my Smart Plugs & Switches today. #Eskom 0.00 #SouthAfrica
https://files.mastodon.online/media_attachments/files/112/473/100/760/540/328/original/70c8656c5e3c3fb4.png
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2024-05-16 22:47:15

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I went through the websites & docs and it appears a monumental mission - either there are remarks of 'no longer supported' or you need to solder wires or this or that. Gees, if it is no longer supported, remove it from the list #Blackadder . And why such a mission to flash a Camera, while it could be easily done via SD Card. Or I am to new to all of this, to grasp it all at once.

2024-05-15 23:29:53

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one good thing though - the #SONOFF RF-to-WiFi Bridge (R2 433) does work with other 3rd party Sensors and I now managed to integrate my Alarm System into #HomeAssistant , without having to buy a new one.
https://files.mastodon.online/media_attachments/files/112/447/705/218/983/788/original/4ab2b04fba82d0b1.png

2024-05-15 23:24:09

Beware of #SONOFF Products in #HomeAutomation. If you have a choice, don't buy them! The #eWeLink App refuses to populate the WiFi Network to pair new devices if you do not deactivate 'Private WiFi Address' (MAC randomisation), 'Limit IP Address Tracking' & activate 'Location Services' and give access to 'Precise Location' on iPhone. #HomeAssistant . They even published a blog article about it, recommending to deactivate these vital protections, instead of fixing the App. #ChinaCloud #SpyWare 🤦

2024-05-14 22:29:20

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typo? Still extortion though, even at R1.99.

2024-05-10 17:35:36

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but if you use the HA App to get a feed whilst out, then it online right?

2024-05-10 17:31:40

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I was arm-twisted and persuaded that we need a Nanny Cam and at the moment we have a EUFY Indoor Cam. The only reason I bought it is because it's the only Cam I found that features E2EE for feed, local storage and if activated cloud storage too. But I see that #HomeAssistant has standard support for Cams like Xiaomi, which ordinarily I would not dream of buying - just wondering if Cams like that can be 'safely' integrated/operated with Home Assistant.

2024-05-10 17:15:53

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if you hook up IoT devices like a Camera for example, how do you avoid it from 'phoning' home, which most models are made to do and possibly sending the feed to the manufacturer too? #HomeAssistant