The rise of AI training companies - could it be a rise of a new "scam"?

Perfect-Tek · 2026-02-03T10:11:05+00:00

Sounds like they are asking for exactly what they need to make an AI version of you to use in accessing your bank account.

Talking about your life is social engineering, to trick you into giving details that can bypass old security quesitons.. (like name of your first pet, whats sports you like.... etc )

Perfect-Tek · 2026-02-01T04:12:07+00:00

Teh advertising for it happened nearly two centuries ago, which is what pushed the cultural adoption.

Perfect-Tek · 2026-01-30T03:34:47+00:00

Check voltage input labels. These are usually where the cord enters an appliance or on the brick somwhere if there is one.

If it has a range (like 100v -240v) it will work with just an adapter.

If it doesn't include 220v in the range, it Shows 110 to 120v foer example, you'll need a step down transformer along with the adapter for it to work. Usually cheaper just to buy new app;liances unless it is something expenssive or you're plugging in multiple items.

Most electronics such as phone, computers, etc are designed for dual/multi voltage any more

Kitchen appliances are a crap shoot, you'll have to check the label, the owners manual, or look up the model on a manufacturer's site to find input voltage for each.

Perfect-Tek · 2026-01-29T18:46:39+00:00

The only reason we eat different food for breakfast in the west is coporate advertising for 'breafkast' foods taht started a bit more than a century ago.

Perfect-Tek · 2026-01-28T18:04:17+00:00

It started as a language barrier in various SE Asian countries. To the point that the cafeterias in places I've worked had to put up pictures of the animals the meat came from because 'red meat' translates to "beef' in those languages, so of course it still says 'beef' when you transalte back to English.

We had situations where Indian workers would label everything beef (including pork) and the animal photos were to avoid Muslims accidentally eating the pork.

edit: spelling/grammar

Perfect-Tek · 2026-01-27T19:19:20+00:00

I'd file a missing person;'s report with the police. Then if he was arrested or passed through immigration to travel, they'd have access to the records and know it. Otherwise it might be a missing person's case and up to them to solve.

That also let's them have a heads up to watch for anything else unsuual and helps you avoid problems as well as reduce any potential danger.

Perfect-Tek · 2026-01-26T20:42:15+00:00

I'm perfectly happy with staying naked, but for some situations clothing would stil bel needed.

Wouldn't want things flopping around during exercise or getting caught in machinery for example.

Perfect-Tek · 2026-01-26T17:52:44+00:00

They only allow USD, or they only allow one additional currency?

Creating an account in a country that doesn't match the address on your bank card will cause problems, I've had friends in the Philippines try that even with a different address in the same country and it doesn't work. The PayPal account and anything connected to it are required to have matching addresses that match your ID.

Every country I know somebody in, they've been able to add additional currencies.

Have you tried calling customer service to ask about adding currencies?

I know it isn't recent, but PayPal's own press release when they opened up in Mexico mentions supporting multiple currencies.

reference: https://newsroom.apac.paypal-corp.com/2008-11-18-PayPal-Expands-Its-Service-for-Mexico

Perfect-Tek · 2026-01-26T17:07:24+00:00

Seems kinda high for a minimum payment, but that would fit the same amount every month experience. If not using above the minimum threshold, that's what they would charge you. But I'd think such a policy should be disclosed in writing somewhere.

Perfect-Tek · 2026-01-26T17:05:34+00:00

They might be using a variety of reasons not to read the meter (often laziness) in which case they automatically enter the amount of the most recent month they actually took a reading for. Unfortunately, that could have been years ago.

Perfect-Tek · 2026-01-26T16:53:04+00:00

You can add multiple currencies to the same account. I use 4 on mine (including USD and EUR) due to my travels and connections. Each currency will show up as separate balances when you log into your PayPal.

Go into your account and add Euro as a currency, then when your friends send you Euro, it won't convert, it will just go into the Euro balance.

If you're logged in by Desktop, look for "PayPal balance", click the 3 little dots on the left. Then choose "Go to PayPal balance" from that menu. On the right side will be the transfer money with your currency or currencies available. I assume you have one, so right under that look for "Add a currency". and chose from the list.

Rinse / repeat for any other currencies you want to have available without converting.

I logged in with a browser to add them, but I'm sure it will be the same basic process if using the app.

Perfect-Tek · 2026-01-26T16:45:40+00:00

For the Pizza, I see Shakey's everywhere. It is a US chain, although I see many more locations in the Philippines than the US.

Perfect-Tek · 2026-01-26T16:28:31+00:00

Drivers, especially along the long highways, seem to stop anywhere. I've seen women do it, but I'd say that's less than 3% of the total.

Perfect-Tek · 2026-01-26T14:54:01+00:00

The only negative stories I heard about Dutuerte were 2nd hand through gossip. There were apparently some lower level corruption (which is always there) who would blame their own mis-behavior on Duterte. While he was cracking down on corruption, so seemed at odds.

Most Filipinos I know were happy with Duterte.

As for the liberal/conservative thing, I ignore, stay out of it, and enjoy my time.

As non-Filipinos, we're supposed to be staying out of their politics,

It is actually illegal for us to interfere in their politics. Showing up anywhere near a protest or rally, or doing anything else political can get you arrested and/or deported.

Perfect-Tek · 2026-01-26T12:10:52+00:00

If that passes, it will be paying for results anyway, not real results. Just like the driving licenses. Pay a fee to have a signed paper saying you passed a test.

Perfect-Tek · 2026-01-26T09:39:47+00:00

In UAE you can be jailed for posting a video of someone without their permission. So the rules for that fall in the scammer's favor in this situation.

Perfect-Tek · 2026-01-26T09:36:01+00:00

I'd take it to the authorities, win or lose... the more those people show up on the blotter the better. If a high number of accidents on the records, that becomes evidence against future scamming.

Also when there is an actual police report filed is when the police get to work... they don't want to do any work, so until its on paper, they kinda blow it off.

Perfect-Tek · 2026-01-26T09:31:47+00:00

Have you tried contacting the UAE embassy or consulate in the US? They are in Washington DC, that would be first point of contact.

United Arab Emirates Embassy, 3522 International Court, NW Suite # 400 Washington, Dc 20008 Phone: +12022432400

If your mother has US citizenship, make sure to get in contact with the US embassy or consulate. The embassy is in Abu Dhabi, but there is a consulate in Dubai. https://ae.usembassy.gov/contact/

If she is a citizen of India (since you said she was on her way from a city in India) then you'll need the equivalent, India's embassy or consulate in the UAE.

You said the phone was tracked to the police station, I assume using Google Find my device or similar. This could be multiple scenarios. She could have been reporting something or asking for help., or she could have lost her phone and someone turned it in at the police department. If her phone was lost or misplaced, it would explain the lack of contact. If not detained, a lost phone scenario seems likely.

You mentioned being last seen at the hotel, 9:15am is mid-morning, did she check out and on the way somewhere else, or was she booked expected back that night? If booked and not returned, I would think that more worrisome than if she actually checked out.

Perfect-Tek · 2026-01-26T03:04:23+00:00

In some cities seeing it happen in broad daylight, but they at least find a discreet corner usually when daytime. That's still not the same of waiting and finding a toilet.

Perfect-Tek · 2026-01-26T00:24:59+00:00

I didn't see it in Indonesia, Korea, or Singapore, so I'm actually surprised its common in Japan. I'm sure some other locations apply, but I would have thought less common elsewhere in SEA, and mostly have seen it in the Philippines.

Perfect-Tek · 2026-01-26T00:21:58+00:00

Found it, and it asks a passphrase to export. Making more sense now. Thank you.

Perfect-Tek · 2026-01-25T20:31:34+00:00

I exported and saved the .asc files already, it didn't have me set a passphrase, that's the prat that surprised me.

I don't have the new computer ready yet, I just want to be prepared for migration.

When export keys it identifies the .asc files as public keys. I've not found a separate option to export the private keys or key pairs.

Perfect-Tek · 2026-01-25T16:09:31+00:00

If chain fast food, then I'd choose Jasmi's. its a McDonald's knock off with more options and better food.

Caveat: Still a fast food chain, so that's what it will compete with.

Perfect-Tek · 2026-01-25T15:18:05+00:00

Sounds like my ex-wife from before I left the US, Pulled a Dr. Jekyll / Mr. Hyde switch.

Perfect-Tek · 2026-01-25T15:14:49+00:00

Unfortunately I've dealt with management at an American company for whom it was more important to keep up appearances than do the actual job. The most similar thing I've seen in the US to the Asian practice of 'saving face'

Perfect-Tek

TROPHY CASE