The Windhoek Connection - 15 November 2022

Fraud goes back many centuries. Even in times before we had commercial currencies or the technological infrastructure we have today.

In 500 BCE tax inspectors in Egypt were caught using incorrect measures to collect overpayments.

By 300 BCE, the first insurance fraud was recorded (Hegestratos tried to sink his own ship to collect the insurance).

By 1699, the first coin counterfeiter, William Challoner was captured, and from there on, people became more and more creative, when it came to committing fraud.

I am sure almost everyone has received an email of some very sick (insert fancy title) lying on their deathbed, with some USD (insert amount of money, in millions), willing to donate this to (insert charity of your choice), with a promise of a significant commission for yourself. Once you reply to this email, they would usually then ask for a “minuscule” amount of USD100 or USD200 payment upfront to “release the funds” to you. Once paid, you never hear from them again. This is a typical 419-scam.

As time went on, and technology has advanced - especially with smart phoneswe have started letting our guard down, when in fact, we should now be even more alert to phony transactions!

Cyber crimes are happening all around us - on a daily basis.

The first person to be found guilty of cybercrime was Ian Murphy, in the year 1981. He hacked the American telephone company to manipulate its internal clock, so that users could still make free calls at peak times.

While they were once on a smaller scale, they now cost millions annually to those who have lost their money. Suspected digital fraud attempts from Namibia increased by 36% in the second quarter of 2022, compared to the same period last year, and compared to a 14% decline, globally.

Banks often warn agains Phishing, yet this has now also evolved and now has several variations that use similar techniques:

• Vishing is similar to phishing, but instead of being taken to a fake website via an email, you receive a call where the individual pretends to be from the bank and gets you to reveal personal information such as your username, password and PIN. Never do this regardless of the information they may already have about you.

• Smishing scams happen through SMS (text) messages.

• Pharming scams happen when malicious code is installed on your computer to redirect you to fake websites.

Lately, more reports are received of phone calls made by a Mister (select fictitious name) from some commercial bank or Internet Service Provider,

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This is why we believe that advertising should be available and affordable to everyone, especially to Namibian-owned, small / medium enterprises and hobbyists. The “Namibia @ the Coast” is focused on what the coastal towns of Hentiesbaai, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay have to offer during 10 December 2022 to 10 January 2023. This special issue will be released on 1 December 2022 and covers your events, activities, accommodation or any specials you would like to promote.

wanting to upgrade your wifi / pay out dividends / award you with a winning of some sort. These phone calls usually end with the victim having to press some code on their cellphone or providing the fraudster with a One-Time-Pin (OTP).

For someone dealing with modern technology on a regular basis, it would be easy to recognise this a scam. However, those not tech-savvy and specifically those of the older generation, this is difficult to establish when it is a scam and when it is a legit transaction.

Criminals will gain their targets’ trust and may communicate with them in a professional tone and sympathetic manner. Once successful, scammers are likely to keep a scheme going because of the prospect of significant financial gain. Speak to your parents / grandparents about this. Educate the older generation on what to look out for,

Seniors are often targeted because they tend to be trusting and polite. They also usually have financial savings, own a home, and have good credit—all of which make them attractive to scammers. Additionally, seniors may be less inclined to report fraud because they don’t know how, or they may be too ashamed at having been scammed. And when an elderly victim does report a crime, they may be unable to supply detailed information to investigators.

How to Protect Yourself

• If it sounds too good to be true, it is. Do your homework and thoroughly

Get custom made gifts, decorations and much more in Kenneth Kaunda Street, opposite WIlde Eend Bistro.

research any investment opportunity independently of what any salesperson provides you.

• Be careful with what information you share online or on social media. By openly sharing things like pet names, schools you attended, links to family members, and your birthday, you can give a scammer all the information they need to guess your password or answer your security questions.

• Don’t click on anything in an unsolicited email or text message asking you to update or verify account information.

I'm very ugly So don't try to convince me that I am a very beautiful person Because at the end of the day I hate myself in every single way And I'm not going to lie to myself by saying There is beauty inside of me that matters So rest assured I will remind myself

That I am a worthless, terrible person And nothing you say will make me believe I still deserve love Because no matter what I am not good enough to be loved And I am in no position to believe that Beauty does exist within me Because whenever I look in the mirror I always think Am I as ugly as people say? (Now read bottom up)

By Abdullah Shoaib

• Be careful what you download. Never open an email attachment from someone you don't know, and be wary of email attachments forwarded to you.

• Set up two-factor (or multi-factor) authentication on any account that allows it, and never disable it.

• Verify payment and purchase requests in person if possible or by calling the person to make sure it is legitimate. You should verify any change in account number or payment procedures with the person making the request.

• Recognize scam attempts and end all communication with the perpetrator.

• Be especially wary if the requestor is pressing you to act quickly. Scammers create a sense of urgency to produce fear and lure victims into immediate action.

Did you know…

…the ideal temperature to fall asleep is between 18-30 C.

• Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls.

• Make sure all computer anti-virus and security software and malware protections are up to date. Use reputable anti-virus software and firewalls.

• Remember that companies generally don’t contact you to ask for your username or password.

Prevention Tips

• Create different passwords for all accounts and change them regularly. The longer the password, the harder it is to crack.

• Maintain a healthy level of scepticism – don’t click unknown links or attachments

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• Less is more – don’t share personal information you don’t have to.

• Make sure that privacy levels on your social media accounts are set to the maximum.

• If your password has been compromised, or if you suspect it has been compromised reset it immediately. Alternatively consider enabling two-factor authentication services especially with your bank and financial providers, and enable transaction and login notifications.

• Don’t respond to calls, emails or SMS’s that request your personal information, even if they seem legit. Your financial provider will never ask for personal information on these channels.

• If you receive sensitive or private information via email, save it and delete it from your inbox.

When it comes down to it, there are just a few simple rules you should follow that will go a long way to keeping your account safe. Just treat passwords like underwear:

• Don’t leave them out;

• Don’t share them with anyone;

• Change them regularly;

• Be mysterious;

• Make sure they are long enough.

Sources: FBI.org, FNB.com.na, Namibian.com.na, transunion.com, oldmutual.com.na, trulioo.com, investorpedia.com

Upcoming events Upcoming events

Catch the full listing of all upcoming events in and around Windhoek

An Evening with Peter Bridgeford, Tuesday, 15 Nov · 6:30 – 8:30 PM

at windhoekconnection.com.na

Peter Bridgeford joined the Division of Nature Conservation in 1976 and retired as senior warden in charge of the southern section of the NamibNaukluft Park in 1999. He then worked for NamibRandNature Reserve for five years before “retiring” to Walvis Bay. But he has been very active since, working as a freelance tour guide and as coordinator of Vultures Namibia, as well as coordinating the wetland bird counts at Walvis Bay. RSVP by 13th November 2022.

All events are open for public – everyone welcome! Venue is Namibia Scientific Society, Robert Mugabe Ave 110, opposite National Theatre.

Drumming Circle at Joe’s Beerhouse, Wednesday, 16 Nov · 6 – 7 PM Brought to you by Ongoma Drum Café Namibia. For adults and kids alike. Even for those who “don’t have rhythm”. Especially for those! ;-) Drums are provided. Fun is guaranteed. Entrance is free. Donations are welcome. (Suggested participation fee: N$ 50, kids N$ 20)

Cinema:"The New Kid" | "Le Nouveau", Wednesday, 16 Nov · 7 – 9 PM Join us at the Village Oprea House for the screening of the French selected film "the New Kid" | "Le Nouveau" by Rudi Rosenberg. Entrance is free, snacks and drinks available for purchase as well.

JUGGLING SHOW!, Friday, 18 Nov · 7:30 PM at the National Art Gallery Tickets: 200 NAD (very limited seats) pre-sale at the FNCC.

Rêverie is a creation from the French troupe: the Thomas Guerineau company. This duet will perform a singing and juggling performance. With a table as the only element of decor, the duo explores the relationship that each one has with the body, the sound and the objects. A partner-tool, it offers many possibilities. It is taken as a percussion tool and according to the rubbing of hands, offers a quantity of sound variations. It allows to practice the techniques of juggling bounces and other manipulations of objects such as plastic bags or sound tubes. It opens up rich possibilities of choreographic work while delimiting a well circumscribed space of evolution. And at the same time, the table is a very simple utensil that everyone knows. The duo manipulates and plays with bouncing balls, normal juggling balls, boomwhackers, plastic bags, and "rhombes"(gyratory musical instruments).

Upcoming events Upcoming events

Spoegwolf in Windhoek, Saturday, 19 Nov · 2 PM Moenie die kans misloop om Spoegwolf in lewende lywe te sien nie! Kaartjies is nou beskikbaar by eticket.my.na

• Datum: 19 November 2022

• Plek: Vegkop (WHS)

• Aanlynkaartjies - N$300

• Hekkaartjies - N$350

This Saturday 19th November at the GREEN MARKET in Klein Windhoek, 3 Dr Kenneth David Kaunda from 7:30am to 12:15pm. Entry is free!

Seasonal vegetables & fruits, organic & farm produce, meat & cheese, bakery, pastry, deli and a lot of local, healthy and delicious food, fresh produce, hand and homemade, art, craft, natural cosmetic & gardening.

This weekend the NAMIBIAN ORGANIC ASSOSIACTION is joining the GREEN MARKET. Get informed about all you ever wanted to know about ORGANIC – benefits, guidelines, options, certification.

The GREEN MARKET café is hosted for FUNDRAISING by the team of the KAMBASHU institute. Support the Fundraising KAMBASHU Café & pay them a visit on Saturday - for a perfect weekend start.

Also have in mind that Christmas is coming close. Maybe you want to give someone a GIFT VOUCHERS - so your loved ones can choose at over 40 stalls whatever they like and spend it on local and sustainable produce.

And take your kids with – they can join WOODIES CREATION (next to the café) manufacturing wood brushes with natural hair or play at the supervised kids’ playground (upstairs) or just joining you and experience the diversity of all the colorful and ecofriendly, sustainable produce that is exhibit at the market.

The Village Sunday Market, Sunday, 20 Nov · 9 AM – 3 PM

Join us on Sunday, at The Village (18 Liliencron Street, Eros) for the Sunday Market. Enjoy fresh produce, live music and lots of kiddies activities - FREE ENTRANCE!

Book your table at The Restaurant at 081 366 4300.

Chicken & Cucumber Pita Sandwiches with Yogurt Sauce

Chicken & Cucumber Pita Sandwiches with Yogurt Sauce

Cucumbers do double duty in this healthy Greek-inspired chicken pita recipe—they're grated to lend a refreshing flavor to the quick cucumber-yogurt sauce and sliced to provide cool crunch tucked into the pita.

Ingredients

• 1 tsp lemon zest

• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 5 tsp olive oil, divided

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano

• 2 ¾ tsp minced garlic, divided

• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper

• 500g chicken fillet

• 1 English cucumber, halved, seeded and grated, plus 1/2 English cucumber, halved and sliced

• ½ tsp salt, divided

• ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt

• 2 tsp chopped fresh mint

• 2 tsp chopped fresh dill

• 1 tsp ground pepper

• 2 pita breads, halved

• 4 lettuce leaves

• ½ cup sliced red onion

• 1 cup chopped plum tomatoes

Directions

1. Combine lemon zest, lemon juice, 3 tsp. oil, oregano, 2 tsp. garlic, and crushed red pepper in a large bowl. Add chicken and toss to coat. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.

2. Meanwhile, toss grated cucumber with 1/4 tsp. salt in a fine-mesh sieve. Let drain for 15 minutes, then squeeze to release more liquid. Transfer to a medium bowl. Stir in yogurt, mint, dill, ground pepper, and the remaining 2 tsp. oil, 3/4 tsp. garlic, and 1/4 tsp. salt. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

3. Preheat grill to medium-high.

4. Oil the grill rack (see Tip). Grill the chicken until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center registers 165 degrees F, 3 to 4 minutes per side.

5. To serve, spread some of the sauce inside each pita half. Tuck in the chicken, lettuce, red onion, tomatoes, and sliced cucumber.

RECIPE COURTESY OF RACHAEL RAY

Puzzles

Puzzles

Look Up!

Find and circle all of the items that you might see when you look upward. The remaining 24 letters spell an additional item you might see.

Airplane

Source: www.pizzles.ca

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