VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Mike Harrison

Just got an email from what is apparently a studio in Moscow. I've only previewed the content of the message while it's still on the server; I've not downloaded it to my computer. They addressed me by first name and are asking a rate and whether I'd like to record a VO for a short video. That's not the concern.

My concern is, first; that most of the multiple, daily "brute force" attempts to hack my website come from Russia and, second; the "script" that is attached to the email (a Word document) is only 5k in size, whereas when I create an empty Word file, it is 29k in size.

Again, I don't like being suspicious. In this case, I'd prefer to call it being security-conscious. But the difference in file size could mean something is "not right" with the document, and that it comes from a country known for hacking attempts is another – egad, pardon the pun – red flag.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

Thanks.
_________________
Mike
Male Voice Over Talent
I have taken leave of my sensors.

Scott Pollak · Posted: Sun Apr 19, 2015 5:57 pm Post subject:

Mike, I do regular work for 2 different production companies in Russia. If you want to p.m. me with the name of who contacted you, I might... MIGHT... be able to tell you if they're legit or not. I'm actually voicing some stuff tomorrow for one of those companies.

Also, to the best of my knowledge, it is impossible to imbed a virus in a .doc file.
_________________
Scott R. Pollak
Clients include Pandora, NPR Atlanta, Wells Fargo, Cisco, Humana, Publix, UPS, AT&T, HP, Xerox and more.

www.voicebyscott.com

Scott Pollak · Posted: Sun Apr 19, 2015 6:39 pm Post subject:

Eddie Eagle · M&M Joined: 23 Apr 2008 Posts: 2393

you might check the header out and see what the originating IP is then trace it. If I don't like a suspect email it's best to be safe and just delete.

Bruce · Posted: Mon Apr 20, 2015 5:43 am Post subject:

Maybe it's so small because the type font is really, really small. I mean they've printed a Bible the size of a soy bean.

B
_________________
VO-BB Member #31 Enlisted June, 2005

I'm not a Zoo, but over the years I've played one on radio/TV. .

Mike Harrison · Posted: Mon Apr 20, 2015 6:03 am Post subject:

Yes. Amazing what some people will do with their time.

As for my apprehension in downloading that email, just this morning there's this:

RANSOMWARE: The Hack Attack That Takes Your Computer Hostage Until You Pay

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/ransomware-hack-attacks-holding-data-hostage-avoid

I've configured my email client (Apple Mail) to never automatically download new messages. I always see what's on the server first. Anything from an odd or unverifiable address is deleted. Even in my very limited social media forays, I click NOTHING. So, yes; I remain a virtual wallflower... but I value my safety and privacy more.
_________________
Mike
Male Voice Over Talent
I have taken leave of my sensors.