Yoga Mind, Week 14: Stop, Thief!
How to deal with online theft. Plus: What steals our time, and how to get some back
This week’s newsletter is about Asteya, Yoga philosophy’s ethical principle of non-stealing. While my interpretation focuses on the things that steal our valuable time, I think the literal translation of Asteya, specifically concerning online theft, should be discussed, and resources shared with everyone.
Online theft, through a variety of scams, is rampant. While you may be good at spotting spam, phishing texts, emails, and calls, the elders in your life may not be so savvy. Much of online crime targets seniors who can be especially vulnerable to a friendly voice on the phone saying Amazon needs their credit card, or a panicked email or text telling them their computer’s been compromised. Even more horrifying are the new virtual kidnapping ransom calls that use AI to mimic a loved one’s voice crying for help while the caller makes demands for money.
The Washington Post has a free PDF (added below) to avoiding online scams. The NIH has this guide to spotting, and avoiding, virtual kidnapping ransom calls. Please share both; a little knowledge can save a lot of theft and pain.
Additionally, Washington Post financial columnist Michelle Singletary has information about how the IRS is trying to help stop online thieves posting as IRS agents who have tax refunds for you. Read the article here.
I hope these are helpful to you and your family. Now, for the essay about what steals our time…
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