LSD (Lies, Sex aur Dhoka), Part II

Phishing and Pharming
One look at either of these terms and you’ll know that they’re derived from the words fishing and farming. But unlike those primary industries, these terms are actually names for—yes, you guessed right—scams!

Now this type of scam is not for everyone. If you’re not technically well versed with programming, I suggest you stick to the other type of scams like domain squatting, spelling piracy and four-one-nine-ing.

Phishing and pharming are scams for the geeks.

Phishing involves sending mails (that look like the real thing) to unsuspecting users asking them to visit an Internet address that looks exactly like how the legitimate site would look. The email usually asks users to ‘update’ or ‘validate’ their account information. The backend of the site then goes to work, capturing all the sensitive data that the stupid user keys in.

Pharming on the other hand is a bit more technically advanced. It involves the use of mischievous scripts, malware and spyware that reside on user’s machines and then redirects them from real sites to fraudulent ones.

Now creating such Web sites or setting up such email IDs are no big deal for the technically savvy. Almost every ISP lets you create any ID that you want. Besides, registering a fraudulent Web address is just as easy. Just think of the possibilities if you combine domain squatting or spelling piracy with phishing and pharming.

Now everyone knows that HDFC’s Web address is www.hdfcbank.com, but what if you were to receive a mail that directed you to www.hdfc-bank.com? I bet many wouldn’t even notice the difference if the fraudulent site was designed exactly like HDFC’s front page—and therein lies the catch.

Using your personal details, phishers and pharmers can then run up huge bills in your name while you’re blissfully ignorant.

But then remember not everyone is born for phishing and pharming, so as far as possible, I’d advise all you newbies to stick to simple scams.

For quick learners however, there is an option. Apparently the Internet is filled with Do It Yourself (DIY) phishing toolkits, which promise to make phishing nice and simple.

DIY kits come packed with complete information on how one can go about creating bogus sites. They contain program code, graphics and text, spamming software and also come with step-by-step instructions manuals. Wannabe phishers can now download these DIY kits free of cost from the big WWW—surely a pastime the entire family can partake in. In fact, I remember reading somewhere that there’s nothing like a good phishing trip to get a father and son together.

Putting it all out
Speaking of getting the generations together, what does 67-year-old Elisabeth Tellis and 19-year-old Melanie Thompson (names changed to prevent googling) have in common? Well, believe it or not, they’re both into porn!

Back in 2002, Elizabeth Tellis posed nude with a few friends just for the kicks. She soon realised that there actually was some dough to be made. After all, they weren’t many women in their sixties who were willing to put it all out.

Today, believe it or not, this UK grandmother is one of the busiest porn stars.

What started off as a little bit of naughty fooling at home has now turned into a full time profession for her. Tellis now boasts of a dedicated fan following that lap up each and every one of her videos.

Though working out of the UK, Elizabeth is already an international star. Of course, she won’t ever be nominated for best actress in the Oscars, but then, she doesn’t really care – she enjoys what she does. She gets to meet different people—ranging from 20 year olds to geriatric acrobats—and then, do them!

Apparently, it doesn’t really get any better for an average-looking matron that’s pushing seventy. Talk about mixing business and pleasure.

Now cut to the very chubby Melanie Thompson.

It all started out with a few pictures that were taken by her boyfriend in the privacy of their bedroom.

In no time, Melanie’s exhibitionist tendencies got her tired of this ‘rather tame’ exercise. She felt like taking it to the next stage. She began uploading those amateur shots onto her Web site to share with a few of her online friends.

Soon, she began receiving mails from people she never even knew.

Her strong urges of exhibitionism, coupled with the fact that she has amassed a large fan following, saw her seeking out a professional photographer.

Today, besides working as a shop attendant in a retail chain, Melanie also makes time to get her photographs shot professionally.

Apparently, she also seems to be talking to a few paid Web sites that have promised her a section of her own on their domain.

When asked, she almost ruefully admitted that she hasn’t yet been recognised by anyone who shops at her store—she thinks it’ll be quite a turn-on if someone did.

Luckily for these two, they’ve both found their vocation in life. The fact however, is that sex sells, and that the Internet embraces everybody.

You could be a 19-year-old in dire need of a very strenuous exercise regimen, or a 67-year-old that could do with barrels of Botox, but if you want to, you could make it.

One word of caution though, getting into a profession of this sort definitely requires a thick skin. Not everyone on the Internet says nice things. And yes, you’ll have to live with the fact that someday, somewhere, when you least expect it, someone just might recognise you, and that person may not necessarily be a fan.

All said and done, to set up a very basic business, all you need is server space, a cheap digital camera, a Paypal account and yes, very, very long legs…

Nah it’s not for the ‘oomph’ factor… its to keep you a few strides ahead of the very long arm of the law.

(This two-part post was written in 2005 as a single story for a magazine. I have made a few changes to that original piece in keeping with the times.)