Living in Aurora, Town of Aurora, Ontario » Complaints

Authorized Windows Service Technician & Cyber Crime, That Was Close

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 06:03:36 +0000

He never introduced himself but I was able to get his phony name, Brian Carter. Interesting enough Brian Carter had a strong Asian accent and he was calling from supposedly existing in Toronto Windows Service Centre; however, he failed to mention Microsoft.

The conversation lasted for about 20 minutes and he almost had me, more like scared me that my computer is completely infected and it will soon blow up. He give away his identity with few interesting comments, and not until the moment when he asked for remote access to my computer, I realized – cyber crime is happening at my home in Aurora.

Its been a while since my wacky aurora hub posts and what happened today fits perfectly. So here is the conversation I recall.

Brian Carter: Hi am calling from the Windows Service Centre and we have been seeing strange activity on your computer. Your computer is possibly infected with the malware or malicious software.

Me: Excuse me, you are able to see activity on my computer?

Brian Carter: You have registered Windows product with us and we have been monitoring your computer. We noticed strange activity so that is why we are calling you to let you know that we can help you clean things up.

Me: Strange, that you are able to see activity on my computer.

Brian Carter: Your address is spells out my full address where I live. We are calling you because what is happening with your computer is not good. We have noticed suspicious activity and calling to let you know and help you fix it.

Me: Let me put you on hold.

I put him on hold and ran up to my computer room. I looked at the computer and the Internet was disconnected.

Me: Hi again. You said you are seeing strange activity on my computer now. My computer is not connected to the Internet.

Brian Carter: Not now but we have been monitoring your computer for three months now and we have reports that you have strange activity.

Me: Let me login to my computer.

Brian Carter: You are logging in?

I remembered distinctly that he was surprised that I was logging in. He is probably realizing at that point that I am not going to be an easy bait. I realized that he also did not know my name. Usually with registration you get the whole package of information.

Me: Okay, you said I have malware. Now, how can you tell?

Brian Carter: I will tell you. Click on the right side start button. I think he meant left side. Find Computer on the right menu, and then right click and choose Manage. To make long story short he just simply got me to Windows logs.

Me: Okay, what are we looking for then.

Brain Carter: You see the list, some say Information. There are some Warnings and Errors. These are files that are infecting your computer and they grow and grow and eventually they will shut down your computer.

Me: Really? In the mean time all I am seeing that these files are just Windows log files for installation of updates etc, some warnings and some errors. Can I delete them by myself.

Brain Carter: Aha, how many file do you see, 5, 10?

Me: I am still scrolling. I cannot count them there are too many.

Brain Carter: I want to show you something else. These are all files under Applications. Go and click on System files.

Me: Okay.

Brain Carter: He is giving me speech again how my computer can be destroyed by malware or small hacks. See all these files. How many do you see? 5, 10?

Me: Okay, I think you know that I have more than that.

Brian Carter: Oh my goodness. We have some cleaning to do.

This was the point when I figured he was a hacker. Not calling me by name; showing me just computer log files and not malicious files; talking about Norton Internet Security and how great software it is and still totally not secure. Telling me HP computers have security flaws. And also how two computers not networked but connected to one Internet Service Provided can still get infected from each other. I was getting more paranoid because I knew his mission and I was almost sucked in.

I realized that my computer was fine and I was talking to the hacker who was on the mission to hack my computer and possibly install malicious application. Oh well I decided to continue the conversation.

Me: So what is the next step. You are saying I cannot delete them myself? Is there an application that can do that for me instead of you?

Brian Carter: No, no there is none. That is why we are calling you. We can help you out.

Me: How? You obviously need access to my computer to do that. Am I right?

Brain Carter: Yes, and you can see what I will do.

Me: I think we have to stop right here. I am not the only user of this computer, and actually my husband is the one that maintains it. So I will not allow anyone access our computer without his authorization.

Brain Carter: But the task is very simple. You said that it was your computer.

Me: It is our computer. I don’t know you and I will not let anyone access my computer.

Brain Carter: We can do this in no time. We don’t need your husband. I will navigate your computer and if you see something you don’t like you can disconnect.

Me: As I said I will not do so. Is there are number I can call you back?

Brain Carter: When your husband be home? Can I call back at that time?

Me: I don’t know. He has variable schedule and it is better we call you back. Do you have number I can reach you at?

Brain Carter: Yes, here it is 678-666-0122. This is a number he gave me.

Me: Oh this is not 1-800 number.

Brain Carter: No. Laughed.

Me: Where are you calling from and by the way what is your name?

Brain Carter: Toronto. Brain Carter. Spelled his phony name for me.

Me: And Windows has office in Toronto. What time are you open to?

Brain Carter: Yes, we do. You can call until 7 p.m. He had to think about the time.

Me: Are you directly working for Windows or are you contractor?

Brain Carter: Getting annoyed. I am authorized Windows Technician. Just hang up now and call me again to verify the number.

Me: No that will not be necessary. If we think there is an issue we will call you later. Please understand that I do not allow anyone who calls us to access our computer. I don’t feel comfortable. I don’t know who you are even if you are telling me who you are. It is so easy these days to be scammed. I really don’t know if you are telling the truth.

Brian Carter: I completely understand. Please call us back.

Me: Good bey.

Brian Carter: Good bey.

How ironic this whole conversation was. Later, I was thinking may be he will give up his cyber crime activities after the nice concluding conversation we had. I think he got a bit sucked in to and given me enough of his information to find out more about him on the Internet. We never called him back and probably this number does not exist anymore.

The lesson is – do not do any business over the phone, especially when that someone calls you first.

I will keep you updated if he calls back.

Interesting Visit To The Aurora Public Library, Mario & Luigi Came Along

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sat, 10 Nov 2012 22:24:45 +0000

I thought I make this a bit up close and personal post, but then most of my posts usually are. Well three months passed and Matthew is still adjusting to school, his first year in Junior Kindergarten. We have good mornings and we have mornings that he will not want to go school.

But the teacher tells me that he has lots of fun in school, participates and eats well. He is starting to interact more socially. Its funny to hear him, ‘we boys played together today, and girls were not allowed in our area‘. Matthew always enjoyed interacting and conversing with other children and when he went to school I noticed he had a bit trouble finding a friend to play with. Last Tuesday he surprised me, ‘Mommy Andrei is my best friend again, we played restaurant together, and we had so so much fun.’ Perhaps that is what he needs.

Children use their imaginations and create their own play scenarios, and Matthew starting to do so. He recently became good friends with Mario and Luigi (Nintendo characters). He always was friends with Mario, but this is first time where he actually converses with both of them.

Inside the Aurora Public Library, Second Floor

Last Wednesday we visited the Aurora Public Library. Matthew did not resist because he wanted to show the library to his new friends. We were on the way out but in the last minute he had to go washroom. While waiting I overheard his conversation. Yes he brought them inside the washroom. ‘Oh Mario and Luigi I cannot pick you up yet, I have to wash my hands‘.

Matthew at the Aurora Public Library

While we were driving to the library he was showing Mario and Luigi all the things outside – trees, cars, Arboretum. We took Wellington Street and turned on Wells Street. While passing by the Town Park Matthew goes, ‘and here is Aurora Farmer’s Market, oh and it is closed now‘.

Then we got to the library. He was holding Mario and Luigi at the entrance and quietly said Hi on behalf of them to the librarian. I think he was a bit shy of his pretend toy friends.

So we went up stairs. Since the last episode of going unexpectedly to the library basement, Matthew enjoys now walking up and down the stairs. Sometimes we look down on the mechanical parts when the elevator is above us on the second floor.

That day most of his time Matthew spent playing children programs on the computer and he was holding Mario and Luigi in his hand as they were watching him playing.

Mario and Luigi Visiting Aurora Public Library

When children have imagination we just have to go with it. Sometimes I get so much resistance to go on the adventures in Aurora. JK is is big change for him and he often says ‘oh it is so nice to be home, can we stay home today?‘ or ‘I am so tired today‘. But that day was different, he had new friends coming with him.

Aurora Public Library, Second Floor Gallery

So what’s new at the Aurora Public Library. Well the gallery showcase on the second floor Tobermory Remembered: Landscape photography by Simeon Posen is new. More happy watching as APL recently changed its policy regarding DVD renewals. DVDs can now be renewed twice as long as they are not on hold. Something we always asked for.

May be just one more thing – important updates from the community FOCUS site. Our Aurora related content is slowly growing. The Town Politics and Lifestyle section is dominating, and we have few regular contributors Matt Maddocks, John Abel and Andrew Fogliato. Traffic is picking up and sometimes we get nice traffic spikes depending on the issues that come up in the town. We have few Aurora Directory submissions in the works.

We also have few focus page proposals in the works as well. We did in fact submitted proposal to the Sesquicentennial Ad Hoc Committee (SAC) to have a focus/landing page for the 150th Anniversary of Aurora for all the related content and events for absolutely free. Unfortunately our offer was declined because Town chooses potentially to pay $25,000 for the domain name, hosting and site design. The truth is even if the town designs their own site it does not have to cost that much.

Oh well so much for the community involvement, sounds like controlled one, but this will not stop us to continue with the anniversary focus page proposal. Stay tuned.

When The Music Plays, It Is Always Harder To Leave The Aurora Farmer’s Market

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 20:44:35 +0000

That one time, back in June, when we visited Aurora Farmers Market at the Town Park – a band played and before that some other smaller bands played as well. When the music plays or when someone sings, there is this feeling in the air that makes you want to stay longer at the park.

It wasn’t hard to notice that people did enjoy music at the park that day, its all captured in the photos. The residents on the other hand living near by the Town Park are different story.

So today here are my four reasons in the form of quotes why we should have music in the park, especially during the Aurora Farmers Market. The example should also be taken from the stores on the malls which play music while customers shop.

Band Playing at the Aurora Farmers Market

First, no pain at all: ‘One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.‘ Quote by Bob Marley

Band Playing at the Aurora Farmers Market

Second, yes I completely agree: ‘Without music, life would be a mistake.‘ Quote by Friedrich Nietzsche

Band Playing at the Aurora Farmers Market

Third, definitely: ‘Music is the best means we have of digesting time.‘ Quote by W. H. Auden

Band Playing at the Aurora Farmers Market

And the last one, the powerful one: ‘Music is very spiritual, it has the power to bring people together.’ Quote by Edgar Winter

When the music played that day it was hard for us to leave. It was closer to the lunch and the park was still full of people just browsing around. Parents enjoyed picnics in the shades of trees, and children kept splashing in the splash pad. The swings kept swinging, and the band played. Domenic, the music sounds familiar? – I asked. Star Wars theme – he replied.

No Motorized Vehicles On The Boardwalk, By Default

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 04:35:40 +0000

I usually do not complain but if I get a small evidence on camera – why not? What does it take to follow the rules? They are not trivial at all.

I think by now you may know that my biggest issue here in Aurora is the failure to obey the rules; but no worries I am not planning to move out.

We do have a sign for almost everything. ‘No Dumping‘ sign with a pile of dump is a classic. No idling cars sign must be new because I saw lady idling her car in front of the Aurora Public Library for over five minutes. Sometimes I wonder if she ever knew that she can play her music in the car and draw radio power from the battery only.

In the same area myself and Matthew once smelled a cigarette smoke. I still laugh at his innocent comment, ‘Mom who is BBQing the chicken?‘.

Walking with Bikes, Nokiidaa Trail Link Boardwalk, Aurora

When Nokiidaa Trail Link boardwalk off St. John’s sideroad was first installed all kinds of things were permitted. Feeding ducks and biking were the two famous one. Then with time the ‘no feeding ducks‘ sign was placed on the railing which in a matter of small time faded due to the UV sunlight.

Walking with a Bike, Nokiidaa Trail Link Boardwalk, Aurora

Recently, swinging gates were installed telling bicycle riders to dismount their bikes and walk on the boardwalk. One cannot miss the sign and yet everyone is still biking on the boardwalk. I just do not understand how can you not see a sign that is practically in front of the biker’s face?

But that one day, couple of weeks ago, I don’t know what happened. People were obeying the rules. Everyone that passed by me was pushing bicycle beside them. Now figure that out. Why suddenly such a change? I don’t know. May be because one of the gates on the north side of the boardwalk was missing.

Another explanation is that I had my DSLR camera with telephoto lens attached. A paranoia of being captured on photo is another theory.

Walking with Bikes, Nokiidaa Trail Link Boardwalk, Aurora

I was happy to see that something worked and it was nice to see different age groups to follow the rules.

Until another day, this man had to ruin my hope, my excitement and my faith in the Aurora people – he decided to ride his motorcycle on the boardwalk. Or may be he is not from Aurora. Still it will not make me feel any better.

Motorized Vehicle on the Boardwalk, Nokiidaa Trail Link, Aurora

I went back to my older photographs and the sign said – oh no he is permitted to ride his motorcycle. The sign says nothing about motorized vehicles. But I think motorized vehicles are not permitted in the parks by default.

Notice to Trail Users Sign, Nokiidaa Trail Link Boardwalk, Aurora

Well there are other things in Aurora that by default are not permitted. A pile of mulch or wood chips was placed on the parking lot near the Fleury Park. While watching Matthew having fun at the play-ball class Saturday morning I spotted this young boy climbing this pile of mulch.

I felt much better when I noticed that the whole action was supervised by the parent. This was quite an ironic site.

Parent Supervised Climb, Fleury Park, Aurora

Southlake Regional Hospital Emergency Room, A Comment Hard To Absorb

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 04:51:15 +0000

I couldn’t wait until Friday to see our family doctor. There was definitely something wrong and Matthew wasn’t getting any better. Swollen glands, soar throat and mild temperature were few of the symptoms. To back track, while sleeping Matthew started to make snoring sounds.

It all started on Tuesday night, coincidentally a day after we brought him to the local splash pad at the Town Park. His breathing got worsen by Wednesday night. He was breathing through the mouth with swollen glands and soar throat.

Splash Pad, Town Park, Aurora

We arrived at the emergency around four o’clock afternoon on Thursday.

As usual warmly welcomed and immediately walked into a triage for interview as there was nobody in line before us. It is amazing how quickly the emergency areas are cleared these days just enough to fool you that your wait time will be short.

A wishful thinking. Perhaps, this type of action up front is beneficial as you are not sitting in the waiting room full of unknown bugs hovering around you.

At the triage we were questioned. I listed all the symptoms and I told them that what concerned me most was the snoring sound he makes when he sleeps. I can hear him when I am in another room. It concerns me because he is definitely not getting a good night sleep to heal.

Now this comment got me thinking and someone tell me if the hospital professional should actually throw comment such that ‘Or may be YOU are not getting enough sleep?‘. I elaborated further, ‘No not me, it just hurts me seeing him sleeping like that‘.

So throughout most of the night on Tuesday and Wednesday I spent by Matthew’s bed listening to his breathing. Second night wasn’t any better because he was also running mild fever.

May be it was a joke from the lady who checked Matthew’s weight, measured his temperature and heartbeat. May be it is a way triage nurses make their time more optimistic because it is kind of sad place to visit with all the worries around.

But when you see your child sick and are exhaused from all the worry and lack of sleep, having someone joking that I am selfish and that I brought my child to the emerge to ensure I can go back faster to my beauty sleep.

This didn’t sit well with me. I wonder what respond I would get if I joked like that about them? I probably be admitted to the Exit Zone.

We left emergency around eight o’clock that evening. Matthew was diagnosed with strep throat (bacterial infection of the throat).

This time we waited in the Yellow Zone and not in the Fast Track zone. It would be nice if someone explained to us what’s the difference, but it seems like everyone sitting at the hall waiting patiently for their turn eventually had their own definition figured out.

You will be send to the Yellow Zone when nurses at the triage don’t know what is wrong with you. Nurses will fast track you if you have obvious symptoms, like broken bone.

Next day, that is Friday, we visited our family doctor. He confirmed strep throat but said that Matthew’s case is severe one and we were advised to keep close eye on him for the next forty eight hours. If the antibiotic does not work the infection can enter his bloodstream.

And there goes my beauty sleep again for the next forty eight hours (a sarcastic remark).

Sunday Break, Dandelions Are Masters Of Survival, Not Kidding

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Sun, 27 May 2012 04:36:18 +0000

Sunday photo showcase. All posts titled Sunday Break are photo(s) only and a quote. Posted photos may not be necessary the most current one and as always it is all about the Town of Aurora. Enjoy!

Dandelions, Things You Did Not Know

‘Dandelions are masters of survival’ ~ Read More … Recommended

Victoria Day Fireworks In Aurora, A Messy Day After

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Wed, 23 May 2012 03:49:37 +0000

It is unfortunate that after any celebration there is always a mess. For the first time today we visited the playground at the Copland Park. I have not seen all playgrounds in Aurora yet but this is probably the highest play structure I have ever seen. Three levels and the humongous, enormous slide. Matthew loved it.

Playground at the Copland Park, Aurora

It was nice outing for the morning after Victoria Day. It was also nice to have a small convenience store near by as we treated ourselves with ice cream sandwiches. Matthew had Oreo ice cream sandwich and I, (never again), the Skinny Cow ice cream sandwich. On the other hand, it was not nice to see all the garbage in the park left after the fireworks.

Left Out Garbage, Copland Park

By looking at my blog stats today – traffic on this blog yesterday was enormous just like that slide. Everyone was searching for activities or fireworks (a combustible or explosive device for producing a striking display of light or a loud noise) demonstrations in Aurora. We have not gone anywhere on Monday and not sure if there were any activities in Aurora.

Left Out Garbage, Copland Park

Firecrackers were popping since Saturday. The biggest display we were able to watch from our window was on Monday night when someone set something up at the Hamilton Park, the soccer field. Not sure why it was allowed since we have hydro lines over the park.

Left Out Garbage, Copland Park

Speaking of mess. Copland Park had a pile of garbage as of result of fireworks. I hope that whoever was doing fireworks had permit to do so – that is fireworks. I read the Town of Aurora fireworks by-law and it is unfortunate that the by-law does not call for – take your mess with you after you are done. Or may be that is what the $25 is for.

Left Out Garbage, Copland Park

Beyond And Under, Still No Grocery Store For Seniors, St. Andrew’s Plaza

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 02:07:07 +0000

When I was checking out library books I noticed framed article right at the exit, just beside the security gates. I packed my books and went to check it out. The article was titled ‘Aurora Public Library‘ and was written by Stephen Somerville who writes for The Auroran in his Front Porch Perspective column.

If I were to read this article I would probably had to take the frame down and head out for the treat. When Matthew sees treat he has more than ants in his pants. It was easier for me to make the note when the article was published – on January 27th, 2009 in The Auroran, and read it later.

Library Books, Curious George

I reached for the brochure and the pencil and wrote it down. Today I finally I read it and this is the most inspirational letter I ever read. Kudos to Stephen Somerville for sharing and Reccia Mandelcorn for writing it.

‘Libraries are about families, about generations and shared histories, about experiences, about imagination, about the world and about appreciating other cultures. Libraries are the equalizers of the economic and digital divides, between the “haves” and the “have-nots.”‘, THE AURORAN, Week of January 27, 2009 – pg 5.

What I also read was the brochure I made my notes in. The brochure was about VISITING LIBRARY SERVICE – your library ~ serving your community. I was very happy to know that we have such a wonderful service for those who are not able to visit the library, so library will visit them.

‘A Visiting Library Service volunteer will bring library materials to members who cannot visit the Library due to disability, illness or frailty and have no alternative means of obtaining library materials.‘

Some things are just beyond what I have expected to see in our town. But, there are always buts.

So what’s under?

Orchard Heights Place, Aurora

This brochure made me remember to check out the St. Andrew’s Plaza. There used to be Foodland store which was closed back in October last year leaving local residents, especially seniors right across the street, with no other grocery store close by.

As of last couple of weeks I have not seen any ‘store’ activity when I dropped by to snap some pictures. I am sure if there was a new grocery store coming, we will be hearing it everywhere. But because it is not I doubt that anyone wants to talk about it. Seems like a big secret for now.

Once Foodland!

When the store was closing we know that Frank Klees was able to arrange free transportation for the seniors from the Orchard Heights Place to the nearest grocery store. The arrangements were made for the seniors to be dropped off at the Sobeys due to association to Foodland. Did you know that it is the school bus that picks and drops seniors off? Not the best ride I say.

Nice temporary fix it is. How long will it last, no body knows? I am sure the YRT strike for few months didn’t serve well either.

YRT Bus Stop, Orchard Heights, Aurora

In the long term this isn’t a true solution.

Pedestrian Crossing, Orchard Heights, Aurora

Somethings here are in Aurora are under and not being able to bring grocery store back in place of Foodland is that something and yes that crossing sign on Orchard Heights Boulevard once had a purpose too.

Winter Skating Not Recommended On Natural Ponds Or Storm Water Management Ponds

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 04:51:20 +0000

It has been really mild winter here in Aurora and surroundings. Snowing one day, melting the other day. Temperature below zero, next day everything is melting.

I kind of enjoy this snow melting game because less dirty snow on the side roads. Nothing like a blanket of fresh white snow every time making everything look like winter wonderland.

Just recent cold temperatures allowed formation of ice on our local natural ponds or storm water management ponds, but the ice may not be too thick for skating. Warmer temperatures do add to potential hazardous conditions.

Atkinson Park Wetland

Due to mild winter conditions and not having outdoor skating rings, lot of kids manage to get out and skate on the local ponds despite all the warnings. Some ponds may not be even deep to be hazardous, but this is only an assumption.

When I moved to Aurora in 1997 the McKenzie Marsh always been a very popular place for public skating. The two lane St. John’s side used to be packed with parked cars on both sides when families came to skate.

When the boardwalk came along there is no more skating on the North side of St. John’s sideroad (McKenzie Marsh), but kids get away with skating on the South side (Atkinson Park Wetland). Now it is only a small group of boys playing hockey. Every time they manage to bring the hockey net which sometimes is half sunk in the pond.

Atkinson Park Wetland

According to the website, ‘The Town of Aurora strongly recommends that these bodies of water not be used for recreational purposes of any kind, including winter skating, as ice conditions on these ponds are extremely unpredictable and potentially hazardous.‘

Unfortunately, recommendations are not taken so seriously here in Aurora.

Atkinson Park Wetland

No Smoking Under The Hood Of The Library

Anna Lozyk Romeo — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:26:29 +0000

I man came out rushing from the Library. Not even outside the door he already had the cigarette lit. Is this allowed? Because he was leaving the non smoking area, is he allowed to smoke?

The second hand smoke filled the book drop off area and wasn’t moving because it was a calm weather, except I was moving because it really bothers me.

There are two, if I recall, no smoking signs at the entrance to the Library from the parking lot, probably for no reason at all.

Litter, Confederation Park Last Summer

‘Giving up smoking is the easiest thing in the world. I know because I’ve done it thousands of times.’ ~ by Mark Twain