Twenty-first century problems have hit me twice in recent weeks – and I’m starting to believe technology is more a curse than a benefit, writes Clinton Rogers.
Curse one: my insurance company (who I’ve been with for years) suddenly said they would not be able to insure my car any longer.
Long story, but in essence it’s an unusual car.
I had no choice but to shop elsewhere.
I found a decent "national brand" and did the deal.
I actually saved a bit of money.
But the first time I had to deal with them, I hit a 21st century problem – they don’t have humans on the end of the telephone.
Use the "live chat" said the website.
But it’s not live – it’s a robot.
And my query is so specific, the robot would likely blow a fuse before coming up with an answer.
I’m tearing my hair out.
Curse two: friends started to message me saying my email account had been hacked.
What, again?
It happened six months ago.
Same scam as last time – it begins with an email along the lines of "Can we start an email chat", and those that reply get sucked in with other messages suggesting I’m in trouble and need help.
Naming no names (I want to keep these friends) I was quite surprised by the 'calibre' of people who apparently began an email conversation…failing to spot it was a scam.
Mind you, one friend told me: "I knew it wasn’t really you – the grammar was too good."
Cheek!
It took three days of dealing with my internet provider before I could finally reclaim' my email address and kick out the scammers.
And I am clearly not alone.
According to data from Action Fraud, the UK's national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime, a staggering 35,434 cases were reported in 2024, a significant jump from the 22,530 reported in 2023.
But why have I been hacked twice?
I do understand the need for secure passwords (they really are) and I don’t access dodgy websites – unless of course, you count West Ham sites (Spurs fans would definitely call them dodgy!)
I’m back online now, but I’m seriously beginning to wonder if it’s worth it.
There was a world where emails didn’t exist…where we actually rang each other, or (perish the thought!) went to see them.
And I really don’t recall any issues when the 'man from the Pru' called at your house to sort your car and home insurance.
Real people! The good old days.
I know – I’m sounding old.
I’ll go and have a lie down!
