It never ceases to amaze me how fast technology is advancing. Here’s an example of what can be done very quickly and cheaply these days, that would have taken a very long time to do manually only a few years ago. 3D mapping for architects, engineers and construction creates a 3D digital model of both inside & outside a building. These 3D models can then be imported into CAD software allowing the work-flow to be speeded up massively. The following 3D modelling example is from 360 Virtual View (Based in Sheffield, UK)

3D mapping for architecture, construction, and engineering (ACE) is the process of creating a digital three-dimensional representation of a physical object or environment. This can be done using a variety of technologies, including laser scanning, photogrammetry, and drone mapping.

3D mapping has a wide range of applications in ACE, including:

• Design: Architects and engineers can use 3D models to visualize their designs and make changes before construction begins. This can help to reduce errors and improve the overall quality of the project.
• Construction: 3D models can be used to guide construction workers and ensure that the project is built according to the design. This can help to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Inspection: 3D models can be used to inspect buildings and other structures for defects or damage. This can help to identify potential problems early on and prevent costly repairs later on.
• Maintenance: 3D models can be used to create maintenance plans and track the condition of buildings and other structures over time. This can help to extend the lifespan of these assets and reduce overall costs.

Examples of how 3D imaging and mapping are being used

Here are some specific examples of how 3D mapping is being used in ACE today:

• Architects are using 3D models to create virtual tours of their designs, which allows clients to see their new homes or businesses before they are built.
• Engineers are using 3D models to analyze the structural integrity of bridges and other structures.
• Construction companies are using 3D models to plan and coordinate their work, and to track progress on projects.
• Facility managers are using 3D models to create maintenance plans and track the condition of their buildings and other assets.

3D mapping is a rapidly evolving technology, and new applications are being developed all the time. As the technology becomes more affordable and accessible, it is likely to play an even greater role in ACE in the years to come.

Benefits of digital 3D mapping and imaging

Here are some of the benefits of using 3D mapping in ACE:

• Improved accuracy and efficiency: 3D models can be used to create highly accurate and detailed representations of buildings and other structures. This can help to improve the accuracy of construction projects and reduce the risk of errors.
• Reduced costs: 3D mapping can help to reduce costs in a number of ways. For example, it can help to reduce the need for manual surveys and inspections. It can also help to identify potential problems early on, which can prevent costly repairs later on.
• Improved communication and collaboration: 3D models can be used to improve communication and collaboration between different stakeholders in a project. For example, architects, engineers, and contractors can use 3D models to share their ideas and coordinate their work.
• Increased safety: 3D models can be used to identify potential safety hazards in construction projects and to develop safety plans. For example, 3D models can be used to identify areas where workers may be at risk of falling or being struck by objects.

Overall, 3D mapping is a powerful tool that can be used to improve the accuracy, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, safety, and communication in ACE projects.

Many different files types and options

The example shown on this page produced many files including the following:

• .E57 file
• TruPlan (.SKX file) for Xactimate
• BIM file (LOD 200 building information model in .RVT and .DWG format)
• .IFC (platform neutral) & .RCS (ReCap point cloud) files
• GeoTIFF map
• JPG map
• External and internal point cloud
• Elevation
• Digital Terrain Model (DTM)
• 3D model
• Ceiling colour plan
• Colour plan
• .OBJ & .MTL files
• .YYZ Cloud file
• Edge annotations (External)
• Film (4kHD) and photographic roof survey
• Full HDR virtual tour – accessible via desktop, mobile and VR (Oculus VR)
• Interactive internal 3D model
• HDR images & internal 3D views
• Schematic floor plan

3D mapping enquiry

For more information or to find a 3D mapping company, contact 360 Virtual View

Amazon is not a company I have personally used for many, many years due to their purported UK tax evasion (e.g. Amazon’s main UK division pays no corporation tax for second year in a row or Amazon’s biggest UK firms pay NO corporation tax – despite making £193-a-second)

And this Amazon Prime phone scam is based on a very common problem created by Amazon which has its foundation in what has been said to be a ‘failure to address non-consensual subscriptions’ and usage of ‘cancellation trickery’ – basically, you’ve made a purchase and ended up with Amazon Prime without realising it (FTC Takes Action Against Amazon for Enrolling Consumers in Amazon Prime Without Consent and Sabotaging Their Attempts to Cancel)

This is a problem that only affects Amazon customers. There is an easy way to be sure you don’t have Amazon Prime, Just sayin’

TL;DR

If you get an unexpected phone call from anyone claiming to be from Amazon (or your bank, etc.) no matter what they’re saying, you should put the phone down and call back using the official number available on their website.

To cancel your Amazon Prime or check if you even have it, use this link

Starts with a phone call

You get a call purporting to be from Amazon saying something along the lines of:

• Your Amazon Prime subscription is starting today, do you want to cancel it?, or
• Someone has accessed your Amazon account, or
• Your Amazon Prime subscription is renewing today,
• etc.

You think to yourself something along the lines of, “I didn’t sign up for Amazon Prime! Oh no! I must have done it by accident!!!”

You’re told this is an urgent problem that needs sorting out now

There is usually a time sensitive element to this too, by telling you something along the lines of:

• If you don’t cancel now, your Amazon Prime subscription will be activated

They ‘prove’ they’re calling from Amazon

The next thing they will do is say is they’re going to send you a text message – and you then receive one from Amazon. Must be legit, eh?!

What do 2FA and OTP mean?

A ‘One Time Passcode’ or OTP is a unique code which many banks and websites use these days to double check you are who you say you are. Anyone could potentially have your username and password, but it’s unlikely they’d have your username, password and access to your mobile phone. Increases the level of security.

2-factor-authenictation (or 2FA) is just a short-hand way of describing this was of logging in – using a combination of at least username and a second device – usually your mobile phone

With Amazon, the 2-factor Authentication bypasses the need for a password. In other words, you can log in using only your email address and mobile phone. In other words, you simply use your email address and a short code that Amazon send yo by text message.

The problem is, with the OTP and email address, anyone can log into your account.

They’ve now proved they’re from Amazon, haven’t they? now what!?

So you received the text message from Amazon meaning the call must be legitimate, right? Well, actually no.

Anyone who tries to access your account with your email address can generate an OTP. If it wasn’t you, simply ignoring the message should mean your account is safe

The caller simply typed in your email address and requested an OTP whilst you were on the phone – anyone can do that

Whatever you do, don’t give them the OTP, or anyone else for that matter, ever! You will never be asked for an OTP on the phone by any legitimate call. This is proof it’s a scam

If you’ve got this far, put the phone down now. If you’re worried about your account, log in and change your password directly. If you need to check if you do actually have Amazon Prime, use this link

How did they get my phone number and email address?

Sadly, there have been many, many data breaches over the years and the chances are your email address and mobile number are freely available on the internet

For example, if you’ve had an account with any of the following companies, there is a good chance your data was taken by hackers:

Company	Number of customer records affected
Dixons Carphone (Jul 2017 to Apr 2018)	14 million personal records and 5.6 million payment card information
Equifax (2011-2016)	15.2 million records
EasyJet (Oct 2019-Mar 2020)	9 million customers and 2,200 credit cards details
The National Health Service (NHS) (Jul 2011-Jul 2012)	1.8 million records
Virgin Media (Mar 2020)	900,000 customers affected
JD Wetherspoon (Jun 2015)	650,000 customers affected
British Airways (Jun 2018 – Sep 2018)	500,000 payment card details
Wonga (Apr 2017)	270,000 customer records
Three Mobile UK (Nov 2016)	130,000 customer records
TalkTalk (Oct 2015)	157,000 records

Why do the hackers do this?

They will be able to order from amazon using your saved card details but to their address, or, order using stolen credit card details or a hacked PayPal address

*** UPDATE FROM AMAZON ***

Amazon seem to have recognised this problem and have emailed to help customers identify this and similar scams. Here is their email verbatim:

Scammers are creative and they constantly devise new schemes, exploit new technologies and change tactics to avoid detection. Stay safe by learning to identify and avoid scams. Prime membership scams: These are unexpected calls/texts/emails that refer to a costly membership fee or an issue with your membership and ask you to confirm or cancel the charge. These scammers try to convince you to provide payment or bank account information in order to reinstate a membership. Amazon will never ask you to provide payment information for products or services over the phone. Visit the Message Centre on Amazon.co.uk or on our app to review authentic emails from Amazon. To verify your Prime Membership status or make payments, log into your Amazon account, and go to Your Account. Account suspension/Deletion scams: Scammers send texts, emails and phone calls stating that your account will be suspended or deleted and prompt you to click on a fraudulent link or verbally provide information to “verify your account.” Customers who land on these pages or receive these phone calls are then lured to provide account information such as payment information or account login credentials. Amazon will never ask you to disclose your password or verify sensitive personal information over the phone or on any website other than Amazon.co.uk. Please do not click on any links or provide your information to anyone over the phone without authenticating the email or phone call. If you have questions about the status of your account, go directly to Amazon.co.uk or on our app to view your account details, including the Message Center which displays a log of communications sent from Amazon. Here are some important tips to identify scams and keep your account and information safe:   1. Trust Amazon-owned channels. Always go through the Amazon mobile app or website when seeking customer service, tech support, or when looking to make changes to your account. 2. Be wary of false urgency. Scammers may try to create a sense of urgency to persuade you to do what they’re asking. Be wary any time someone tries to convince you that you must act now. 3. Never pay over the phone. Amazon will never ask you to provide payment information, including gift cards (or “verification cards,” as some scammers call them) for products or services over the phone. 4. Verify links first. Legitimate Amazon websites contain “amazon.co.uk” or “amazon.co.uk/support.” Go directly to our website when seeking help with Amazon devices/services, orders or to make changes to your account. For more information on how to stay safe online, visit Security & Privacy on the Amazon Customer Service page. If you receive communication — a call, text, or email — that you think may not be from Amazon, please report it to us.

1. Open up control panel

The fastest way is to normally press the ‘Window’ key (for search) they type in ‘control panel’

2. Click on ‘Mail’ options

3. Click on ‘Email accounts’

4. Click on the account you’d like to delete then click the ‘remove’ option

5. Close ‘mail options’, ‘control panel’ and ‘Outlook’ then re-start ‘Outlook’

1. Click on ‘File’ in the top-right corner

2. Click on ‘Automatic replies’

3. Set your reply and when you want it to send

That’s it!

Out-of-office replies if you use Microsoft Outlook.com – tutorial

you can also set up out-of-office replies if you use Microsoft Outlook.com – otherwise known as ‘Outlook on the Web’. Here’s how you do it:

1. Sign in to Outlook on the web.
2. On the nav bar, choose Settings > Automatic replies.
3. Choose the Send automatic replies option.
4. Select the Send replies only during this time period check box, and then enter a start and end time to control when automatic replies are sent.If you don’t set a time period, your automatic reply remains on until you turn it off by selecting Don’t send automatic replies.

More about Microsoft Out-of-Office Replies

Microsoft Out-of-Office Replies, also known as Auto Replies, are automatic messages sent to incoming emails when you are unavailable to respond. This feature is useful for informing senders that you are out of the office, on vacation, or otherwise away from your email.

There are two main types of Microsoft Out-of-Office Replies:

General Out-of-Office Replies: These replies are sent to all incoming emails, regardless of the sender. You can customize the message to include your name, contact information for someone who can assist during your absence, and a brief explanation of why you are not responding personally.

Specific Out-of-Office Replies: These replies are sent to emails from specific senders or sender groups. For example, you can create a specific reply for clients, colleagues, or family members. This allows you to personalize your messages and provide more specific information about your absence.

Here’s a new-to-me PayPal scam called the ‘refund scam’ that takes advantage of PayPal’s invoice system to send out scam emails directly via PayPal. Here’s a quick run-though of how it works, how to spot the scam, and what to do.

Sadly, trying to get in touch with PayPal support via any means is often either very difficult or downright impossible. When I recently received one of the scam emails and tried to talk to PayPal about it this I simply ended up in an endless loop with their ‘virtual assistant’. Therefore, you’re most likely ‘on your own’ with this one, however, if you are forewarned, you’re hopefully forearmed

How the PayPal refund scam works

Firstly, you’ll receive an email from PayPal telling you that you’ve received ‘a money request’. This can purport be for any reason, the most common ones are things like software subscription renewals or gift card purchases. It’s a legitimate email from PayPal so there is nothing at first to mean you might suspect it is a scam.

In the email message, however, there will be a note informing you that money has been taken from your account. This is the part written by the scammers so will contradict the email title e.g. ‘you have a money request’ vs ‘money has been sent from your account’. At the bottom of the email there will also be a ‘pay now’ button. Goes without saying I hope – don’t click this!

The scammer has used the PayPal invoicing system to try to scare you. They will have included a phone number or link in the message that they want you to use to contact them. If you do that, they’ll attempt to get you to transfer money to them. These numbers or links – even if they look legit such as freephone numbers – are not PayPal numbers so don’t use them

What to do?

At this point – in relation to this phishing attempt at least – nothing has actually happened, no money has gone from your account, and your account is still secure. If you want to simply ignore this email, that’s fine.

Personally, I took this opportunity to log into my PayPal account and check the transactions to see if there was anything I didn’t recognise (activity link in the navigation). All looked fine.

The email received was a legitimate ‘money request’ so I clicked the option to ‘cancel’ it

As in the account all was expected and this was simply a ‘phishing’ scam so there was no need to change my password

If there are transactions, you don’t recognise that have gone from your account then you need to contact PayPal immediately (good luck with that!)

If you think your password may have been compromised, then you need to change it urgently too to something unique

Some rules of thumb

• Never give anyone your PayPal password – even on the phone
• Forward suspicious emails to phishing@paypal.com
• If you are emailed and asked to get in touch with PayPal, do it via the help section directly through their website when you’ve logged in to your account
• If you ever get a message from PayPal you’re unsure about, log into PayPal directly to check

Example scam email, more info, and useful links

Here is the email I received – looks realistic because it did indeed come from PayPal. Note the UK freephone number – this is nothing to do with PayPal, if you call it you’ll get through to the scammers (luckily the number has been deactivated now)

Here is what the ‘money request’ looked like when I logged into PayPal directly. Note there is a line through the amount as I used the ‘cancel request’ option to cancel it:

Here is the Reddit ‘auto-mod’ explaining the refund scam, along with useful links:

Refund scams usually start with a spam email about a fake transaction, although they can also be sent through SMS or any other messaging service. The message will provide you with a phone number to call if you want to cancel the transaction, and if you call the scammers will try to get you to provide credit card or banking information in order to receive your refund. Scammers have been taking advantage of Paypal’s invoice system to send out realistic scam emails through Paypal itself, here is a news article about that technique: https://krebsonsecurity.com/2022/08/paypal-phishing-scam-uses-invoices-sent-via-paypal/. Here is a Snopes article regarding the Norton variant of this scam: https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/norton-email-renewal-scam/.

Reddit

Here are some other individual’s takes on this scam:

The attackers are abusing a legitimate PayPal service which allows them to send invoices to anybody. QuickBooks is having the same issue. So the emails come in from legit paypal(.)com domain – and basically the attackers can put whatever content in the overall message that they want. They have also been successful in simply getting folks to blindly pay the invoice.

They are encouraging you to call the number, which is not PayPal. It will be someone on the end pretending to be from PayPal telling you someone wants to give you money.

If you ever get a message like this, whether it’s from Paypal or Amazon or whatever, just log into the website through a browser to check.

Don’t click any links or phone the number in the email message itself, that’s how the scam works 🙂