March 6, 2021: I’ve been hacked!

I had just completed my morning workout when I received the following email from my buddy, Doug: “Hey, Joe. I just saw Rayban advertisements getting posted to your Instagram. I think someone got a hold of your account. Just giving you a heads up.”

Rayban ads?  That couldn’t be right.  Could it?

Then, a text message from actor Alex Mallari Jr.  Simply: “Mallozzi!  Did you get hacked?”

I was shocked.  Not by the fact that some stranger had possibly gained access to my account, but the fact that people actually follow me on Instagram closely enough to be able to discern when something is up.

Anyway, I checked my IG account and, sure enough, there were the two Rayban ads.  I was at a completely loss.  What steps did I need to take to rectify the situation?  Who should I contact?  I was about to google “What to do when your instagram account gets hacked?” when I thought – Maybe I’ll just try logging in first.

You would assume I’d no longer have access to my account.  If so, you’d be wrong.  I was able to log in, delete the offending ads, change my password, set up 2 step verification, and change my password again just to be on the safe side.

Odd, no?

When I told Akemi I’d been hacked, her response was utter disbelief: “Who would want to hack YOUR account?”

I insisted I was utterly hackable.  She seemed dubious.

Anyway, all this to say I’m counting on all of you to keep track of my various social media accounts and let me know if you notice any weirder than usual activity like ads for Rayban ads or enthusiastic praise of cilantro or ewok-related anything.

Thanks!

P.S. I’m thinking of restarting the long-dormant Book of the Month Club.  Who’s in?

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