WAPA, part 3298...
$2 million + goes missing in May and June, 2018.
We hear about it June, 2019.
WAPA says they were victims of a phishing scam.
LOL
Foxes are guarding the Hen House.
Posted by: ScubadooOnly in the VI. How is it that a funds transfer from a public utility can be initiated from an email click whether or not it's legitimate?
You obviously don't know much about keylogger and other malicious tools that are readily available on the dark web. Its very simple to gain access to a PC and surreptitiously drain the funds from someones bank account. It happens everyday. I'm a business owner and I get phishing emails everyday, often more than one. Some are easy to spot, others not so much.
Does anyone even really believe the 'phishing scam" excuse? These clowns probably used the dog ate my homework excuse in school. This is the VI, land of "we like it this way if you don't like it move" The number on reason we are the way we are.
For me, the part that is hard to believe is that they paid a bill that big with just the prompting of an email.
Posted by: stjohnjulieFor me, the part that is hard to believe is that they paid a bill that big with just the prompting of an email.
That's not how it happens. You click on a link within the "official" looking phishing email. Once you click the link, malicious software is loaded onto your computer in the background, unbeknownst to you. The software then begins to secretly log all the key strokes over a period of time and emails them to the scammer. With that, all the scammer has to do is sift through them and find out what sites you've been to and use the user name and passwords they've collected to drain your accounts. You can buy keylogger software and other such tools on the dark net for less than $100.
I thought these were wire transfers that were initiated by WAPA? That was my understanding of the BEC scams.
Hmm... And if they don't get their raise? How will they pay that $200 million?
Posted by: East EnderHmm... And if they don't get their raise? How will they pay that $200 million?
But wait, there's more
If WAPA is privatized, taxes in the VI will increase exponentially.
WAPA's high rates keep our taxes artificially low since the VI government doesn't pay its own utility bills. That lack of payment is currently reflected in the high WAPA rates for individual and private business customers who carry the burden of keeping the government's lights on.
Posted by: Gator's MomIf WAPA is privatized, taxes in the VI will increase exponentially.
WAPA's high rates keep our taxes artificially low since the VI government doesn't pay its own utility bills. That lack of payment is currently reflected in the high WAPA rates for individual and private business customers who carry the burden of keeping the government's lights on.
You're probably right. But at least we'll be able to vote on those who dare to raise the taxes. Whereas with WAPA, no such thing. I'm totally for privatization of this cancer.
No investor will assume WAPAs debts or abide by the current business plan.
Posted by: Gator's MomNo investor will assume WAPAs debts or abide by the current business plan.
It really doesn't matter to me one way or the other. I have solar and get a credit every month. The higher the price, the higher the credit. I put in AC just so I could use more of my free energy and generate less credit every month.
Posted by: vicanuckPosted by: Gator's MomNo investor will assume WAPAs debts or abide by the current business plan.
It really doesn't matter to me one way or the other. I have solar and get a credit every month. The higher the price, the higher the credit. I put in AC just so I could use more of my free energy and generate less credit every month.
I have solar net metering as well. But this should matter to us. Right now, WAPA rate payers are paying their hidden tax to support the VI government. Once/if privatization occurs, the VI government will raise taxes (no choice) to pay its past, current and future utility charges to the new WAPA.
We, as net metering customers, will have to pay those increased taxes. Now, we sit back and agree that we made great decisions to add solar to our homes. But even if we add battery storage to our solar systems, we still may have to pay increased taxes if that's the solution for a healthier utility system.
My assumption would be property taxes will be increased - I can't imagine the VI being organized enough to institute a sales tax.
WAPA/PSC may also reduce the cost per KW hour once a new business plan is in place but add a hefty fee to the electric bill, which might be better for net metering customers depending on if the new WAPA honors our agreements.
Cut the cord.
At some point off the grid technology will get more affordable/reliable and then more homeowners, & buisness owners will go in that direction. Just like the old telephone companies and how their infrastructure is falling away, so to will large utility companies.
In the meantime WAPA will continue to screw-the-pooch. The government needs to concentrate on things there aren’t any other options for, like new roads, healthcare coverage, new hospital, etc...
Posted by: vicanuckPosted by: stjohnjulieFor me, the part that is hard to believe is that they paid a bill that big with just the prompting of an email.
That's not how it happens. You click on a link within the "official" looking phishing email. Once you click the link, malicious software is loaded onto your computer in the background, unbeknownst to you. The software then begins to secretly log all the key strokes over a period of time and emails them to the scammer. With that, all the scammer has to do is sift through them and find out what sites you've been to and use the user name and passwords they've collected to drain your accounts. You can buy keylogger software and other such tools on the dark net for less than $100.
I happened to mention the WAPA screw up to my rental manager. They said they will not do any international transfers (including to or from stateside) without a phone call voice confirmation. Our investment guys are the same way. They will not move ANY money without a voice call (except for a standard monthly disbursement of small amounts, for example.)
This had to be a hell of a hack, or else WAPA's protocols for moving money need some review!
How many power outages in two days? They must be going around draining gas tanks to get the facility going again...
The rolling blackouts they warned about?
- 4 Forums
- 32.9 K Topics
- 272.4 K Posts
- 130 Online
- 42.1 K Members