IP: Computer-generated mail -- too easy to fake?: [risks] Risks Digest 21.44

[David Farber <dave () farber net>]

> Date: Sat, 02 Jun 2001 19:32:56 GMT +0000
> From: dbell () zhochaka demon co uk (David G. Bell)
> Subject: Computer-generated mail -- too easy to fake?
>
> A front-page story in *The Yorkshire Post* of 2 Jun 2001 reported that fake
> letters had been sent out in Bradford, requesting that people send
> _original_ birth certificates to enable the local council to recreate
> records lost through a computer error.
>
> Original birth certificates are usable for identity theft.
>
> The new twist comes from how the letters were created:
>
>   A council spokesman said they had no reason to believe council employees
>   had stolen headed paper as the headings on most council correspondence
>   were printed of on each individual letter by computer, and so could be
>   copied by anyone who has received a letter by e-mail.
>
> I'm not sure just what the computer-printed headings are, whether it
> includes some expensively-designed logo, and what details are actually
> included in e-mails.  Obviously, it's that little bit easier to fake a
> letter if the genuine article is entirely computer-printed, rather than
> using old-fashioned pre-printed paper.  Even with that barrier, people are
> becoming used to entirely computer-printed letters, headings and all.
>
> I just hope I don't get an e-mail from Bradford council, if they have their
> logo attached as a graphics file.
>
> [Original Yorkshire Post story by Amy Binns <amy.binns () ypn co uk>]
>
> David G. Bell -- Farmer, SF Fan, Filker, and Punslinger.



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