Government can hi-jack your computer SCARY STUFF

**jas** · 08-03-2009, 11:45 AM

I know there are many different opinions on this cash for clunkers program, that is not the point of this post.

Watch this video it should scare the you know what out of everyone. What the government will do to access info about each and everyone of us.

Does this bother the heck out of you it sure does me.

Thought please.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpqdEPfcUTs&feature=related"]YouTube- Beck Shows That Cash For Clunkers Web Site Declares Federal Control Over Computers Accessing It[/ame]

**mhope** · 08-03-2009, 11:59 AM

Looks like that disclaimer is on a part of the site only accessed by dealers while they are completing an actual Cash For Clunkers transaction...?

**jas** · 08-03-2009, 12:05 PM

You can access the website from your home computer. We checked out the site when my ds was in the process of buying a car with the program.

The deal was supposed to happen on a Friday and all was set and at the very last minute some wording on the paperwork (with the credit union) made the finance guy at the dealer skittish because they wanted to have all thier ducks in a row because they stood to lose a lot of money if the gov kicked back the deal saying something was wrong on the paperwork. So we had to wait the whole weekend and I was looking at a bunch of info on this program and it leads to you this site.

Everyone has access to it. People who wanted to see if thier car qualified could look on this site because it is the offical one. With all the rules.

To do that I don't think you had to click that but just the thought of how the gov wants to have access to our info is scary. I am sure they can get it anyway but just seeing it in writing blows me away.

Anyway just a friendly warning if anyone is on that site don't press contiune.

**mhope** · 08-03-2009, 12:16 PM

The disclaimer refers only to files submitted to or shared with the CARS system, not to all files on the dealer's computer, and certainly not to files on anyone's home computer. A consumer visiting CARS.gov is just treated to what is basically a stylized FAQ sheet, and nothing more. That CARS information may be shared with DoT and law enforcement agencies (both foreign and domestic) is in order to ensure that dealers are following the regulations of the program, specifically, scrapping the clunkers and not re-selling them, which is actually big business for Mexican auto dealers, due to low fuel economy and emissions regulations. US dealers who cannot resell automobiles in the States frequently report them as scrapped (thereby claiming a business loss) while in actuality making a profit by selling the "scrapped" cars to Mexican dealers. The data-sharing disclaimed by CARS.gov is to ensure that this sort of thing does not happen.

**pollypurebred39** · 08-03-2009, 12:17 PM

I can't say I know a thing about this, however I know someone who feels the government has way too much big brother over your shoulder and they dropped off the grid. They closed all bank accounts, they have a under the table job, an all utilities apartment with a lease that had no back ground check, they got a new doctor and pay cash out right, they sold their car and take public transportation. Anything like the lease and their doctor they are using a fake name, everything is a cash transaction, and they have a pay as you go disposable phone. I thought it was pretty wild, and was surprised to learn that many are dropping off the radar of our government for this very reason. Interesting topic.

**jas** · 08-03-2009, 12:42 PM

Originally Posted by mhope

The disclaimer refers only to files submitted to or shared with the CARS system, not to all files on the dealer's computer, and certainly not to files on anyone's home computer. A consumer visiting CARS.gov is just treated to what is basically a stylized FAQ sheet, and nothing more. That CARS information may be shared with DoT and law enforcement agencies (both foreign and domestic) is in order to ensure that dealers are following the regulations of the program, specifically, scrapping the clunkers and not re-selling them, which is actually big business for Mexican auto dealers, due to low fuel economy and emissions regulations. US dealers who cannot resell automobiles in the States frequently report them as scrapped (thereby claiming a business loss) while in actuality making a profit by selling the "scrapped" cars to Mexican dealers. The data-sharing disclaimed by CARS.gov is to ensure that this sort of thing does not happen.

Well I sure hope you are right. I have my doubts though. I am not going to argue the point.

Anyway I guess the capability is there and if they really want to they will do it with or without your permission.

**jas** · 08-03-2009, 12:45 PM

Originally Posted by pollypurebred39

I can't say I know a thing about this, however I know someone who feels the government has way too much big brother over your shoulder and they dropped off the grid. They closed all bank accounts, they have a under the table job, an all utilities apartment with a lease that had no back ground check, they got a new doctor and pay cash out right, they sold their car and take public transportation. Anything like the lease and their doctor they are using a fake name, everything is a cash transaction, and they have a pay as you go disposable phone. I thought it was pretty wild, and was surprised to learn that many are dropping off the radar of our government for this very reason. Interesting topic.

I hope the are successful. One day more and more of us will want to be invisible I am sure.

**Contrary Housewife** · 08-03-2009, 01:05 PM

I am 100% certain no government computer is going to make it through my firewall. As Mhope says, this is for files that *you send to them*. "They" aren't getting into your computer any more than they are getting into your electric coffee pot or your VCR.

**Nana2two** · 08-03-2009, 01:15 PM

Well im not going on it, but if the gov wants your info they will get it some how.

**chevy_chick95** · 08-03-2009, 01:44 PM

my mom dated this guy a few months ago and he was telling her that his brother receied a text from a friend that said something about wanting to hurt The president and just deleted it cuz he didn't agree and the FBI showed up at his house and arrested him and his friend!

While I don't agree with any threats to the president I do not agree with how little privacy we do have as Americans.

**cab54** · 08-03-2009, 02:15 PM

Originally Posted by Nana2two

Well im not going on it, but if the gov wants your info they will get it some how.

"They're heeeeeeeeeerrrrrre!" (Big Brother, that is....)

I agree that there is nothing that can keep them from knowing what they want about you.

My guess is we'd better all keep our noses clean online.

**Charles C** · 08-03-2009, 09:07 PM

Well, I have no checking account, no credit cards, and just getting on my computer, makes me feel what the 'ell. There are lots of computer nerds that could probably find out all about me. Guess what I don't give a damn.

Now I'll tell you what really riles me up, when all this trash slows down my computer. I am not scared of the USA government, and if I said, I wanted to hurt the President, I'd hope someone would put me away.

**Gabe** · 08-03-2009, 09:56 PM

Actually the government can listen to your private phone conversations without a warrant....not sure what is this sensationalism?

Ah... it's Faux News again, with Beck to top it. Is he going to cry again?
Or better... We surround them...

Not sure what is the big deal on this.

Your giving information to the government in order to get a hand me out. Seems like normal business to me. Nothing is free.

**Palooka** · 08-04-2009, 12:09 AM

Originally Posted by Gabe

Ah... it's Faux News again, with Beck to top it. Is he going to cry again?
Or better... We surround them...

Glenn Beck needs to be medicated.

Yeah, cell phones, home phones, computors, this is nothing new. I guess I don't trip about it.

My mom used to freak out when she saw those black hilicopters(sp) thinking it was going to be Marshall law or something.

**Drgnfly423** · 08-04-2009, 12:18 AM

“This application provides access to the DoT CARS system. When logged on to the CARS system, your computer is considered a Federal computer system and is property of the U.S. Government.

Any or all use of this system and all files on this system may be intercepted, monitored, recorded, copied, audited, inspected, and disclosed to authorized CARS, DoT, and law enforcement personnel, as well as authorized officials of other agencies, both domestic and foreign.”

I found this quote of the disclaimer on freerepublic.com (never been to that site before, so I'm not endorsing it!)

Even if it only refers to the dealers computer/system it still seems creepy to me. There is a lot left up to interpretation in the wording of the disclaimer. I'm not usually so paranoid, but it seems a little overboard to me for the government to claim that your computer, system and all files may be intercepted.

I would definitely be a little more than wary of accessing that site and agreeing to the disclaimer. You're allowing the government free access to YOUR personal property and files!