Asked to give directions into phone, concerned

Are you a new poster Coronation ?

I post occasionally.

Were you out and about somewhere?
Presumably they were not English speakers?

If so, though a bit odd/awkward it probably just means they won't get lost as they can keep checking "which way next".

Yes English wasn't their first language.
It struck me they have a voice recording of my phone though and it concerned me.

It's sad that we have to be so suspicious of everyone these days. Be careful of anyone asking for a 'light', as it could be a ruse to get you to open your handbag. It could also be a distraction while an accomplice creeps up behind you.
You are right to be concerned but there isn't much you can do about it now.

Thanks curtaintwitcher yes it's sad that I didn't realise until later what happened and caused suspicion. I think next time I'll be aware, but it's sad how as a society we have to be.

When I read threads like this I wonder how I a single woman (travelling independently) could have managed in countries like Syria, Iran and Nepal without getting robbed, beaten up or raped. I must have had guts of steel back in those days.

Yes it's fantastic what you achieved, I've only travelled independently in Europe so not as well travelled as you @biglouis.

I do think as you get older you're more aware of things, plus the world has changed. I think there have always been dodgy people, but now the tools are different. I'm also feeling vulnerable too for differnt issues so it's been really helpful to me to post

How on earth can total strangers use a recording of your voice giving them instructions for any nefarious purpose?

They do not know who you are, where you live or anything about you.

I agree that at any time, in any place, we have to use our common sense to protect ourselves from danger - and that includes being aware of cyber crime, but it does seem to me that some people are getting over concerned against remote, unlikely or impossible dangers.

I am going up to London on Saturday to visit a couple of exhibitions. An old lady, on her own, catching trains and walking the streets. Do I need an armed guard and should I be wearing aluminium foil from head to toe?

Coronation, I can see where you are coming from.
I am very well qualified in IT and Internet safety and tend to be over suspicious. However, I too would have helped without thinking, then worried later.

I think you will be OK. Recently, there have been some posts, which have been suspicious, which is probably why Bluebelle asked if you are new.
I reported one yesterday, but don't worry, I won't be reporting you. 😉

I find it sad all this obsession with security.
Yesterday there was a cold caller on my landline , who I presumed was a genuine call from EE as I have just renewed my phone contract.
He was trying to sell me securuty for my home, I think, various gadgets to give me peace of mind

Having just returned from a month in NZ alone and without my smart phone since I accidentally left it on the plane out of Edinburgh, I can assure you that it is still just about possible to travel the world without a phone though not easy.

I asked at Edinburgh Airport on my return if there was a public phone so I could contact someone for a lift. There isn't.
I asked the airline staff if I could ring from their phones. Sorry but no, something to do with privacy.

Eventually I asked the guy pushing the baggage trollies if I could use his phone and he said yes of course!

I think it's a good idea to record directions actually.
I've sometimes got directions wrong when I'd slightly misremembered...

But probably they should have asked.

Your voice recording is of no use to them without other details, DOB, name address etc.

I always rely on my gut instinct in unusual situations. What sort of vibe did you get from these people? Having said that (though I'm no whizz with technology) I can't really see what they could do with your voice.

Sago

Your voice recording is of no use to them without other details, DOB, name address etc.

If a hacker had that voice recording they will have your ip address. From there they could do what they want.

Coronation if your really worried get a new IP address.

I am not sure that the people will have a recording of your voice anyway, Coronation. Given the circumstances you describe, I think it's much more likely that they were just using a translation app that instantly translated your spoken words into their own language on their phone screen.

As others have said, as they do not even have the most basic personal info about you, I don't think you have anything whatsoever to worry about.

They shoved a phone into my face and used Google translate to understand.

Can someone please explain to me how merely recording someone's voice on their (ie the person asking for directions) phone to use Google Translate can possibly reveal the OPs IP address? Coronation hasn't said that her phone was used 🤔

Drawing a diagram with road names on it - even a very rough one - would have given them a map to refer to, and not involved a voice recording.

However, if you are getting worried about it being recorded for translation, you will soon reach a point where you won't even speak directly to anyone in case they recording you secretly! That way lies paranoia.

You didn't give them your name, address, email address, bank account number and password, or anything else that would identify you or your money, so I think you should put it behind you.

Yes - As they used THEIR PHONE not yours, they won't even have you IP address.

Relax.

I have used Translate to help a non English speaker but on my phone it’s no security risk, the risk is having your phone stolen when trying to help someone.

Thanks everybody. My Bluetooth was on, but I agree it's unlikely anything will happen.

I take the view that the vast majority of people I meet have no ill intent and on that basis I tend not to worry when asked for help. I have worked for most of my life with some people who are on the margins of society and have often been humbled by their kindness and generosity. I have also come across a few privileged people who would take the shirt from your back.

Ask them to delete it when they have finished with it.

Instead of being unnecessarily suspicious how about being proud of yourself for helping them out.