How to protect against scams when buying and selling online on Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree
When Savannah listed her old iPhone for sale on Facebook Marketplace, she didn’t expect any trouble. The single mum has been selling on the platform for years and always followed Facebook’s official advice — never giving out her real address and meeting in open, public spaces for exchange. Savannah was conscious that the high price […]
How to avoid robocalls as they flood North Carolinians’ phones despite crackdowns :: WRAL.com
North Carolina residents continue to be bombarded by robocalls at one of the highest rates in the country, according to federal data, even as regulators push new consumer protections. The Department of Justice estimates that roughly 200 million robocalls are made in North Carolina every month. That volume means the average resident receives dozens of […]
What to know and how to avoid them :: WRAL.com
Scammers don’t take time off for the holidays. In fact, this time of year is prime season for fraud, especially as people shop, gift and travel more than usual. Staying alert, taking a moment to research unfamiliar sellers or offers, and approaching deals that seem too good to be true with caution can help keep […]
How to spot a scam during Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Millions of Australians are on the hunt for a bargain over the Black Friday and Cyber Monday weekend this year — and scammers are chasing their next victim. Shoppers have been urged to stay vigilant as scammers use artificial intelligence to deploy more sophisticated cons. Where are scams most likely to surface, and how can […]
From phishing to investment cons: How to spot a scam and safeguard your savings
When 84-year-old Elizabeth Parker looked at the message on her phone screen, it seemed legitimate. The text was from her daughter, who had just lost her phone and was borrowing a friend’s to get in touch. She needed a loan to buy a replacement. Elizabeth didn’t think twice and transferred the money, but it was […]
What is a digital footprint? How to erase online information, protect yourself from phishing, identity theft and scams
CHICAGO (WLS) — Think about all the times you have handed over personal information. It is scattered across hundreds of companies and databases. Now, the ABC7 I-Team is finding out how you can now erase this information to avoid becoming a scam victim. You can do this on your own, and there are services to […]
How to Protect Yourself From Portable Point-of-Sale Scams
Considering the widespread use of contactless payment systems, it’s no surprise that portable point-of-sale thefts are making a comeback. This type of robbery is enjoying a new wave of popularity, and is much harder to spot given how quickly those transactions take place. But how much risk is there, really? And how can you protect […]
How to Spot and Guard Against Wrong Number Scams
Most often, once some kind of friendship or even romantic connection has been established, you’ll be asked for money. Maybe your new contact is in a bit of trouble, finance-wise, and just needs a quick loan; or maybe they’ve found a fantastic investment opportunity for you, though you’ll need to act very quickly to take […]
How to Win Followers and Scamfluence People
As soon as Format Boy answers the phone, I recognize his booming voice. I’ve spent weeks immersed in the influencer’s back catalog of videos and voice notes. Format Boy isn’t like other influencers: He doesn’t show his face, and he won’t tell me his real name. He isn’t posting motivational content or seeking lucrative brand […]
How to avoid being scammed by artificial intelligence – Diana Clement
People will find themselves being blackmailed with fake videos. How would a partner, or employer know that the compromising video of you was real or AI-generated? Blackmailers already know to keep their financial demands realistic so the victim will just pay, to avoid the pain of refusing, said Sean Lyons, chief online safety officer at […]