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  • Geebo 8:00 am on September 19, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: affiliate marketing, get rich quick, , ,   

    Is Affiliate Marketing Just a Scam in Disguise? 

    By Greg Collier

    Affiliate marketing has been hailed as a win-win strategy for both businesses and individuals looking to make passive income online. The basic idea sounds harmless enough. Marketers earn a commission by promoting a company’s product through unique affiliate links. But beneath this seemingly simple setup lies a darker reality, one that preys on vulnerable individuals while perpetuating misleading promises and questionable ethics.

    At first glance, affiliate marketing looks like a quick path to financial freedom. The pitch is always the same, minimal effort, zero startup costs, and the ability to earn while you sleep. Influencers and online gurus eagerly tout their six-figure incomes, luring thousands into signing up for affiliate programs. What they fail to mention is the steep learning curve, the saturated market, and the risk of losing money before seeing any meaningful return.

    Many affiliate marketers spend thousands on courses and software just to learn the ropes. These expenses are often brushed aside as “necessary investments,” but they leave countless individuals deeper in debt, all while the so-called experts who sold them the dream are laughing their way to the bank.

    Affiliate marketing shares more than a passing resemblance to pyramid schemes. Just like in multi-level marketing (MLM), top-tier affiliates benefit the most, often by recruiting other marketers rather than selling actual products. Affiliate marketers are frequently incentivized to push high-priced programs, courses, or software with commissions of up to 50%. But the real product being sold isn’t the company’s service or item, it’s the dream of becoming the next affiliate success story.

    The success of a few top earners depends on a revolving door of new affiliates at the bottom, many of whom will fail and drop out after investing time and money into paid ads or content creation. The business model thrives on volume, with only a select few benefiting while the rest are left scrambling for scraps.

    The predatory nature of affiliate marketing also extends to vulnerable populations. People desperate for financial stability, stay-at-home parents, college students, and retirees are frequently targeted. These groups are lured in with the promise of ‘easy money’ from affiliate marketing, but often end up exploited, left to deal with mounting expenses and little to no return.

    One of the most glaring issues with affiliate marketing is the lack of transparency. Many affiliate links are disguised using URL shorteners or embedded within the content, making it difficult for consumers to know they’re being sold to. This blurs the line between genuine recommendations and paid promotions, creating an environment ripe for consumer distrust.

    Moreover, businesses running affiliate programs bear little responsibility for the tactics used by their affiliates. This means marketers can employ unethical methods like false advertising, exaggerated claims, or even clickbait to push sales without repercussions. The blame often falls solely on the affiliate, allowing companies to maintain their image while profiting from dishonest marketing.

    While not every affiliate marketing program is outright fraudulent, the broader industry operates on a predatory model that often leaves participants worse off than when they started. Affiliate marketing preys on people’s hopes for financial freedom, promising rewards that only a small fraction will ever see. The truth is, most people who enter affiliate marketing will fail, not because they lack effort, but because the system is designed to benefit the few at the expense of the many.

    For those considering affiliate marketing, it’s crucial to approach the industry with caution. Understand that it’s far from a get-rich-quick scheme, and be wary of anyone claiming otherwise. Transparency, honesty, and ethical practices are rare in this space, and that’s what makes affiliate marketing, for many, little more than a scam in disguise.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on September 18, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , safe exchange zones, ,   

    State Promotes Safe Exchange Zones 

    State Promotes Safe Exchange Zones

    By Greg Collier

    A bipartisan effort to improve public safety is moving forward in Pennsylvania with a new proposal to create designated Safe Exchange Zones. These public spaces would be used for completing online sales, trades, giveaways, and even custody exchanges in a secure environment. The bill recently advanced in the Pennsylvania Senate, moving closer to becoming law.

    The proposal was introduced following concerns about the dangers of in-person meetings for online transactions, particularly after a tragic incident in 2021, where an individual lost their life after meeting a buyer from a popular online marketplace. The bill seeks to prevent such tragedies by providing safe, monitored areas for these exchanges.

    If passed, the legislation would establish a grant program, allowing municipalities to set up Safe Exchange Zones at locations like police stations, sheriff’s offices, and other public places. These zones would be monitored by video surveillance and include clear emergency contact information. The Department of Community and Economic Development would oversee the program, ensuring proper policies for video monitoring and retention, while safeguarding constitutional rights.

    While this is a positive step toward improving safety, concerns remain about how effective these zones can truly be without direct supervision. Video surveillance alone may not be enough to prevent incidents, and by the time someone places an emergency call, it could already be too late to prevent harm. Without an immediate response or active monitoring, the zones may offer only limited protection in the most dangerous situations.

    If approved, this initiative could make Pennsylvania a safer place for everyday exchanges, offering residents a secure environment for meeting strangers, whether for online transactions or custody arrangements. However, the question remains whether these spaces can fully guarantee safety without more active oversight.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on September 17, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , ,   

    What Is the Evil Twin Attack Targeting Travelers? 

    What Is the Evil Twin Attack Targeting Travelers?

    By Greg Collier

    You might feel safe and relaxed while cruising at 35,000 feet, but there’s something you should be on the lookout for, even mid-flight. It’s a sneaky Wi-Fi scam known as the Evil Twin Attack. This old trick has resurfaced, now targeting airline passengers.

    Recently, news outlets in Australia reported an arrest involving this very scam. Authorities claim that a man stole passengers’ personal information using a fake Wi-Fi network while they were on a flight. How did this happen? Let’s break it down.

    Evil Twin Wi-Fi is a fake network that copies the name of a Wi-Fi you’ve used before and trust. Think of places like airports, hotels, or coffee shops where your phone or laptop automatically reconnects to the Wi-Fi without you even thinking about it. Scammers take advantage of this by creating a Wi-Fi network with the same name to trick your phone into connecting to their network instead.

    In the Australian case, the alleged scammer took it a step further. He boarded multiple flights with a portable Wi-Fi hotspot that mimicked the name of the airport’s Wi-Fi. When the plane took off and passengers switched to airplane mode, their phones unknowingly connected to the imposter Wi-Fi, thinking they were back on the airport’s trusted network.

    Once passengers connected, they were asked to log in using their social media or email passwords. If they did, they handed over sensitive information like usernames and passwords, which could easily be used for identity theft. Essentially, the scammer could pretend to be them online and access their accounts.

    This may sound alarming, but there are simple ways to avoid falling victim to an Evil Twin Wi-Fi attack. One effective method is to delete any public networks your phone automatically reconnects to, such as those from airports, cafes, or libraries. By going into your Wi-Fi settings and removing these unnecessary networks, you can prevent your phone from connecting to potentially fake ones in the future.

    Another smart precaution is to keep your Wi-Fi turned off when you’re not using it. Rather than leaving it on by default, only activate it when you are certain you’re connecting to a trusted network. This small habit can greatly reduce your risk.

    Adding security software, like a virtual private network (VPN), is another protective measure. A VPN will encrypt your data, helping to ensure that even if you accidentally connect to a rogue network, your personal information most likely remains secure.

    These adjustments are simple but can go a long way in keeping your data safe. As scams like this one become more common, especially in places like airports, staying alert and taking these precautions will help protect you, even at 35,000 feet!

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on September 16, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: donation scam, , ,   

    Scammers Target Families with Funeral Scams 

    Scammers Target Families with Funeral Scams

    By Greg Collier

    Recently, two separate incidents have highlighted a disturbing trend: scammers are targeting grieving families, preying on their vulnerability during times of profound loss. These scams, which involve either phone calls or fake social media accounts, have surfaced in different parts of the country, exploiting the emotional weight of funeral arrangements to steal money.

    In one case, a fake Facebook account was created in the name of a recently deceased Georgia police officer, falsely offering a livestream of the funeral service and soliciting donations. Investigators believe the scammer gathered information from the funeral home’s website to make the fraudulent account seem legitimate.

    Another scam involved phone calls to families in Alabama who had recently lost a loved one. Posing as representatives of a funeral home, the callers demanded payment for services. In one instance, the scammer almost managed to steal a large sum before the family became suspicious and contacted the funeral home. Fortunately, no money was lost in this case, but the situation underscores the importance of vigilance during emotionally difficult times.

    These incidents reveal how scammers manipulate personal information easily accessible online to exploit grieving families. Funeral homes have been quick to respond, ensuring that their clients know they will never request payment by phone or through social media. Unfortunately, tracking the culprits behind these scams is difficult, particularly when the calls or accounts originate from outside the country.

    Families dealing with loss are encouraged to be cautious and report any suspicious activity to authorities immediately. Funeral homes are also reminding families to verify any communication they receive related to payments and to rely on established, secure methods for handling financial transactions.

    These scams are not only financially damaging, but also emotionally devastating for families already coping with profound grief. It is essential to raise awareness about this troubling trend and to help protect those who may be at risk.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on September 13, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , ,   

    Elderly Victim Robbed During Scam 

    Elderly Victim Robbed During Scam

    By Greg Collier

    A recent incident in Houston, Texas, highlights the growing threat of scams targeting the elderly, leaving victims vulnerable to devastating financial losses. In July, an 80-year-old woman fell prey to a sophisticated scheme that ended with her losing $76,000.

    The scam began with a phone call from an individual posing as a bank employee, warning the woman that her bank had been hacked. This person instructed the victim to transfer her funds to a cryptocurrency kiosk for safekeeping. To further the scam, the victim was convinced to download an app that allowed the scammer to take control of her phone remotely.

    Following these instructions, the victim went to a convenience store to deposit $19,000 into a cryptocurrency kiosk. Sadly, while at the location, she was robbed of the cash by two unidentified males who grabbed the envelope and ran off. It remains unclear whether they were directly connected to the scam or simply taking advantage of the situation.

    What makes this case particularly alarming is that, even after the robbery, the scammer contacted the victim again. Despite having just lost a significant amount of money, the victim was manipulated into returning to the same location to deposit another $19,000. Over the course of four days, the elderly woman withdrew a total of $76,000 under the scammer’s instructions.

    In addition to the direct theft, the scammer provided coaching on what to tell bank employees when questioned about the large withdrawals. The victim was advised to claim the money was needed for home repairs, with the implication that even the bank staff couldn’t be trusted.

    There were several key warning signs in this scam that others should be mindful of to avoid falling victim. The scam began with an unsolicited phone call from someone posing as a bank employee, which is a common tactic used to catch victims off guard. Legitimate financial institutions typically don’t initiate calls out of the blue regarding account issues, making this the first red flag. The scammer then created a sense of urgency, pressuring the victim to transfer her money into a cryptocurrency kiosk under the guise of protecting her funds. It’s important to remember that banks or financial institutions will never ask customers to make transfers like this to safeguard their accounts.

    Another critical sign of deception was the request for the victim to download a remote access app, which allowed the scammer full control of her phone. No credible business or bank would ever ask for such invasive access to a personal device. Additionally, the scammer coached the victim to lie to bank employees if questioned about the withdrawals, further isolating her and fostering distrust in those who could have helped. When someone advises lying to a financial institution, it’s a clear indication of foul play.

    The repeated demands for large cash withdrawals over a short period should have also raised concern. Such behavior is unusual and suspicious, particularly when accompanied by the insistence that even bank employees couldn’t be trusted. This sowing of mistrust is a classic scam tactic, used to manipulate victims into relying solely on the scammer’s instructions.

    Recognizing these signs, unexpected calls, urgent financial requests, remote access demands, secrecy, and isolation, can help prevent falling prey to similar schemes. Always take the time to verify claims through trusted channels before taking any action.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on September 12, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , ,   

    Elderly Scam Victim Who Robbed Bank Pleads Guilty 

    Elderly Scam Victim who Robbed Bank Pleads Guilty

    By Greg Collier

    In a world increasingly connected by technology, we often celebrate the convenience and opportunities it brings. However, this same technology opens the door to manipulation and exploitation, particularly for vulnerable populations like the elderly. One case in Ohio has left many discussing the dramatic actions of an elderly woman who robbed a bank, but few are talking about the real tragedy behind her crime, the fact that she was scammed.

    The woman in question, a 75-year-old, pleaded guilty to aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon and now faces a potential sentence of up to 12 years in prison. Her crime? Walking into an Ohio credit union, brandishing a gun, and demanding money from the teller. She left with only $580 before being arrested later that same day. While the headlines have focused on the shock of a senior citizen committing such a bold crime, the larger story is how she got there in the first place.

    Before her life took a drastic turn, this woman was likely just like many other seniors, living quietly and trusting those she encountered. According to police, she had been in communication with someone online who deceived her, a scam that drained her finances and left her desperate. She had borrowed tens of thousands of dollars from family and friends to send to someone who claimed to be with U.S. Customs. What no one seems to be discussing is how this exploitation may have pushed her toward a reckless decision that now sees her awaiting sentencing.

    We often hear about bank robberies and crimes involving firearms, but less attention is given to the underlying causes, especially when those causes are rooted in manipulation. This woman’s alleged scam loss wasn’t just financially devastating, it stripped away her trust, her sense of security, and potentially her freedom. The real question is, was she coerced into robbing the bank by the scammer, or did she act out of sheer desperation to try to recover what she lost?

    Online scams targeting seniors are alarmingly common and take many forms, fake lotteries, investment schemes, or phony romantic relationships. For those who are isolated or less familiar with modern technology, the internet can be a dangerous place. These scams don’t just steal money; they take away dignity, trust, and sometimes push victims to drastic measures. In this case, the desperate measure was a bank robbery.

    While it’s shocking that this woman walked into a bank with a gun, the bigger tragedy is that her actions stemmed from a deeply flawed system that often fails to protect the elderly from scams. Her situation could have been prevented if the signs of exploitation had been caught earlier, if there had been more awareness and support for elderly scam victims, or if she had felt safe coming forward without fear of judgment or ridicule.

    We tend to view scam victims through a lens of embarrassment and shame, but that only drives them further into isolation. How many other seniors are sitting in silence right now, too ashamed to admit they’ve been scammed? How many are too fearful to ask for help, fearing they’ll be ridiculed by family or friends? That sense of isolation often drives victims into financial ruin or, in extreme cases, criminal behavior.

    What we need is more conversation around the impact of scams on the elderly, particularly the long-term emotional and financial consequences. We need to remove the stigma surrounding scam victims and create an environment where seniors feel empowered to seek assistance. Had this woman felt comfortable disclosing the scam sooner, the entire situation may have been avoided.

    No one is excusing her actions, but we need to understand the bigger picture. This wasn’t just a robbery, it was the end result of a cruel scam that turned a vulnerable person into a criminal. And unless we start talking more openly about how scams devastate lives, this won’t be the last time someone feels trapped enough to take drastic measures.

    Scams aren’t just minor inconveniences. They destroy lives, break families, and sometimes lead people to act in ways they never thought possible. It’s time we paid attention to the real story. The crime here isn’t just the robbery, it’s the scam that pushed her to the edge. Let’s not ignore that any longer.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on September 11, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , ,   

    Crypto Scammers Exploit Apple’s iPhone 16 Event 

    By Greg Collier

    On September 9, as Apple enthusiasts eagerly tuned in for the launch of the iPhone 16 during the ‘Glowtime’ event, scammers took advantage of the hype by launching an elaborate crypto scam. Using deepfake technology, the scammers created videos that impersonated Apple CEO Tim Cook, promoting fraudulent cryptocurrency giveaways and investment schemes. These videos, which were posted on YouTube, lured unsuspecting viewers into participating in crypto transactions by flashing QR codes on the screen. Viewers were asked to send their cryptocurrency to fake websites that closely resembled Apple’s official site.

    This isn’t the first time scammers have deployed deepfake technology to impersonate prominent figures. Earlier this year, similar tactics were used to imitate Elon Musk, spreading false crypto giveaways.

    The deepfake videos on YouTube managed to garner thousands of views before being taken down, but not before several people flagged them on platforms like X (formerly Twitter). Social media users expressed concern over the growing misuse of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) for fraudulent purposes.

    This event serves as a chilling reminder of the increasing sophistication of cryptocurrency scams. With cryptocurrencies’ volatile nature and the difficulty of tracing transactions, hackers have found fertile ground for fraud. The FBI has warned that crypto scammers are using ever more advanced techniques, with members of the crypto community losing over $5.6 billion to such scams last year.

    It’s important to remember that celebrity endorsements of cryptocurrency schemes are usually fake. Scammers often exploit the likeness and voices of well-known figures, like Tim Cook or Elon Musk, to create a false sense of trust and credibility. These endorsements are rarely, if ever, legitimate. Instead, they are sophisticated traps designed to manipulate and deceive people into investing in fraudulent schemes. When it comes to crypto, always exercise caution and verify information through trusted sources before making any transactions. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on September 10, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , ,   

    The Cheating Spouse Scam Has Returned 

    The Cheating Spouse Scam Has Returned

    By Greg Collier

    Following recent reports of a nationwide sextortion scam, a new variation of the scheme is now emerging. This time, the scammers are targeting married couples, falsely accusing one spouse of infidelity. These threatening messages claim that the recipient’s spouse has been hacked and that sensitive data, including personal files, social media activity, and even dating app histories, has been stolen from their devices. The email suggests that this information proves the spouse is cheating and offers the recipient full access to it via a website link.

    What makes these emails particularly concerning is their use of personal names that aren’t commonly associated with individuals online. In several cases, recipients reported seeing maiden names, second last names, or even pet names in the messages—details they had not shared widely. Despite the humor, the source of the data remains a mystery. The exact origins of the information are unclear, but it appears likely that scammers have been mining personal details from publicly available sources or past data leaks.

    Those who tried to investigate the links in the emails reported suspicious activity. Some were prompted to log in, raising concerns about phishing attempts, while others suspected the links were designed to distribute malware. Regardless of the intent, it is essential to recognize these emails as scams.

    Sextortion schemes have become increasingly common over the past few years, and most people now recognize these threats for what they are. Even so, they can still cause distress to recipients, particularly when personal details are involved.

    If you receive an email like this, remember that it is a scam designed to exploit your emotions. The information presented is false, and you should not click on any links or respond. Simply delete the email and, if concerned, monitor your accounts for any unusual activity.

    Protect your data, and always be cautious when unsolicited emails claim to have sensitive information.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on September 9, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , Google Maps, ,   

    Extortion Scams Now Include Home Photos 

    By Greg Collier

    A long-standing and troubling scam has taken a disturbing turn, with sextortion fraudsters now leveraging personal details, including photos of victims’ homes, to increase their intimidation. Traditionally, these scams revolved around false claims that hackers had accessed victims’ webcams to capture compromising footage. Today, scammers are incorporating even more personal information, such as the victim’s full name, address, and an image of their home, often sourced from online mapping tools like Google Maps. These new tactics are designed to make the threats feel more real and urgent.

    Victims typically receive emails that address them by name, with threatening messages that include an image of their home or street. The fraudsters claim to have hacked into the victim’s computer and recorded sensitive videos through the webcam, threatening to release these to the victim’s contacts unless a ransom, usually around $2000, is paid via Bitcoin. To push victims into immediate action, the scammers often provide a QR code for easy payment and set a strict deadline, usually 24 hours. The email’s tone is aggressive, warning the recipient not to discuss the situation with anyone or risk the immediate release of the supposed video footage.

    What sets this new wave of sextortion apart is the personalized nature of the threats. The inclusion of a home address and a street photo heightens the anxiety for many victims, making the scam feel more credible. In reality, much of this information is publicly available, but its use in these emails serves as a calculated move to enhance the psychological pressure. The message, often accompanied by intimidating language, leads recipients to believe they are under constant surveillance, even though the threats are entirely fabricated.

    The scam has been reported in several parts of the country, with police departments from various cities warning residents about this evolving threat. Recent cases have emerged in both large cities and smaller communities, from Massachusetts to Connecticut and beyond. Local law enforcement agencies are issuing alerts to inform residents of the scam’s tactics, urging them not to panic or fall victim to the intimidation. The widespread reports suggest that scammers are targeting people indiscriminately, using the same scare tactics across different regions, relying on fear and urgency to elicit payments. These reports have prompted cybersecurity experts and authorities, including the FBI, to remind the public of the importance of staying vigilant and avoiding interactions with such emails.

    To counter these threats, it’s important to recognize that scammers rely on creating a sense of urgency and fear. Keeping calm and refraining from engaging with these emails is crucial. If you receive such an email, avoid opening any attachments or clicking on suspicious links. Covering or disabling webcams when not in use can provide additional peace of mind, as scammers frequently claim to have accessed these devices. Reporting the scam to authorities, including the FBI, is an important step in addressing the issue.

    Ultimately, sextortion scams continue to adapt and evolve, but they remain rooted in the same tactics of intimidation and fear. Public awareness of these schemes and proactive cybersecurity practices can help reduce the impact of these scams. Although the threats may feel personal and frightening, understanding the nature of these scams is key to defusing their power. If you encounter such an email, remaining calm, protecting your privacy, and reporting the incident can make a critical difference in preventing these scams from succeeding.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on September 6, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , ,   

    Victim Kidnapped and Forced to Scam Others 

    By Greg Collier

    Victims of a cryptocurrency scam known as “pig butchering” are coming forward to share their experiences, aiming to protect others from falling into the same trap. While many focus on the financial losses suffered by victims, the human toll runs even deeper, with some individuals forced into scamming others.

    The term “pig butchering” describes how scammers gradually build trust with their targets, encouraging small investments that appear to yield quick returns. As confidence grows, victims are convinced to invest larger amounts—often their life savings—before the scammers vanish, leaving their victims devastated.

    One especially tragic aspect of this scheme involves individuals who are not only victims of fraud but also of human trafficking. One woman, believing she had secured a legitimate job abroad, was instead kidnapped and forced to work for the very scammers behind these cons. After arriving at what she thought was a job location, her passport was confiscated, her phone disabled, and she was imprisoned in a compound where she was coerced into scamming others.

    She described being trapped for months, made to impersonate different personas to convince others to invest in fake cryptocurrency schemes. Her captors monitored every move, ensuring she remained compliant. The conditions were harsh, and she was forced to work long hours, manipulating people into handing over their savings. Despite the physical and emotional strain, she was left with no choice but to continue under constant threat.

    While the financial losses from these scams are staggering, there are unseen victims like this woman, whose stories rarely make headlines. The scale of the operation is global, with money often funneled to foreign countries, making it difficult for law enforcement to recover the stolen funds or dismantle the operations behind them.

    This darker side of the crypto scam world highlights how far-reaching and damaging these schemes have become. Beyond the financial devastation experienced by victims, human trafficking and forced participation in scams add another layer of exploitation to an already harmful crime.

     

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