Cyber Crime and Computer Hacking

A COUPLE’S “world fell apart” after their £300,000 life savings were stolen. Grandparents Gareth and Marilyn Hamblin’s nest egg was taken by fraud kingpin Jonathan Arafiena to fund his lavish lifestyle, including buying a Rolls Royce and designer watches. ITVMarilyn and Gareth Hamblin lost their £300,000 life savings[/caption] City of London PoliceFraud kingpin Jonathan Arafiena was jailed for over five years[/caption] City of London PoliceArafiena funded a lavish lifestyle, including buying a £250,000 Rolls Royce[/caption] City of London PolicePolice also confiscated designer watchers and jewellery as part of the investigation[/caption] Ship’s chief engineer Gareth, 70, has worked for 40 years in a high pressure ocean job which meant he’d missed valuable time at home with his wife and two daughters in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire. But he has provided them a good life. With plans to retire, the couple had decided to invest their savings and Gareth found a company online called CEX Markets. He filled out an application form and in April 2017 was in regular contact with someone called Paul Kingsley from the firm. Gareth and Marilyn were assured their investment would be in foreign exchange and would generate monthly returns of around 1.48%, tax-free. They tested the water by depositing £5,000 and felt reassured that they had access to the account, as well as a point of contact. Happy with the return, they invested £300,000 by the end of the year in two deposits. Marilyn grew suspicious when she searched for Moorwand – the holding company named on the invoices – on Companies House. She found a firm that had grown rapidly and had multiple named executives. However, Mr Kingsley assured the couple the account was regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. He even agreed to meet the couple in London while Gareth was on shore leave. The CEX HQ seemed legit, with representatives in expensive suits – though the couple were told Mr Kingsley had been called away on urgent business during their visit. Over the next few months the nest egg grew, but on September 3, 2018 Gareth tried to log on to the account while at sea but couldn’t get on the website. CEX then refused to answer calls or emails. LIFE SAVINGS STOLEN Writing about her experiences in the Daily Mail, Marilyn said: “Our life savings had been stolen. I remember the urgent, frantic phone call from Gareth. ‘We’ve been scammed’, he said. I could sense the quiet panic in my usually calm husband’s voice. “He was so distraught that I was concerned for his safety — especially as we were separated by 6,000 miles. Initially I was too traumatised to believe it could be true. ‘It must be a mistake,’ I thought. I felt helpless.” She went on to say she suddenly began to wonder who they could report it to. “That’s when I decided we were not going to take it lying down. We needed to fight back. And so began a battle for justice,” Marilyn said. The couple didn’t go to their bank NatWest as they assumed it would tell them they transferred the money of their own accord – and couldn’t remember if they had been given scam warnings. They contacted Action Fraud and then to the family solicitors who put them in touch with law firm BrookStreet des Roches and its expert Philip Shaw and his long-term counsel Alex Hill-Smith. Action Fraud suspected there were more victims and reported it to City of London Police. A criminal investigation was launched. How to tell if you’re being scammed Make sure you’re aware of the warning signs that might indicate an investment opportunity is a scam: Unsolicited approaches by phone call, text message, email or a person knocking on your door. When a firm doesn’t allow you to call them back. Where you’re forced to make a quick decision, or are pressured into doing so. Contact details you’re given, or found on their website, are only mobile phone numbers or a PO box address. You’re being offered a high return on your investment, but are told it’s low risk. The case took six years to come to a conclusion. In February this year Marilyn said they finally “got a taste of justice”. Three men were convicted of their role in a boiler room fraud in which cold callers coaxed would-be investors into parting with their life savings. At least 350 people across the UK are known to have invested in the scam – but police fear there are more. KINGPIN JAILED Kingpin Arafiena was jailed for five years and nine months at Southwark Crown Court. Millions of pounds of victims’ money was blown on expensive cars, luxury holidays and penthouse apartments. He even spent £250,000 to pay off his parents’ mortgage. Investors’ identities were used to open sham firms and money was laundered through bank accounts. Marilyn and Gareth had one last chance to get their money back – they sued Moorwand for the £160,000 it had banked and withdrawn without their knowledge. Earlier this month, the case was heard by the Royal Courts of Justice over three days. And after six years of pain, sleepless nights, self-blame, anger and frustration, we are ready to put this horrid chapter of our lives behind us and enjoy life again.” Marilyn Hamblin The couple’s money had been paid into an account in the name of RND Global, a sham firm, and held by Moorwand. It was then withdrawn by fraudsters. Their case was that the loss occurred due to a breach of duty by Moorwand, in that it had failed to make reasonable inquiries before permitting withdrawals, and so had liability. His Honour Mark Raeside KC ruled this week that there was no breach of duty of care by Moorwand and dismissed the claim. Marilyn said that bringing such action is beyond many fraud victims due to the high costs. She added: “For now, I think, the fight is over. Gareth still plans to retire. And after six years of pain, sleepless nights, self-blame, anger and frustration, we are ready to put this horrid chapter of our lives behind us and enjoy life again.”

MOTOR experts have issued an urgent warning for drivers using parking machines amid a rise in ticket frauds. Crooks are increasingly using counterfeit QR codes, websites and parking ticket emails to scam Brits as the country struggles with the cost of living crisis. GettyAn expert has revealed how to avoid parking lot scams[/caption] Experts have now warned drivers to be extra cautious to prevent falling prey to such scams. They are urging motorists to only download parking apps from reputable sources like the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. Andy Syrett, UK managing director at YourParkingSpace, told Birmingham Live: “After witnessing the distress caused by parking app scams last year, we want to ensure that we can educate and protect our customers. The expert asked drivers who often use parking spaces to keep a check on their bank records and look out for any charges they don’t recognise – especially “small and recurring charges”. He said these charges, often fraudulent, can easily be overlooked – but should be flagged to the bank intimately to prevent money loss. James Bore, a security expert, urged drivers to look out for fake websites that are seemingly real. He told the news website: “If I was setting up a fake website, I’d give it a good domain name, a logo and make it look very professional so you wouldn’t be able to tell it’s not real.” The expert wanted drivers not to use any unauthorised QR codes that are stuck on parking metres across the country as they most likely could be fake. He advised to call up the parking operators and ask for instructions to avoid being scammed by con artists. It comes after a motors expert who flogged millions of cars revealed the four things drivers should never say if they don’t want to get ripped off. Speaking on the CarEdge YouTube channel, Ray Shefska urged drivers to be wary of uttering these dreaded words if they want to scoop a good deal. Another expert revealed how he fell for a crafty car sales scam – and explained how you can avoid it. Grant, who runs Scottish Car Clan, shared his experience on his YouTube channel. He said: “I was scammed when buying a used car. “Here’s the thing, I’ve bought and sold hundreds of cars over the years and I’ve always been quietly proud that I’ve never fallen victim to a scam. “But this one got me good.” UK hotspot for car scams revealed amid warnings of ‘resteals’ This is when scammers sell you a second-hand motor only to steal it back just hours later. They can then repeat the act several times on the same car, making thousands in the process. Philip Swift, boss of loss adjustment firm Claims Management & Adjusting, warned that this practice is on the rise across the nation. However, it’s particularly prevalent in the North of England, he claimed. He fumed: “These unscrupulous crooks leave havoc in their wake, for both the innocent purchasers and the owner of the legitimate vehicle whose identity has been replicated.”

LISTEN closely to every phone call you receive: a simple breathing mistake could give it away as an AI fake. Criminals are exploiting artificial intelligence “deepfakes” that clone a person’s voice with eerie accuracy. GettyBe very careful when someone calls you asking for money – even if the voice sounds familiar[/caption] All an AI needs is just a few seconds of audio to accurately replicate a voice and have it read a criminal’s script aloud. When it comes to scams, crooks will typically impersonate a voice that’s recognizable to you. It could be a friend, family member, or other loved one – or perhaps even a boss, like the CEO of your company. Now cybersecurity experts at McAfee have revealed some of the telltale signs that you’re listening to an “audio deepfake”. And one of the big clues relates to breathing. “Another marker of a possible fake is when the speaker doesn’t appear to breathe,” McAfee’s Jasdev Dhaliwal explained. “AI tools don’t always account for this natural part of speech. “It’s subtle, yet when you know to listen for it, you’ll notice it when a person doesn’t pause for breath.” RED ALERT There are some other signs to look out for too. First, listen to the content of the message and ask yourself if it seems strange. Secondly, imagine the person speaking and how they usually sound. Does their pattern of speech sound off? Take note if they use words or turns-of-phrase that they normally wouldn’t. And also pay attention to odd pauses, which may be a sign that audio is being “stitched” together. Phone scam statistics Americans are bombarded with three billion spam phone calls a month. What are the figures regarding the number of victims and the amount of money lost to fraudsters In 2022, Americans lost some $39.5 billion to phone scams, with 68.4 million US citizens affected, according to TechReport. The average phone scam victim lost $567.41 each in 2021, a major rise on the 2021 figure of $182 per victim, according to Hiya. The majority of scams happen over the phone, with fraudsters twice as likely to call compared to text in 2021, as reports the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). In 2021, the US saw a 56% increase in spam phone calls with 60% of those being robocalls. US residents experienced an average of 18 spam phone calls per month, although some experts believe the true figure may be as high as 31 per month. Many phone calls from reputable businesses may be marked wrongly as spam, but 38% of companies have no idea whether they’re being marked as “potential fraud” or not, according to Hiya. Never hand over any personal or financial information if you suspect a phone call is a scam. For instance, your bank will never ask you for such details in full over the phone.  To cut down on spam phone calls and scams, sign up for the Do Not Call Registry. Telemarketers, by law, will need to check that list before they call you up. Downloading third-party apps such as Hiya, Nomorobo, or Truecaller can help filter out annoying spam calls. Try not to share your phone number unless you have to, especially online or with sketchy sources. STAY SAFE Another clever trick to avoid falling for AI voice scams is to use a safe word. You’ll need to set this up ahead of time with your family members or colleagues. That way, if you ever get a call asking for money urgently from one of them, you can verify the request using a safe word. If they say they’ve forgotten it, you could also try asking for very personal shared information that couldn’t be found online – like a memory other people wouldn’t know about.

GOOGLE is plotting a so-called ‘quarantine’ for potentially risky Android apps. Quarantined apps essentially get placed in silent mode, where their activities are limited, as well as their interactions with other apps. AlamyWhile Google is typically very good at deleting dangerous apps from the Play Store, some do fall through the cracks[/caption] Google Play Protect already scans applications for malware in real-time. But this feature it’s another step up in terms of security. According to Android Authority, the free upgrade is rumoured to be included in Google’s biggest software update of the year: Android 15. Android owners are unable to quarantine the apps manually. Instead, the security measure happens automatically if the app shows clear signs of being malicious. Quarantined apps will reportedly remain visible on your phone’s home screen and in Settings. However, all notifications and activities will stop, while any active windows will close. Risky apps While Google is typically very good at deleting dangerous apps from the Play Store, some do fall through the cracks. Just last week, cyber researchers at ESET rang the alarm on a trio of nasty apps that aim to steal Android owners’ personal information. These apps are posing as messaging services and offer basic, but functional services as bait. At surface level, they work and appear legitimate – but they’re not. Behind the scenes, they are hiding open-source XploitSPY malware. The apps exist to steal contact lists, camera files, location, download data, as well as your WhatsApp and Telegram. Hackers have been advertising them – and others that are similar – on websites and on the Google Play store. These are examples of apps that may look legitimate enough to download – but would be swiftly placed under quarantine. Android owners have been urged to check their devices for these three apps: Dink Messenger Sim Info Defcom If you have any of these apps, it’s advised you delete them immediately. How to delete apps on Android Open the Google Play Store app . At the top right, tap the Profile icon. Tap Manage apps and devices. Manage. Select the name of the app that you’d like to delete. Tap Uninstall. Must-know Android tips to boost your phone Get the most out of your Android smartphone with these little-known hacks: Secret button that boosts your battery and can save money Lazy hack to free up space on your phone Apps to delete for extra storage Simple trick to get from A to B faster on Google Maps Free upgrade protects Android users from scam apps Clever trick lets you respond to calls WITHOUT talking

ONE car is stolen every 240 seconds in the UK, with thieves using hi-tech robbery kits including computer-hacking devices, GPS jammers and drones, we can reveal. Experts warn that we are in the grips of an epidemic that is hitting all drivers in the pocket as insurance premiums are ­sky-rocketing in response. Hi-tech car thefts have become so sophisticated now that police often have zero forensic evidence to follow up onGetty A gang member holds a ‘master device’ in the air to clone key signals of a £169,000 Bentley BentaygaSWNS An accomplice then gains access to the car, parked nearby in a gated drivewaySWNS Organised crime groups, many of them based in Eastern Europe, can snatch a car in seconds without the need to smash a window or hotwire the ignition. Their methods have become so sophisticated that police often have zero forensic evidence to follow up on. The vehicles, which are broken up in “chop shops” or shipped overseas, appear to have simply vanished. And the spike in car thefts has caused the price of car insurance to surge, with the average quote now a record £995 following a 58 per cent rise last year, according to price comparison site confused.com. More than 130,000 motors were reported stolen last year, according to the Drivers Instructors Association, meaning 15 per hour. This is almost double the 72,000 that were stolen in 2022. The latest tech used by criminals includes GPS jammers that prevent owners and security firms finding out where the vehicle is taken. Key code-grabbing kits allow gangs to hack electronic key fobs remotely. Relay attack devices let them hack the smart key systems used on many luxury motors so they can unlock the doors and turn on the engine before driving away. And “CAN injections” — the latest gadget that can be bought on the dark web — give thieves the power to hack into a car’s central control network without needing a key. Gangs are even using drones to scout neighbourhoods for the specific car models they have been tasked with stealing. And perpetrators have been seen wearing high-vis jackets to fool onlookers while carrying out the brazen thefts. The motor from above is reversed and smashes through two sets of locked gates – bodywork is not an issue as many expensive cars are broken up for costly partsSWNS The Bentley crashes through a second set of gates to escapeSWNS Retired Detective Chief Superintendent Clive Wain, who is now Head of Police Liaison for security firm Tracker, told The Sun on Sunday: “This is an epidemic and there is a huge amount of money to be made. “This is an extremely lucrative market for organised criminals. “We have a particular problem with Eastern Europe at the moment as there are a large number of criminal gangs there that are orchestrating thefts across Europe and in particular the UK. “They will use local criminals, who will be paid a relatively small sum to go out and steal a vehicle to order. “Invariably it will go to a port, to be put into a shipping container and shipped overseas. “Or it will be broken up into parts and sold here or abroad. The level of sophistication nowadays is huge. “Last year, of the vehicles we recovered, 93 per cent were stolen without the keys being present. “In March, 100 per cent of all vehicles recovered by us were taken without the keys being present.” Lisa Townsend is police and crime commissioner for Surrey, where cars worth between £50,000 and £120,000 are being targeted by Albanian gangs. She said: “We have seen a huge rise in keyless car theft and we have been very successful in getting people arrested and sent to prison. Surrey police and crime commissioner Lisa Townsend describes the huge rise in keyless car theft recently “But it is a challenge and it’s also having a knock-on effect in that premiums are going up as insurance companies attempt to cover their losses. “I have friends who are struggling to get insurance at all for certain vehicles, which shows that this is not a victimless crime. We are all paying for this.” ‘Paying off guards’ Last month at Guildford Crown Court, Perry Lovejoy, 29, Luke Jackson, 28, Billy Harrison, 30, and Harry Sales, 28, were jailed for between three and three and a half years for a spree of 53 relay attack thefts. Police released shocking footage of the balaclava-clad gang making away with a Bentley after hijacking a key signal from inside the owner’s home. Typically, two devices are used — one near the car and the other near the house, where the key fob is stored. The signal is detected, copied and relayed between the fob and the car’s internal computer, allowing it to be unlocked and driven away. Motoring expert Mark McCann met members of a south coast gang for his YouTube documentary I Exposed The World Of Car Thieves. He found it was common to have scouts go out to drop a mobile phone map pin to flag the location of a sought-after vehicle. (One) gang member was a 13-year-old wearing a £1,200 coat, a Rolex watch and Louis Vuitton trainers Mark McCann He said: “We went down to Portsmouth and spoke to one of the thieves who was stealing to order. “The spotters were going out and doing a pin drop and then the thief was stealing the car so they could go into shipping containers. “They would get it into the container by paying off the security guards at the docks. “One guy was earning £10,000 a week and he was just a thief and driver, so fairly low down the food chain. “Another gang member was a 13-year-old wearing a £1,200 coat, a Rolex watch and Louis Vuitton trainers.” Retired Adrian Bull lives in Enfield, North London, a car theft hotspot with 1.62 cars stolen for every 1,000 of the population. He was so worried about having his £15,000 Lexus 450 SUV nicked, he kept the vehicle’s smart key locked in a metal-lined Faraday box — which blocks electromagnetic fields — at night. But last Sunday, his car was stolen by three men at 5.27am. CCTV footage showed one man standing by his front door while another gained entry to the car and drove off. It is believed they used a relay attack device. Adrian, 60, said: “It only took them 20 seconds and they didn’t need our keys, which were placed in a Faraday box that unfortunately wasn’t closed properly that night. “Luckily, we had an Apple AirTag tracking device hidden in the car so we were able to track it to a block of flats in South London. “It was scary, but we were just grateful to get the car back.” The most popular car in the UK, the Ford Fiesta with 1.54million on the road, is also the most commonly stolen. In 2023, 5,979 were taken, compared with 1,631 Range Rover Sports and 1,489 Evoques. W had an Apple AirTag tracking device hidden in the (stolen) car so we were able to track it to a block of flats Adrian Bull Van thefts also leapt by 18 per cent last year, with 12,950 stolen across the UK. Police failed to respond to 72 per cent of car thefts in the past 12 months, according to figures obtained by the Liberal Democrats. Just over one in 20 stolen vehicles were recovered by police in Kent last year, according to a Freedom of Information request by motor insurance loss adjuster Claims Management & Adjusting. But automotive security expert Dr Ken Tindell, of Canis Automotive Labs, says manufacturers need to do more. He believes the car-hacking devices are being created by “rogue engineers.” Three of the biggest factors that influence a car theft are how it is secured, where it’s kept and the time of day Simon Williams He said: “The manufacturers should step up because a lot of these hi-tech attacks can be stopped through software changes. “I know that’s not cheap because it’s not like fixing a computer bug where the patch can be rushed out in a few days. “But the problem has to come back to the manufacturer because there is no one else in a good position to sort this out.” There are steps drivers can take, too. RAC insurance spokesman Simon Williams said: “Three of the biggest factors that influence a car theft are how it is secured, where it’s kept and the time of day. “Drivers must take even more care to protect themselves by parking in well-lit areas, removing belongings from sight and even adding a car alarm. “Electric wing mirrors left open are a tell-tale sign that newer vehicles are unlocked, so it’s always best to triple check. “And adding a steering wheel lock provides an excellent level of extra security.”

GOOGLE has an alert system for when it thinks you’re being targeted with a dangerous text message. Spotting the signs on your Android phone could save you from a sinister (and costly) cyberattack. AlamyScam texts can be extremely dangerous[/caption] It’s a key defense against messages designed to extract your personal info. This is a common route for criminals, as it’s very easy to text a large number of potential victims. GOOGLE SUSPICIOUS MESSAGE ALERTS Google says that the alerts not only work on its default messaging app – but other apps too. “Suspicious message alerts warn you when a message you receive is similar to messages that were used to steal personal information,” Google explained. “Alerts work across your phone and are supported on popular messaging apps.” If you’re worried about Google reading your texts, don’t panic. Google says that your phone will “privately process” the messages on-device. The contents of the text aren’t being sent up to the cloud to be analyzed for dangerous content. Google says it doesn’t share your texts with any apps, websites, or companies. When your phone detects a suspicious text, it’ll give you a warning message. You can then confirm that it was indeed suspicious by tapping the Report button. If you hit Report, the text message will be shared and stored by Google – in a bid to protect other users. And if the sender isn’t one of your contacts then an identifier for them will also be shared. Phone scam statistics Americans are bombarded with three billion spam phone calls a month. What are the figures regarding the number of victims and the amount of money lost to fraudsters In 2022, Americans lost some $39.5 billion to phone scams, with 68.4 million US citizens affected, according to TechReport. The average phone scam victim lost $567.41 each in 2021, a major rise on the 2021 figure of $182 per victim, according to Hiya. The majority of scams happen over the phone, with fraudsters twice as likely to call compared to text in 2021, as reports the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). In 2021, the US saw a 56% increase in spam phone calls with 60% of those being robocalls. US residents experienced an average of 18 spam phone calls per month, although some experts believe the true figure may be as high as 31 per month. Many phone calls from reputable businesses may be marked wrongly as spam, but 38% of companies have no idea whether they’re being marked as “potential fraud” or not, according to Hiya. Never hand over any personal or financial information if you suspect a phone call is a scam. For instance, your bank will never ask you for such details in full over the phone.  To cut down on spam phone calls and scams, sign up for the Do Not Call Registry. Telemarketers, by law, will need to check that list before they call you up. Downloading third-party apps such as Hiya, Nomorobo, or Truecaller can help filter out annoying spam calls. Try not to share your phone number unless you have to, especially online or with sketchy sources. But the report won’t be linked to you or any identifiers like your name or phone number, Google says. TURNED OFF? If you don’t want suspicious message alerts, you can turn them off very easily. Just go into the Settings app and then tap on Security > Advanced Settings. Then go to Suspicious Message Alerts and switch off Show Alerts. You can switch them back on again at any time.

CARPETRIGHT is the latest British business to be hit by a cyber attack. The flooring chain was targeted by mystery hackers who sent malware to gain unauthorised access. Carpetright bosses emailed all staff yesterday confirming that their network had been hit by a malicious virusConvery Flowers / Alamy Hundreds of customer orders were disrupted when staff took their network offline on Tuesday at the HQ in Purfleet, Essex. Phone lines are yet to be reinstated, with callers told: “Thank you for your patience while we work on a solution”. The firm insists the virus was isolated before data was swiped. Yesterday bosses emailed all staff announcing the attack and confirming it was a malicious virus. A source said: “Some staff networks were taken down including the portals that workers use to book time off and look at payslips. “It happened abruptly and was worrying because customers couldn’t get through to helplines. “Everything at HQ was taken offline as that was the best way to stop the attack spreading to customer data.” A recent official survey found half of British businesses had been hit with a cyber attack in the last year, up from 32 per cent and the largest single-year increase ever recorded. A Carpetright spokeswoman confirmed the attack, adding: “We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused. “We are not aware of any customer or colleague data being impacted by this incident and are testing and resetting systems, with investigations ongoing.”

A SCAM victim was SURE she knew when her ‘son’ was texting her – but lost £47,000 in the ‘Text Mum’ phone con months before she died. Vile scumbags targetted Jo, 83, while she was undergoing cancer treatment and drained her life-savings in their scam. Hyde News & PicturesMichael Collie was devastated after his mum fell victim to the popular scam[/caption] The eye-watering amount of money was stolen using the phone fraud that has seen thousands lose their hard-earned cash. Jo’s devastated son, Michael Collie, told BBC Radio Gloucestershire he had “no idea” what was happening behind closed doors. The reason she didn’t phone me was obviously because [she thought] I was having difficulties and she didn’t want to raise it with me. Michael Collie Until, on one visit, she told him: “I’m glad I was able to help you”. “At that moment, I knew something was wrong,” Michael recalled. “Because I knew mum had not been lending, or giving me money.” It turned out the elderly pensioner had received a text, from a sicko pretending to be her son. It read: “Hi mum, just to let you know, I’ve changed my phone number, you can delete the old number, use this one”. Michael told how Jo, innocently believing the text, continued chatting to the stranger as if it was her child. The next cruel message said: “Oh, can you help me out. I’m just changing my bank account at the moment and I’ve got a bill to pay.” Jo willingly transferred around £1,800 at first, before more requests came through and she accepted. Michael added: “You might think, why did my mum not mention it to me? Why did she not phone up? “And the reason she didn’t phone me was obviously because [she thought] I was having difficulties and she didn’t want to raise it with me.” Plus, due to the nature of the scam, the heartbroken son highlighted the fact victims believe they are already in communication with their relative. ‘HUGE ERROR’ Jo had been on a list for vulnerable people with her bank, meaning more vigorous checks are carried out when said customers are transferring money. Each time the 83-year-old wired her savings, she called the bank to have it approved. Staff members never picked up on anything suspicious. When the alarming problem was brought to their attention, they apologised for their “huge error”. Jo was given a full refund of her lost money. ‘SHOCK AND HORROR’ The disgusting scammers had drained Jo of her life-savings – as well as funds left behind by her devoted late husband. Michael recalled feeling “absolute shock and horror” when he discovered his mum had been taken advantage of. He felt responsibility for not protecting Jo, despite the criminals being “100 per cent to blame”. The fuming son urged other families to keep an eye on older relatives and those close to them, after seeing first-hand how things can go “horribly wrong”. POPULAR SCAM The ‘hi mum’ scam has seen billions taken from victims over the last three years. The so-called ‘friend in need’ con trick is when a fraudster pretends to be a loved one who needs your help. Scammers usually send a text from a completely new number, claiming to be a pal or relative who’s lost or damaged their main phone. Because of this, they need you to send them some money urgently so they can either buy a new phone or do something pressing like pay a bill. The scam has been a particular problem for parents, with fraudsters preying on emotions. Worried WhatsApp users have been urged to ‘Stop. Think. Call’ if they receive an unusual request. If not impersonating an elderly parent, scammers might try a tactic called ‘number spoofing’. This is when a message appears to have arrived from a number save in your phone. But in reality, hackers have used technology to disguise the display name instead of coming up as an unknown number. Users also need to be beware of a dangerous scam text that hacks you in seconds. One of the most clever methods of gaining access to someone’s WhatsApp account is through a verification code scam. Usually what happens is that you’ll receive a text message from WhatsApp with a log-in code. This is a two-factor authentication code that lets you log into your account – because it proves you’re in possession of the phone number. Then you’ll get a WhatsApp message from a friend or family member. This will say something along the lines of: “Hey! I accidentally sent you my WhatsApp log-in code. Could you send it back to me please?” Never reply to this message. How to protect yourself from fraud and cyber crime If you believe you have been victim of a scam call 0300 123 2040. Do not give any personal information (name, address, bank details, email or phone number) to organisations or people before verifying their credentials. Make sure your computer has up-to-date anti-virus software and a firewall installed. Ensure your browser is set to the highest level of security and monitoring to prevent malware issues and computer crimes. Remember that banks and financial institutions will not send you an email asking you to click on a link and confirm your bank details. Do not trust such emails, even if they look genuine Destroy and preferably shred receipts with your card details on and post with your name and address on. Be extremely wary of post, phone calls or emails offering you business deals out of the blue. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Always question it. Source; Action Fraud HOW TO REPORT A SCAM If you think you have been a victim of a scam, you should report it as soon as possible. There is no guarantee you’ll get your money back, but banks will often compensate you if you can show you did not know the money would leave your account. You can forward scam emails to report@phishing.gov.uk. If you notice a website that doesn’t look quite right, you can also report it to the National Cyber Security Centre by visiting www.ncsc.gov.uk/section/about-this-website/report-scam-website. You should also contact your provider and report it to Action Fraud, which will give you a crime reference number. You can do this online by visiting actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. If you’re in Scotland, report a scam through Advice Direct Scotland online by visiting www.consumeradvice.scot. You can also report scams to Police Scotland on 101. If you need further help, contact Citizens Advice Scams Action by visiting www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/scams/get-help-with-online-scams or calling 0808 223 1133.

ANYONE with an iPhone must look out for two alerts – and if you see either, you should act. Apple has extremely sophisticated ways of tracking when you’re being personally targeted by cyber-criminals. GettyYour iPhone has ways of dealing with extreme cyber-attacks[/caption] And if it thinks you’re the focus of a “mercenary spyware attack”, it will warn you. These are called Apple Threat Notifications, and they should be taken extremely seriously. “Apple threat notifications are designed to inform and assist users who may have been individually targeted by mercenary spyware attacks, likely because of who they are or what they do,” Apple explained in an official security memo published on last week. “Such attacks are vastly more complex than regular cybercriminal activity and consumer malware, as mercenary spyware attackers apply exceptional resources to target a very small number of specific individuals and their devices. “Mercenary spyware attacks cost millions of dollars and often have a short shelf life, making them much harder to detect and prevent.” But Apple notes: “The vast majority of users will never be targeted by such attacks.” Apple recently issued threat notifications to people in dozens of countries. THE ALERT There are two ways that you’ll be informed you’ve been targeted. The first is that a Threat Notification will appear at the top of the page when you sign into the Apple ID website. And the second is a notification via email and iMessage – these will be sent to the addresses and numbers associated with your Apple ID. If you see either notification, you must follow any instructions in the email. This might involve updating your iPhone with the latest security upgrades, or even activating Lockdown Mode. “Apple threat notifications are high-confidence alerts that a user has been individually targeted by a mercenary spyware attack, and should be taken very seriously,” Apple explained. Apple security tips Here are Apple’s official tips for improving security on your iPhone: Update devices to the latest software, as that includes the latest security fixes Protect devices with a passcode Use two-factor authentication and a strong password for Apple ID Install apps from the App Store Use strong and unique passwords online Don’t click on links or attachments from unknown senders “We are unable to provide information about what causes us to issue threat notifications, as that may help mercenary spyware attackers adapt their behavior to evade detection in the future.” The iPhone maker added: “We strongly suggest you enlist expert help, such as the rapid-response emergency security assistance provided by the Digital Security Helpline at the nonprofit Access Now.” WHAT IS LOCKDOWN MODE? One option for you if you’re being targeted with this kind of attack is Lockdown Mode. AppleLockdown Mode is a key defence against sophisticated cyber-attacks[/caption] Lockdown Mode was added to the iPhone with the iOS 16 update (and then upgraded further in iOS 17). It’s designed as an extreme option if you’re being targeted by rare and sophisticated cyber-attacks. Apple explains: “When Lockdown Mode is enabled, your device won’t function like it typically does. “To reduce the attack surface that potentially could be exploited by highly targeted mercenary spyware, certain apps, websites, and features are strictly limited for security and some experiences might not be available at all.” iPhone Lockdown Mode – what changes? Here’s what Apple says happens when you activate Lockdown Mode in its official guide… Messages – Most message attachment types are blocked, other than certain images, video, and audio. Some features, such as links and link previews, are unavailable. Web browsing – Certain complex web technologies are blocked, which might cause some websites to load more slowly or not operate correctly. In addition, web fonts might not be displayed, and images might be replaced with a missing image icon. FaceTime – Incoming FaceTime calls are blocked unless you have previously called that person or contact. Features such as SharePlay and Live Photos are unavailable. Apple services – Incoming invitations for Apple services, such as invitations to manage a home in the Home app, are blocked unless you have previously invited that person. Game Center is also disabled. Photos – When you share photos, location information is excluded. Shared albums are removed from the Photos app, and new Shared Album invitations are blocked. You can still view these shared albums on other devices that don’t have Lockdown Mode enabled. Device connections – To connect your iPhone or iPad to an accessory or another computer, the device needs to be unlocked. To connect your Mac laptop with Apple silicon to an accessory, your Mac needs to be unlocked and you need to provide explicit approval. Wireless connectivity – Your device won’t automatically join non-secure Wi-Fi networks and will disconnect from a non-secure Wi-Fi network when you turn on Lockdown Mode. 2G cellular support is turned off. Configuration profiles – Configuration profiles can’t be installed, and the device can’t be enrolled in Mobile Device Management or device supervision while in Lockdown Mode. However, you’ll still be able to receive phone calls and plain text messages with Lockdown Mode active. To activate Lockdown Mode, you’ll need to make sure your iPhone is updated to iOS 16 or iOS 17. Just go into Settings > General > Software Update to check. Then go into Settings > Privacy & Security > Lockdown Mode, and tap Turn On Lockdown Mode. Apple threat notifications are high-confidence alerts that a user has been individually targeted by a mercenary spyware attack, and should be taken very seriously Apple You’ll then need to choose Turn On Lockdown Mode again, then tap Turn On & Restart and tap in your passcode. Note that you’ll need to turn on Lockdown Mode separately for your iPad and Mac – it won’t sync from your iPhone. However it will be automatically activated for your paired Apple Watch. And you’ll be prompted to activate it on your other devices. You can exclude specific apps or websites from being impacted by Lockdown Mode in Settings.

GOOGLE users have been urged to check their devices for unwanted malware that can steal their data and money. Malware is a malicious code or rile that can attack your device discreetly. SOPA Images/LightRocket via GettGoogle users have been urged to check their devices for unwanted malware[/caption] The software can infiltrate through several different methods and the outcome can prove disastrous. For instance, it can steal sensitive information like your banking account credentials. In more drastic cases, it can monitor and record your device’s activity without your knowledge. In the hopes of combating malware, Google has shared some important tips with users – including five signs that indicate infection. SIGNS OF MALWARE You might have malware installed on your device if you experience pop-up ads and new tabs that won’t go away. Another sign is if your Chrome homepage or search engine keeps changing without your permission. Seeing unwanted Chrome extensions is also an indication of malware. If you notice your browsing is hijacked and redirects you to unfamiliar pages or ads, that’s another surefire sign Lastly, Google distributes pop-up warnings if it detects malware, so alerts about a virus or an infected device are a huge sign. If you have noticed any of these signs, you should take steps to secure your device right away. HOW TO STAY SAFE There are several things you can do to get your browser functioning as normal. The first thing Google suggests is resetting your browser settings. To do this on your computer, open Chrome, and at the top right, select More. From there, tap on Settings, select Reset settings, and then tap on Restore settings to their original defaults. Google Incognito Mode – how does it work? Here’s what you need to know… Incognito Mode is extremely useful, because it can stop your browser saving information about what you do online to your computer For instance, any websites you visit while in Incognito Mode won’t show up in your browsing history You also won’t store any new cookies linked to your own identity (read our cookies explainer here) – these are small computer files that let websites know if you’ve been on their page previously It also won’t save any site data – for instance, if you’re logged into a website, you’ll be logged out in incognito mode Or if you want to search for something on the internet, but don’t want websites to constantly serve you ads for that product in the future, Incognito Mode will prevent those sites from knowing you were interested in an item Once you’ve done that, tap Reset settings and your browser tools should be back to default mode. “If you reset your browser settings, you have to turn some extensions on,” Google noted. OTHER TIPS For starters, it’s important to always keep your device updated. You should also avoid installing apps from unofficial Android stores. Furthermore, you should never download anything from strange pop-up windows. It can also be helpful to read user reviews and keep Google’s Play Protect feature active.

ANDROID owners have been told to look out for an important new Google alert in the Play Store. If you use biometric data – such as your fingerprint or face ID – to verify purchases on your Android phone, you must not ignore this alert. It appears to be yet another phases in Google’s plan to make passwords “obsolete” as the company transitions towards so-called passkeysGetty – Contributor Google is currently sending emails to user warning them of upcoming changes to its security settings for Play Store purchases. “On Google Play, you can set biometrics (fingerprint or face) as your purchase verification method on mobile devices that have biometric capability,” the email stated. “If you set biometrics, it means that you’ll be asked to verify that it’s you with biometrics each time that you make a purchase through Google Play.” Over the next few weeks, the tech giant is set to change how users confirm which biometric input of choice they will go for. Before, Android owners were asked to confirm this setting by inputting their Google Account password. Now customers will rely on their biometric data instead, scanning their fingerprint or face to approve the settings change. If you use biometrics for purchase verification, use caution in storing biometrics of children or others on your device, as those could be used for purchase verification. Google Once you enable the purchase verification biometric option, your Google Account password will no longer be required to confirm the configuration change. It appears to be yet another phases in Google’s plan to make passwords “obsolete” as the company transitions towards so-called passkeys. It follows a recent verification update for Google Wallet users. The email also included some general advice for customers who use biometric data for their logins and purchases – but also have children. “To keep your account secure, turn on purchase verification for every purchase. Avoid sharing passwords with others,” the email stated. “If you use biometrics for purchase verification, use caution in storing biometrics of children or others on your device, as those could be used for purchase verification.” Must-know Android tips to boost your phone Get the most out of your Android smartphone with these little-known hacks: Secret button that boosts your battery and can save money Lazy hack to free up space on your phone Apps to delete for extra storage Simple trick to get from A to B faster on Google Maps Free upgrade protects Android users from scam apps Clever trick lets you respond to calls WITHOUT talking

MARTIN Lewis has issued a scam warning to over 25,000 UK households. It comes as the Metropolitan Police began contacting tens of thousands of individuals earlier this week. ITV We’ve explained exactly who’s affected[/caption] Posting on X, the founder of MoneySavingExpert.com said: “If you got a text from the Met Police today or get a letter over next few days, DON’T ignore it (even if not in London). “It’s likely a warning your data may’ve been harvested by fraudsters. Here’s how to check if the text/letter is genuine.” You’ll know if you’ve been affected if you’ve received either a text, email or letter from the Met. The personal data of the individuals affected may have been harvested by scammers using a tool to spoof the websites of legitimate companies. This means thousands may have entered personal information on websites they thought were their bank, healthcare provider, or postal service. Instead, these sites were a sophisticated dupe used by fraudsters to steal your data through what’s known as a phishing scam. The tool used by these scammers to set up these fake websites had now been shut down thanks to an operation led by the Met Police. What is phishing scam? HERE’s what you need to know: Phishing is a type of online fraud It’s typically an attempt to nab some of your data Phishing generally involves scammers posing as a trustworthy entity For instance, fraudsters could send you an email claiming to be your bank, asking for details Scammers can also set up fake websites that look like real ones, simply to hoodwink you Phishing can take place over email, social media, texts, phone calls and more The best defence against phishing is to be generally sceptical of weblinks and emails, especially if they are unsolicited However, if you’ve been told you’ve been affected, we’ve explained exactly what it means for you. How do I know the text, email or letter is genuine? The MoneySavingExpert team has explained the four key points to consider to ensure that any correspondence you’ve had with the Met Police is legit. If you’ve received a text or email, these will have only been sent between 4pm and 6pm on Wednesday, April 17. He says that if you receive a text or email outside of this window claiming to be from the Met Police, it could be a scam and should be ignored. Genuine text and emails from the Met will also not contain any links or attachments. If you received a letter, these were posted with a first class stamp on Wednesday, April 17. All legitimate correspondences will say which website scammed impersonated to get your details. What should I do if I’ve been contacted? If you’ve been contacted and told you’ve been affected the first thing you should do is change your password for all your online accounts. This needs to include your email account, online banking and mobile network. You’ll also need to log into your bank and check your statements to check for any suspicious activity. If you do, that’s when you should report it, and we’ve explained how to do so below. How to report scams If you think you have been a victim of a scam, you should report it as soon as possible. There is no guarantee you’ll get your money back, but banks will often compensate you if you can show you did not know the money would leave your account. You can forward scam emails to report@phishing.gov.uk. If you notice a website that doesn’t look quite right, you can also report it to the National Cyber Security Centre by visiting www.ncsc.gov.uk/section/about-this-website/report-scam-website. You should also contact your provider and report it to Action Fraud, which will give you a crime reference number. You can do this online by visiting actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. If you’re in Scotland, report a scam through Advice Direct Scotland online by visiting www.consumeradvice.scot. You can also report scams to Police Scotland on 101. If you need further help, contact Citizens Advice Scams Action by visiting www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/scams/get-help-with-online-scams or calling 0808 223 1133.

WHEELER Dealers legend Mike Brewer has revealed his account is back up and running after sick scammers wreaked havoc. Months of carnage was sparked after Mike’s page was taken over by “scumbag” hackers and x-rated content. x/MrsMBrewerMike Brewer was excited to reveal his account was back up and running after sick scammers wreaked havoc[/caption] The shocking ordeal saw the Facebook account lose a quarter of a million followers and put the beloved motorhead through a great deal of stress. After battling to regain control from the twisted cyber invaders, Mike was thrilled to share he’d finally won. The scumbags who stole it are just after money and clickbait and there’s nothing I can do about it Mike Brewer In a video shared on X/formerly Twitter by his wife Michelle, the Wheeler Dealers host said: “I’m in a good mood at the minute because some lovely guy called Abdullah who works at Meta has properly got the page back. “No more pornographic images, no more hackers, no more scammers, no more nonsense, it’s back in our control. “You’re safe to go and follow the page again to keep you abreast of everything going on in the world of Wheeler Dealers. “It felt like we’d been burgled, we lost a quarter of a million people on the page. “We have a new series coming up on April 29, a global show, I’m over the moon it’s going to be the best you’ve ever seen, I can’t wait.” He also showed off his new Porsche classic 964 911 turbo 3.3 motor which will be going to auction soon. Fans were excited to hear the news, one penned: “Here’s drinking a big cheers to you, well done recovering the page.” Another added: “We will always support you mate.” “Excellent news,” agreed a third. Others chimed in and wrote: “Good news”, “that’s fantastic”, “yeah finally”. ‘SCUMBAGS’ It comes after Mike publicly named and shamed the “scumbags” who hacked his Facebook account and put him through hell for months. The Wheeler Dealers host previously called on his supporters to help get revenge after hackers posted a series of “lurid” images on his page. Mike was left seething when he discovered the social media channel had been used to post pornographic content to his army of more than 800,000 followers. He fumed: “The scumbags who stole it are just after money and clickbait and there’s nothing I can do about it. “They’re completely in control, I can’t turn it off, I can’t turn it over I can’t get it back it’s completely gone.” But now the issue has been resolved, with bigger and better projects on the horizon. The car enthusiast announced the start date of his new series after wrapping up production. The much-loved programme now looks set to push boundaries and search for broken-down bangers in pastures new. Mike also revealed his new “beautiful” summer collection of vintage classics. He gave an exciting sneak peak into an upcoming fleet of incredible bangers. What to do if your Facebook account is hacked Here are some steps to follow, according to expressvpn.com Step 1: Secure your email account  Step 2: Change your Facebook password  Step 3: Log out of other sessions Step 4: Delete unauthorized posts or messages  Step 5: Strengthen your security settings Step 6: Report the hack to Facebook 

A WOMAN who watched a phone scam crook steal £400 from her bank account says four words he said still haunt her to this day. Wendy Falconer, 63, fell victim to a cruel scam while she was caring for her husband in Tywyn, Wales. GettyOnline payment[/caption] She picked up a call from who she thought was her bank – but instead it was a man who talked her out of hundreds of pounds. But the 63-year-old said the worst part was the way the scammer spoke to her and mocked her. The fraudster’s words “you are so thick” still replay in her head. Wendy told BBC: “He was laughing, saying I was stupid, his language was unbelievable. And he said if you’d like to go to your app now, you’ll see me take your money. “Why did he need to do that? He’d already got the money. “He was laughing so much at me and the language was just awful, calling me names. “He said ‘you’re so thick, you’re so stupid’. I was just in shock.” The Shropshire woman added: “I didn’t sleep that night, because all I could hear was his voice, laughing at me and this abuse.” Wendy said the man had sounded “so professional” until that moment. She now knows disguising a phone number as a bank’s, or similar, as spoofing. Experts have now warned people to not get caught in the same trap as Wendy. Ofcom said: “Never give out your personal information in response to an incoming call, or rely upon the caller ID as the sole means of identification, particularly if the caller asks you to carry out an action which might have financial consequences.” Det Con Rachel Roberts from North Wales Police, which is investigating the crime, said it was a common scam. She added that it was not just banks’ phone numbers that could be mimicked. Roberts said: “We also see victims being contacted by telephone with suspects claiming to be from Amazon and quite often other utility companies, Microsoft, maybe even Apple. “A few victims have reported to us that they’ve had phone calls purporting to be from their GP, or from their local pharmacy, asking for that victim to provide bank details so that they can pay for their prescriptions or pay for a delivery service.” It’s not unusual for people to get scammed. How to protect yourself from scams BY keeping these tips in mind, you can avoid getting caught up in a scam: Firstly, remember that if something seems too good to be true, it normally is. Check brands are “verified” on Facebook and Twitter pages – this means the company will have a blue tick on its profile. Look for grammatical and spelling errors; fraudsters are notoriously bad at writing proper English. If you receive a message from a “friend” informing you of a freebie, consider whether it’s written in your friend’s normal style. If you’re invited to click on a URL, hover over the link to see the address it will take you to – does it look genuine? To be on the really safe side, don’t click on unsolicited links in messages, even if they appear to come from a trusted contact. Be careful when opening email attachments too. Fraudsters are increasingly attaching files, usually PDFs or spreadsheets, which contain dangerous malware. If you receive a suspicious message then report it to the company, block the sender and delete it. If you think you’ve fallen for a scam, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or use its online fraud reporting tool. One woman recently told how she was catfished by a scammer pretending to be Gary Barlow who told her he loved her and asked her for money. Janet Smith, 62, genuinely believed she was talking to the Take That singer for about a week after she added him as a friend on Facebook. But after the fraudster bombarded her with compliments and messages, even saying he had “split up”, Janet grew suspicious and eventually convinced him to reveal his true identity. The cheat admitted he was actually a 24-year-old from Nigeria. Elsewhere, Taylor Swift fans have been warned to take care when nabbing tickets. More than £1million could already have been lost to fraudsters pretending to offer UK gig tickets, a bank warned. More than 600 Lloyds customers have reported being scammed over Eras Tour dates. Most are fooled by ads, posts or listings on social media. They pay upfront for tickets which never arrive and the scammers vanish. The average amount lost between July 2023 to this March was £332. Fraud website used to fleece Brits taken down By Mike Sullivan AN ONLINE fraud website used by cyber crooks to fleece victims on an industrial scale has been smashed by cops, it can be revealed today. The UK-run scammer site LabHost provided tools for tricksters across the globe to set up phishing trawls luring computer users into revealing personal information and bank details. Up to 70,000 people in Britain fell victim to the site’s scams and 480,000 card numbers and 64,000 PIN’s were obtained from across the world. A Met Police-led investigation – code-named Operation Stargrew – into the site has led to 37 arrests across the UK, in London, Essex, and Manchester and Luton airports, as well as abroad. Criminals paid LabHost between £200 and £300 a month for membership so they could glean information to defraud people. Hackers were able to choose from existing sites or request their own dedicated pages replicating those of trusted brands including banks, healthcare agencies and postal services to con victims. LabHost even provided templates and an easy to follow tutorial allowing would-be fraudsters with limited IT knowledge to use the service. At the end of the tutorial, a robotic voice told fraudsters: “Stay safe and good spamming.” By the beginning of this year, more than 40,000 fraudulent sites had been created through LabHost and 2,000 users were registered. The site has received just under £1 million in payments from criminal users since it was set up in 2021 by UK villains. Detectives have contacted up to 25,000 victims in the UK to tell them their data has been compromised. Details of the arrests had been kept secret for operational reasons.

GOOGLE has a warning for millions of Android users over downloads you should avoid. The downloads have been modified and risk cybercriminals hacking your device. Using modified Android software can be a huge mistakeGetty “Google provides device security protections to people around the world using the Android operating system. “If you installed a modified (rooted) version of Android on your device, you lose some of the security protection provided by Google,” the tech giant explains. Android users are advised to only update their phones and devices with the official Android software. “If you signed up for the Advanced Protection Program, using a modified version of Android can compromise Advanced Protection’s security features,” Google added. If you do download a modified version of Android software you could face several risks. This includes missed security updates that stop cybercriminals from hacking your phone. “Automatic security updates help keep Android devices safe. “Modified versions of Android don’t get automatic security updates from Google, potentially making your device and data more vulnerable to hackers,” Google explains. You also risk downloading apps that aren’t approved by Google. Apps that aren’t on the Google Play Store can be risky and result in malware being downloaded onto your device. You also risk your money and personal details being taken by these apps. “Unapproved apps might contain harmful software designed for purposes like stealing sensitive data or damaging your device,” Google says. Modified software will also have no built-in security from Google itself. “Android has security features designed to protect your device from harmful software, phishing, and vulnerabilities. “With a modified version of Android, these Google security features are compromised,” Google says. If you have downloaded a modified version of Android software, Google advised redownloading an official version. The steps to do this can vary depending on how you originally downloaded the modified version. Tips to stay safe online The following tips can help you avoid a cybercrime disaster… Never share your passwords with anyone even if you think a friend is texting you to ask for login details Avoid falling for phishing scams by being vigilant when reading and replying to emails that ask for private information Don’t give out banking information unless you know you’re using a trusted website

SINISTER criminals are using AI voice-cloning tools to scam victims over phone calls – but there are some tricks to stay safe. Cyber-experts have revealed two conversational tactics you can deploy to avoid being caught out. GettyIf you receive a phone call from a loved one asking for money, ask the right questions first[/caption] Artificial intelligence can be a force for good, but it’s already being used by crooks to hoodwink innocent phone owners. With AI, a voice can be cloned in just a few seconds – and then deployed to trick friends or family members into handing over cash. “Imagine receiving a call from a loved one, only to discover it’s not them but a convincing replica created by voice cloning technology,” said McAfee’s Jasdev Dhaliwal. He continued: “Voice cloning, also known as voice synthesis or voice mimicry, is a technology that allows individuals to replicate someone else’s voice with remarkable accuracy. “While initially developed for benign purposes such as voice assistants and entertainment, it has also become a tool for malicious actors seeking to exploit unsuspecting victims.” It can be very difficult to tell when a voice is being cloned convincingly. But if you ask the right questions, you can massively increase your chances of avoiding being scammed. Trick #1 – Choose a Safe Word First, you’ll want to establish a safe word with your loved ones. That way you can deploy it on a phone call by asking for the word. You should do this if you receive an out-of-the-blue call asking for money or sensitive info from a loved one. If it seems a little odd, you may be the target of an AI voice-cloning scam. But it’s unlikely that the criminals orchestrating the scheme would know your safe word, so that’s an easy way to immediately expose the crooks. Trick #2 – Ask the right questions Ask questions that only the real person would know the answer to Jasdev DhaliwalDirector of Marketing and Security Evangelist at McAfee Maybe the person on the other end of the line will say they’ve forgotten the safe word – but they still need your money. If the call sounds like a loved one in distress, it might still be tempting to transfer cash. That’s when a second tactic should be deployed: asking very personal questions. “If you receive a call or message that raises suspicion, take steps to verify the caller’s identity,” Jasdev explained. GettyArtificial intelligence can quickly and convincingly clone a person’s voice[/caption] “Ask questions that only the real person would know the answer to, such as details about past experiences or shared memories. “Contact the person through an alternative means of communication to confirm their identity.” WHAT ELSE? You should also be very wary if someone is asking for you to send money using an unusual method. Phone scam statistics Americans are bombarded with three billion spam phone calls a month. What are the figures regarding the number of victims and the amount of money lost to fraudsters In 2022, Americans lost some $39.5 billion to phone scams, with 68.4 million US citizens affected, according to TechReport. The average phone scam victim lost $567.41 each in 2021, a major rise on the 2021 figure of $182 per victim, according to Hiya. The majority of scams happen over the phone, with fraudsters twice as likely to call compared to text in 2021, as reports the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). In 2021, the US saw a 56% increase in spam phone calls with 60% of those being robocalls. US residents experienced an average of 18 spam phone calls per month, although some experts believe the true figure may be as high as 31 per month. Many phone calls from reputable businesses may be marked wrongly as spam, but 38% of companies have no idea whether they’re being marked as “potential fraud” or not, according to Hiya. Never hand over any personal or financial information if you suspect a phone call is a scam. For instance, your bank will never ask you for such details in full over the phone.  To cut down on spam phone calls and scams, sign up for the Do Not Call Registry. Telemarketers, by law, will need to check that list before they call you up. Downloading third-party apps such as Hiya, Nomorobo, or Truecaller can help filter out annoying spam calls. Try not to share your phone number unless you have to, especially online or with sketchy sources. If a family member calls you suddenly asking for money via cryptocurrency or wire transfers, that could be a warning sign. They may also say they need gift cards purchased, which is another red flag. If a family member needs money urgently, why would their normal bank account not be appropriate? Be very careful when receiving any request for money, especially if the method is strange. Also, make sure you report any AI voice-cloning scams to the authorities. That way you can hopefully prevent the criminals from carrying out more attacks on other victims.

A WOMAN who claims she was a ‘spoiled rich kid’ has revealed how her pictures are being used on dating site by scammers trying to lure men in. Jodie Weston, 30, appeared on the Channel 5 show Rich Kids Go Skint when she was a teen and has since become a presenter and DJ, and regularly sharing snaps of herself living a life of luxury. instagram/missjodiewestonJodie Weston says her pics are being used to catfish people on dating apps[/caption] instagram/missjodiewestonShe was concerned people would be swindled out of money[/caption] However, her stardom and fancy life has led her to become the target of scammers who steal her pictures from Instagram and use them on dating sites – and even mock her fans online. Speaking to the DailyStar, Jodie said: “I have had weird instances over the past couple of years but in the last two months it almost feels like I have entered some sort of database of pictures to be used by catfishes because it has literally happened so much.” The mum, says she hasn’t been on Tinder on years and was left shocked when friends and colleagues reached out to say friends of theirs had spotted her on the dating app. One person wrote to her saying: “My friend matched you on Tinder yesterday I didn’t know you were in Manchester.” Another informed her: “Good morning Jodie, just to let you know some t**t has put your photos on Tinder. ” She said she feels utterly powerless over people using her pictures to try and swindle men and is worried about the motive behind it. Jodie shared examples with the DailyStar of the dating profiles that show different accounts with various names from all over the UK which are all using her images. It is creepy and I don’t know what it is being used for Jodie Weston The mum has had 30 followers reach out and say they have spotted her on Tinder, despite her not being on the app. She added: “It is creepy and I don’t know what it is being used for – are these accounts trying to meet people and is it really a guy?” “It is very sinister because it could also be used to scam money. I even had a girl reach out recently to say an Instagram account was trolling her friend and it was using my pictures,” the mum continued. Now Jodie is trying to raise awareness on catfishing as she feels helpless by the accounts that keep propping up. She believes companies have a duty of care to protect users and make sure they are talking to who they think they are talking to. Her main concern was that people targeted would be conned out of money or put in dangerous situations if they tried to meet up with the fake profiles in real life. People looking for love online may not be clued up on just how much others can manipulate the technology she added. Earlier this year Tinder announced it was introducing more stringent identity checks for users in Britain – including people needing to show a passport or driving licence to have an account. A video selfie will also be required after the site was targeted by romance fraudsters. In response to this story, a spokesperson for Tinder said: “Catfishing is a violation of our Community Guidelines and Terms of Use, and users who are discovered catfishing are removed from our platform. “If someone believes they are being impersonated on Tinder, they should contact our support team with relevant details here, which is available to anyone regardless of whether they use Tinder. “From there, our team will promptly search for and remove any matching profile. “We encourage our users to look for the ‘blue tick’, which indicates that the user’s age and likeness has been verified through our Photo and ID Verification programmes. Additionally, all users can request that their match photo verifies prior to messaging.” What to do if you think you’ve been scammed IF you’ve lost money in a scam, contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or by visiting Actionfraud.police.uk. You should also contact your bank or credit card provider immediatley to see if they can stop or trace the cash. If you don’t think your bank has managed your complaint correctly, or if you’re unhappy with the verdict it gives on your case you can complain to the free Financial Ombudsman Service. Also monitor your credit report in the months following the fraud to ensure crooks don’t make further attempts to steal your cash.

AN ONLINE fraud website used by cyber crooks to fleece victims on an industrial scale has been smashed by cops, it can be revealed today. The UK-run scammer site LabHost provided tools for tricksters across the globe to set up phishing trawls luring computer users into revealing personal information and bank details. GettyAs many as 70,000 people fell victim to the scams[/caption] Up to 70,000 people in Britain fell victim to the site’s scams and 480,000 card numbers and 64,000 PIN’s were obtained from across the world. A Met Police-led investigation – code-named Operation Stargrew – into the site has led to 37 arrests across the UK, in London, Essex, and Manchester and Luton airports, as well as abroad. Criminals paid LabHost between £200 and £300 a month for membership so they could glean information to defraud people. Hackers were able to choose from existing sites or request their own dedicated pages replicating those of trusted brands including banks, healthcare agencies and postal services to con victims. LabHost even provided templates and an easy to follow tutorial allowing would-be fraudsters with limited IT knowledge to use the service. At the end of the tutorial, a robotic voice told fraudsters: “Stay safe and good spamming.” By the beginning of this year, more than 40,000 fraudulent sites had been created through LabHost and 2,000 users were registered. The site has received just under £1 million in payments from criminal users since it was set up in 2021 by UK villains. Detectives have contacted up to 25,000 victims in the UK to tell them their data has been compromised. Details of the arrests had been kept secret for operational reasons. Met deputy commissioner Dame Lynne Owens, said: “You are more likely to be a victim of fraud than any other crime. “In addition to the financial impact, it undermines the public’s confidence in the tools and technology they need to use in daily life. “Our collective approach should ensure suspects feel that same level of distrust in their own criminal environment.” She added: “Online fraudsters think they can act with impunity. “They believe they can hide behind digital identities and platforms such as LabHost and have absolute confidence these sites are impenetrable by policing. “But this operation and others over the last year show how law enforcement worldwide can, and will, come together with one another and private sector partners to dismantle international fraud networks at source. “Our approach is to be more precise and targeted with a clear focus on those enabling online fraud to be carried out on an international scale.” Adrian Searle, director of the National Economic Crime Centre in the NCA, said: “Fraud is a terrible crime that impacts victims both financially and psychologically, undermining our collective trust in others and the online services on which we all rely. “Together with cyber crime, it makes up around 50 per cent of all crime in England and Wales. “Recognising the scale and nature of the threat, law enforcement are working evermore closely together, both here and overseas, to target the fraudsters and the technology they are exploiting. “This operation again demonstrates that UK law enforcement has the capability and intent to identify, disrupt and completely compromise criminal services that are targeting the UK on an industrial scale.” GettyOperation Stargrew led to the arrest of 37 people[/caption]

IPHONE owners are just discovering the meaning behind the “little hand” inside your Phone app. It appears in your iPhone’s call log if you swipe on an entry. The U.S. Sun / AppleFind this hand in your iPhone call log – it has a useful purpose[/caption] Try it: swipe left on a phone call in the Recents pile and a yellow hand symbol will appear. This left one iPhone owner on Reddit confused, asking: “When deleting calls, what does the little hand next to the trash can mean?” It turns out that the hand lets you report a phone call to Apple – handy if you’re being targeted by spammers or scammers. But you can also use this feature to report FaceTime calls too. Apple explains: “In your FaceTime call history or in the Recents list in the Phone app, swipe left on the call, tap the Block button, then tap Block and Report Junk.” WHEN TO REPORT A CALL ON IPHONE You should report calls if they are spam, or if they’re criminals trying to scam you. For iPhone owners, you should look out for “scam phone calls or voicemails that impersonate Apple Support”. But also beware any fake promotions, or calls that ask for personal information or money. “It’s safer to presume it’s a scam and contact that company directly if you need to,” Apple said. “Never share personal information like credit card numbers, unless you can verify the recipient is who they claim to be.” HOW TO STOP SPAM CALLS ON IPHONE There are several tactics that you can use to avoid being bombarded by spam calls. A good first port-of-call is turning on Silence Unknown Callers. AppleUsing the Silence Unknown Callers feature is a great catch-all way to block spam calls[/caption] This is a free feature that is built directly into iOS, and can be switched off again at any time. “With iOS 13 and later, you can turn on Silence Unknown Callers to avoid getting calls from people you don’t know,” Apple explained. “This blocks phone numbers that you’ve never been in contact with and don’t have saved in your contacts list. “If you’ve previously texted with someone using their phone number or if a person has shared their phone number with you in an email, a phone call from that number will go through.” iPhone tricks to try today Here are some of the best… Typing cursor – When typing, hold down the space bar to turn your keyboard into a trackpad, letting you move around words and sentences more easily Close all Safari tabs – To do this in one go, simply hold the overlapped squares in the bottom right-hand corner, and press close all tabs Delete lots of photos quickly – Hold down on a photo and then drag your finger diagonally in Photos to select lots of images at once, then hit delete Convert currency quickly – Swipe down from the top of your Home screen, then tap in the bar and type a currency (like €200) and it will automatically covert to your local currency Check if you’re due a battery upgrade – Batteries inside smartphones degrade over time. Just go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health, and check out the Maximum Capacity reading. Generally a battery is considered worn when you’re down to 80% capacity. If you’re below, you can buy a battery swap from Apple Move apps around faster – Hold an app until it starts wiggling, then (while still holding) tap other apps, causing them to stack so you can move them around easier To turn it on, go to Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers and then toggle the feature on. Make sure you save any important contacts into your phone before you turn this feature on. A second option is to set up spam filters. This involves download a call-blocking app from the Apple App Store. AppleThe Call Blocking & Identification feature lets you block calls using giant lists of known spammers[/caption] These typically contain huge lists of known spam numbers, which can then be used to prevent these callers from ever reaching you. Once you’ve got one (or multiple) downloaded, go to Settings > Phone > Call Blocking & Identification. Then turn the app (or apps) on under Allow These Apps To Block Calls And Provide Caller ID. Once that’s done, your iPhone will compare the phone numbers for any incoming calls with those on the app spam lists. If a call is considered to be spam, it will be automatically blocked. You can also block any spam phone numbers manually.

GOOGLE has a warning for millions of its users and it involves never ignoring an important message. If you receive a message about a suspicious login from Google, you need to check the IP address immediately. GettyWatch out for suspicious IP addresses on your Google account[/caption] Google advises users to check their last account activity in a few simple steps. “You can see your sign-in history, including the dates and times that your Gmail account was used. “You can also see the IP addresses which were used to access your account,” Google said. To see your account activity, log on to your computer and go to Gmail. Next, you need to move your mouse to the bottom right and click Details. “You can also visit the Recent Security Events page to see security updates for your entire Google Account,” the tech giant added. Under the Activity tab in this account section, you’ll see your sign-in records. This will include a list of IP addresses that have accessed your account. IP stands for Internet Protocol, and it refers to the rules the data you’re sending via the Internet is under. An IP address allows information to be sent between two devices with the ability to track the location of where the data is being sent from. That means if you’re in London, England, and you get a notification saying your Google account has been logged into in New York, your account may have been compromised. If this is the case, you need to change your passwords immediately. It’s worth having two-factor authentication set up to make it harder for criminals to hack into your accounts. Two-factor authentication can come in many forms and may involve having a password and a verification text code that lets you access important accounts. TIPS TO STAY SAFE ONLINE The following tips can help you avoid a cybercrime disaster… Never share your passwords with anyone even if you think a friend is texting you to ask for login details Avoid falling for phishing scams by being vigilant when reading and replying to emails that ask for private information Don’t give out banking information unless you know you’re using a trusted website

HOLIDAYMAKERS are being warned to watch out for red flags after one traveller had £900 wiped from her bank account. Grifters have been messaging customers who have reserved hotels via the travel website Booking.com. AlamyCyber scammers are impersonating hotels to steal holidaymaker’s cash[/caption] Becky (whose name has been changed) is one of many who lost hundreds of pounds to a Booking.com scam while on a trip to Thailand in October 2023. She had booked a hotel for one night in Bangkok, to stay in before heading to the airport for her flight home the next day, However, before arriving at the hotel, she received a message on the Booking.com platform asking for payment in the local currency. Becky said it appeared as though it came directly from hotel staff. But she told This is Money: “I should have picked up that this was more than I paid for the hotel, but it was obviously in a different currency, and when you are panicking, your booking may be cancelled whilst, on the route in the middle of the night, it’s not your first thought.” The Sun has previously spoken to other Booking.com users who’ve been caught out to similar scames. Student Viktoria Tkach was duped into paying nearly £800 in one such scam. The 21-year-old, of Greenwich in South East London, had booked a trip to Sharm El Sheik, Egypt, with mum Natalie, 50, in February. A week before departure, Viktoria got a message, apparently from the hotel, saying she must pay £791 towards her stay or the reservation would be cancelled. She said: “Because the message appeared in my Booking.com account and looked so official, I felt like I had to follow orders.” It wasn’t until Viktoria and her mum got to the hotel that she realised she had been scammed as the receptionist told her the full £937 for their 11-night break still had to be paid. She felt she had no choice but to fork out a second time. Viktoria fought for five months to get her money back, but Booking.com, the hotel and her bank all refused. It was only when Sun Money stepped in that Booking.com agreed to a refund. Commenting on these scams, Booking.com reiterated that its own security had not been breached but confirmed that con artists had compromised the IT systems of a number of the venues it lists. This can happen if a member of the hotel’s staff mistakenly clicks on a link in an email sent by criminals, who can then log into the hotel’s account on the booking site and message customers directly. Anyone who receives a message on the Booking.com platform that asks you to make a payment should call their hotel, airline or other service provider to check that they’re genuine. Action Fraud’s advice on holiday fraud THINIKNG about booking a holiday this year? Follow our top tips to avoid falling victim to holiday fraud DO YOUR RESEARCH: Before committing and booking your dream holiday, make sure that you do a thorough online search to ensure the company is credible. PAY SAFELY: If you have a credit card, use it when shopping online. Most major credit card providers protect online purchases. LOOK FOR LOGOS: Check if a travel company is an ABTA, the Travel Association, member or an ATOL holder. Look for the ABTA logo on the company’s website. If you have any doubts, you can verify their membership of ABTA online on their website. If you’re booking a flight as part of a package holiday and want to find out more information about ATOL protection, visit the ATOL website. STAY SAFE ONLINE: Use three random words to create a strong email password that’s different from all your other passwords. If two-step verification is available, always enable it. WATCH FOR SUSPICIOUS MESSAGES: Be cautious of unexpected emails or messages offering unrealistic holiday deals. If you receive a suspicious email, report it by forwarding it to: report@phishing.gov.uk PROTECT PERSONAL INFORMATION: Only fill in the mandatory details on a website when making a purchase. If possible, don’t create an account for the online store when making your payment. BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE: Be sceptical of unrealistic holiday deals. If they sound too good to be true, they probably are. Exercise caution and research before making a purchase. How to report scams If you think you have been a victim of a scam, you should report it as soon as possible. There is no guarantee you’ll get your money back, but banks will often compensate you if you can show you did not know the money would leave your account. You can forward scam emails to report@phishing.gov.uk. If you notice a website that doesn’t look quite right, you can also report it to the National Cyber Security Centre by visiting www.ncsc.gov.uk/section/about-this-website/report-scam-website. You should also contact your provider and report it to Action Fraud, which will give you a crime reference number. You can do this online by visiting actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. If you’re in Scotland, report a scam through Advice Direct Scotland online by visiting www.consumeradvice.scot. You can also report scams to Police Scotland on 101. If you need further help, contact Citizens Advice Scams Action by visiting www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/scams/get-help-with-online-scams or calling 0808 223 1133.

SAMSUNG users have been urged to keep their devices safe against malware that can leave them destitute. Malware is a malicious software that can infect your smartphone, desktop, or laptop. GettySamsung users have been urged to keep their devices safe against malware[/caption] While Samsung Galaxy devices boast built-in security features, staying vigilant against malware is crucial. HOW DOES MALWARE WORK? Malware can attack your device through malicious apps, compromised emails, or non-secure Wi-Fi connections. The software can steal sensitive information from your phone, including banking information. Perhaps more notable, some malware can bypass fingerprint locks and perform unauthorized actions on your behalf. Samsung notes on its support page that it’s unlikely your phone will be affected by any malware. That’s because Galaxy and Play Store apps are scanned before they’re downloaded. “However, sneaky ads or emails can try to download harmful software onto your phone,” it added. Thankfully, there are a number of ways to fortify your phone’s defenses. HOW TO STAY SAFE One of the best ways to stay safe is to monitor app permissions closely. App permissions act like gatekeepers on your Samsung phone – they determine which apps can access your data and features. By managing permissions wisely, you can significantly boost your phone’s security. When installing apps, only grant permissions essential for the app’s function. Don’t give unnecessary access to sensitive information. “Tap Allow or Deny depending on the app,” Samsung explained. “If you haven’t used an app for a while, its permissions will be reset automatically. You will be asked to grant the permissions again when you next open the app.” A brief timeline of the Samsung Galaxy Fold Here’s all the major things to happen in the controversial phone’s history so far… May 2011: South Korea’s Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology announces its researchers have made a folding smartphone prototype November 2013: Samsung promises to bring folding display devices to the market Spring 2016: Engineers start working on what we now refer to as the Galaxy Fold Otober 2018: Samsung officially confirms its foldable phone is on the way February 20, 2019: The Samsung Galaxy Fold is unveiled with May 3 release date and a staggering £1,800 price tag April 15, 2019: Journalists with early access to the phone complain its screen breaks after a couple days of use April 22, 2019: Samsung announces it’s postponing the Fold days before release to address and fix durability issues May 31, 2019: All pre-orders of the Fold are cancelled by Samsung, with no new release date in sight June 18, 2019: Samsung Display Vice President Kim Seong-cheol claims “most of the display problems have been ironed out” September 18, 2019: Samsung relaunches the Fold following a hasty redesign Samsung has since released several foldable smartphones without further major issues EXTRA TIPS Don’t click on suspicious links or download attachments from unknown senders. Phishing emails or messages often try to trick you into installing malware. Furthermore, regularly update your phone’s software and operating system. These updates often include security patches that safeguard your device from newly discovered threats. SAMSUNG Samsung is a major South Korean company made up of many businesses that operate globally. It was founded by Lee Byung-Chul in 1938 as a trading company. But over several decades, it branched into food processing, insurance, textiles, and retail. It wasn’t until the late 1960s when Samsung entered the electronics industry – for which it’s best known today. Today, Samsung’s most important sources of income are its smartphones and computer chips.

CYBERSECURITY experts have warned Google users to be vigilant when receiving messages. Certain messages are clear signs of a scam and should be ignored and deleted. GettyGoogle Chat users should be wary of scammers trying to take advantage of them[/caption] Experts at Trend Micro revealed five popular Google Chat scams on the cybersecurity site blog. The scam on the list involves romance and this can appear in many forms. ROMANCE SCAMS You may get a message from a fake profile asking to be friends or to chat. If the conversation turns romantic quickly and you’re suddenly asked for money, this is a warning sign. “These scams often involve emotional manipulation to deceive victims,” Trend Micro warned. COMMON PHISHING Common phishing can involve a scammer actively seeking information like your address, password, and date of birth. This may come in the form of a fake survey sent to you or another malicious link that can steal your private information. TECH SUPPORT SCAM If you receive a message from tech support via Google Chat, be very wary. “Tech support scams involve scammers posing as Google Chat representatives or tech support agents. “They claim that there is an issue with your account or device and ask for remote access or payment to fix the problem,” Trend Micro explains. Google’s tech support would not contact you in this way. JOB OFFERS Another scam trend flagged by the expert involves fake job offers. It’s not common to be offered a job via Google Chat and if the offer seems too good to be true it likely is. Make sure you thoroughly do your research when it comes to new career opportunities. INVESTMENT SCAMS If you’re being offered an investment opportunity online, it’s also worth doing your own research. This is a common technique used by scammers to take your cash and give you nothing in return. “These scams are very popular on many platforms, and Google Chat is no different. “Scammers may promise high returns on investments or ask for money to invest in fake opportunities,” Trend Micro warns. Top tips on avoiding scams from a bank As scams become more sophisticated with the use of artificial intelligence, it is important you know how to spot a scam and how to avoid them. Be skeptical of online deals that seem too good to be true, especially on social media. Scammers will often use tactics to make you panicked so you make quick decisions – be cautious if you are told to take immediate action and verify who has contacted you. Chase Bank warns customers to “never return any unexpected funds without calling Chase first.” Never send money to someone you have only spoken to online or by phone as this is likely a romance scam. Unless you 100% know who you are talking to, never give someone remote access to your device. Never accept help from strangers at an ATM and always be vigilant when making withdrawals. Do not send money or click any links indicating that you have won a prize. Source: Chase.com

ANDROID owners have been urged to delete three dangerous apps that had been masquerading as messengers in the Google Play store. Cyber researchers at ESET have rung the alarm on a trio of nasty apps that aim to steal Android owners’ personal information – and even their banking credentials. GettyWhile Google is generally very good at detecting and removing malicious apps – some do slip through the cracks[/caption] These apps are posing as messaging services and offer basic, but functional services as bait. At surface level, they work and appear legitimate – but they’re not. Behind the scenes, they are hiding open-source XploitSPY malware. Hackers have been advertising these apps – and others that are similar – on websites and on the Google Play store. While Google is generally very good at detecting and removing malicious apps – some do slip through the cracks. The apps exist to steal contact lists, camera files, location, download data, as well as your WhatsApp and Telegram. Android owners have been urged to check their devices for these three apps: Dink Messenger Sim Info Defcom If you have downloaded one of these apps, it is advised to delete them immediately. They have since been removed from the Google Play store, but may still be lurking on your phone. They form part of a targeted campaign, which began in November 2021, to distribute malware onto Android phones primarily in India and Pakistan, according to ESET. Five more risky apps In February, Android owners were warned about another five risky apps that had recently been removed from the Google Play store. The group contain a hidden banking trojan called Anatsa which has previously targeted users in a number of countries, including the UK. Once the app is on your phone, a hacker can take over and perform tasks without you knowing. The most damaging thing they can do is access personal information and make payments from your banking apps. The apps to look out for and delete are: Phone Cleaner – File Explorer  PDF Viewer – File Explorer PDF Reader – Viewer & Editor  Phone Cleaner: File Explorer  PDF Reader: File Manager  How to delete apps on Android Open the Google Play Store app . At the top right, tap the Profile icon. Tap Manage apps and devices. Manage. Select the name of the app that you’d like to delete. Tap Uninstall.

GMAIL and YouTube users have been warned about a scam that can leave them locked out of their accounts. The scam comprises cybercriminals promising a fake return on the cryptocurrency XRP to users who reply to their phishing attempt. SOPA Images/LightRocket via GettGmail users have been warned about a scam that can leave them locked out of their accounts[/caption] Phishing is a scam where attackers trick people into revealing sensitive information or downloading malware. The goal of the scammer is to steal a user’s banking information, identity, or passwords. Scammers often send phishing attempts over texts, email, or social media messaging. What’s more, the criminals have even been utilizing deep fake technology to mimic the CEO of Ripple Lab, the company behind XRP, to make their scheme more believable. Deepfakes are created via artificial intelligence to duplicate the voices and faces of unsuspecting victims. Users are asked to send over XRP and told they will receive twice that amount back. This has instead led to their money being lost, and their accounts being compromised. Users are reporting that the cybercriminals bypassed their two-factor or multi-factor authentication security and then locked them out. “My Google account got hacked. The hackers changed the password and the phone number and also edited the 2-factor authentication settings,” one person explained on a Google support page. “I have no way to log in to that account. Now they are hijacking my Youtube channel with over 120,000 Subscribers and they are doing a scam live stream,” they added. GOOGLE’S RESPONSE A Google spokesperson told Forbes, “There are techniques we use and continuously update to detect and block suspicious access indicating potentially stolen cookies.” For those users whose accounts have been hacked, the tech giant notes, “Our automated account recovery process allows a user to use their original recovery factors for up to 7 days after it changes.” The only caveat is that users must have set this up before the incident. Users ‘not protected’ – the EXPERT view Speaking to The U.S. Sun, KnowBe4 cybersecurity expert Roger Grimes reveals the sinister truth about how unsafe you really are… “The sad, unfortunate fact is that over 90% of MFA is as easy to hack or bypass as the passwords they were designed to replace. There are many good forms of MFA that are far less susceptible to social engineering and hacking, and all the major MFA vendors know it, but they are still selling the far weaker stuff…and most consumers see MFA and think they are buying something super protective when it really isn’t. “This is nothing new. This sort of hacking around and using MFA has been going on since MFA was invented. Unfortunately, the average consumer thinks using MFA will significantly protect them…and some forms do. But, the most popular types that most consumers and sites use don’t. So, you’ve got people thinking they are somehow super protected against hackers when they really aren’t. And that false belief is potentially harmful to their own self interests. “Most, if not all, the major vendors have had serious problems allowing legitimate owners to recover their accounts once they’ve been seized by hackers, especially if the user didn’t use MFA, but the attacker enables it. I’ve had victims writing me for over a decade complaining how they can’t regain control of their own stolen accounts, and to date, I’ve not had a single person tell me that they’ve been able to get their account back if the attacker enabled MFA. Then, sadly, they learn that all the content and photos they uploaded to the site and felt were “theirs” is gone forever. It’s a hard lesson to learn. I’ve always wondered why vendors don’t make it easier for victims to recover their accounts.” “For additional protection, we continue to encourage users to take advantage of security tools, like passkeys and Google’s Security Checkup,” the spokesperson added. HOW TO ENABLE 2FA To enable 2FA on your Gmail account, open your Google Account. In the navigation panel, select Security. Under “How you sign in to Google,” select 2-Step Verification and then tap on Get started. Follow the on-screen steps. HOW TO STAY SAFE There are several steps you can take to mitigate your risk of being a phishing victim. For starters, it’s important to always keep your devices updated with the latest software. You should always avoid installing apps from unofficial system stores, and even then, do your research. Furthermore, you should never click on any links or open any attachments from strange text messages or emails. It’s also important to install an antivirus on your device so it can scan for any malware.

A SINGLE mum has warned how “elaborate” scammers swindled hundreds of pounds from her. Parker Newlan was deceived by fraudsters pretending to be from fast fashion giant Boohoo, promising her free clothes in exchange for social media posts every month.  Instagram/Parker NewlanParker was scammed by fraudsters posing as Boohoo’s PR team[/caption] TikTok/Parker NewlanShe has now shared her story to warn other woman on social media[/caption] The 22-year-old says she “never” thought she would fall for a scam but everything seemed “so genuine”. Back in December, she received an email from who she believed was a member of Boohoo’s PR team offering the long-term collaboration deal. Under the deal, Parker would be sent a package of clothes every month and be paid to promote them on social media. The criminals even sent her an “authentic-looking” contract to sign. However, the contract held an iffy condition – the Gold Coast-based mum had to pay a £65 (AUD$125) one-time fee to cover the first round of shipping.  And while Parker now wishes she had a lawyer look over the contract, at the time she didn’t notice “anything was fishy or not quite right”.  What’s more, fraudsters also sent fake postage details for a legitimate shipping company, further making the scam seem believable. “I was so excited, this was my first big collaboration with a brand that I love,” Parker shared.  “It was paid and I was absolutely stoked. “I’m also a single mum, so the idea of being able to chase my passion and do what I love while earning money to support me and my son was huge for me. “The email appeared so genuine with the clear Boohoo logo and wording that I truly didn’t suspect anything.” However, after paying the initial fee and receiving a tracking number, Parker received another email weeks later demanding more money.  Scammers still posing as Boohoo’s PR team said they needed a £99 (AUD$190) “clearance fee” to get the items to her.  Parker willingly paid this as she knew that ordering clothes down under from the UK brand often came with a customs fee.  How to protect yourself from scams BY keeping these tips in mind, you can avoid getting caught up in a scam: Firstly, remember that if something seems too good to be true, it normally is. Check brands are “verified” on Facebook and Twitter pages – this means the company will have a blue tick on its profile. Look for grammatical and spelling errors; fraudsters are notoriously bad at writing proper English. If you receive a message from a “friend” informing you of a freebie, consider whether it’s written in your friend’s normal style. If you’re invited to click on a URL, hover over the link to see the address it will take you to – does it look genuine? To be on the really safe side, don’t click on unsolicited links in messages, even if they appear to come from a trusted contact. Be careful when opening email attachments too. Fraudsters are increasingly attaching files, usually PDFs or spreadsheets, which contain dangerous malware. If you receive a suspicious message then report it to the company, block the sender and delete it. If you think you’ve fallen for a scam, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or use its online fraud reporting tool. And then another few weeks later, she received another email saying the items had been “cleared” but she still needed to pay another fee for the items to be processed before shipping.  Parker says she questioned the additional fee multiple times, but kept receiving a “generic email” reiterating that she needed to pay the “processing fee”. “I know I should have gotten to a point where I should have refused to pay any more money and really questioned it harder,” she said. “But because I had signed a contract and because I am a bit naive, I was really scared that if I didn’t pay these fees, I would be violating a contract that I had signed.” I questioned my own intelligence for weeks following finding out it was a scam Parker Newlan, scam victim It didn’t stop there, though.  Another few weeks later, fraudsters demanded a further £104 (AUD$200) as there was a delay in paying her last fee. They claimed the money would move the items out of a “permanent hold” at the custom warehouse. Parker recalls feeling “so frustrated that she just wanted these items” and coughed up the cash.  As a single mum, it’s devastating to think about how much I put into it and have now lost Parker Newlan, scam victim The fraudsters posing as Boohoo promised it was the last payment she would need to make – and then she didn’t hear anything from the shipping company for a month.  When she checked the tracking details the scammers had supplied, she clocked that they had expired.  This is when “alarm bells really started going off” for her.  She then received another email claiming she needed to pay more money, so reached out to Boohoo’s customer support team who quickly launched an investigation.  THE PENNY DROP Two days later, Boohoo told Parker it was likely the e-mails and transactions were fraudulent. The fashion giant had no evidence of a collaboration agreement on its end, and the emails she received were not sent from Boohoo’s marketing team. Parker recalled how her “heart dropped” realising she had been scammed out of £432 (AUD$830). “I was devastated, angry and also incredibly embarrassed,” she told news.com.au. “As a single mum, it’s devastating to think about how much I put into it and have now lost. “I questioned my own intelligence for weeks following finding out it was a scam and felt so angry at myself for not picking up on the red flags sooner and trusting my intuition. “I am still incredibly angry that there are people out there who thrive off taking advantage of young people, old people and single parents.” I questioned my own intelligence for weeks following finding out it was a scam Parker Newlan The single mum has now urged others – particularly fellow micro-influencers – to be wary when a company reaches out to you.  “This is proof that it can happen to anyone,” she said.  “It can happen to individuals like me that are active on social media and digitally aware.  “Scammers are getting more and more calculated and elaborate as time goes on. “Scammers will build entire websites, tracking numbers, links etc. and go the full lengths to make the scam appear as legitimate as possible.” Parker has since launched a dispute with her bank over the fraudulent transactions to try and claw her money back and is also planning on filing a police report.  Boohoo was approached for comment by Fabulous.

APPLE has warned some iPhone users in India and 91 other countries of a potential spyware attack. In the alert, Apple says the iPhone users were potential victims of a “mercenary spyware attack.” GettyApple has warned some iPhone users about a potential spyware attack[/caption] “ALERT: Apple detected a targeted mercenary spyware attack against your iPhone,” reads the threat notification, per The Indian Express. The notifications were sent after Apple reportedly discovered that attackers tried to “remotely compromise the iPhone.” Apple’s Threat Notifications are designed to inform and assist users who may be the target of mercenary spyware attackers. The tech giant’s language previously used the term “state-sponsored attacks” – but that term has since been replaced with “mercenary spyware attacks”. WHAT ARE MERCENARY SPYWARE ATTACKS? Mercenary spyware attacks are more complex than regular cybercriminal activity and consumer malware. That’s because they employ extensive resources to target a very small number of specific individuals and their devices. “Mercenary spyware attacks cost millions of dollars and often have a short shelf life, making them much harder to detect and prevent,” Apple noted. “The vast majority of users will never be targeted by such attacks,” the company added. However, if you are one of the few who get targeted by such an attack, Apple can help in two ways: A Threat Notification is displayed at the top of the page after the user signs into appleid.apple.com. Apple sends an email and iMessage notification to the email addresses and phone numbers associated with the user’s Apple ID. If you have received an Apple threat notification, Apple strongly recommends you reach out to expert help. This includes the rapid-response emergency security assistance provided by the Digital Security Helpline at the nonprofit Access Now. Security assistance is available to threat notification recipients 24 hours a day, seven days a week through their website. “Outside organizations do not have any information about what caused Apple to send a threat notification, but they can assist targeted users with tailored security advice,” Apple said. APPLE LOVERS GUIDE Are you self proclaimed Apple lover well here are some fun hacks for you…. My iPhone typing trick a complete game changer – you’ll use it daily I’m a gadget pro – every iPhone owner should creepy setting off Genius iPhone sleeping hack is exactly what you need a good nights sleep I’m an iPhone expert – instantly clear your storage with just a single click I’m an iPhone expert – the surprising settings draining your battery life everyday Anyone with an enemy needs to know genius iPhone camera trick I’m an iPhone expert – four Apple hacks that will make your life so much easier You can unlock hidden iPhone features using codes typed into your keyboard Apple has a secret phone setting that makes phone calls so much better – how to unlock it My iPhone typing trick is a complete game changer you’ll use it daily Simple iPhone hack will stop you from making the biggest charging mistake. Apple Warning: Your iPhone could catch on fire just with simple mistakes. Hidden genius iPhone trick will let you use your favorite apps with even touching them. I was an emergency responder – simple iPhone could save your life Your iPhone has a hidden photo menu that unlocks genius feature I’m a tech genius – iPhone trick brings back beloved feature binned by Apple I’m an Apple Whiz – the iPhone ‘reach wiggle’ trick is a game changer for small hands TIPS FOR SAFETY All users can work to protect themselves from general cybercriminals by following these tips: Update devices to the latest software, as that includes the latest security fixes Protect devices with a passcode Use two-factor authentication and a strong password for Apple ID Install apps from the App Store Use strong and unique passwords online Don’t click on links or attachments from unknown senders To help protect users further, Apple launched a tool dubbed “Lockdown Mode” in 2022. WHAT IS LOCKDOWN MODE? Lockdown Mode can give users “extreme optional protection for the very small number of users who face grave, targeted threats to their digital security,” Apple explained. Once the tool is turned on, it can block messages, disable complex web technologies, and prevent incoming calls. Perhaps most notably, it can halt wired connections with a computer or accessory while the device is locked. HOW TO ENABLE LOCKDOWN MODE To use Lockdown Mode, head to the Settings app > tap Privacy & Security > under Security, tap Lockdown Mode. From there, tap Turn On Lockdown Mode > tap Turn On Lockdown Mode > tap Turn On & Restart. You will then be prompted to enter your device passcode.

AN important security update has been issued to LG smart TVs and monitors that stops hackers from taking full control of the gadgets. While most attacks target your smartphone or PC, this latest cyber ambush has sought to break into TVs and monitors made by LG. LGThe cyber flaw was first discovered in November 2023[/caption] Experts at cyber firm Bitdefender have rung the alarm on a vulnerability that targets LG customers. In a report published earlier this week, experts warned that a security gap in LG TV software could be exploited by hackers to gain full remote access to the device. LG was aware of the issue, and all necessary patches have now been completed. SpokespersonLG Such access would allow a hacker to install malicious apps on your TV and even break into your Wi-Fi network. The cyber flaw was first discovered in November 2023. LG has now issued a security patch for the vulnerability inside an update released on 22 March 2024. Customers are urged to download this update as soon as possible. Better yet, it is recommended to switch on ‘automatic updates’ in your TV Settings, to ensure your device always operates on the most recent software available. “LG was aware of the issue, and all necessary patches have now been completed,” a spokesperson told TechRadar. “We can confirm LG smart TVs are safe and security is our highest priority. “Customers are advised to enable automatic software updates.” Is my TV at risk? Bitdefender has provided a list of all the LG TVs and monitors that are most vulnerable to the hack. These include: webOS 4.9.7 – 5.30.40 running on LG43UM7000PLA webOS 5.5.0 – 04.50.51 running on OLED55CXPUA webOS 6.3.3-442 (kisscurl-kinglake) – 03.36.50 running on OLED48C1PUB webOS 7.3.1-43 (mullet-mebin) – 03.33.85 running on OLED55A23LA How to update an LG TV Press the Settings button on your remote. Navigate to and select All Settings. Navigate and select General. Navigate to and select About this TV. Navigate to and select Download and install. Once the download is complete, power OFF for 10 seconds, then power ON to install the update.

FACEBOOK users are warned about infostealer pages that can infiltrate their devices. Social media is a breeding ground for malicious activity, and cybercriminals are constantly looking for new ways to exploit unsuspecting users. AlamyFacebook users are warned about infostealer pages that can infiltrate their devices[/caption] Recently, a research report by cybersecurity firm Bitdefender uncovered a large-scale scam targeting fans of artificial intelligence (AI) art generation. The scheme involved a fake Facebook page masquerading as Midjourney, a popular AI art tool. To date, this impostor page has garnered over a million Facebook followers. Bitdefender believes that the hackers first found a popular page, then took it over and renamed it Midjourney. Even though the page promoted AI art software, clicking the download link didn’t grant access to the supposed tool. Instead, it delivered a malicious payload, or malware designed to steal sensitive data. THE REPORT Bitdefender’s report details how this malware likely functioned as an infostealer program. Infostealers are designed to gather personal information from infected devices. This stolen data could include login credentials for online accounts, financial information, and even private messages. Once collected, the data could be sold on the dark web or used directly for identity theft or financial fraud. Midjourney is not the only AI tool hackers exploited – Sora AI, DALL-E 3, Evoto, and ChatGPT 5 are also targeted. HOW TO STAY SAFE Below we share some expert-recommended tips on how to protect yourself from such scams. Never click on download links from unverified sources, even on social media pages with a large following. If you’re interested in a particular software, always visit the official developer’s website to download it. How to delete Facebook – easy steps to QUITTING for good Here’s how to quit right now… Temporarily deactivating your account is easy – and you can log back in at any time to undo it: Follow this link Choose “Manage your account” and then scroll down to click “Deactivate your account” Facebook has a special page for permanent account deletion, which you can find below: Click here for the deletion page It’s worth noting that you can also download a copy of your information from Facebook as a backup: Click the down arrow at the top right of any Facebook page and select Settings Click “Download a copy of your Facebook data” at the bottom of the General Account Settings Click Start My Archive Double-check page authenticity because social media platforms are filled with impostor accounts. As such, before engaging with a page claiming to represent a particular brand or service, verify its legitimacy. You can look for verification badges or compare the page name and URL with the official source. It’s also important to keep in mind that if an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be skeptical of software promising exceptional features, especially if it’s heavily promoted on unofficial channels. Having a robust security suite installed on your devices can help detect and block malware before it infects your system. Consider solutions that offer real-time protection and URL filtering.

BREAKING a simple rule could put you at significantly higher risk of being hacked. Millions of smartphone owners must make sure they’re not falling foul of the “rule of 16”, security experts say. AppleiCloud Keychain on your iPhone is one way to solve this problem[/caption] It refers to the length of your passwords in characters. Cyber-experts at Keeper Security have warned that passwords under that length are more easily “cracked”. That’s when crooks use software designed to guess your passwords through pure computing brute-force. “Creating passwords that are considered strong is difficult to do on your own,” explained Keeper Security’s Aranza Trevino. “Strong passwords have to be at least 16 characters and contain uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. “However, these strong passwords are difficult for people to remember, so most people choose to create passwords that are weak but easy to remember. “Using weak passwords for accounts is dangerous because it increases the likelihood of an unauthorized user being able to guess or crack that password successfully.” SAVE YOURSELF One simple solution is to use a password manager. These let you store (and often even suggest) very strong passwords so that you don’t have to remember them. This also resolves the issue of re-using passwords. Often people re-use their complicated passwords because they don’t want to (or can’t) remember multiple. But when one password is stolen, it can allow hackers to break into multiple accounts. With a password manager, it’s easy to ensure that every account you have has a long and unique password. Phone scam statistics Americans are bombarded with three billion spam phone calls a month. What are the figures regarding the number of victims and the amount of money lost to fraudsters In 2022, Americans lost some $39.5 billion to phone scams, with 68.4 million US citizens affected, according to TechReport. The average phone scam victim lost $567.41 each in 2021, a major rise on the 2021 figure of $182 per victim, according to Hiya. The majority of scams happen over the phone, with fraudsters twice as likely to call compared to text in 2021, as reports the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). In 2021, the US saw a 56% increase in spam phone calls with 60% of those being robocalls. US residents experienced an average of 18 spam phone calls per month, although some experts believe the true figure may be as high as 31 per month. Many phone calls from reputable businesses may be marked wrongly as spam, but 38% of companies have no idea whether they’re being marked as “potential fraud” or not, according to Hiya. Never hand over any personal or financial information if you suspect a phone call is a scam. For instance, your bank will never ask you for such details in full over the phone.  To cut down on spam phone calls and scams, sign up for the Do Not Call Registry. Telemarketers, by law, will need to check that list before they call you up. Downloading third-party apps such as Hiya, Nomorobo, or Truecaller can help filter out annoying spam calls. Try not to share your phone number unless you have to, especially online or with sketchy sources. PASS GO? There are plenty of options for password managers. But sometimes the easiest way is to use the built-in systems on your devices. For instance, iPhone owners can access to iCloud Keychain through iOS. This suggests strong passwords and lets you store them in the cloud – reminding you of them when it’s time to log in. Google offers a similar system through its Chrome web browser, which is perfect for Android and PC users.