Plenary Leader at the 13th Annual Florida Prosperity Partnership Conference

 

Speaking at the 13th Annual FPP Conference
 

 

By Ken Harris

 

Before the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic that paralyzed the economy, I knew I was on to something after diligent research. 

 

I realized I was the first American puppeteer attempting to spread cyber security awareness and scam prevention on a web series through my YouTube channel. I was taking this lifelong passion of puppetry and combining it with content I care so deeply about as a volunteer AARP Digital Fraud Fighter. 

My efforts culminated in securing virtual gigs domestically and internationally. Before I knew it, I had a weekly 22-minute program on the new Spondulics TV under the umbrella of the nonprofit Florida Prosperity Partnership organization based out of Sanford, Florida. What makes FPP and its broadcast network unique is its commitment to introducing a broad range of shows aimed at elevating financial literacy and multiple ways one can save and maintain finances in a responsible way. 

 

Then I was asked by CEO Bill Mills to participate as a plenary speaker at the June 13^thAnnual FPP 2-day training conference at the Omni Orlando Resort at Champions Gate; the site of the F5 Financial Focus FilmFest. 

 

Along with 16 other chosen speakers across the country, I was flown to Orlando to meet and greet with experts, practitioners, bankers, and even talented musicians who all contributed in some way to this unforgettable experience. It was so mind blowing, I nearly forgot my short comedy film, “That Gone Darn Scam” was nominated as an official selection for the film festival at the same event. 

 

With session moderator Pamala McCoy, the CEO of BONA5D Credit Consultants assigned to my live block, I used puppets to conveyed ways how con artists can cheat consumers multiple ways. This performance was designed to help practitioners be aware and vigilant against identity theft, investment fraud, and other common scams.  

 

The reception of my 45-minute slot was well received and my short film at the festival was equally admired when it garnered enough sufficient in-person and virtual votes by spectators to win the audience choice award. 

Apparently, a unique film featuring puppets shining a light on the grandparent scam won favor. My film was only one of eleven films selected among 3,000 submissions as an official selection for the F5 Financial Focus FilmFest. Spondulics TV has video of the event in their archives and the footage can be accessible at https://spondulics.org/watch?v=146

 

Also, my presentation, “Safe and Secure with Ken and Friends? can access anytime at https://spondulics.org/watch?v=141

 

This was a wonderful experience; especially considering this was my first time venturing to the state of Florida. My hunch as using puppetry as a tool to educate on the topic of fraud was right on. 

Now I am in the midst of converting my award-winning filming into a touring play here across Western Massachusetts. If I could help making a difference in my community with a lifelong passion, why not? It’s better late than never. 

 

Check out my new website at https://swpupp.wixsite.com/safe

 

 

 

 

That Darn Gone Scam!

 

I am thrilled to make available my comedy short film, "That Gone Darn Scam" available for FREE on FilmFreeway from February 26 to March 1st at https://filmfreeway.com/ThatDarnGoneScam?fbclid=IwAR0IlWf2DEJ1OMtEKWsUt4IMfHnOMAVV_ev5eL4rjta6KxQOmavkE3C-0P8

This comedy highlights the "grandparent scam". I hope viewers find it just as entertaining as it is educational!

According to Sam Kunjukunju of the American Banker's Association, 10,000 baby boomers in the country turn 65 years old everyday. They are vulnerable targets for scams. Exploited seniors endure physical ramifications as well as emotional scars. 

Many of us know or can relate to a senior. This is why it's important for us to stay informed and be vigilant. 

Feel free to share this short movie with family and friends! I am sure they will enjoy it!

If you enjoy the film, be sure to check out my weekly show Cyber Brats on Spondulics TV. It runs weekdays from 9:30am to 10am and every 6 hours with new episodes every Friday! 

Here is the information for Spondulics TV, a new platform with movies, shows, and programs aimed at elevating financial capability for all.

Eastern Time Zone. Programs repeat every 6 hours (7am, 1pm, 7pm at https://spondulics.org/talent FYI on app downloads: Roku 171 FireTV 9 AppleTV 6 iOS Mobile 24 Android Mobile 6 AndroidTV 6

As the first America Puppeteer to spread cyber security awareness and scam prevention through a web series, I am proud of my association as a volunteer AARP digital fraud fighter to help others in a creative way.

Thank you!

Stay Safe and Stay Secure!

Targeted Attacks

 

What is Behind Online Targets Attacks?

 

Most recently a cyber attacker compromised a friend’s Facebook account and sent a series of odd messages enticing his followers. This can happen to anybody. Hackers can be individuals or groups who target a person or organization. Sophisticated attacks can even be orchestrated by a foreign government with a specific agenda such as political, military, or economic gain. 

 

A lot of planning goes into this. Cyber crooks start by studying websites and social media accounts. They harvest key information, such as backgrounds, structures, acquaintances, and where the prospective target is located.

 

If a business or consumers phone list is accessible online, they can identify victims and their roles, including levels of management. They are keen on extracting social media profiles and data that has been publicly shared. 

 

Afterwards, scammers identify the specific individuals to target. Like a scholar researcher, a hacker will gather all the information they can snare and it’s not limited to social media. Messages on public forums, pictures you shared, interests, and hobbies shared by family and friends can make you vulnerable. 

 

A spear phishing attack is one of the popular methods used. Attackers customizes a specific phishing email for a certain target. Since they have familiarized themselves with a target in mind, they can generate an email that may appear very convincing. This message includes an urgent request to have sensitive documents, such as personnel records, sent over. When you respond, you assume you are communicating with a person you know. This is how a scammer can use this trick in having you email sensitive data. 

 

Accepting virus infected attachments from a shady sender compromised personal and financial accounts. These malicious attacks request receivers to enable macros or introduces a link to click on. After you comply with this, you are taken to a website that hacks your operating system. After the cyber attacker gains access to your computer, all the information on it is compromised and your device can be used as a launching point to cripple other systems in your network. 

 

Antivirus software and other technological safeguards alone cannot quell targeted attacks. What you can do is limit the information you publicly share. This will make it challenging for 

thieves to research and target you. 

 

Here are some other signs of a targeted attack.

 

1.  Phone calls or messages with a sense of urgency.
2.  Someone pleading with you to bypass or ignore work related procedures. 
3. The “from address” in their email is work related; but the “reply-to-address” is someone’s personal email attachment. 

 

Be mindful of email attachments, most certainly the ones that ask you to enable macros. You should open attachments that you expect from trusted senders. Here are some things to look for in these cases. 

1. The tone or content don’t seem right.
2. Misspellings with the signature.
3. Odd language.
4. Calling you by a name you never go by. 

 

Phishing attacks can be avoided. You can learn more about this scam from an episode of my show, “Cyber Brats” on Spondulics TV at https://spondulics.org/watch?v=17

You can also check out my website at https://shadowworldpresent.wixsite.com/safe

Until next time, stay sage and stay secure!

Weak Passwords

 

                                                  (A scammer puppet made from scratch)

"Weak Passwords" by Ken Harris

 

How often do you think of the significance of passwords to your personal and business accounts? Are you complacent in properly managing safeguards to crucial networks that matter to you? If none of these thoughts have no weight in your daily life, perhaps you should reconsider. 

 

It’s actually no different than the importance of ensuring our homes are properly secured when away. A weak password is like an open door to a willing cyber thief. 

 

Here are some basics to keep in mind about passwords. 

 

• Create a strong password by making it long. Every character makes it strong.
• Ensure your chosen password is difficult to guess. 
• Avoid using birthdate, pet names, or anything that you shared on social media. 

 

You might consider using a paraphrase as it is one of the simplest ways to create a strong password. This is made up of many words such as, “I need to go to the bank”, or use of random words like, “cloud-mountain-thunder-journey”. Just select one that is easy for your to remember. 

 

When creating a password, you might be prompted to include an assortment of symbols, numbers, or upper and lowercase numbers. 

 

Whatever you do, always use a different, unique password for each account. In event your account is compromised by a hacker, you will have some peace of mind knowing your other accounts are still secured. 

 

If remember many passwords poses trouble, you should consider utilizing a password manager. This is a special program that securely stores all of your passwords. You only need to remember the actual password manager. 

 

Your password is a secret and it should stay a secret. Don’t share it with coworkers or your supervisor. If anyone knows, it is no longer a secret and so much for your peace of mind. 

 

I would not use public computers to log onto online accounts such as checking email at hotels or libraries. Since anyone can access these computers, they may be infected with malware. It’s best to log into accounts from computers or mobile devices that can be trusted. 

 

Some websites use security questions for your accounts. You offer answers to personal questions in case you forget your password and need to reset it. Here’s the problem with that. Some of these questions or answers can be found online or on your social media accounts. Only use information that is not publicly known about you, or simply make up answers to questions. 

 

Some accounts offer two-step verification also called two factor authentication or multi-factor authentication. This requires a one-time code in addition to your password to log in. A unique code is generated in a special app on your smartphone that is used with your password to log-in. 

 

Whenever possible, enable two-step verification so that your accounts are protected by more than just a password by itself. Weak or compromised passwords are one of the most common ways cyber attackers break into organizations or online accounts.

 

If you believe you accidentally shared a work-related password or believe it may have been hacked or stolen, be sure to change it right away. Afterwards, notify your technical support team asap. 

 

I use family friendly puppetry to spread cyber security awareness and scam prevention. 

See how I use puppets to spread tips at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ5JPhBrP4OpCKeY4hbm5Dg?view_as=subscriber

Check out my website at https://shadowworldpresent.wixsite.com/safe for more information! 

Stay safe and stay secure!

Ken Harris

Puppeteer/Filmmaker

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ways Fraudsters Can Fool You

Ways Fraudsters Can Fool You

Thank you for visiting my blog! Here I strive to empower you with cyber security awareness and DIY puppet activities. If you find this content helpful, please sign up for my FREE monthly safety newsletter at https://shadowworldpresent.wixsite.com/safe.

A segment of my web series "Cyber Brats" was recently shown at the StringsNThings virtual puppet festival from San Pedro, CA in July! Be sure to check it out above!


2019 was a profitable year for fraudsters. Nationwide, they targeted their deceptive tactics at slightly over 16 million consumers. Based on the statistics from the Federal Trade Commission, identity theft alone saw a lost of 17 billion dollars.

This year, with the avalanche of the COVID-19 paralyzing our economic system, con artists has already taken advantage of cooking up new types to take advantage of the uncertainty.  Stories relating to unproven treatments, medicines, fake contact tracing agencies, and so many more hideous acts has sprung up around the country.

Next year, when the tallies for this year is compiled by the FTC, Better Business Bureau, and AARP, I'm sure the figures from last year will show an increase.

Vigilance is the key to decreasing our vulnerabilities to fraud and I found what better way than to share 13 common scams listed by AARP. By comprehending the basics safeguards in protecting out our finances, we can adapt to making better decision in the course of our daily lives.

At the bottom preceding this content I will also include links to resources that can either help you with a concern or provide additional information regarding online safety.

Identity Theft

Why does identity theft occur? Have you ever given that much thought why computer criminals do this? Here our 2 primarily reasons. 

• To falsely apply for a credit card
• To use someone's profile to get government benefits. 

How is this done?

• An example of phishing takes form when you are asked to clear a bank account problem by verifying it with a social security number, bank routing number, or birth date. 
• Gather information by dumpster diving. This can also be taken from inside the office or social media websites.
• Fake job listings can also trick you into voluntarily sharing sensitive information on a job application. Fraudsters harvest this data and will use or market the contents on the dark web for profit. 

Investment Fraud

Gold Coin Scam 

Scammers will use the struggling economy to pitch this false narrative. You are urged to invest in gold and silver coins because they will eventually spike up in value. These so called precious metals are sold at a 300 to 500% mark up which means you will lose rather than reap the benefits. 

Free Lunch

The goal is to convince you to show up at a seminar and invest in a great investment right away. You are not given the option to thing it through and if you don't commit, you will miss out on the opportunity. The truth is they want your hard earned money and they are gone like the wind. 

Oil and Gas Scams

The ploy is to convince you that a company is using a new technology to drill for oil in an area not frequented prior. Never will they inform that legitimate energy investments carry risks. Also don't expect them to indicate they are a registered broker or registered with the state. 

Additional Scams You Should Know About

Fake Checks

Out of the woodwork you get this call informing you that you won a big prize! But there is a handling fee! They expect you to pay it because they are sending you a cashier check that will cover the processing fee. Ultimately, this check does not clear you are stranded without your prize after paying the fee. Talk about bummer. 

Tech Support

A phone call or pop up on your computer screen tells you your system is infected with a virus. These con artists want you to contact them and give them remote access to your device. What they really want to do is install a real virus and charge you to remove it. Afterwards, they might compel you to buy a useless computer maintenance program. 

Disaster-Related Charity Fraud

This is a prime example of scammers chasing headlines to line their pockets. They do this at the expense of victims who are really in need of help. Beware of phone websites, suspicious calls, and questionable emails. 

Sweetheart Scams

Dating websites is a beehive for con artists seeking to build an emotional connection to victims. Once this is done, he or she asks for money. These internet criminals have no intentions on ever meeting their victims and will resort to communicating via instant messaging and plain old emails.

Timeshare Properties

If you are looking to cash in on your timeshare company there just happens to be a company claiming to have a specific buyer interested. Just pay an upfront fee to proceed. After you do this, this contact person disappears and you are left scratching your head after signing all that paperwork that looked alright to you. 

The Grandparent Scam

What grandparent can refuse a grandchild in some sort of legal trouble. This false narrative comes by way of phone call in the middle of the night from thugs purporting to be a relative in trouble. Victimized grandparents have lost thousands of dollars to the type of scams.  (Just call the parents or the police department in question to confirm the story first!)

Foreign Lottery Scam

It's impossible to win. They are illegal here in the United States. Of course their agenda is to have you pay "taxes" or  a "processing fee" claim your earnings. Please don't wire anything. You didn't win the lottery. 

General Tips

• Protect your Social Security Number and Personal Information
• Monitor Your bills and financial statements
• Check your Credit Reports
• Safeguard Personal Identification Numbers (PINs and Passwords)

Online Communication

Did you know your can report or forward suspicious emails to the Federal Trade Commission at spam@uce.gov? 

U.S Mail

Protect your incoming mail. You can stop pre-approved credit cards by calling 1-888-OPT-OUT or visiting https://www.optoutprescreen.com

You can also cut down on junk mail at https://www.dmachoice.org

Do Not Call Registry 1-888-382-1222 or https://www.donotcall.gov

Verify charities at https://www.give.org or at https://charitynavigator.org

Thank you again for visiting my blog! Here I strive to empower you with cyber security awareness and DIY puppet activities. If you find this content helpful, please sign up for my FREE monthly safety newsletter at https://shadowworldpresent.wixsite.com/safe.

Stay Safe and Stay Secure!

Ken Harris

Cyber Brats Title Card

Email and Phishing Scams

Thank you for visiting my blog! Here I strive to empower you with cyber security awareness and DIY puppet activities. If you find this content helpful, please sign up for my FREE monthly safety newsletter at https://shadowworldpresent.wixsite.com/safe.

I just released a funny adult puppet video about a prize scam! Be sure to check it out below!

Email and Phishing Scams

Last year in the U.S alone, an estimated 16 million victims lost 17 billion dollars to identity theft. That’s just one type of scam. 

I’m sure if AARP, the Better Business Bureau, and other organizations intended to protect the financials security of Americans, combined all their figures from reported swindles, the final tally would be mind-blowing. 

Now with the COVID-19 pandemic creating fear and uncertainty everywhere, con artists are conjuring up new ways to squander people’s finances and personal information. 

This gives them motivation to reach out with offers too good to be true and the impersonation of government agencies to steal personal information. 

Email and phishing cons are just some of the tactics these criminals apply. Cyber attackers send thousands, if not millions of emails daily. They are not sure who get these messages; but their objective is to trick a victim into some call of action. It includes the following.

•  Clicking on a link
• Opening an attachment
• Completing a form

A harmless action can get you tangled. 

Since scammers are attempting to “phish” as many victims as possible, their messages are usually directed to “Dear Customer” or other generic greeting. 

The bad guys creates a strong sense of urgency or curiosity to the receiver. They pretend be an official organization like a bank or may impersonate a local, state, or federal agency. 

Generally, these fake senders will have grammar or spelling mistakes in the content of these email messages. Another clue to look out for is if the email originated from a personal email account such as an @gmail.com address. Also, by looking at the top left, the “From Email Address” line may appear like it generated from an official organization. But the “Reply-To-Address” is someone’s personal email account. 

Here are some other clues that should raise red flags.

• Messages requesting highly sensitive information like credit card number or password.
• You receive a message from someone you know but the tone or message does not sound like him or her. 

It is easy for a scammer to create an email that appears to be from a friend or coworker. If the message includes a clickable link, you can hover your mouse cursor over it to reveal the link’s true destination. 

Make this a common practice to confirm if you being directed to a legitimate website. Even on many mobile devices, pressing to hold the link will also show the true destination. Instead of clicking on a link, you can type the website address directly into your browser. 

Why respond directly to a suspicious email claiming to be your bank when you can use the browser? 

I wouldn’t open any attachments I wasn’t expecting. The last thing I want is opening an infected attachment and subjecting my computer to malware. Not all antivirus can detect malware. 

Take care to not expose sensitive information when using email or messaging. Email features, such as auto complete, make it easy for you to mistakenly email the wrong person. 

Once you send an email out, you cannot retract it. Also, be careful with the “Email Reply-All Feature” thread as you may not want to respond to an entire group of people who received the same email. 

Learn more about scam prevention with my use of puppets at https://shadowworldpresent.wixsite.com/safe

My Youtube channel has many more videos on cyber security awareness and scams at 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ5JPhBrP4OpCKeY4hbm5Dg

PS If you haven't already check out AARP's  Scam Tracking map at https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/tracking-map/ to checking on existing scams in your area. Vigilance is key!

Scams Amidst Covid-19 Fears

Welcome! Thank you for checking out my blog where I strive to share the latest news and events pertaining to scams to keep you safe and secure.

With my passion for using puppets to depict situations, along with my articles, it is my hope you find this content informative and helpful.

Please subscribe to my email list at https://shadowworldpresent.wixsite.com/safe to get the latest news and events from my free digital monthly newsletter in a fun way!

The Covid-19 Fears exposes a new low for Scammers

Scam artists has the practice of observing worldly events; studying trends in order to prosper in a specific market. 

This is common during the Christmas season when they target the elderly with a grandparent scam in where they pose as a grandchild in need of financial help as a result of an arrest, hospitalization, or vehicle accident. 

Now, with the spread of coronavirus fears on an alarming level, these fraudulent predators are manipulating an assortment of mediums to reap monetary gains in the latest schemes to date. 

Let's take a closer look at these deceitful methods.

Social Media

Currently, there is no medically proven preventative treatment or cure for Covid-19. Yet, advertisements for these “miracle products” are appearing on social platforms at a time when many people are home from work and practicing social distancing. 

Also, a rumor is circulating that government scientists found a vaccine but is keeping it hush-hush for security purposes. That is untrue. Complete rubbish and unfounded. 

Fake Websites

Computer criminals are reaching out to victims with offerings of essential supplies such as masks, gloves, and cleaning products for the protection. 

There is a lack of these supplies in local stores due to the profound paranoia that is compelling people to stock pile these items. 

In reality, not only does this creates a challenge for medical professionals 

who don’t have enough of these essentials; but also, this increases one’s vulnerability for internet thieves overseeing deceptive businesses. 

Increasingly, victims are buying these products; but they don’t receive them in the mail. In addition, those who do get them learn the items are of low quality and not as advertised. 

Communications

Con artists goes at great length to disguise their motives via text message, phone call, and email. 

As I previously pointed out, sometimes they target specific victims whom have a need for a service or item. 

Through relentless persuasive tactics, they capitalize on existing consumer fears, hatred, sadness, hope, aspirations, and other preferences. 

Recently, such methods were used in impersonating government agencies such as the World Health Organization and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention to con unsuspecting recipients into opening attachments and downloading malicious software. 

Instead of sharing promised news regarding Covid-19, the real motive is to ultimately steal personal or financial information.

It is easy to see why senior citizens are preferred targets. Genuinely, they are trusting and can easily be tempted to fall for fraudulent activities. The FBI explains this on there website at https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety/common-scams-and-crimes/seniors

When this happen, there could be a delay in the reporting of this to local authorities, the Better Business Bureau, and AARP, the leading advocacy group for seniors. Reasons such as shame and embarrassment could disguise instances of deception unless a caretaker or relative happen to stumble upon it.

The Better Business Bureau actually has loads of existing allegations about schemes in your neck of the woods. Find out about the cons in your local area at https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker

Another reason includes the affected senior opting not to discuss the incident to anyone for fear of losing his or her financial independence as a result of declining cognitive ability. 

Anyone can be a victim to fraud regardless of age. All would have to work long and hard to clear up the mess with financial institutions to prevent future exploitation. 

In this day and age of hideous fraud investment opportunities, counterfeit essentials, and other massive deceptions, we are all in this together to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and to spread cyber security awareness. 

Please sign up for my free monthly cybersecurity awareness newsletter monthly depicting real life scams with puppets and the latest news and events at https://shadowworldpresent.wixsite.com/safe

Also, check out my current educational videos on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ5JPhBrP4OpCKeY4hbm5Dg?view_as=subscriber

By subscribing and sharing, you will be helping me to get the word out about scams.

Thank you my friends!

Until next time, stay safe and stay secure.

Ken Harris

Puppeteer/Writer