My Youtube web series, "Cyber Brats" was selected for regular programming on a new streaming TV platform called "Spondulics".
This Fall, FREE weekly 30 minute episodes of my show about cyber security awareness will be accessible on this platform on their website, Instagram, twitter, and Facebook media pages.
In addition, it can be watched from apps such as Roku, Amazon Fire, Android, and others.
I am beyond thrilled to have another avenue in our vast digital world to help spread cyber security awareness and scam prevention tips in a unique and funny way.
This is my new official logo.
As you may already know, Cyber Brats, while it is family friendly, is geared towards consumers and businesses.
Cyber Brats takes place in a fictional radio station. It is hosted by Cyber Sly, a former con artist turned tech expert, and cohost Alex Midas, a former business man who lost everything to a scammer.
I added some new faces to this program. You will also see Chuck Green, the goofy station manager, and Will Shivers, the shy information officer.
Each week, the show will examine topics such as social engineering, malware, phishing, passwords, and other strategies used by scammers.
The ultimate goal is to convey how these scams work and share tips to keep you vigilant.
Once you learn how these tactics occur, you can implement this and share it with family, friends, and coworkers.
Knowledge and practice is the key to safeguarding financial security and as sophisticated schemes change over time, we can learn and pickup new online safety habits.
As an AARP Digital Fraud Fighter, I am happy to share what I know or learn on a regular basis. Thank you for your support in helping me do this. By you being a subscriber, I am in a position to exchange information on a broader scale.
Stay tuned for the 1st episode of Cyber Brats within a few weeks where I'll being using puppets in a fun and constructive way to spread scam prevention.
In the meantime, check out my video rehearsals for an episode below!
This is a useful tool to see what's been reported in your neck of the woods as well as reporting any issues and accessibility to the scam podcast Michelle Kosinski and renown expert Frank Abagnale!
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
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.
Thank you for visiting! As a Puppeteer, Journalist, and Blogger, I strive to spread cyber security awareness and scam prevention tips in a fun way. If you haven't already, please visit my website to sign up for my FREE e-newsletter at https://shadowworldpresent.wixsite.com/safe
Cyber attackers are coming up with new sophisticated ways every day to steal personal information and money from unsuspecting victims all over the world.
This is evident in their tactics of e-skimming. Have you ever heard of that?
Well, not too long ago, scammers planted a fraudulent device similar to the one in the picture above, at ATMS, gas pumps, and other terminals to gain access to sensitive data.
Overtime, more and more consumers became aware of these ploys and learned not to fall for them.
So, with the emergence of online banking, bad actors diverted their attacks to the bank institutions and retail corporations to harvest consumers account information.
They do this by infiltrating a company's server and contaminating the system with malware. Malware enables computer criminals to hijack personal information and the credit card and debit card numbers of consumers doing business with a company.
Usually online shoppers find out about the breach in one of two ways.
The company learns of the breach and informers customers.
Customers find out when seeing suspicious charges on financial statements.
Do you have an idea about what e-skimming is now?
Yeah, I know it sucks. You could utilize the best of safeguards and still fall victim to a fraudster.
But the Better Business Bureau recommends we implement these practices too be better aware of what's happening in our accounts.
Check banking statements regularly
Use Credit Card for Online purchases (in event of a hack, it will be easier and quicker to get reimbursement rather than from a debit card)
Ask banking institution about a virtual credit card (A reported questionable transaction can stop further use of your normal account which is tied to it).
Here is a video I created about online shopping safety.
My puppets shared an experience about ransomware in an episode of my web series, "Cyber Brats".
PS You can check out reported scams and law enforcement advisories from AARP website at https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/tracking-map/. With this tool and resource, you can report scams and stay informed!
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.
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.
It is simple to stage a shadow puppet show.
Do your kids enjoy arts and craft? Do they like to tell stories? Are they fascinated by the interactions of light and shadows?
This is easier thank you think. Of course it will requires some exploration, trial by error, and creativity (kids can surely help you with that compartment) with some supplies collecting dust in your attic, basement, or garage.
You will need these items.
Card Stock Paper
Scissors
Bamboo Skewers (to operate puppet)
Brass Fasteners (for puppets with movable limbs)
Electric Tape
Cardboard Box
Desk Lamp or other light source
wax paper or parchment paper for theatre screen
A Shadow Prop Blast Off!
Without relying on much technology, you can make simple shadow puppets to fit any story your kids can dream of. Literally, you can construct your own theatre out of a card board box of any size to bring silhouettes to life.
Before we proceed Astronaut Buddy Getto and his copilot Zatrix from outer space has transmitted a brief message from outer space about the history of shadow puppets.
Aside from a lack of solitude between Buddy and Matrix, shadow puppets can allow poetic evening shows and build lasting memories.
If you prefer not to use a box for a theatre, you can still cast shadows on walls with a bed lamp using different shapes and animals. Either way, imaginations will soar.
Preparations
Devote about 10 minutes to think about story theme and to look for shapes or figures online or in damaged children books.
You shouldn't go over 30 minutes in cutting out the puppets
It will take about 20 minutes to install theatre (If you wish to have one) and cut out a circle (size of a large tape) in the rear to connect light source (I used a desk lamp).
Activity
If you wish to put on a live show for family and friends with a theme geared for very young children, I would recommend the duration of it not to exceed past 10 or 15 minutes. Children have short attention spans and will want to participate!
The location of the performance should be indoors, preferably in a room that can easily be made dark.
Light
When I started off doing shadow puppetry a few years ago, it felt like I was involved in some interactive science test. A lot of time was spent I experimenting with different light and learning how it worked to produce the best effects.
Light travels fast! 186,000 miles per second, or 300,000 km per second if memory serves me right. When an object blocks the path of light, like a cut out paper figure, it creates a shadow.
When the puppet is move back away from the screen, it appears bigger. If is shifted forward, it becomes smaller.
Storytelling
You can choose an existing story or make up your own. Here are some suggestions to get the creative juices flowing.
Does the story involve people, animals, or both?
Who are the good guys and the bad guys?
Is the tale happening long ago or nowadays?
Where does it take place? Forest? Savannah? City? Mountains?
Ensure the story is simple so that kids can tell it without a script.
Come up with a cool title for your story and names for your characters.
All Characters on Deck: Finding Images
Shadow Puppetry is a story told in shadows. You will need a silhouette for every character, prop, and set in your story. Identify the shapes you need.
1. To accommodate varied scenes and enough twists, use at least 3 characters. For example, one hero and two villains which can be animals or humans. Utilize 3 different backgrounds items such as a tree, house, castle, etc.
2. If you are having difficulty with finding figures, just go on the internet and type animal shape or whatever easy-to-cut-out character you can find.
3. Select images with simple silhouettes. Shapes with lots of small legs or pieces to cut out in the middle are difficult to make and product less distinct shadows.
4. Resize images before printing them. Ensure each element is right relative size to other elements (for example; a cat should not be bigger than a lion).
5. Cut out with scissors. Use a craft knife for delicate areas. Children will need assistance with more detailed objects.
Astronaut Buddy Getto
TIPS
You can hold printed shape over cardstock and cut the puppet out that way. If you opt to cut the arms and legs out separately, you well need a punch holder and brass fastener to reconnect the limbs.
An Alternative Theatre
If the card board box or wall is not to your liking, you can use a portable coat rack as a stage.
Wrap a white bed sheet tightly around the coat rack. Fix it to the frame with hair clips or clothes pins. Now, you can take your mobile theatre anywhere in the house. Don't forget a LED clamp for light source!
Sound Effects
If you want to put a spin to your imagination, you can add sound effects for your show. Sticks, drums, shaking water bottles, and other noises can bring a sense of awe from your audience.
Maybe you can do something like this.
Richard Bradshaw is the most well know shadow puppeteer. His videos actually inspired me and you may see some hints in this short video!
Thank you for visiting my blog! Here I strive to empower you with cyber security awareness and scam prevention. If you find this content helpful, please sign up for my FREE monthly safety newsletter at https://shadowworldpresent.wixsite.com/safe.
Coronavirus Treatment Scams
The Federal Trade Commission is not playing around. 120 companies in the U.S were issued warning letters to cease marketing products and services with claims of preventing, treating, and curing COVID-19.
From receipt of this order, these companies were given a deadline of no more than 48 hours to rectify their positions and to notify the FTC of these corrections.
Considering the high stakes on the lives of consumers this is a very serious thing.
Naturally people want life to return back to normal. When we hear on the news each day of researchers looking at potential avenues to prevent, treat and cure this disease, its seem like the public outcry for a quick resolution leads to a web of ill conceived assumptions.
This burning desire plays in the hands of fraudsters chasing headlines to make promises of a service or product in high demand. That's how they line their pockets and leaves victims hopeless and despair over the experience.
It reminds me of get rich quick schemes where the victim is eager to believe anything blurted out by a scammer to reap the huge benefits. Instead of cashing in, the unsuspecting target is drained of positive anticipation and left feeling disgusted and remorseful.
As of this writing, please understand there is no U.S authorize products or services available to prevent, treat, or cure COVID-19. If there was, you certainly wouldn't hear about if for the first time in an email or phone pitch.
The FTC believes that some of these Fraudsters in business receiving warnings will not go down quietly. It is suspected they will continue to market their age products and services under a new name or different website. That is why the FTC is exploring for these activities on social media and online marketplaces.
A self made puppet by Ken Harris. Scammers can mask their true ambitions.
FAKE COVID ANTIBODY TESTS
While we are on the subject of the US Food and Drug administration, beware of robocalls and features directing you to a website boasting of quick antibody tests.
Fraudsters want your money and personal information.
Victims who fell for this scam either received a phony worthless kit (results weren't accurate for those who's bodies had already fought off the virus) or didn't receive anything at all in the mail.
The best thing to do is talk to your doctor about an antibody test and learn if your insurance provider covers it. Both of those sources can refer you to a licensed clinic. Your local health department is also another sound way to get accurate information.
The Better Business Bureau should be your to go place for BBB Accreditation and reviews at https://www.bbb.org. In this world we should be researching diligently the people and companies we are considering to do business with.
Elderly Stimulus Checks
Alex Midas, former business owner who lost everything to a scam
Here is a heart breaker.
According to Lois Greisman, the FTC Elder Justice Coordinator, nursing homes and assisted living facilities in states across the U.S have attempted to snare stimulus payments from elderly residents.
Reportedly, great efforts were made in having these dependent occupants sign over their economic impact payments.
Unbelievable.
Yes, these individuals are on Medicaid and participants in a federal benefits program. But the CARESAct considers the impact payments a tax credit. Therefore, federal law prohibits the government from taking this money.
It cannot and must not happen. That explains why many state attorney general offices nationwide are looking into these matters with the Federal Trade Commission.
If you or someone you care about resides in a nursing home or assisted living facility with Medicaid, know and understand this. Legally this money cannot be taken and applied as a resource for whatever program you or your loved one are in. Check out Congressional Research Service at https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IN/IN11282?
If you suspected you been siphoned out of this the economic impact payment, contact your state Attorney General's Office and the Federal Trade Commission to get the money back!
More Scam Tracking Tools
I get excited overtime I learn about new scam tracking tools. The International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN) just unveiled a new online tool to sort and render customer's complaints about scams across the globe.
Here, anyone anywhere can learn about financial losses and reports submitted to this vast network. It consist of written allegations by foreign consumers against U.S. businesses along with allegations of fraud by U.S customers against foreign companies.
Online shopping, tech support scams, romance scams, advance fees/credit arrangers, and prizes/sweepstakes/lotteries topped the list of world wide scams in 2019.
If you have an issue with a business in the U.S, you can visit ftc.gov/complaint or if the business is overseas, you can file your report at econsumer.gov.
Technology is as good as we can make it. Let's use it to spread for learning and spreading cyber security awareness and scam prevention.
Thank you for visiting my blog! Here I strive to empower you with cyber security awareness and scam prevention. If you find this content helpful, please sign up for my FREE monthly safety newsletter at https://shadowworldpresent.wixsite.com/safe.
In the meantime, watch out for Scammers like Jester Jensen!
Thank you for visiting my blog! Here I strive to empower you with cyber security awareness and scam prevention. If you find this content helpful, please sign up for my FREE monthly safety newsletter at https://shadowworldpresent.wixsite.com/safe.
Last week, I was thrilled to become a volunteer Digital Fraud Fighter for AARP at aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork. I will be receiving recurring training and correspondence with fellow participants to spread the latest news and events to help keep you vigilant.
I encourage you to check it out AARP's scam tracking map at https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/tracking-map/. With this tool, you can check for active complaints around your neighborhood, community, and everywhere!
I wish to briefly refresh you about some of the hottest rip-offs going on during this Coronavirus pandemic. Don't get swindled!
Employment Cons
Reportedly, scammers are preying on those are looking for work. They utilize online search tools to review submitted resumes from either fake agencies or reputable networking sites. They may even act as a prospective employer by sending you an unsolicited email.
Regardless of their mode of operation there is a catch. In order to be guaranteed a job, there are heavy expenses incurred by this so called organization.
This is why they mail you a fraudulent check to cover training expenses. The amount will be more than what was intended. So, they will ask you to deposit the check into your banking account and wire them back the difference or send gift cards to satisfy the fees.
In reality, there is no offer for employment. If a check is involved, the bank will eventually discover it is no good and you will be left with the stiff tab.
Genuine employment do not come with a price tag. Recruiters are compensated by traditional businesses. Verify the reputations of those purporting to be an unheard company with your local Business Bureau and/or the Federal Trade Commission at https://ftc.gov/compliant
Census Scams
Imposters acting as census takers are showing up at doors, send an abundance of emails, and initiating unsolicited phone calls to unsuspecting victims.
They are asking for security card numbers to verify occupants of a home. They even go as far as to solicit donations for a cause.
This year, we have seen a spiked in these criminals demanding payment of fines from victims and making threats of arrest.
For now, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Official U.S Census Bureau has only suspended person to person visits. If someone comes to home claiming to work for the Census, it's not true.
Do not provide any details about yourself or anyone living there!
Election Scams
Be mindful of fake political ads posing as political action committees, pollsters, and campaign volunteers.
By purporting to be collecting fundraisers, they seek to get information about your banking card numbers. They are so desperate, they may even ask you to make a donation by gift card or wire transfer.
These type of attacks can materialize by phone, email, and even social media posts.
Steer away from donating to a candidate on the basis of an unsolicited pitch. Reach out directly to the campaigns you support. Do the best you can do keep personal information off social media that can influence a scammer to zero in on you.
Medicare Fraud
Have you ever received a phone call or email from a company offering free DNA swab tests for cancer, medical devices, or other services?
They want your Medicare number!
These criminals may even come directly to your house with a too-good-to-be-true sales pitch.
Only share your health conditions and Medicare information from trusted providers.
The desires of these criminals are either to bilk the system for money for items that you may not need or nondelivery of services or products at the expense of taxpayers and your time lost.
Phishing Scams
Computer criminals chase headlines. For example, in 2019, they shipped an estimated 3.5 billion packages.
As a result, fraudsters have taken up the roles of Amazon representatives in the form of emails.
They will contact you about a package intended for you that needs "confirmation" of your credit card number before it can reach you.
Millions of these unsolicited emails are sent. The content includes a link that places malware on your operating system to pry out sensitive information.
This is how fake tech support scams are often run. Some may even impact a virus into your computer and charge you for removal. They may also have you pay for a worthless computer maintenance program.
COVID-19 Scams
Since the outbreak, Americans have lost over 10 million dollars to theses type of scams. Once again, cyber attackers are following world wide trends along fear and uncertainty to line their pockets.
Naturally, people want to believe there is a cure or treatment for what is plaguing the world. Apparently, emails offering vaccines or access to critical medical equipment is transforming hopeful people into believers.
Such high urge for preferable outcomes has seen victims surrender credit card information for products that never arrives. The technique of phishing is a preferable practice in this fraud as scammers are unleashing links in the body of emails to install malware and steal passwords.
Always visit official state and federal government websites for updates! Don't rely on any unsolicited email claiming to have good news about treatment or cure for this diabolic disease.
Conclusion
With all that said lets be weary of the following.
If you are or suspect you have been victim of fraud, don't be afraid to contact someone you trust about it. Reach out to reputable agency like the Federal Trade Commission at https://ftc.gov/compliant, AARP Fraud Watch Network at AARP.org/fraudwatchnetwork, or your local Better Business Bureau.
Avoid Medical product claims. Research questionable companies through official government websites and nonprofit organizations.
Be weary of offers sounding too good to be true. Look for honest reviews online from safe websites you trust.
Be smart and aware. Consider using a password manager for your accounts. Change passwords often and never share with anyone. Enable two or three step verification when possible.
Funny video but educational as well! Ransomware: a subcategory hazard of malware!
Thank you again for visiting my blog!
Here I strive to empower you with cyber security awareness and scam prevention. If you find this content helpful, please sign up for my FREE monthly safety newsletter at https://shadowworldpresent.wixsite.com/safe.
