MakeUseOf - Scams https://www.makeuseof.com Learn to spot the latest scams and fraud so you can keep yourself and those you care about safe. Sun, 15 Oct 2023 20:00:32 GMT en-US hourly 60 <![CDATA[5 Red Flags to Identify a Phishing Website]]> When it comes to online security, there's a perpetual problem: phishing. Many people get phishing content through emails or social media platforms. However, you can also land directly on a phishing website. So what is a phishing site? How can you identify one?

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Sun, 15 Oct 2023 20:00:32 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/red-flags-phishing-website/
<![CDATA[9 Examples of Fraud and Phishing Emails to Watch Out For]]> Contrary to popular belief, spam emails are rarely complex. They use basic social engineering tactics, like phishing links, infected files, and fake landing pages. We’ve known about them for decades. But despite their simplicity, fraud emails still fall through the cracks because many neglect cybersecurity practices.

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Tue, 10 Oct 2023 13:31:31 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/5-examples-help-spot-fraud-fake-email/
<![CDATA[Are QR Codes Safe to Scan? What to Do if You Scanned a Fake One]]> QR codes have become an integral part of business operations in recent years. With QR codes becoming more popular, fraudsters have started manipulating them to scam people, which has led to an increase in QR code scams. Since you don't know what the QR code is for, and most QR codes have the same appearance, that leaves you more susceptible.

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Mon, 09 Oct 2023 13:00:32 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/qr-codes-safe-to-scan/
<![CDATA[How to Spot a Fake SSD and Avoid Data Loss]]> SSDs have become the standard storage solution for most modern computers. From low-end Windows devices to MacBooks, you'll find an SSD in just about every price range. However, with so many different SSDs flooding the market, there's also a rising problem of fake SSDs being in the mix.

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Sat, 07 Oct 2023 11:30:29 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/how-to-spot-a-fake-ssd/
<![CDATA[Is "Scam Likely" Calling You? Here's How to Block Them]]> While you're probably used to your phone's caller ID letting you know who's calling, you may instead see a "scam likely" message in its place at times. Who is "scam likely," why are you seeing this, and how can you block these "scam likely" calls?

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Fri, 06 Oct 2023 17:00:34 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-block-scam-likely-calls/
<![CDATA[Are Tickets Bought on Vivid Seats Legit?]]> Event tickets are getting more and more expensive over time. To see a major artist nowadays, you're looking at a three-figure price, with some fans even paying thousands to see their favorite performers. What's more, the high demand for certain events also makes it incredibly difficult to bag a ticket, even if you've set time aside for the release.

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Sun, 24 Sep 2023 15:00:28 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/are-tickets-bought-on-vivid-seats-legit/
<![CDATA[Don’t Be Fooled! 5 Tips to Avoid Fake Apps in the Windows Store]]> Microsoft's official Windows store is full of helpful apps, both official and third-party. It also falls victim to what many other app stores do, and that is a glut of fake apps and malicious products.

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Thu, 21 Sep 2023 16:15:27 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/dont-fooled-5-tips-avoid-fake-apps-windows-store/
<![CDATA[Is Venmo Safe to Use or Is Your Money at Risk?]]> With over 80 million users, Venmo is a top-tier peer-to-peer money transfer app. Even after a decade, it distinguishes itself by adding social elements into transactions. On Android and iOS, users can view, like, and comment on friends' transactions—it's like virtually paying for a coffee or movie ticket.

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Mon, 18 Sep 2023 13:30:25 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/is-venmo-safe-to-use-or-is-your-money-at-risk/
<![CDATA[Don’t Let the Elon Musk “Freedom Giveaway” Crypto Scam Swindle You]]> Have you been added to a random Twitter list named "Deal of the Year" or similar? Is there an image at the top of the list showing Elon Musk's tweet stating that he has randomly chosen some new followers and is giving them an opportunity to participate in the biggest giveaway? This is a fake tweet that forms the basis of a scam.

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Sat, 16 Sep 2023 16:31:24 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/elon-musk-freedom-giveaway-crypto-scam/
<![CDATA[6 Scams on Temu You Should Be Aware Of ]]> In 2023, a new low-cost online store hit headlines and drew in millions of customers worldwide. Temu, a Chinese online marketplace, offers users just about everything, from clothing, to pet accessories, to homeware. But this site has received its fair share of criticism, and there are many scams circulating that are luring customers every day.

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Thu, 14 Sep 2023 18:00:26 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/temu-scams-to-be-aware-of/
<![CDATA[The 5 Biggest Crypto Rug Pulls of All Time]]> There's a dark side of crypto you need to be aware of. One of the most alarming developments is a "rug pull." It might sound unusual, but it's a term used to describe a scam that causes immense pain and disappointment for unsuspecting investors.

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Mon, 11 Sep 2023 18:16:25 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/the-biggest-crypto-rug-pulls-of-all-time/
<![CDATA[Why You Shouldn't Trust Giveaway Contests on Social Media]]> Social media giveaways are great ways for companies to generate excitement about their brand. Unfortunately, they’re also excellent ways for scammers to exploit unsuspecting users.

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Mon, 11 Sep 2023 17:00:25 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/dont-trust-giveaway-contests-social-media/
<![CDATA[What Is the Geek Squad Email Scam? How to Avoid It]]> If you've received an email claiming to be from Geek Squad informing you of a transaction made on your account, but you don't recall buying anything, this is likely part of the Geek Squad email scam. You might have heard about it already from friends or colleagues, but what exactly is the Geek Squad email scam?

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Sat, 09 Sep 2023 15:45:26 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/geek-squad-email-scam/
<![CDATA[How to Spot a Fake Guru Online]]> When looking for advice and motivation, many of us will head online to see what popular figures and professionals say. This trend in which we look to online gurus for guidance has led to a wave of scammers looking to capitalize on people's trust.

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Fri, 08 Sep 2023 19:00:25 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/how-to-spot-fake-guru-online/
<![CDATA[What Is the McAfee Virus Pop-Up Scam? How to Get Rid of It]]> Has a McAfee pop-up randomly appeared on your screen informing you that your subscription has expired and your system is at risk of virus attacks? If you use McAfee antivirus or other related tools from the company, your subscription may have genuinely expired. However, if you don't use any McAfee tools and received this pop-up out of the blue, it's probably a scam.

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Thu, 07 Sep 2023 13:00:25 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/mcafee-virus-pop-up-scam/
<![CDATA[Is the "Facebook Protect" Email From "Security@facebookmail.com" Legitimate?]]> Have you received an email supposedly coming from Facebook saying that your account requires advanced security from Facebook Protect? The email will likely create an urgency to enable Facebook Protect shortly; otherwise, your account will be locked out, which is why it seems suspicious.

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Wed, 06 Sep 2023 15:00:26 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/email-from-securityfacebookmailcom/
<![CDATA[How to Determine if a Business Is Legitimate]]> Whether you plan to buy a product from a company, invest in its products, or use its services, determining whether it is legitimate is imperative. A thorough authenticity check can help you identify red flags early on, thus preventing financial and business losses.

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Sat, 02 Sep 2023 19:30:25 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/how-to-determine-if-business-legitimate/
<![CDATA[What Is a Quid Pro Quo Attack? How Can You Protect Yourself?]]> Out of the blue, you receive an ominous message. The unknown sender claims you owe money or that a loved one is in trouble. Unless you pay up or provide personal details, they threaten consequences.

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Sun, 27 Aug 2023 21:00:27 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/what-is-quid-pro-quo-attack-how-to-protect-yourself/
<![CDATA[What Is Atlas Earth and Is It a Scam?]]> If you've seen ads for Atlas Earth lately, you might be wondering what it is and how it works. After all, Atlas Earth advertises itself as an app that allows you to buy virtual real estate and make real money.

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Sun, 27 Aug 2023 20:46:26 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/what-is-atlas-earth-is-it-a-scam/
<![CDATA[5 Reasons GameFi Will Never Take Off or Attract Real Gamers]]> Crypto and gaming both form huge parts of the tech industry, and combining the two has given way to GameFi. GameFi has some exciting attributes, but there are several reasons why it doesn't have much potential among gamers.

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Sat, 26 Aug 2023 10:15:25 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/reasons-gamefi-will-never-take-off-or-attract-real-gamers/
<![CDATA[What Is a DNS Sinkhole?]]> From data breaches to ransomware attacks, malicious actors exploit vulnerabilities in networks, aiming to compromise sensitive information and disrupt operations. In the world of technology, where everything is connected through networks, we need strong ways to protect our digital spaces from bad actors. One such potent technique in the arsenal of cybersecurity strategies is the DNS sinkhole.

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Fri, 25 Aug 2023 13:00:25 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/what-is-dns-sinkhole/
<![CDATA[Here's Why You Shouldn't Trust Emails From Duolingo]]> Emails from the Duolingo owl are usually an annoyance at worst. But cybercriminals now have their hands on your email address and Duolingo data, so can send you highly targeted emails to lure you into phishing traps.

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Thu, 24 Aug 2023 12:01:16 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/dont-trust-emails-from-duolingo/
<![CDATA[Why Celebrities Are Getting Sued for Promoting Their Bored Ape NFTs]]> During the early 2022 NFT craze, some odd things happened. People paid hundreds of thousands of dollars for unique images, and celebrities appeared on late-night talk shows to promote them. It was a strange time.

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Fri, 18 Aug 2023 19:05:24 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/bored-ape-yacht-club-celebrities-sued-promoting-nfts/
<![CDATA[What Is Blagging in Cybersecurity?]]> Blagging may sound like some complicated hacking technique, but it's much simpler than that. But while not as "high-tech" as other cyber crimes, blagging can still do serious damage if companies aren't prepared.

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Thu, 17 Aug 2023 15:00:28 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/what-is-blagging-in-cybersecurity/
<![CDATA[Think Twice Before Unsubscribing From Spam Emails: It Could Be a Scam]]> Spam emails are a nuisance at best and a cybersecurity risk at worst. As such, it’s tempting to unsubscribe whenever you see the option, but you should think twice before doing so. Opening that link could seem harmless, but it can make you even more of a target. In many cases, there are better, safer ways to deal with spam than clicking “unsubscribe.”

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Thu, 17 Aug 2023 13:01:25 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/unsubscribing-from-spam-emails-scam/
<![CDATA[If You Have These 6 Personality Traits, You're More Vulnerable to Phishing Scams]]> A huge number of people fall victim to phishing scams every year. Phishing is a social engineering tactic by which scammers typically contact people via email, SMS, os social media, purporting to be from a reputable institution in an effort to get sensitive data or money from the victim.

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Wed, 16 Aug 2023 16:00:23 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/personality-traits-vulnerable-phishing-scams/
<![CDATA[What Is a Blank Image Phishing Scam?]]> Phishing is a social engineering tactic that aims to get your private information. And cybercriminals continually develop new phishing attacks to catch more users off-guard. One such method is the blank image phishing scam. Here’s how to identify and protect yourself against it.

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Mon, 14 Aug 2023 20:30:23 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/blank-image-phishing-scam/
<![CDATA[10 Common eBay Scams and What You Can Do About Them]]> eBay is a legitimate shopping resource, and most people have good experiences while using the site. However, there are many eBay scams that you need to watch out for to protect yourself.

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Sun, 13 Aug 2023 13:45:43 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/5-ebay-scams-to-be-aware-of/
<![CDATA[The Nigerian Prince Scam Has Evolved: How to Spot This Phishing Email]]> Just when you thought it was safe to open your inbox, the notorious Nigerian prince email scam is back with a new twist. For decades, we've been warned not to respond to messages promising riches from a mysterious foreign prince, typically claiming to be from Nigeria. But scammers are endlessly inventive when it comes to trying to fleece people of their money.

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Sat, 12 Aug 2023 13:11:41 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/nigerian-prince-scam-evolved-phishing-email/
<![CDATA[The Top 5 Cryptos Used By Cybercriminals on the Dark Web]]> While there are plenty of benefits crypto can offer, this industry also has a more illicit side. Cryptocurrency has become popular among cybercriminals looking to launder money and make illegal transactions on the dark web. So why are malicious actors flocking to crypto, and which assets are the most commonly used on the dark web?

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Fri, 11 Aug 2023 15:00:25 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/top-cryptos-used-by-cybercriminals-dark-web/
<![CDATA[Has Someone Been Using Your PC? Is Someone Using Your Emails? Here's How to Tell]]> We take a look at how you can keep your PC safe and check if someone has been using it this week. We also tell you what anyone who has hacked your email account might do with it, and show you how to check your Google activity.

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Thu, 10 Aug 2023 10:31:38 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/has-someone-been-using-your-pc-using-your-emails-how-to-tell/
<![CDATA[Your Sugar Daddy Is Fake—Don't Get Scammed]]> Scammers are quick to follow suit whenever a service pops up that allows people to transfer money on the internet. Undeniably, a recent spike in sugar daddy scams can leave people out of pocket and miserable.

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Tue, 08 Aug 2023 12:00:41 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/sugar-daddy-scam/
<![CDATA[How To Protect Yourself From These 8 Social Engineering Attacks]]> You can protect your passwords, install antivirus software, and set up a firewall, but ultimately, hackers can always exploit a weak link: humans. A whole type of hacking, known as social engineering, has developed around this vulnerability. Using a combination of technical hacking, interpersonal skills, and manipulation, the social engineer can extract sensitive information from a target. Despite the craftiness of social engineering attacks, it is possible to spot them and protect yourself from them.

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Mon, 07 Aug 2023 13:01:24 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/protect-8-social-engineering-attacks/
<![CDATA[How Hackers Trick You With Basic Sales Techniques]]> Cyber threats are so common, it's crucial you're aware of the many techniques hackers employ to fool you into exposing your sensitive information. They can even use basic sales techniques to gain access to your data.

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Tue, 01 Aug 2023 19:00:24 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/hackers-trick-you-basic-sales-techniques/
<![CDATA[6 Ways Your Email Address Can Be Exploited by Scammers]]> It may seem odd at first, but an email account is a goldmine for scammers. A hacker can do more than get their hands on your coveted chicken casserole recipe; they can cause damage to your identity and finances.

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Tue, 01 Aug 2023 12:31:24 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/5-ways-your-email-address-can-be-exploited-by-scammers/
<![CDATA[ What Is FraudGPT? How to Protect Yourself From This Dangerous Chatbot]]> The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is a double-edged sword. Like every transformative technology, AI offers immense potential but also enormous risks. Despite the emphatic push to regulate AI, threat actors seem to have gotten ahead of the curve.

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Tue, 01 Aug 2023 11:00:24 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/what-is-fraudgpt/
<![CDATA[Does ID Verification on Dating Apps Stop Scams?]]> Online dating is becoming increasingly popular, connecting people from all over the world. This surge in popularity, however, has attracted fraudsters who prey on consumers' weaknesses.

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Sat, 29 Jul 2023 12:30:25 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/does-id-verification-dating-apps-stop-scams/
<![CDATA[Fake Game Ads: Everything You Need to Know]]> Have you seen an advertisement promoting a game on YouTube or another social media platform showing captivating scenes? But when you downloaded it, the game looked very different from what you expected? Advertisements like these are misleading and are mainly designed to increase conversion rates. In this case, you might think of them as scams.

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Fri, 28 Jul 2023 13:00:25 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/what-are-fake-game-ads/
<![CDATA[How to Spot Fake ChatGPT Apps on the Apple App Store]]> Have you ever searched for ChatGPT on the Apple App Store and found multiple apps claiming to be the official ones? Unfortunately, most of them are rather dangerous for your iPhone.

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Tue, 25 Jul 2023 10:16:23 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/how-to-spot-fake-chatgpt-app-on-apple-app-store/
<![CDATA[What Are the Risks of Scambaiting?]]> Scammers are irritating, and they’re only becoming more common. As more phishing emails flood your inbox, it can be tempting to take revenge. Maybe you’ve heard of scambaiting and want to try your hand at it to get your own back on internet criminals, but you should know this practice can be risky.

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Mon, 24 Jul 2023 16:01:24 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/risks-of-scambaiting/
<![CDATA[What Are Dating Verification Scams? How Do They Work?]]> When using any kind of dating app, it's best to verify your identity so that other users know it's really you. But more nefarious dating app users want to exploit this step and con victims. So, how do dating verification scams work, and how can you avoid them?

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Fri, 21 Jul 2023 13:00:22 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/what-are-dating-verification-scams/
<![CDATA[What Is Elder Fraud and How Can You Stay Safe? ]]> It's prudent to make financial commitments and investments to provide for your well-being in old age. Losing all of this money to criminals is devastating, to say the least. Unfortunately, this can happen with elder frauds.

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Wed, 19 Jul 2023 12:30:19 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/what-is-elder-fraud/
<![CDATA[Are Facebook Quizzes a Cybersecurity Risk?]]> That fun “all about you” quiz on Facebook might seem harmless, but it could actually be a serious cybersecurity risk. Quizzes, challenges, and questionnaires on Facebook (and indeed other social media sites) can trick you into giving away valuable personal information. Some are straight-up scams. How can you spot scam quizzes, and what should you do if you fill one out?

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Tue, 18 Jul 2023 16:00:20 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/are-facebook-quizzes-a-cybersecurity-risk/
<![CDATA[Is the Delivery on Hold Text From USPS With Tracking ID “us9514961195221” a Scam?]]> Have you received a text message claiming to be from USPS regarding a failed delivery? It may inform you that your delivery has been put on hold due to an incorrect address and instructs you to update your address using the link provided. The message may include the tracking number for your on-hold delivery, "us9514961195221," or similar.

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Mon, 17 Jul 2023 20:31:19 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/delivery-on-hold-text-from-usps-scam/
<![CDATA[Why the Police Won't Investigate Your Lost or Stolen Crypto]]>

If someone hacks your bank account, steals your wallet, or uses your payment card without your permission, notifying the police is usually standard procedure. But if someone steals your cryptocurrency, will the police be able to help? Can the authorities recover your stolen funds, or is it a lost cause?

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Fri, 14 Jul 2023 22:00:18 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/why-police-wont-investigate-lost-stolen-crypto/
<![CDATA[Really Useful Websites, Best Cloud Gaming Services, and Avoid Crypto Scams on YouTube]]> Need a useful website recommendation? Want to save money on Google Play, or even get apps free? Planning on signing up for a cloud gaming service? Or are you concerned about scammy YouTube videos?

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Thu, 13 Jul 2023 10:35:16 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/really-useful-websites-best-cloud-gaming-servers-avoid-crypto-scams-on-youtube/
<![CDATA[8 Steam Scams To Watch Out For (and How to Avoid Them)]]>

Steam is the world's biggest game store and online gaming platform, with millions of daily users and tens of thousands of games for sale.But with all those games and all those users comes the risks of scams, and over the years, countless Steam scams have popped up to swindle and trick unsuspecting users.

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Thu, 13 Jul 2023 10:15:17 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/steam-scams-watch-stay-safe/
<![CDATA[FOMO: How Scammers Use Fear of Missing Out to Trick You]]> Cybersecurity threats are always increasing and scammers are developing more sophisticated methods every day. By targeting people's emotional weaknesses and psychological reactions, cybercriminals use various tactics to deceive their victims. Fear, which plays an important role in the lives of many people, especially the concept known as FOMO (i.e. Fear of Missing Out), is a weapon frequently used by scammers.

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Sun, 09 Jul 2023 17:00:19 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/how-scammers-use-fomo/
<![CDATA[5 Tools to Help You Detect and Stay Safe From Crypto Scams]]> Cryptocurrency’s popularity has been accompanied by a surge in scams, raising significant concerns in finance. Detecting and staying safe from these scams is crucial for financial protection and personal data security, alongside overall credibility and growth of the crypto ecosystem.

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Sat, 08 Jul 2023 19:01:18 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tools-to-detect-and-stay-safe-from-crypto-scams/
<![CDATA[Your Amazon Order Never Arrived? Here's What You Should Do]]> Amazon is one of the largest retailers in the world. But despite its size, it still occasionally gets things wrong. Amazon is afflicted by all the same issues that its competitors face: damaged goods, incorrect items being sent out, and occasionally, packages not getting delivered.

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Wed, 05 Jul 2023 11:15:17 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/amazon-order-scam/
<![CDATA[What Are Google Chat Scams? How Can You Spot Them?]]> Online scams are common cyberattacks performed by not only criminals well-versed in hacking but also everyday people. Instead of executing their fraudulent acts on the more popular platforms, they may choose services rarely linked to scams like Google Chats.

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Tue, 04 Jul 2023 20:00:19 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/what-are-google-chat-scams/
<![CDATA[How to Ensure You’re Not Being Scammed When Buying a Domain Name]]> Whether you wish to build a beautiful blog or start a small online business, you’ll need a domain name for it—hopefully, you’ll find one that's short, catchy, and straight to the point.

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Tue, 04 Jul 2023 17:00:19 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/ensure-youre-not-scammed-buying-domain-name/
<![CDATA[10 Free Reverse Phone Lookup Sites to Find Out Who Called You]]> Calls from unknown numbers can be frustrating, even risky. If you get them all the time, you might even want to avoid your phone entirely. A good way to counter the problem is to use a reverse phone number lookup tool.

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Mon, 03 Jul 2023 16:16:19 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/free-reverse-phone-lookup/
<![CDATA[5 Ways Scammers Sell Fake and Used iPhones]]>

With the steep cost of iPhones, budget-conscious consumers turn to third-party resellers instead of Apple-authorized retailers nowadays. The gray market sells iPhones 30 to 40 percent below the sticker price.Although tempting, note that counterfeit Apple products are still widespread. Most syndicates even do international transactions. They commonly use these five tactics to trick victims into buying fake or refurbished iPhones.

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Mon, 03 Jul 2023 14:46:19 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/how-scammers-sell-fake-and-used-iphones/
<![CDATA[5 Ways to Recognize WhatsApp Spam (and What to Do About It)]]> Given the service's two billion active users, it's perhaps no surprise that WhatsApp spam is a common issue. Whether it's a scam, a phishing attempt, or just plain old marketing drivel from companies, you need to know how to spot WhatsApp dangers, so you can block the sender; and make sure you're not putting your security at risk.

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Sat, 01 Jul 2023 20:30:19 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/whatsapp-spam-danger/
<![CDATA[How Are Fake Live Video Calls Made? Here's How to Spot Them]]> Video calling is ubiquitous. You can video call your friends, family, and colleagues, sharing your face and surroundings simultaneously. Being in the same location all time is boring, right? How about appearing with your regular face? Everyone knows what that looks like.

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Thu, 29 Jun 2023 13:15:19 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/fake-live-video-call/
<![CDATA[What Is Package Rerouting Fraud and How Can You Stop It?]]> As e-commerce continues to thrive, the menace of rerouting fraud looms large for merchants and their customers. To address this, retailers can implement protective measures that safeguard their packages and mitigate the risks associated with package rerouting fraud.

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Thu, 29 Jun 2023 13:01:19 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/what-is-package-rerouting-fraud/
<![CDATA[How to Spot and Avoid an Online Dating Scammer: 9 Red Flags]]> Online dating scams continue to rise, costing unsuspecting victims millions of dollars each year. Rather than simply sending phishing emails, cybercriminals are playing the long game to cheat people out of their money.

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Tue, 27 Jun 2023 20:05:18 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/spot-avoid-online-dating-scammer/
<![CDATA[10 Positive and Negative Impacts of Open-Source AI Language Models]]> While proprietary software like GPT and PaLM dominate the market, many developers see value in open-source language models instead. Take Meta as an example. It made headlines in February 2023 for officially releasing the LLaMA large language model as an open-source program. Unsurprisingly, this decision met with mixed reactions.

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Tue, 27 Jun 2023 13:15:18 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/positive-negative-impacts-open-source-ai-language-models/
<![CDATA[8 Reasons Even Young, Tech-Savvy People Fall for Scams]]> When you think of the typical scam victim, the first thing that may come to mind is a computer-illiterate senior. People assume that being tech-savvy shields you from fraudsters. But in reality, it doesn’t.

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Sun, 25 Jun 2023 13:00:18 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/reasons-young-tech-savvy-people-fall-for-scams/
<![CDATA[Is the Elite First Advantage Consolidation Loan Legit?]]> Have you received an email or a phone call from someone offering you a debt consolidation loan from Elite First Advantage at a low interest rate? You may have seen an ad about this loan offer that made you wonder if it's real.

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Sat, 24 Jun 2023 21:00:19 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/elite-first-advantage-consolidation-loan/
<![CDATA[7 Security Risks You Need to Be Aware of When Using NFC]]> NFC—Near-Field Communication—is a short-range wireless technology that allows data exchange between two close devices. If you have ever played on a gaming console or used payment systems like Apple Pay or Google Pay, you already use NFC technology.

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Thu, 22 Jun 2023 20:31:18 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/using-nfc-3-security-risks-to-be-aware-of/
<![CDATA[7 Ways Cybercriminals Use AI for Romance Scams]]> Online dating apps have always been a hotbed for romance scams. Cybercriminals go above and beyond to steal money, personal information, and explicit photos. You’ll find their fake profiles everywhere.

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Wed, 21 Jun 2023 13:00:18 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/ways-criminals-use-ai-romance-scams/
<![CDATA[Common Amazon Scams That Happen on and After Prime Day]]> Amazon’s Prime Day is a favorite time of the year for Amazon customers, especially the 153 million customers who have Prime membership. But Amazon customers are not the only ones who look forward to Prime Day. The scale of the event also attracts scammers looking to have a field day conning unsuspecting Amazon shoppers out of sensitive, personal, or payment information.

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Sat, 17 Jun 2023 19:30:20 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/common-amazon-scams-that-happened-on-after-prime-day/
<![CDATA[10 Red Flags of Scam Jobs on Upwork You Should Be Aware of]]> Upwork is one of the renowned, popular hubs for freelancers and clients to connect globally. However, as with any successful platform, it also attracts scammers seeking to exploit unsuspecting individuals. So, understanding how these people operate is essential to safeguard your time, services, and hard-earned money.

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Mon, 12 Jun 2023 17:30:19 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/red-flags-scam-job-upwork/
<![CDATA[What Is the MrBeast Giveaway Pop-Up Scam? How to Avoid It]]>

Have you seen a pop-up that claims you'll win a handsome sum of money by clicking the link and downloading the sponsor's software? It might even be accompanied by a picture of the popular YouTuber, MrBeast. This pop-up is a scam, and MrBeast's avatar at the top is only there to deceive you—don't do what it asks.So how does this MrBeast giveaway scam work? How can you avoid getting scammed? And what can you do if you fall victim to it?

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Thu, 08 Jun 2023 15:30:19 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/mr-beast-giveaway-pop-up-scam/
<![CDATA[SEC Sues Binance PLUS: Current Online Scams to Avoid]]> Online scams are a necessary evil of shopping and working through the internet. It doesn't matter whether you restrict your activity to email or you're a huge fan of shopping online, cybercriminals want a piece of your bank balance.

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Thu, 08 Jun 2023 10:31:18 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/sec-sues-binance-plus-current-online-scams-to-avoid/
<![CDATA[What Is the Ethereum MEV Bot Scam & How Can You Avoid It?]]>

Every so often, a new method of making money in the cryptocurrency space comes up and attracts the attention of many. Sometimes, these schemes work, and within a few weeks, people have flooded the schemes making them too competitive.But most of the time, these methods are simply scams, neatly and nicely packaged as once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to make millions, like the Ethereum MEV bot scam.

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Mon, 05 Jun 2023 21:00:18 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/what-is-ethereum-mev-bot-scam/
<![CDATA[Are the Climate Change Crisis and Rise of Cyberattacks Intertwined?]]> Although it might not seem apparent at first, climate change and the cybersecurity crisis share some striking similarities. Both are becoming a serious threat to organizations and individuals across the world and if we don’t do anything to stop them, the consequences could be beyond repair. However, there’s a lot more to it than that.

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Fri, 02 Jun 2023 13:00:18 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/climate-change-and-cybersecurity-intertwined/
<![CDATA[Watch Out for These 8 TikTok Scams]]> TikTok ranks among the fastest-growing social networks. It gained one billion users worldwide in less than a decade—millions regularly spend hours watching videos.

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Thu, 01 Jun 2023 20:00:18 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/watch-out-tiktok-scams/
<![CDATA[The 7 Worst Tinder Scams: Tips for Dating Safely on Tinder]]> Since virtual dating is so popular, online dating platforms are the perfect tool for scammers. As Tinder is one of the most popular dating apps out there, Tinder scams are common.

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Tue, 30 May 2023 21:05:21 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/using-tinder-beware-scams/
<![CDATA[Is That Celebrity Giveaway Ad Legitimate or a Scam?]]> Have you seen an ad featuring your favorite celebrity promoting an offer that seems too good to be true? In the advertisement, you may have heard the celebrity making an offer that doesn't make sense or inviting you to participate in a giveaway to win a highly valued product by only paying the shipping fee.

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Fri, 26 May 2023 13:30:18 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/celebrity-giveaway-ad-scam/
<![CDATA[Are “Play-to-Earn” Games Legit?]]> Play-to-earn (P2E) games, often known as blockchain games, have attracted many users in recent years. This sector's growing popularity is because the in-game assets have real-world value, allowing players to transfer their rewards as tokens into a cryptocurrency wallet.

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Wed, 24 May 2023 13:00:17 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/are-play-to-earn-games-legit/
<![CDATA[Received a Bitcoin Invoice From PayPal? It’s (Unsurprisingly) a Scam]]> Criminals are always trying to get their hands on your hard-earned cash, and their latest trick is a simple one—send a legitimate invoice through PayPal for a high-value item you haven't bought. So how does this scam work? How do scammers do this using a real PayPal invoice?

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Tue, 23 May 2023 21:00:18 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/invoice-bitcoin-scam/
<![CDATA[Don’t Fall for This Yahoo Mail Phishing Scam]]> Phishing is a cyberattack in which the target is contacted by a threat actor impersonating a trusted individual or entity. There are several types of these attacks, but email phishing is by far the most common one.

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Thu, 18 May 2023 13:00:17 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/yahoo-mail-phishing-scam/
<![CDATA[5 ChatGPT Scams to Watch Out For]]> ChatGPT has become a mainstream tool around the world, offering an AI chatbot service to billions. But the popularity of this chatbot is now being capitalized upon by cybercriminals looking to swindle unsuspecting users. So, what kinds of ChatGPT scams should you be looking out for?

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Mon, 15 May 2023 21:00:18 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/chatgpt-scams-to-watch-out-for/
<![CDATA[5 Tips to Buy Safely on AliExpress and Avoid Frauds or Scams]]> It's not always easy to stay safe while you're shopping online. For every legitimate, reputable site, hundreds want to take your money and run for the hills, never to be seen or heard from again. If you want to stay safe, it's important to research the site you're making your purchases on. Take AliExpress, for example. How does it protect buyers? How does the site handle disputes and refunds? Can you trust AliExpress overall?

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Sat, 13 May 2023 19:30:17 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/buy-safely-aliexpress-scams/
<![CDATA[5 Reasons Why Using Illegal IPTV Streams Is a Bad Idea]]>

The high cost of live TV—both through cable and IPTV apps like Sling and Hulu—has driven an increasing number of people towards illegal streaming apps, add-ons, and services. We can see the appeal. If you know where to look, you can find everything from live sports to the latest Hollywood blockbusters on demand.But what are the dangers of using these illegal services? Unfortunately, the risks are numerous. Let's take a closer look.

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Thu, 11 May 2023 20:30:17 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/reasons-illegal-iptv-streams-bad/
<![CDATA[This Is What Happens In a "Wrong Number" Pig Butchering Scam]]> If you’ve received a text from a “wrong number” and the person is interested in becoming friends, be careful! You’ve been contacted by a scammer and this scheme, known as “pig-butchering,” has claimed many victims.

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Wed, 10 May 2023 19:36:17 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/what-happens-wrong-number-pig-butchering-scam/
<![CDATA[6 Signs of a Scam VPN]]> VPNs have become widely popular, as they can offer users a higher level of security and privacy while using the internet. But this increase in demand has led to a surge of malicious or scam VPNs that steal data and offer lackluster features. So, what are the key signs of a shady or scam VPN to look out for?

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Wed, 10 May 2023 17:00:16 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/signs-of-scam-vpn/
<![CDATA[What Are IPFS Phishing Attacks and How Do You Avoid Them? ]]>

Phishing techniques have continued to evolve, especially with the introduction of new, cutting-edge technologies. Although the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) offers many benefits, it also allows cybercriminals to conduct malicious campaigns.These attacks have become even more prominent as many file storage, web hosting, and cloud services now utilize IPFS. So what are IPFS phishing attacks, and how can you avoid them?

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Sun, 07 May 2023 19:00:17 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/what-are-ipfs-phishing-attacks-and-how-to-avoid-them/
<![CDATA[American Emergency Fund Loan: Separating Fact from Fiction]]> Have you seen an advertisement for a loan from the American Emergency Fund website offering to pay you $5,000 or more? You may have noticed all the comments below the ad praising the company for providing the best loans.

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Sun, 07 May 2023 16:00:16 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/american-emergency-fund-loan-offer/
<![CDATA[What Is TruthGPT Coin, and Is It a Scam?]]> On the back of any major tech comes the wave of scammers, and the rise of ChatGPT and other AI-powered tools is no different. Throw crypto and Elon Musk into the mix, and you've got yourself a heady-buzzword-scam brewing.

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Thu, 04 May 2023 10:55:16 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/truthgpt-coin-scam/
<![CDATA[3 Scams to Watch Out for in 2023]]> Whether it's social media or artificial intelligence, criminals can find lots of ways of using the internet to steal your personal or financial information. Scammers are always coming up with new techniques to get people to send money or hand over their credit card information.

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Sun, 30 Apr 2023 16:01:16 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/scams-to-watch-out-for-right-now/
<![CDATA[How to Help Protect Seniors From Scammers]]> Older adults are common targets for various scams, because numerous risk factors make criminals consider them particularly vulnerable. Seniors may live alone or be relatively isolated in their communities, making it harder for them to ask others if proposals seem legitimate. Many older people are less familiar with computers than younger individuals, so they’re likely to have poor cyber hygiene or not recognize internet scams.

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Sat, 29 Apr 2023 14:30:17 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/how-to-help-protect-seniors-from-scammers/
<![CDATA[What Is a Crypto Airdrop Scam? 4 Ways to Spot and Avoid Cryptocurrency Scams]]> Crypto airdrops are a great way to get your hands on tokens for free, and also give crypto projects a way to promote themselves. But the lure of free assets can work in favor of cybercriminals who use phony airdrops to scam victims. So, how can you spot and avoid a crypto airdrop scam?

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Wed, 26 Apr 2023 19:00:17 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/ways-spot-crypto-airdrop-scams/
<![CDATA[What Is a Crypto Honeypot Scam?]]> The crypto industry is certainly no stranger to scams of every sort. There are many methods that cybercriminals currently use to access crypto holdings, including those known as "honeypots". But what exactly is a crypto honeypot scam, and are they dangerous?

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Sun, 23 Apr 2023 21:00:17 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/what-is-crypto-honeypot-scam/
<![CDATA[6 Ways to Stay Safe When Shopping Online]]> The majority of us choose to shop online, either alongside or instead of going to physical stores. While you can buy just about anything online, and it's a convenient way to shop, there are also many risks associated with this. It's almost too easy to get conned when shopping online, so let's take a look at how you can keep yourself safe.

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Tue, 18 Apr 2023 13:30:16 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/ways-to-stay-safe-shopping-online/
<![CDATA[Are the Amazon Tester Job Postings Real or a Scam? Separating Fact From Fiction]]> Have you seen a job post titled "Amazon Product Tester" that claims to pay you to test Amazon products? Have you seen a social media advertisement announcing this job opening or a video promoting it? Although this job exists, it isn't offered directly by Amazon but by third-party affiliates.

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Mon, 17 Apr 2023 17:00:18 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/amazon-tester-job-postings-real-scam/
<![CDATA[5 Ways AI Can Help Cybercriminals]]>

Many tech enthusiasts are excited about the potential artificial intelligence holds, but cybercriminals are also looking to this technology to help them in their exploits. AI is a fascinating field, but it can also give us cause for concern. So in what ways can AI help cybercriminals?

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Mon, 17 Apr 2023 13:00:17 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/ways-ai-can-help-cybercriminals/
<![CDATA[Are Game Keys Safe?]]> Gaming is a mammoth industry. Whether you're playing on a PC, console, or handheld device, most of us have played video games at some point in our lives. Today, you can buy video games in a number of ways, including through game keys. So, what are game keys, and are they safe to buy and use?

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Sun, 16 Apr 2023 17:00:18 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/are-game-keys-safe/
<![CDATA[What Are DeFi Scams? How Do They Work?]]> The DeFi realm is huge, with thousands of digital assets in existence and hundreds of financial services available to users. But when an industry begins to grow, cybercriminals will always try to capitalize on its popularity. DeFi is no exception to this rule, and scams have become commonplace in the industry in recent years. But what, exactly, are DeFi scams, and how do they work?

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Tue, 11 Apr 2023 13:00:17 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/what-are-defi-scams/
<![CDATA[The Netflix Tagger Job: Legit Dream Work or Nightmare Scam?]]> Have you seen a job listing recently for a "Netflix Tagger" position that claims to pay you just to watch Netflix? Maybe you've heard about this job from a friend or seen a video explaining how great it is, but want to find out more about it. This job indeed exists, but it's not as simple and easy to get as it seems.

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Mon, 10 Apr 2023 21:00:18 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/netflix-tagger-job-scam/
<![CDATA[The 7 Best YouTube Channels About Cybersecurity ]]> Whether you're a cybersecurity professional or just a hobbyist, reading through verbose whitepapers and case studies can get a tad overwhelming.

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Sat, 08 Apr 2023 21:00:17 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/best-youtube-channels-cybersecurity/
<![CDATA[How the “Windows Tech Support” Scam Aims to Hijack Your PC and Steal Your Data]]> They're constantly on the prowl: cold calling scammers claiming to be from "Windows Tech Support", who in reality have the nefarious aim of downloading spyware and/or charging you for their assistance while they are remotely connected (or, worse still, both).

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Sat, 08 Apr 2023 13:15:16 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/anatomy-scam-windows-tech-support-con-examined/
<![CDATA[How to Identify and Avoid Job Posting Scams]]> People are actively looking for work or opportunities with better salaries due to the global economic situation, layoffs, and unemployment. However, scammers can take advantage of the desperate situation to create fake job listings and target thousands of job seekers with job search scams.

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Fri, 07 Apr 2023 14:45:16 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/avoid-job-posting-scams/
<![CDATA[How Can You Avoid Crypto Ponzi and Pyramid Schemes?]]> Since the launch of Bitcoin (BTC) in 2009, cryptocurrencies have grown considerably and been adopted by the masses. However, the rise of digital assets has led to various scams, including Ponzi and pyramid schemes.

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Mon, 03 Apr 2023 18:00:17 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/how-to-avoid-crypto-ponzi-pyramid-schemes/
<![CDATA[The Suzhichou Scarf Scam: What You Need to Know to Avoid Being Duped]]> Have you received a poor-quality scarf with the word "Suzhichou" written on it? Did you receive this item without even ordering it, or have you ordered something else but got this scarf instead? Whatever the case, your identity has likely been misused, or you've been duped.

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Fri, 31 Mar 2023 14:00:16 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/suzhichou-scarf-scam-how-to-avoid-being-duped/
<![CDATA[How to Recognize and Avoid Free Gift Card Scams: 7 Warning Signs]]> Have you won a free gift card? The answer, of course, is "no."

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Wed, 29 Mar 2023 21:00:16 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-recognize-and-avoid-free-gift-card-scams/
<![CDATA[New Twitter Scam, Meta Verified Launches, and ChatGPT-4 Explained]]> As if the world of artificial intelligence wasn't surprising enough, ChatGPT has upgraded from version 3.5 to version 4. In this week's tech podcast for technophobes, we look at ChatGPT 4, and report on some new scams to look out for on social media.

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Thu, 23 Mar 2023 10:30:16 GMT https://www.makeuseof.com/new-twitter-scam-meta-verified-launches-and-chatgpt-4-explained/