If you’ve ever clicked a link and suddenly been hit with a pop-up warning that your device has a virus, you’re not alone. These fake “tech support” scams are everywhere — and now, Google is stepping up its efforts to stop them using artificial intelligence.

In a recent blog post, Google announced it’s rolling out a new AI-powered safety feature in Chrome that can identify and flag scam websites the moment you click on them. The tool uses a lightweight version of its Gemini AI model, known as Gemini Nano, which runs directly on your device. That means faster detection and enhanced privacy — no need to send your data to the cloud.

How It Works

When users enable Chrome’s “enhanced protection” mode on desktop, Gemini Nano kicks in to scan web pages in real-time. If the AI detects something suspicious, like a cloaked phishing site or a deceptive tech support scam, it will trigger a warning screen — giving users the option to back out before falling into a trap.

This is part of a broader AI-driven push across Google’s platforms — including Chrome, Search, and Android — to combat the growing sophistication of online scams.

Why It Matters

Online scammers have become increasingly effective thanks to AI, which allows them to generate convincing fake content at scale. According to the Global Anti-Scam Alliance, consumers lost more than $1 trillion to scams in the past year alone.

“Fighting scammers has always been a cat-and-mouse game,” said Phiroze Parakh, senior director of engineering for Google Search. “Now, both sides have AI tools — the question is who uses them more effectively.”

Other Key Updates from Google:

• Android Alerts: Android users will now get warnings if scammy sites try to send them suspicious Chrome notifications — and they’ll be able to unsubscribe with a single tap.
• Search Protection: Google says AI now blocks 20 times more scammy websites from appearing in search results than it did just a few years ago. In 2024 alone, the company removed hundreds of millions of scam pages every day.
• Airline Scam Crackdown: One major success involved fake customer service numbers in airline-related searches. Thanks to AI, Google has reduced these types of scams by 80%.

The Bigger Picture

Google isn’t alone in this AI-powered battle. Other companies are also leveraging smart technology to fight fraud:

• UK mobile carrier O2 uses a chatbot named Daisy to tie up phone scammers’ time.
• Microsoft has tested a tool that listens in on phone calls to detect fraud in real time.
• The U.S. Treasury Department says AI helped recover $1 billion in check fraud in 2024 alone.

With scams evolving fast, companies are racing to stay one step ahead — and it looks like AI may finally give defenders an edge.

Source: CNN – Google is using AI to identify scammy websites on Chrome when you click on them

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Javice, 32, along with her co-defendant Olivier Amar, misled JPMorgan by claiming Frank had more than four million users, when in reality, the company had only about 300,000. The bank had acquired the startup in 2021, believing it could tap into a large base of young customers. However, an internal investigation later revealed that much of the data provided was falsified.

Frank was marketed as a game-changing platform designed to simplify the complex Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process. It charged students small fees in exchange for assistance in maximizing their financial aid eligibility. The startup gained significant media attention, with Javice even earning a spot on Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list.

JPMorgan executives testified that they were led to believe Frank had a rapidly growing customer base, expecting the number of users to reach 10 million by the end of the year. However, after acquiring the company, the bank found that the vast majority of these accounts were fabricated. Prosecutors presented evidence showing that Javice had paid a college acquaintance $18,000 to generate millions of fake names with accompanying personal details.

Frank’s chief software engineer, Patrick Vovor, testified that Javice and Amar had asked him to create synthetic data to support their false claims. When he questioned the legality of the request, he was allegedly reassured that they “didn’t want to end up in orange prison jumpsuits.” Vovor refused to comply, later becoming a key witness for the prosecution.

Javice’s lawyer, Jose Baez, argued that JPMorgan was aware of Frank’s true user numbers before the acquisition. He claimed the bank had “buyer’s remorse” after regulatory changes rendered the data it obtained from the deal less valuable for customer acquisition. Baez also accused the prosecution’s star witness, Vovor, of being personally biased against Javice, suggesting he was resentful over an unreciprocated romantic interest—an allegation Vovor denied.

Javice and Amar were convicted on all four charges, including conspiracy, bank fraud, and wire fraud, each carrying a potential sentence of up to 30 years in prison. Defense lawyers have requested the judge to set aside the verdict, arguing that the evidence was insufficient for conviction.

Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein is set to hear arguments next week and will also decide whether Javice and Amar should wear ankle monitors while awaiting sentencing, scheduled for July 23. Javice’s attorneys claim the monitor would interfere with her new job as a Pilates instructor.

Since her 2023 arrest, Javice has been free on $2 million bail while residing in Florida. Prosecutors emphasized that her conviction sends a strong message about the consequences of financial fraud in the tech industry.

Javice’s downfall is reminiscent of other high-profile tech fraud cases, such as that of Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes. Her rise to prominence was fueled by promises of innovation, but it ultimately unraveled under scrutiny.

JPMorgan, which had hoped to integrate Frank into its financial services, was left with a costly lesson about due diligence in startup acquisitions. Acting Manhattan U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky summed up the case, stating: “While Javice and Amar may have thought they could lie and cheat their way to a huge payday, their lies caught up with them, and they now stand convicted by a jury of their peers.”

Source: AP News – Charlie Javice convicted of defrauding JPMorgan during $175 million sale of financial aid startup

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A Hollywood writer-director has been arrested on charges of defrauding Netflix out of $11 million, allegedly using the funds for cryptocurrency investments and lavish personal purchases instead of producing the sci-fi show he promised.

Director Carl Erik Rinsch at the Center of Netflix Fraud Case

Carl Erik Rinsch, best known for directing the film 47 Ronin, faces wire fraud and money laundering charges after federal prosecutors accused him of misleading Netflix into providing millions in additional funding for an unfinished project titled White Horse.

According to the indictment, Netflix had initially paid $44 million to acquire White Horse, but Rinsch later requested an additional $11 million, claiming he needed the funds to complete the show. Instead of using the money for production, prosecutors allege that Rinsch transferred the funds to a personal brokerage account, where he quickly lost nearly half through failed investments.

A Lavish Spending Spree

Rather than attempting to recover his production, Rinsch allegedly invested the remaining funds into cryptocurrency, which later yielded significant profits. Instead of returning the money, he reportedly transferred the earnings to his personal bank account and embarked on a staggering $10 million spending spree.

According to prosecutors, his extravagant purchases included:

• $1.8 million on credit card bills
• $1 million in legal fees to sue Netflix for even more money
• $3.8 million on luxury furniture and antiques
• $2.4 million on a fleet of five Rolls-Royces and a Ferrari
• $652,000 on high-end watches and designer clothing

Arrest and Court Appearance

Rinsch, 47, was arrested in West Hollywood, California, and appeared in a Los Angeles federal courtroom on Tuesday. Dressed in a turtleneck sweater and jeans, he was shackled at the wrists and ankles as he faced the judge. When asked if he had read the indictment, Rinsch replied, “Not cover to cover,” but confirmed he understood the charges against him.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Pedro V. Castillo ordered Rinsch’s release later that day after he agreed to post a $100,000 bond to guarantee his court appearance in New York, where the indictment was filed. His newly appointed attorney, Annie Carney, declined to comment but noted during the hearing that “the allegations in this case are purely financial.”

Netflix and Legal Fallout

Netflix has not commented on the case, and Rinsch’s next court date in New York has yet to be scheduled. Meanwhile, prosecutors continue to build their case against the director, signaling that Hollywood’s battle against financial fraud in the entertainment industry is far from over.

Source: AP News – Hollywood director arrested on charges of swindling Netflix out of $11M for a show that never aired

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Beware: A Nationwide Smishing Scam is Spreading Fast

A dangerous text scam is sweeping across the U.S., and the FBI is urging smartphone users to stay alert. This fraudulent scheme, which tricks victims into thinking they owe money for unpaid road tolls, is rapidly moving from state to state. If you receive such a text, delete it immediately—leaving it on your phone increases your risk of falling victim.

Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself.

How the Scam Works

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), scammers are impersonating toll agencies across the country, sending fake text messages demanding payment for supposed unpaid tolls. The messages contain a link to a fraudulent website designed to steal:

• Money — Victims who submit payments lose their funds to scammers.
• Personal Information — Clicking the link may expose sensitive data, such as your driver’s license number and other details that can be used for identity theft.

The FBI has received thousands of reports since March 2024, all describing nearly identical text messages. These messages:

Claim you owe money for unpaid tolls.
Contain a link impersonating an official state toll service.
Use phone numbers that change from state to state.

This scam is not limited to one region. In just the past month, reports have emerged from Massachusetts, California, North and South Carolina, Illinois, Colorado, Florida, Texas, and more.

A Growing Threat: FBI and Local Authorities Sound the Alarm

Local agencies across the U.S. are issuing warnings. One of the latest comes from Great Falls, which posted an alert on X (formerly Twitter) stating:

“This is a SCAM and is not coming from the City of Great Falls. Please do not click the link in the message.”

Similarly, the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) recently cautioned residents about a new wave of scam texts, echoing the FBI’s advice:

Ignore the message and delete it immediately.

These scams are happening daily, with reports growing across different states. The simplicity of the attack makes it highly effective, targeting a broad audience and exploiting people’s fear of penalties or legal trouble.

Who’s Behind These Attacks?

Cybersecurity experts believe organized cybercrime groups, including Chinese hacking syndicates, are fueling this scam. These criminals:

Use sophisticated phishing kits to create realistic-looking fake websites that only function on mobile devices.
Have previously impersonated shipping companies, tax agencies, and immigration services to target vulnerable individuals.
Aim to steal payment card details and use them for fraudulent purchases or launder money through shell companies.

Renowned security investigator Brian Krebs highlights that SMS phishing attacks skyrocketed after New Year’s 2024, coinciding with the release of new phishing kits that mimic toll road operators’ websites.

How to Protect Yourself

Never click on links in unsolicited text messages. If you receive a toll-related text, verify it by visiting the official website directly or calling customer service.

Delete the text immediately. Keeping it on your phone increases the risk of clicking it accidentally.

Watch for red flags. Messages that contain incorrect names, odd URLs, or demand urgent action are often fraudulent.

Report the scam. If you receive one of these messages, report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), including details of the phone number and website link.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

If you’ve already clicked the link or provided payment details:

Secure your financial accounts — Contact your bank or credit card provider immediately.
Monitor your credit report — Be alert for any unauthorized activity or new accounts opened in your name.
Dispute any fraudulent transactions — Report the fraud to your bank or credit card company.

A Broader Epidemic of Text Scams

These toll scams are just one piece of a larger puzzle. Cybercriminals are using similar tactics to carry out banking scams, fraudulent tech support calls, and fake law enforcement threats.

For example, a woman in Florida was recently tricked by a scammer who convinced her that her phone had been hacked. She was instructed to withdraw thousands of dollars and deposit it into a “secure” cryptocurrency account—a classic scam tactic.

This problem extends beyond the U.S. In Europe, an energy company warned 1 million customers to delete fraudulent SMS messages impersonating their service.

Final Warning: Stay Vigilant

Never take unsolicited calls from banks or tech support.
Don’t install software or transfer money at someone’s request.
Ignore “official” messages from unknown numbers demanding payment.
Never click on unexpected toll payment links.

Following these simple rules will help you avoid becoming a victim of these increasingly common scams. Stay informed, stay cautious, and most importantly—DELETE suspicious texts immediately!

Source

The post New Text Scam Spreading Fast—Here’s How to Protect Yourself appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

A federal judge has temporarily halted President Donald Trump’s plan to offer financial incentives for federal workers to resign, throwing a wrench into the administration’s effort to downsize the government. The ruling came just hours before the application deadline for the controversial program, which was spearheaded by Trump adviser Elon Musk.

Judge Issues Emergency Block on Program

U.S. District Judge George O’Toole Jr. in Boston ruled on Thursday to pause the program’s implementation until he hears legal arguments from both sides in a court hearing scheduled for Monday afternoon.

“The deadline to apply must be extended until the court has had a chance to review the legal concerns,” the judge stated.

Labor unions and Democratic lawmakers argue that the program was not authorized by Congress, raising concerns that participants may not receive their promised payouts.

White House Defends the Plan, Calls Remote Workers “Lazy”

Despite the legal setback, the White House defended the program, claiming it had already drawn 40,000 applicants who had agreed to resign while being paid through September 30.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed criticism of the plan, taking aim at remote federal workers:

“They don’t want to come into the office. If they want to rip off the American people, then they’re welcome to take this buyout,” she said.

Federal Workers React: “It’s Demoralizing”

The program has sparked fear and frustration among government employees. Many see it as an attack on public service.

• A federal worker in Colorado said that insults from the administration have demoralized those providing essential government services.
• Another worker in the Pacific Northwest resigned despite the judge’s decision, saying she could no longer comply with the administration’s elimination of diversity initiatives.

One employee at the Department of Education expressed concern that the deal included a waiver of the right to sue if the government failed to follow through on payments.

Unions and Democrats Warn: “It’s a Scam”

Opponents argue the administration is pressuring employees to leave while hinting that layoffs or firings may follow.

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) sent an email Wednesday, warning that federal agencies could soon face restructuring, downsizing, and job cuts.

“The majority of agencies are likely to be downsized through restructurings, realignments, and reductions in force,” the email read.

It also stated that remaining employees would be required to show “loyalty” and meet stricter conduct standards.

Union leaders warn federal workers not to take the offer, arguing they may never be paid.

“It’s a scam, not a buyout,” said Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees.

Trump’s Vision: A Radical Government Overhaul

The program is part of Trump’s broader effort to shrink the federal workforce, an initiative led by Elon Musk, whom Trump appointed to run the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Musk’s team has drawn comparisons between this program and his management style at Twitter, where he gave employees a “fork in the road” ultimatum—stay or leave with a severance package.

Rachel Oglesby, Chief of Staff at the Department of Education, told employees:

“It’s exactly what it looks like. This is just one of the many tools to reform the civil service.”

However, concerns remain about whether Trump has the legal authority to distribute federal funds for these buyouts.

Federal Workers Protest “Forced Resignations”

Opposition to Musk’s restructuring efforts has sparked demonstrations outside federal buildings, including a protest Tuesday at the Office of Personnel Management.

• Dante O’Hara, a government employee, warned: “If people don’t speak up, we’re all going to lose our jobs and be replaced by political loyalists.”
• Dan Smith, a Maryland resident, said: “It’s one thing to downsize the government. It’s another to obliterate it.”
• Mary-Jean Burke, a physical therapist for the Department of Veterans Affairs, fears mass resignations could severely impact veteran healthcare services.

A Plan Too Good to Be True?

Skepticism over the buyout offer grew after a DOGE social media post encouraged employees to take the deal by saying:

“Take the vacation you always wanted, or just watch movies and chill, while receiving your full government pay and benefits.”

For many, the message was a red flag, making them second-guess the legitimacy of the offer.

What’s Next?

With the court hearing set for Monday, the fate of the deferred resignation program remains uncertain. Federal workers face tough decisions as Trump’s administration continues its efforts to shake up the government workforce.

As union leaders and lawmakers warn against the plan, the big question remains: Will the government follow through on its promises—or leave workers empty-handed?

Source

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Meta has removed over 2 million accounts this year related to “pig-butchering” scams, a type of fraudulent scheme that often leads to victims losing their life savings through fake online friendships and cryptocurrency investments.

These scams are complex and can unfold over several months. Scammers begin by establishing an online friendship or romantic relationship, slowly convincing the victim to invest in fake cryptocurrency opportunities. Many victims, believing they’ve found a legitimate way to get rich, end up giving away large sums of money before realizing they’ve been deceived.

Meta has taken significant steps to address this issue, including deploying dedicated teams to identify scam operations, sharing data with international law enforcement, and taking down millions of scam-related accounts. These measures are part of a broader effort by major tech companies to tackle pig-butchering scams, which have cost Americans billions of dollars annually.

Scammers often use a range of platforms to target victims, including dating apps, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. A common strategy is to lure victims onto Telegram, an app that is less moderated and often reluctant to cooperate with international authorities. Telegram has recently updated its terms of service to indicate it may cooperate with law enforcement, following the arrest of its owner in France in August.

Pig-butchering scams are a growing problem. In September, the FBI reported that victims had lost nearly $4 billion to crypto-related scams, most of which fall under the pig-butchering category. This number likely underrepresents the true scale of the issue, as many victims do not report the fraud.

To combat this, Meta will now automatically flag potential scam messages when strangers message users on Facebook Messenger, Instagram DMs, or WhatsApp groups. This move is part of a broader recognition among tech companies of the severity of pig-butchering scams.

In one case, Meta recently took down a network of scam accounts linked to a compound in Cambodia. The scammers had been using ChatGPT to translate their messages and generate social media posts to trick victims. Meta was alerted to this operation by OpenAI.

Earlier this year, Meta, Tinder, Hinge owner Match Group, and several cryptocurrency companies formed the Tech Against Scams coalition. This group pledged to share information about scammers and educate users on how to avoid falling victim to such schemes. Jeff Lunglhofer, CIO of Coinbase, emphasized that collaborating with other tech companies and sharing data is crucial to effectively combatting scams.

However, some experts believe tech companies are not doing enough. Jake Sims, co-founder of Operation Shamrock, a global coalition fighting scams, argued that the current response is too reactive and insufficient to address the scale of the problem. He pointed out that despite Meta’s awareness of pig-butchering scams for years, the situation continues to worsen.

In conclusion, while Meta and other tech companies have taken steps to combat pig-butchering scams, the issue remains a significant challenge, requiring more proactive measures and industry-wide collaboration to protect users from these deceptive and harmful schemes.

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Introduction to a High-Tech Hoax

In August, 44-year-old neurologist Dr. Ruchika Tandon from Lucknow, India, fell victim to a sinister scam that drained her family’s life savings. Under the guise of a “digital arrest,” fraudsters manipulated her into believing she was involved in a grave federal investigation, coercing her to transfer nearly ₹25 million (around $300,000). This scam, which has victimized many Indians, highlights the dangers of cyber fraud.

The Mechanics of the ‘Digital Arrest’ Scam

Scammers posing as law enforcement officials use video calls to threaten victims with arrest over fabricated charges. They demand money transfers, claiming it’s necessary for “government verification” or bail. Victims are coerced into constant surveillance, isolated from family, and forced to surrender their finances.

Dr. Tandon’s ordeal began with a call from someone impersonating a telecom regulator, warning her of alleged complaints linked to her phone number. This escalated to threats of arrest for “money laundering related to trafficking.” The scammers demanded she purchase a smartphone for better surveillance and monitored her life via Skype for six days.

The Human and Financial Toll

Over the course of her “digital arrest,” Dr. Tandon endured staged trials, relentless questioning, and emotional manipulation. The scammers also exploited her family, including her elderly mother. Eventually, she was convinced to transfer her entire savings to their accounts.

This isn’t an isolated incident. Between January and April 2024, Indians lost over ₹1.2 billion to similar scams. Investigations reveal that many operations are based in Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos, with stolen money often funneled into cryptocurrency.

Victims and Resistance

Journalist Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay narrowly escaped a similar scam in July. Recognizing discrepancies in the scammers’ narrative, he disconnected his modem and alerted friends. His quick thinking saved him from financial ruin.

Authorities have arrested 18 suspects linked to Dr. Tandon’s case, recovering part of her stolen funds. Yet, the psychological impact lingers. Victims like Dr. Tandon struggle with anxiety and paranoia, haunted by the trauma of their experiences.

Government and Public Response

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the issue in October, urging citizens to remain vigilant against such scams. Law enforcement officials emphasize public awareness as a critical defense against cyber fraud.

The Scammers’ Strategy

Investigators reveal that the scammers are well-educated professionals, including engineers and cybersecurity experts. They meticulously gather personal data from social media to exploit victims’ vulnerabilities. However, their errors—such as misrepresenting financial procedures or legal insignias—sometimes raise suspicion and offer victims a chance to escape.

Conclusion
The “digital arrest” scam is a stark reminder of the growing sophistication of cyber fraud. While victims like Dr. Tandon work to rebuild their lives, the public must remain cautious, informed, and proactive in safeguarding personal information.

Source

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