Tag: Scams

Security Stop-Press : AI Fuels Literary Agent Impersonation Scams

Posted on by Paul Stradling

Literary agents are increasingly being impersonated by scammers as AI makes it easier to create convincing fake identities, websites, emails, and publishing credentials.

Mark Gottlieb of Trident Media Group says artificial intelligence has not simply accelerated publishing fraud but has “industrialised it”. Scammers can now quickly create realistic agency websites, correspondence, and professional profiles.

The scams exploit the fact that many aspiring authors have limited experience working with literary agents and often communicate remotely. Fraudsters can therefore pose as legitimate agents and offer representation or publishing opportunities.

The threat is also evolving beyond upfront fees. Stolen manuscripts can be turned into counterfeit ebooks, fake audiobooks, unauthorised translations, or AI-generated derivative works.

Businesses and individuals should verify identities through official channels, check websites and email domains carefully, and be cautious of unexpected approaches. As AI makes impersonation more convincing, confirming who you are dealing with is becoming an increasingly important security measure.

Tech Tip – Dial 159 To Call Your Bank Safely

Posted on by Paul Stradling

Worried that a call from your bank might be a scam? Hang up and call 159, the UK-wide number that connects you safely and directly to your bank, without needing to look up phone numbers or risk calling a fraudster.

How to:

– Dial 159 from your mobile or landline.

– When prompted, say the name of your bank.

– You’ll be transferred to your bank’s official number (no searching required).

What it’s for:

If you ever get a call from someone claiming to be your bank and they ask for personal or financial info, end the call and dial 159. It’s the simplest way to check if it’s real and speak to the real fraud team if it isn’t.

Pro-Tip: Use 159 even if the call seems genuine. Scammers often spoof official numbers, but 159 always connects you to the real bank, safely.

Tech News : Smart Google Tools Tackling Surge in Online Scams

Posted on by Paul Stradling

Google has announced that it is deploying powerful AI tools across Search, Chrome and Android to block fraudulent content and protect users from evolving scam tactics.

Why?

Online scams are nothing new. However, their scale, sophistication and impact are growing fast. From fake airline customer service numbers to dodgy tech support pop-ups, cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting trust, urgency, and confusion. Now, Google says it’s fighting back with a suite of AI-powered tools aimed at spotting scammy content before users even see it.

“We’ve observed a significant increase in bad actors impersonating legitimate services,” the company stated in its latest blog update. “These threats are more coordinated and convincing than ever.” According to Google, its upgraded detection systems are now blocking hundreds of millions of scam-related search results every day, 20 times more than before, thanks to recent AI upgrades.

What Google Is Actually Doing

At the centre of Google’s push is its latest generation of AI models, including Gemini Nano, a lightweight version of its flagship large language model (LLM), designed to run locally on users’ devices.

Google says it’s deploying the AI toolkit in the following ways:

– In Search. AI-enhanced classifiers can now detect and block scammy pages with significantly higher accuracy, particularly those tied to impersonation scams. A key focus is identifying coordinated scam campaigns, such as fake airline or bank helplines, which Google says it’s reduced by more than 80 per cent in search results.

– In Chrome (desktop). Gemini Nano is being used in Enhanced Protection mode, offering a more intelligent layer of scam detection by analysing page content in real time, even if the threat hasn’t been encountered before.

– In Chrome (Android). A new machine learning model flags scammy push notifications, giving users the option to unsubscribe or override the warning. This is a direct response to the trend of malicious websites bombarding mobile users with misleading messages.

– In Messages and phone apps. On-device AI is scanning incoming texts and calls for signs of scam activity, aiming to intercept deceptive social engineering attempts before users fall victim.

Shift To On-Device AI

The shift towards on-device AI is a critical part of Google’s strategy because, rather than relying solely on cloud processing, running models like Gemini Nano locally means decisions are faster, more private, and can spot never-before-seen scam tactics in the moment.

Why This Matters for Users

For everyday users, the benefits are likely to be fewer scammy links in search results, smarter filters on your phone, and more proactive browser protections.

For businesses (especially SMEs) the impact could be even more significant. For example, according to UK Finance, authorised push payment (APP) scams targeting consumers and businesses cost victims over £485 million in 2022 alone. Many of these start with a search result, a fake email, or a deceptive phone call. However, having Google’s AI defences in place could mean:

– Staff are less likely to stumble on phishing sites during routine searches.

– Malicious browser notifications can be flagged before they cause confusion.

– Company phones and SMS channels are better protected from social engineering attempts.

These AI tools essentially reduce the attack surface for fraudsters, which is clearly an especially valuable outcome for over-stretched IT teams trying to keep up with threats.

What’s in It for Google?

Although Google’s broader rollout of scam-fighting AI may be good for PR, it’s now really a business necessity. This is because public trust in online services, especially search engines and browsers, largely depends on keeping scam content out.

Google is also keen to differentiate itself from rivals like Microsoft and Apple. For example, Microsoft Edge and Bing also use AI to detect malware, phishing and fake websites. Apple’s latest iOS versions include some machine learning-driven protections for spam and scams in Messages and Mail.

Google appears to be going further by embedding AI defences across all major entry points, i.e. Search, Chrome, Android, and communication tools. That integration could give it an edge, especially in markets like the UK where Android holds a dominant share of mobile devices.

However, there’s a potential catch. As AI becomes central to scam detection, the bar will rise for other tech companies too. Users may start to expect this level of protection as standard, which means any platform not keeping up could find itself falling behind in both security and credibility.

Real-World Examples

Google’s own data shows the power of its AI-driven changes. A sharp rise in airline impersonation scams was swiftly countered by enhanced detection models, reducing exposure by over 80 per cent. These scams typically lure users searching for flight changes or refunds into calling fraudulent hotlines, where they’re pressured into handing over personal or financial information.

Another major focus is remote tech support scams, where a pop-up warns users of “critical issues” and urges them to call a fake number. Google says that Gemini Nano can now analyse these deceptive pages in real time, warning Chrome users before they take the bait.

The on-device models also mean that even zero-day scam campaigns (those not yet logged in Google’s vast threat database) can still be intercepted by identifying linguistic and structural red flags.

Room for Improvement?

While the rollout of AI-based protections has been welcomed by many, it’s not without its challenges.

One concern is transparency. AI models can be difficult to audit, and users may not always understand why a particular site or message was flagged. Google says it allows users to override warnings and give feedback, but questions remain about how this data is used and whether false positives could impact legitimate content.

There’s also the issue of resource disparity. Large tech firms like Google and Microsoft can afford to train massive language models and deploy them globally. However, smaller competitors, privacy-focused browsers, or regional search tools may struggle to match these protections, thereby potentially creating a security gap.

Finally, there’s a sustainability angle to consider. Running large AI models, even ones optimised for on-device use, carries an environmental footprint. Google has committed to net-zero emissions by 2030, and claims its Gemini models are designed for efficiency. But watchdogs may still press the company to show how its AI-driven safety tools align with its green ambitions.

What Does This Mean For Your Business?

From a user perspective, integrating scam detection into the everyday tools people rely on may help close the gap with the scammers who often seem to be one step ahead. The use of LLMs like Gemini Nano should mean that Google can now respond faster, spot patterns earlier, and intervene more precisely, whether it’s a fake support call, a misleading notification, or a deceptive search result.

For UK businesses, particularly SMEs without dedicated cyber teams, this could offer much-needed support. With employees less likely to fall foul of phishing links, fake helpdesk numbers, or scammy browser alerts, the business case for Google’s AI defences is strong. It could also lessen the reputational and financial risks posed by impersonation scams, which is a problem that has hit sectors from travel to retail and beyond. That said, relying on a single tech platform for frontline defence carries its own risks, making it all the more important for firms to combine these tools with their own cyber awareness and training efforts.

At the same time, Google’s move is likely to put pressure on its competitors to keep pace. AI-driven scam detection is rapidly becoming a baseline expectation, not a luxury feature. While Apple and Microsoft are investing in their own protections, they may need to match Google’s scale and cross-platform integration to stay competitive, especially as consumer and regulatory expectations around online safety continue to rise. Whether others will follow suit with the same breadth and transparency remains to be seen.

That said, despite the progress, it’s clear that AI alone won’t fix everything. Transparency, accountability, and environmental responsibility all remain live concerns, especially as these systems scale.

Tech News : Almost Half of Young People Have Been Scammed Online

Posted on by Paul Stradling

A new study in Wales has shown that nearly half (46 per cent) of young people aged 8 to 17 have fallen victim to online scams, with 9 per cent (including children as young as eight) having lost money to fraudulent schemes.

Scams A Regular Part of Online Life For Young People

A recent study by the UK Safer Internet Centre (UKSIC) has unveiled a worrying trend, with findings released in conjunction with Safer Internet Day 2025 on 11th February. The results highlight how exposure to online scams has become a regular part of life for young internet users.

The Scale of the Issue

As part of the research, the UKSIC conducted an extensive survey to assess the frequency with which young people come across online scams, the types of scams they encounter, and their effects. Alarmingly, a massive 79 per cent of those surveyed said they come across scams at least once a month, with 45 per cent encountering them weekly and 20 per cent seeing scams every single day! These figures appear to show that scams are not occasional threats but are a persistent online hazard.

An Urgent Matter

Will Gardner OBE, Director of UKSIC, has highlighted the urgency of the matter, stating: “This Safer Internet Day, we want to put the importance of protecting children from online scams on the agenda. For too long, young people have been overlooked, yet our research clearly demonstrates how much of an impact online scams can have on them.”

What Are The Most Common Scams Targeting Young People?

The research identified several scams that young people are particularly vulnerable to. The most common include:

– Fake giveaways. Scammers promise free prizes or rewards to lure victims into sharing personal information.

– Phishing scams. Fraudsters send messages or emails pretending to be from a trusted source to trick individuals into handing over sensitive details.

– Fake websites. Counterfeit online stores or platforms that appear legitimate but are designed to steal money or data.

– Online shopping scams. These include fake ticket sales and fraudulent in-game purchases or ‘trust trades.’

Mostly On Social Media

Social media platforms were found to be the most common space for encountering scams (35 per cent), followed by email (17 per cent) and online gaming (15 per cent). The research revealed, perhaps not surprisingly, that younger children (8 to 11) are particularly vulnerable in online gaming environments, with 22 per cent reporting that they had experienced scams in this setting.

The Emotional and Psychological Toll

The impact of online scams appears to extend far beyond any financial loss. For example, the research found that almost half (47 per cent) of those scammed felt anger and frustration, while 39 per cent felt sadness. Other emotional reactions highlighted in the research included stress (31 per cent), embarrassment (28 per cent), and shock (28 per cent). Also, and alarmingly, over a quarter (26 per cent) said they blamed themselves for falling victim to a scam, a figure that rises to 37 per cent among 17-year-olds.

This sense of self-blame and embarrassment is thought to be preventing many from seeking help. For example, nearly half (47 per cent) of young people in the research said they believe embarrassment is the biggest barrier to reporting scams, while 41 per cent worry they would be blamed, and 40 per cent fear getting into trouble, such as having their devices taken away.

What Can Be Done?

The research appears to highlight an urgent need for better education about online scams. Encouragingly, 74 per cent of young people want to learn more about spotting and avoiding scams. Schools and parents must play a key role in this education, equipping children with the knowledge and tools to stay safe online.

For parents and carers, open conversations about online safety may also be essential in tackling this issue. For example, the study found that 72 per cent of young people would turn to a parent or carer if they were worried about an online scam, and 40 per cent of parents reported that their child had taught them how to recognise scams.

To help young people protect themselves, some steps that experts often recommend include:

– Think before you click. Avoid clicking on links from unknown sources, especially if they promise prizes or seem urgent.

– Verify sources. Check if a website or message is genuine before sharing any personal information.

– Protect personal data. Be cautious about sharing personal details online.

– Use security features. Enable two-factor authentication and use strong passwords.

– Recognise red flags. Poor spelling, urgent demands, and ‘too good to be true’ offers are common signs of a scam.

Government Action and Industry Responsibility

With online scams becoming more sophisticated, particularly with advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), there is growing concern that fraudsters will find it even easier to deceive young people. The study found that 32 per cent of young people worry that AI will make scams harder to spot.

Will The Online Safety Act Help?

The UK government has taken some steps to combat the rise in online fraud. For example, from next month, the Online Safety Act will require tech companies to take proactive measures to remove illegal content, including scams. As Tech Minister Baroness Jones says: “The normalisation of scams online is a shocking trend. Fraudsters are clearly targeting vulnerable young people who should be able to connect with friends and family without being subject to a barrage of scams.”

Technology companies also have a responsibility under the Act to ensure their platforms do not provide a hiding place for fraudsters. Scam job offers are a growing issue, with fraudsters impersonating TikTok employees and offering fake roles that promise high earnings in exchange for engaging with content.

The Importance of Intergenerational Learning

The study, which was focused on children in Wales, also highlighted the value of intergenerational learning when it comes to online scams. It seems that young people are not just learning from parents and carers but are also educating them. For example, a significant 40 per cent of parents admitted that their child had taught them how to spot scams. This exchange of knowledge may be crucial in strengthening online safety for all age groups.

What Does This Mean For Your Business?

The findings of this study paint a pretty stark picture of the digital landscape for young people, where online scams are no longer an occasional nuisance but a persistent and deeply embedded threat. With nearly half of young internet users having fallen victim to fraud, and a substantial proportion experiencing distress as a result, it’s clear that online safety must be given greater priority.

Much of the public discourse around scams tends to focus on older people being the primary victims, with news reports frequently highlighting cases of pensioners losing their life savings to fraudsters. While these concerns are entirely valid, this research sheds light on an overlooked reality, i.e. young people are also being targeted and, in many cases, successfully deceived. Their relative inexperience, combined with the digital environments they frequent (particularly social media and gaming platforms) make them attractive targets for scammers. This should serve as a wake-up call that online fraud is not just an issue for the elderly but one that affects all age groups.

Beyond the personal impact on victims, the prevalence of scams among young people may also carry wider implications for UK businesses. As the next generation of digital consumers, young people are forming habits and attitudes towards online transactions that could shape the future of e-commerce. If scams continue to erode trust in online platforms, businesses (particularly those reliant on digital sales) could face challenges in attracting and retaining younger customers. Companies that fail to create secure and transparent online experiences may find themselves losing out to competitors that prioritise fraud prevention and user safety. Also, with AI making scams more sophisticated, businesses will need to stay ahead by investing in stronger verification processes and customer education initiatives to protect their brand reputation.

Security Stop Press : Sextortion Scams Get Even More Personal

Posted on by Paul Stradling

Researchers at cybersecurity firm Barracuda have revealed that cybercriminals are now supercharging sextortion scams by using victims’ personal information, such as home addresses and Google Maps images, to make their threats more convincing and increase pressure to pay ransoms.

These scams, designed to extort money from victims, account for around 3 per cent of targeted phishing attacks and typically involve criminals falsely claiming to have explicit material hacked from victims’ devices. Personalised emails including names, phone numbers, and addresses are being used to make the threats appear more credible, and many emails begin with unsettling lines like, “Is this the right place to meet?” alongside images of victims’ homes or workplaces to coerce compliance.

Ransom demands are also reported to have risen sharply, often reaching $2,000, with scammers streamlining payments by including QR codes for Bitcoin transfers. While most attacks are large-scale spam campaigns, the personalised content in these scams enables them to evade spam filters and reach victims directly.

The impact on victims is reported to be severe, with scammers exploiting the distress caused by their invasive threats. However, in most cases, the attackers don’t actually have any of the explicit material they claim to possess, instead simply relying on data from previous breaches to construct their lies.

To combat these scams, businesses should employ advanced email protection systems, monitor for compromised accounts, and educate employees on identifying such attacks. Regular system updates and proactive email analysis are also effective ways to counter this growing cyber threat.

Tech News : Meta Hunting Celeb-Scams

Posted on by Paul Stradling

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has revealed a new plan to combat the growing number of fake investment scheme celebrity scam ads by using facial recognition technology to weed them out.

What’s the Problem? 

Fake ads featuring celebrities, known as “celeb-bait” scams by Meta, have become a plague on social media platforms in recent years, particularly ads promoting fraudulent investments, cryptocurrency schemes, or fake product endorsements. These scams use unauthorised images and fabricated comments from popular figures like Elon Musk, financial expert Martin Lewis, and Australian billionaire Gina Rinehart to lure users into clicking through to fraudulent websites, where they are often asked to share personal information or make payments under false pretences.

Also, deepfakes have been created using artificial intelligence to superimpose celebrities’ faces onto endorsement videos, producing highly realistic content that even seasoned internet users may find convincing. For example, Martin Lewis, founder of MoneySavingExpert and a frequent victim of such scams, recently told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that he receives “countless” notifications about fake ads using his image, sharing that he feels “sick” over how they deceive unsuspecting audiences.

How Big Is the Problem? 

The prevalence of scams featuring celebrity endorsements has skyrocketed, reflecting a global trend in online fraud. In the UK alone, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) reported that celebrity-related scams have doubled since 2021, with these frauds costing British consumers more than £100 million annually. According to a recent study by the Fraud Advisory Panel, financial scams leveraging celebrity endorsements rose by 30 per cent in 2022 alone, a trend fuelled by increasingly sophisticated deepfake technology that makes these scams more believable than ever.

Not Just the UK 

The impact of celeb-bait scams is even more significant worldwide. In Australia, for instance, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) reported that online scams, many featuring unauthorised celebrity endorsements, cost consumers an estimated AUD 2 billion in 2023. Social media platforms, particularly Facebook and Instagram, are frequent targets for these fraudulent ads, as scammers exploit their large audiences to reach thousands of potential victims within minutes.

The US has also seen similar issues, with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) noting that more than $1 billion was lost to social media fraud in 2022 alone, a figure that has increased fivefold since 2019. Fake celebrity endorsements accounted for a large proportion of these losses, with reports indicating that over 40 per cent of people who experienced fraud in the past year encountered it on a social media platform.

Identify and Block Using Facial Recognition 

In a Meta blog post about how the tech giant is testing new ways to combat scams on its platforms (Facebook and Instagram), and especially celeb-bait scams, Meta stated: “We’re testing the use of facial recognition technology.” 

According to Meta, this new approach will identify and block such ads before they reach users, offering a stronger line of defence in the ongoing battle against online scammers. The approach represents one of Meta’s most proactive attempts yet to address a persistent problem that has impacted both high-profile public figures and unsuspecting social media users alike.

How Will Meta’s Facial Recognition Work? 

Meta’s facial recognition ad-blocking approach will build on its existing AI ad review systems, which scan for potentially fraudulent or policy-violating ads, but will introduce an additional layer of facial recognition that will work to verify the identities of celebrities in the ads. If an ad appears suspicious and contains the image of a public figure, Meta’s system will compare the individual’s face in the ad to their official Facebook or Instagram profile pictures. When a match is confirmed, and the ad is verified as a scam, Meta’s technology will delete the ad in real-time.

David Agranovich, Meta’s Director of Global Threat Disruption, emphasised the importance of this shift in a recent press briefing, saying: “This process is done in real-time and is faster and much more accurate than manual human reviews, so it allows us to apply our enforcement policies more quickly and protect people on our apps from scams and celebrities.” Agranovich noted that the system has yielded “promising results” in early tests with a select group of 50,000 celebrities and public figures, who will be able to opt out of this enrolment at any time.

According to Agranovich, the swift, automated nature of the system is critical to staying ahead of scammers, who often adapt their techniques as detection methods improve. The facial recognition system is not only intended to remove existing scam ads but to prevent them from spreading before they can reach a wide audience. Agranovich has highlighted how a rapid response of this kind is essential in a digital landscape where even a brief exposure to these ads can lead to significant financial losses for unsuspecting victims.

When? 

This new measure is set to begin its rollout in December 2024.

Meta’s Track Record and Renewed Focus on Privacy 

It’s worth noting, however, that Meta’s deployment of facial recognition technology marks a return to a tool it abandoned in 2021 amid concerns over privacy, accuracy, and potential biases in AI systems. Previously, Facebook used facial recognition for suggested photo tags, a feature that drew criticism and prompted the company to step back from the technology. This time, Meta says it has implemented additional safeguards to address such concerns, including the immediate deletion of facial data generated through the scam ad detection process.

Privacy 

Privacy remains a contentious issue with facial recognition technology. Addressing privacy concerns over its new approach, Meta has stated that the data generated in making the comparison will be stored securely and encrypted, never becoming visible to other users or even to the account owner themselves. As Meta’s Agranovich says, “Any facial data generated from these ads is deleted immediately after the match test, regardless of the result.” Meta is keen to highlight how it intends to use the facial recognition technology purely for combating celeb-bait scams and aiding account recovery. In cases of account recovery, users will be asked to submit a video selfie, which Meta’s system will then compare to the profile image associated with the account. This verification method is expected to be faster and more secure than traditional identity confirmation methods, such as uploading an official ID document.

Scaling the Solution and Potential Regulatory Hurdles 

Meta’s new system is set to be tested widely among a larger group of public figures in the coming months. Celebrities enrolled in the programme will receive in-app notifications and, if desired, can opt out at any time using the Accounts Centre. This large-scale trial comes as Meta faces increasing pressure from regulators, particularly in countries like Australia and the UK, where public outcry against celeb-bait scams has surged. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is currently engaged in a legal dispute with Meta over its perceived failure to stop scam ads, while mining magnate Andrew Forrest has also filed a lawsuit against the company for allegedly enabling fraudsters to misuse his image.

Martin Lewis Sued Facebook 

In the UK, personal finance guru Martin Lewis previously sued Facebook for allowing fake ads featuring his image, ultimately reaching a settlement in which Meta agreed to fund a £3 million scam prevention initiative through Citizens Advice. Nevertheless, Lewis continues to push for stronger regulations, recently urging the UK government to empower Ofcom with additional regulatory authority to combat scam ads. “These scams are not only deceptive but damaging to the reputations of the individuals featured in them,” Lewis stated, highlighting the broader impact that celeb-bait scams have beyond financial loss.

Despite the New Tech, It’s Still ‘A Numbers Game’ 

Despite Meta’s new approach, the company still faces a huge challenge. For example, Agranovich has admitted that, despite robust safeguards, some scams will still evade detection, saying, “It’s a numbers game,” and that, “While we have automated detection systems that run against ad creative that’s being created, scam networks are highly motivated to keep throwing things at the wall in hopes that something gets through.” As scam networks find new ways to bypass detection, Meta acknowledges that the technology will require continuous adaptation and improvement to keep up.

What About Concerns Over AI and Bias? 

In deploying facial recognition technology, Meta has also faced scrutiny over potential biases in AI and facial recognition systems, which have been shown to have variable accuracy across different demographics. The company claims that extensive testing and review have been undertaken to minimise such biases. Also, Meta has said it will not roll out the technology in regions where it lacks regulatory approval, such as in the UK and EU, indicating a cautious approach towards compliance and accountability.

Meta says it has “vetted these measures through our robust privacy and risk review process” and is committed to “sharing our approach to inform the industry’s defences against online scammers.” The company has also pledged to engage with regulators, policymakers, and industry experts to address ongoing challenges and align on best practices for facial recognition technology’s ethical use.

What Does This Mean for Your Business? 

Meta’s latest move to integrate facial recognition technology into its anti-scam measures signals a significant shift toward tackling the complex world of celeb-bait scams. However, as Meta ventures back into using facial recognition, it’s clear the company must balance robust security with privacy, a concern that continues to shadow the rollout. While the technology holds promise, particularly in increasing detection speed and reducing the frequency of celebrity scams, it will undoubtedly be scrutinised by both users and regulators who have long questioned the use of facial recognition on such a broad scale.

For everyday Facebook and Instagram users, Meta’s new facial recognition feature could mean greater security and fewer encounters with fake ads that exploit public figures for fraudulent schemes. If successful, the initiative could lessen the risk of users falling victim to scams that impersonate well-known personalities to promote fake investments or products. The added layer of facial recognition should serve as a safeguard, reducing the frequency of these fake ads in users’ feeds and building a safer browsing experience across Meta’s platforms.

For celebrities and public figures, this development is a significant step towards reclaiming control over their public images, which are often misused without permission. The new system will help protect their reputations, preventing unauthorised use of their likenesses in fraudulent ads. Figures like Martin Lewis, who has been vocal about the damage these scams cause, could benefit as Meta finally implements more targeted measures to shield them from unauthorised endorsements.

The impact of this initiative may extend to legitimate advertisers as well. Meta’s crackdown on celeb-bait scams will likely improve ad integrity on its platforms, helping businesses that rely on Facebook and Instagram to reach audiences without the risk of association with deceptive content. A cleaner, more trustworthy advertising environment could enhance user trust and, in turn, benefit brands that promote genuine products and services. As Meta focuses on strengthening its ad review systems, legitimate advertisers may find their content reaching more engaged, security-conscious users who are less wary of the ads they encounter online. In this way, Meta’s facial recognition technology could not only shield users and celebrities from scams but also foster a more secure, credible marketplace for businesses across its platforms.

Security Stop Press : Beware Summer Romance Scams

Posted on by Paul Stradling

The latest ‘Barclays Scams Bulletin’ highlights how more romance scams took place in July last year than any other month, as Barclays warns those looking for love to remain vigilant to potential scams. It also highlights how men appear more likely to fall victim to romance scams, while women lose 2.5 times as much money as men in romance scams.

The research figures featured in the report from Barclays show that one in three singletons (34 per cent) is more open to dating in the summer months, which may account for why July accounted for 12 per cent of all romance scam claims last year.

Kirsty Adams, Fraud and Scams Expert at Barclays, also points out where these scams are most prevalent, saying: “Social media platforms and dating apps are by far the biggest sources of romance scams, which is no surprise considering how the dating landscape has changed over the years”. 

Barclays says the advice for anyone who has been targeted is to “report it to their bank and to open up to family and friends for emotional support”.

Security Stop Press : Beware Fake, AI-Generated Investment Scams In Facebook

Posted on by Paul Stradling

A recent BBC investigation has highlighted how fraudsters are using fake, AI-generated scam stories, often with bogus celebrity endorsements, as paid-for Facebook adverts that link through to fake investment scheme pages (cloaking scams).

It’s been reported that the scammers beat Facebook’s automated detection systems by first creating an ad that links through to a harmless page and after the ad has been approved, the scammers then introduce a redirect to a malicious page.

Under the Online Safety Act, online services will be required to assess the risk of their users being harmed by illegal content on their platforms. The advice is to always research, check, and verify celebrity endorsements and investment legitimacy, consult professionals, and report suspicious ads to protect yourself from fraudulent schemes.

Security Stop Press : Bill Ackman Imposter Scam Warning

Posted on by Paul Stradling

Billionaire hedge-fund manager, Bill Ackman’s Pershing Square Capital Management company has warned of the risks posed by recent Facebook ads impersonating Mr Ackman as part of an imposter fraud scam.

Mr Ackman’s company says it has already discovered 90 different versions of the advert which lures people into clicking on the ad by using Mr Ackman’s photo and identity (celeb-bait) and promising unrealistic investment returns. The intention of the adverts, placed by cyber criminals, is to steal the money of investors who fall victim the scam.

Facebook has described trying to stop such ads (more appear as soon as others are reported and taken down) like being like a game of “whack-a-mole”. Mr Ackman joins a long line of celebrities whose identities have been used by scammers. The general advice is that if an ad seems too good to be true or uses a celebrity to grab your attention, double-check before you click or buy anything.