A quick-thinking title company owner was able to stop a fraudulent sale when it appeared the scammer was using AI to try to steal properties.
Why you can’t access some sites while you’re on a VPN and what to do
Photo © Tero Vesalainen | Dreamstime.com
Let’s say you’re browsing the web with a VPN. You’re protecting privacy, so you’re confident hackers and advertisers can’t track you. Then you try to go to a site, and it just won’t load.
This can throw a wrench into productivity when working. Or it can ruin your mood when trying to have fun online.
If you want to bypass those infuriating errors that say, “The page you are looking for can’t be found,” we can help. Here’s what to do when a VPN stops site access.
Why you can’t access certain content with a VPN
You can’t access certain apps or websites when your VPN is on for a few reasons. First, you may be dealing with connectivity issues. Perhaps the VPN you’re using is having server issues.
Some sites go out of their way to block connections from VPN servers. The site owners aren’t trying to make your life harder. They block VPNs to cover their backsides. (Legally, not literally.)
Many websites block VPNs because they don’t want to break their contracts. Simply put, many VPN users want to bypass geo-blocking features.
Say you want to watch content that isn’t available in the U.S. If your favorite show is available in the U.K., you can connect to a server there so your internet can access that show. Tap or click here to unlock international Netflix to access more movies and shows.
Streaming sites don’t like this. It lands them in hot water with the production companies they team up with. Here’s why:
- Streaming sites like Netflix and Hulu have long and complicated contracts with production companies.
- Those contracts may involve location limits as part of licensing contracts. Production companies often have stipulations like, “You can stream this show, but only in Canada since we don’t want it in the U.S.”
- Certain websites/services, like PayPal, Venmo and CashApp, identify users for legal purposes through their IP addresses. This is used to resolve problems such as fraud.
4 devices that can save you from identity theft in 2023
Amazon
Since 2020, fraud cases have risen by an estimated 70%. If you don’t go above and beyond to protect your data, cybercriminals can steal your benefits, tank your credit score or commit crimes in your name. You’ll need strong cybersecurity practices and identity theft protection devices to stay safe.
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Your DNA is now in the hands of biotech giant Regeneron. They say they’ll protect it. Plus, Owen Wilson deepfake scams, Meta lets fraud off the hook, and phone-free vacations. Got T-Mobile? Here’s how to claim your part of the $350M data breach settlement.
🚔 Crypto CEO sentenced: Alex Mashinsky, former Celsius Network CEO, just got slapped with 12 years for securities and commodities fraud (paywall link). Prosecutors wanted 20, but he got off slightly easier. Celsius collapsed in 2022, leaving a $1.19 billion crater. Turns out its slogan, “Unbank Yourself,” actually meant “Unpack Your Belongings in Cellblock D.”
10 COVID-19 scams spreading right now that people are falling for
© Buddhilakshan4 | Dreamstime.com
The numbers are staggering. The Federal Trade Commission says coronavirus-related scams have cost Americans $13.4 million so far this year. Google blocks more than 100 million phishing emails every day as criminals try to steal money and personal information. About 18 million of them are coronavirus-related.
💸 Fake it till you fund it: A tech founder got charged with fraud after lying about his shopping app, Nate, using AI for universal checkouts. Turns out it was actually human contractors from the Philippines and Romania behind the scenes (plus a few bots). He still raised over $40 million from investors before getting caught.
⚠️ Sam’s Club data breach: We don’t know a lot, yet. The Clop ransomware gang listed Sam’s Club on its leak site. All Sam’s Club says is that they’re investigating the matter. Better to be proactive. Watch your credit card statements for fraud.
You’ve got 60 days to dispute bank fraud: A Denver woman’s SoFi account was drained of nearly $7,400 by scammers. The bank refused to reimburse her. She fought back and won. The takeaway? Act fast or they’re not liable.
It's (almost) always a scam
Scammers are using AI to pull off their most convincing tax fraud yet. Here’s what to watch for and how to protect yourself.
Disney’s employee troubles: A former Disney employee will plead guilty to computer fraud and identity theft. The guy was fired and charged after hacking restaurant menus. He added fake allergy-safe labels to items that contained things like peanuts and dairy, and he snuck in a swastika and references to mass shootings. Jail’s gonna be a whole new world for him.
🚨 Takeover fraud: A Colorado couple lost $3,700 after a scammer broke into their AT&T account and bought an iPad, iPhone, smartwatch and headphones. How? The crooks gained access to the couple’s login details. Keep an eye out for fake login links and impersonation calls. PSA: AT&T will never call you to lock down your account.
Check fraud up 400%
Scammers have stolen over $26 billion from Americans using an old-school crime with a modern twist. I’ll break it down in this quick podcast.
AI will watch everything you do
Are you behaving badly? Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison predicts that AI will soon keep you in line. In other news: MoviePass fraud exposed, Snapchat uses your face for ads, and the story behind the viral ‘Hawk Tuah’ girl.
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Federal prosecutors are investigating Tesla for possibly misleading customers and investors about its self-driving technology.
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What's behind the online fraud surge?
You’re probably aware that during this COVID-19 lockdown, online fraud and cyberattacks are at an all-time high. But have you ever wondered who’s behind the attacks and were they’re coming from?