Know someone using all the dating apps, but they never seem to go on dates? They might be committing these online dating faux pas.
Starlink is powering a new wave of pig-butchering scams
Pig-butchering scams are getting more sophisticated — and more costly — by the day. One report found criminals have swindled an estimated $75 billion from victims. And just recently, a criminal organization in Asia was taken down, adding another $46 million to that tally.
I’m sad to say I’ve talked to lots of pig-butchering victims. One guy called my show because a woman DMed him on Facebook about a crypto investment. He gave her money and did not want to believe me when I told him he was being set up for “slaughter.”
No surprise, AI is making these crimes a lot easier to pull off. I’ve got the scoop on the latest tricks so you don’t fall for them.
The missing link
Pig-butchering scams rely on a formula. It starts all lovey-dovey with promises of quick riches over the course of months to “fatten you up.” Then, once they have your trust, they send you to “slaughter” with a crypto or other financial scam.
In the past, these scammers would say no to video chats so you didn’t know your new “girlfriend” or mysterious financial advisor is really a network of clever criminals. Now, they have deepfake software good enough to face-swap in real time. With just a click, the person on the other end of your video chat can change their appearance and “prove” they’re who they claim they are.
These scams, though, won’t work without a strong internet connection. That’s hard to come by in many of the countries where pig-butchering schemes originate. To solve that problem, crooks are buying Starlink satellite dishes.
The U.N. reports 80 Starlink satellite units were seized in Southeast Asia between April and June of this year. Thai police rounded up 58 devices in June alone. In another bust, law enforcement picked up 10 Starlink satellites and almost 5,000 preregistered SIM cards. Wow.
A real drain
“Crypto draining” is another scamming technique on the rise. The criminal sends a link to what looks and feels like a legitimate trading platform or service. You connect your crypto credentials, and, just like that, your money is redirected right into a criminal’s wallet.
Crypto drainers are all over social media, too. In one campaign that ran from March to December of 2023, they got away with $59 million from over 63,000 victims worldwide.
The chop shop
Online dating the safe way
You may not be looking for love online, but Tinder says about 40% of couples meet via apps. I know a couple who met on a dating app for farmers. They’re perfect for each other — they got married and have two boys and two girls under age 8 with another on the way. But for others, dating apps can be a complete nightmare.
Woman duped out of nearly $1M in gold bars
She says it started with a pop-up on her computer. Relationship expert Amy Chan joins us to talk about online dating and crafting the perfect profile. Plus, a kid’s stink that ruined a family business, the side hustle black market, and a major Life360 data leak.
“This is the year that I want to fall in love — 100%.” That’s what actress Sharon Stone said, even after her bad luck with online dating. Lowlights include meeting a felon and a guy with 20,000 heroin injections. If I saw Sharon Stone on Tinder, I’d def think it was fake.
6 crazy jobs that tech killed — and what replaced them
If you work in an office, your job probably didn’t exist 100 years ago. Yep, six out of every 10 jobs didn’t exist back in 1940!
Sure, there are the obvious ones like data infrastructure or email operations, but even jobs like conference planners and nail techs didn’t exist on record until the 1990s and 2000s!
Signs your new boyfriend or girlfriend is not who they say they are
Scammers are waiting around every corner, and special occasions such as Valentine’s Day, Christmas and Black Friday are usually when they kick their activities into high gear. Unfortunately, this is the perfect time of year for romance scams.
Surgeon General's social media warning, Roku's hidden menu & Amazon palm scanner
Plus, step into an Amazon delivery mystery — a woman’s tale of dozens of packages meant for a stranger. Also, say goodbye to flat social media photos with some great hacks. A heartwarming TikTok story, HBO’s latest app and secrets to making a stellar online dating profile.
3 online dating tips to improve your odds
Having trouble getting matches? Here’s why your dating profile could be to blame.
Online dating terms to know
Swiping for love? Dive into how folks are finding dates on apps and the key things to keep an eye on.
5 dating app tricks
Looking for love? Here are some quick tips to boost your online dating game!
Filter war videos online, cheap TV malware & online dating pro tips
Plus, Venmo’s guard isn’t quite up — see why it’s a magnet for thieves. Caller Danny is on a quest to set up his online newsletter, and I give him my advice. Discover the savvy way to keep your number private, delete unwanted accounts, and the lowdown on phone expiration dates.
Starlink dodges space junk, drones fight wildfires & rental car privacy mistake
Plus, here’s why you shouldn’t send sexy pics while online dating. Don’t miss out on the major updates from Microsoft, Apple, and Android. Discover secret tricks for using your notes app, learn how to track your steps without buying a Fitbit, and uncover an amazing thrift shop find.
Valentine's Day scams: How to spot 4 sneaky tricks (that fool lots of people)
If you plan something special for Valentine’s Day, you want to ensure everything goes alright. Of course, there are 10 clever ways Alexa can help you set the mood.
But as we’ve cautioned often, scammers are out in full force when there is a special day, a global tragedy or a national event. The day of love is no exception. It’s estimated that nearly $26 billion will be spent this Valentine’s Day, so cybercriminals see it as a lucrative venture.
Use Tinder or know someone who does? Turn on these safety features
Americans lost over $300 million through dating app scams in 2022. Tap or click to find out how one woman lost her life savings. Getting your cash or photos stolen isn’t all you must worry about online. That’s why Tinder has introduced a security feature to keep those in the dating pool safe. Incognito Mode might be the best thing to happen to online dating.
Why you should use Google to search for your email address right now
We’ve written a lot of articles about Google searches and online databases. Our online safety is important, and much of that comes down to regulating our searches and learning how to protect ourselves. Tap or click here for seven things to never search for on Google.
Shock about new online dating trend
Is sex appeal the key to online dating success? It used to be, but the pandemic changed our relationship goals. Here’s the new top priority, in 60 seconds.
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Online dating tip: Don't use your real phone number - Do this instead
If you’re lucky enough to hit it off with someone you meet on a dating app, they’ll probably ask for your phone number. It’s a sign that the person you matched with is interested and wants to get to know you by calling or even video chatting. Speaking of which, here are a few ways to look your best in video meetings.
Woman realizes she was scammed of life savings after watching hit Netflix documentary
Streaming services are bigger than ever, thanks to the pandemic. Many Hollywood productions went straight to streaming services in the last couple of years, while others were released simultaneously at theaters.
While cutting the cord may be satisfying, it could cost you more than expected. Streaming services have seen increases in prices, and one of the most popular ones out there is raising its numbers again. Tap or click here to find out how much you’ll soon be paying for Netflix.
FBI warning: Avoid these romance scams that have cost victims millions
Dating apps are a common way to meet people these days. It might seem like harmless fun, but it can turn into a dangerous situation very quickly. Tap or click here to see why dating apps are a hotbed for human trafficking.