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#scam-awareness — Public Fediverse posts

Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #scam-awareness, aggregated by home.social.

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  1. How to Protect Yourself from Scammers and Thieves at an ATM

    Staying safe while using an ATM is more important than ever. Whether you’re withdrawing cash in Downtown Raleigh or at a neighborhood bank, scammers and thieves are constantly finding new ways to target unsuspecting users.

    Here’s a practical, easy-to-follow guide to help you protect yourself and your money.

    🚨 Common ATM Scams to Watch Out For

    Understanding the risks is the first step in staying safe.

    • Card Skimming Devices – Hidden devices placed over card slots to steal your card information
    • Shoulder Surfing – Someone watching you enter your PIN
    • Cash Trapping – Devices that block cash from dispensing so thieves can grab it later
    • Fake Assistance Scams – Someone offering “help” while secretly stealing your information
    • Phishing & Text Scams – Messages pretending to be your bank asking for sensitive info

    🔐 ATM Safety Tips Everyone Should Follow

    1. Choose the Right ATM

    • Use ATMs located inside banks or well-lit, high-traffic areas
    • Avoid machines in isolated or poorly lit locations

    2. Inspect the Machine

    • Check for anything unusual on the card slot or keypad
    • If something looks loose, bulky, or tampered with—don’t use it

    3. Shield Your PIN

    • Always cover the keypad with your hand while entering your PIN
    • Be aware of anyone standing too close

    4. Limit Your Time

    • Complete your transaction quickly
    • Don’t count your cash at the machine—wait until you’re in a safe place

    5. Stay Alert

    • Trust your instincts—if something feels off, leave immediately
    • Avoid distractions like using your phone while at the ATM

    💳 Protect Your Card & Information

    • Set up bank alerts for withdrawals and suspicious activity
    • Regularly monitor your account statements
    • Use contactless or mobile payments when possible
    • Never share your PIN or banking details with anyone

    🚫 What to Do If You Suspect Fraud

    If something doesn’t seem right:

    1. Cancel your transaction immediately
    2. Contact your bank right away
    3. Report the issue to local authorities if necessary
    4. Freeze or lock your card if fraud is suspected

    📍 Stay Safe Around Raleigh

    With busy shopping areas like Crabtree Valley, Cary, Downtown Raleigh, and local shopping centers, ATMs are everywhere—but so are potential risks. Staying aware and taking a few simple precautions can make all the difference.

    ✅ Final Thoughts

    ATM scams can happen fast, but protecting yourself is simple with the right habits. Stay alert, protect your information, and always prioritize your safety when accessing cash.

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    #ATMSafety #ATMScams #bankingSecurity #DoRaleighSafetyGuide #financialTips #fraudPrevention #IdentityTheft #News #personalFinanceSafety #RaleighSafetyTips #scamAwareness
  2. Malwarebytes has expanded scam detection by integrating its threat-intelligence capabilities directly into ChatGPT, making scam checks faster and more accessible for everyday users and professionals alike.

    With this integration, users can submit suspicious links, emails, messages, phone numbers, or domains directly in ChatGPT and receive an assessment backed by Malwarebytes’ real-time threat data. The response not only indicates whether content is potentially malicious, but also explains the risk factors and provides guidance on next steps.

    This move reduces friction in scam detection by bringing trusted cybersecurity intelligence into a tool many people already use daily. It also helps close the gap between awareness and action, especially for phishing and social-engineering attacks where speed matters.

    By simplifying how users verify suspicious content, Malwarebytes is helping improve online safety while reinforcing the role of AI as a practical ally in cybersecurity—not just for experts, but for everyone.

    #Cybersecurity #InfoSec #OnlineSafety #ScamAwareness #Technology

    malwarebytes.com/blog/product/

  3. I don’t usually post things like this, but it needs to be said:

    A vulnerable woman was scammed out of thousands by someone pretending to be Sam Heughan. Her sister wrote to him in desperation. He responded with kindness—and a renewed public warning.

    These scams are cruel. The shame is undeserved.

    I wrote about it here.

    💔 Victims aren’t stupid. They were targeted.
    🛡️ Blue checks can be bought now; be cautious.
    🔁 Share this if it helps someone else stay safe.

    #ScamAwareness #FanSafety #OnlineScams #DisabilityJustice #KindnessMatters

    A Word About Scammers, Kindness, and Why This Matters sharonecathcart.wordpress.com/

  4. 📚 CW: online scams, impersonation

    Seeing a rise in scam accounts on Goodreads and other bookish platforms — new profiles with no reviews, no shared books, and flirty DMs targeting women.

    One even used a photo of Paul Hollywood. (My friend told him not to bother unless he brought baked goods. He didn’t.)

    I wrote a PSA about spotting these scammers, with red flags, a laugh, and a few hard truths.

    ✨ You are not too smart or too seasoned to be targeted. But you can be ready.

    📚 Beware the Bookish Scammer: A PSA for Readers and Authors sharonecathcart.wordpress.com/

    #Goodreads #ScamAwareness #RomanceScams #BookCommunity #MastoBooks #OnlineSafety #AmReading #books #Bookstodon

  5. Scammers prey on trust. Be wary of social engineering tactics hiding in every email or online message.

    Don't rush to action - take time to read between the lines and verify claims before proceeding.

    #CyberSecurity #ScamAwareness #SocialEngineering #OnlineSafety #DigitalTrust

  6. Fighting Back Against the “BE CV BK 2025 -R-D” Facebook Scam: Drown It Out With Truth, Mockery, and Creativity

    The “BE CV BK 2025 -R-D” Facebook puzzle scam is ridiculous — absurd to the point of parody — and yet, it’s spreading like wildfire. The fact that it’s everywhere on Facebook, showing up even on Google, and still somehow flying under the radar of mainstream discussion is absolutely mind-boggling. It’s one of those scams that’s so blatant, so in-your-face, that it almost becomes invisible. People see it, recognize it as nonsense, scroll past, and move on. But here’s the […]

    jaimedavid.blog/2025/10/29/23/

  7. I graduated from Mountainland Technical College (MTECH) here in Utah nearly a month ago, and have been very persistent in applying for jobs. I have applied for 40+ jobs in these past few weeks, across a few different job search platforms, and have only gotten one job interview. This one job interview turned out to be a blatant scam organization, posing as a legitimate company. There were red flags from the start, but my excitement of finally being seen had clouded my vision, and I nearly gave them the benefit of the doubt. I was so happy to finally be given a chance as a budding IT Technician, with over 10 years of personal experience, qualifying certifications, and a willingness to learn in an ever changing world of technology, but no current professional experience in the field. That was quickly thrown away by a scam organization. My motivation was the lowest it had been in some time, and I was honestly scared to apply for anymore jobs for a few days. However, I knew I needed to get back up on my feet and push forward. I still haven't heard from anyone, aside from the scam organization, but if I want to make it in this field, I know I have to push forward. Someone will eventually see me for my skills and qualifications, rather than my lackluster professional experience. I just have to keep trying.

    The point of this post is not necessarily to warn anyone of scam job listings, but more so to remind those who feel like they've hit a low point in their job search to keep going. Someone will eventually see you for your qualifications and skills, rather than the amount of professional experience you have. Keep going, and eventually, you will thrive. I'm sure of it.

    #Scam #ScamAwareness #KeepGoing #PushForward #JobSearch #IT #RemoteWork #Motivation #InformationTechnology #Tech

  8. 🚨 Scam Alert: "Verify your Fedi account" Phishing Attempt 🚧

    Attention everyone on Mastodon! There's a scam making the rounds where malicious actors impersonate moderators or admins. They send private messages or make posts that mimic notifications, claiming that your account needs verification. These messages often include a link for you to "complete the verification process."

    ⚠️ This is a Scam!

    Your server admin will never ask you to click a link to verify your account.
    No other admin from any other server will either, even if they appear to be part of the main Mastodon team.
    If your account is suspended, you won't receive a message about it. Instead, you'll see a notification upon logging in that your account is temporarily suspended.

    How to Identify the Scam:

    Fake admin accounts often use names containing "moderator" or "admin," but this doesn't mean they are legitimate.
    Legitimate admins or instance owners usually have a badge or marking on their profile indicating their role.

    What to Do:

    If you receive a message or post urging you to click a link to verify your account, report it immediately.
    If you have any doubts about your account status, contact your server admin or moderation team directly.
    To verify the authenticity of an admin or instance owner, visit the "About" page of your instance. This page typically lists contact information for the real team administering your instance.
    Always be cautious when interacting with accounts claiming to be from Mastodon or your instance's admin team.

    Important Reminder:

    Mastodon does not perform age verification. If you receive a message or post claiming to be from Mastodon or your instance's admin team, always verify its authenticity before taking any action.

    Reporting the Scam:

    If you encounter this scam, report it to your instance's admin team and use relevant tags, such as #FediBlock, to help raise awareness.

    Personal Note:

    I'm not a cybersecurity expert, but I find this new scam in the Fediverse quite interesting. If you feel like sharing your experiences with me, I would appreciate it! I'm looking to collect cases and get a broader view of this phishing attack. Maybe I'll even try to write a report about it. Feel free to tag me in any relevant posts.

    Let's stay vigilant and help each other stay safe online!

    #Mastodon #Fediverse #ScamAlert #Phishing #CyberSecurity #OnlineSafety #FediBlock #StaySafe #TechCommunity #SocialMedia #ScamAwareness #SecurityTips #ReportScams #VerifyBeforeYouTrust

  9. 🚨 David Hastings Marine – Truth Uncovered? 🚨
    Is this name linked to suspicious activities? We dive into the details of the investigation. Stay informed!

    🔗 Read More: cybercriminal.com/investigatio
    ⚠️ #FraudAlert #Investigation #CyberCrime #ScamAwareness #StaySafe #Exposed #OnlineScams #BreakingNews

  10. Entrust Capital Limited: Alleged Censorship and Fraud

    Entrust Capital Limited is under investigation for allegedly attempting to suppress critical reviews and adverse news from Google by improperly submitting copyright takedown notices. These actions may involve impersonation, fraud, and perjury.

    🔗 Full report: cybercriminal.com/investigatio

    #EntrustCapitalLimited #Censorship #FraudExposed #ScamAlert #Transparency #Impersonation #Perjury #FinancialFraud #InvestSmart #ScamAwareness

  11. BrokerChooser: Alleged Censorship and Fraud

    BrokerChooser is under investigation for allegedly attempting to conceal critical reviews and adverse news from Google by improperly submitting copyright takedown notices. These actions may involve impersonation, fraud, and perjury.

    🔗 Full report: cybercriminal.com/investigatio

    #BrokerChooser #Censorship #FraudExposed #ScamAlert #Transparency #Impersonation #Perjury #FinancialFraud #InvestSmart #ScamAwareness

  12. Artem Stepanchuk: Alleged Censorship and Fraud

    Artem Stepanchuk is under investigation for allegedly attempting to conceal critical reviews and adverse news from Google by improperly submitting copyright takedown notices. These actions may involve impersonation, fraud, and perjury.

    🔗 Full report: cybercriminal.com/investigatio

    #ArtemStepanchuk #Censorship #FraudExposed #ScamAlert #Transparency #Impersonation #Perjury #FinancialFraud #InvestSmart #ScamAwareness #Awareness #fraudalert

  13. Luca Netz: Alleged Censorship and Fraud

    Luca Netz is under investigation for allegedly attempting to conceal critical reviews and adverse news from Google by improperly submitting copyright takedown notices. These actions may involve impersonation, fraud, and perjury.

    🔗 Full report: cybercriminal.com/investigatio

    #LucaNetz #Censorship #FraudExposed #ScamAlert #Transparency #Impersonation #Perjury #FinancialFraud #InvestSmart #ScamAwareness #Awareness

  14. Financial Aims Ltd: Alleged Censorship and Fraud

    Financial Aims Ltd is under investigation for allegedly attempting to conceal critical reviews and adverse news from Google by improperly submitting copyright takedown notices. These actions may involve impersonation, fraud, and perjury.

    🔗 Full report: cybercriminal.com/investigatio

    #FinancialAimsLtd #Censorship #FraudExposed #ScamAlert #Transparency #Impersonation #Perjury #FinancialFraud #InvestSmart #ScamAwareness

  15. Interpol warns that calling online scams "pig butchering," a widely used term, is unhelpful, as gangs may have coined the phrase to describe their victims. 🐖💻 #Interpol #OnlineScams #PigButchering #Cybercrime #FraudPrevention #TechNews #ScamAwareness #CyberSecurity #VictimProtection

  16. ⚡️ Warning issued in Brunswick County, NC regarding rental listing scam. Scammers hijack legitimate rental ads, replace contact info, and post on new sites. Victims may be tricked into paying fees or deposits. Property owners/agents urged to meet in person before any money exchanges. #ScamAwareness riskmap.com/incidents/1926253/

  17. Hey Masto Peeps!

    I'm writing up a workshop to help local seniors identify and avoid various online and phone scams.

    Have you, family, or loved ones come across any scams recently that you want others to be aware of and avoid?

    Please let me know! I've got a lot of the basics and common ones covered, but could always be missing something!

    #Help #ScamAwareness #security