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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A cryptocurrency rip-off is sweeping via TikTok.
In response to the Higher Enterprise Bureau, it begins with a rip-off artist posting a video of a big pile of money {that a} con artist claims they made in only a few days by investing in cryptocurrency and that they will do the identical for you.
When you message the con artist, they’ll ask you to ship cash via Paypal, Zelle, or Venmo for a cryptocurrency “funding.”
As soon as the cash is distributed — they’re gone and so is the money.
Cybersecurity professional Chris Hamer recommends everybody have a selected mindset in place to keep away from falling sufferer to get-rich-quick schemes on-line.
“Should you’re strolling down the road and anyone comes as much as you and says I can double your cash, simply give me 20 bucks and I will provide you with 40 {dollars} again simply as quickly as I get again. Are you going to provide it to them? In all probability not,” Hamer mentioned.
Hamer mentioned it’s essential to know that every thing that seems on social media may not be what it appears.
That goes for taking part in on-line video games or collaborating in seemingly innocent social media quizzes or for influencers with hundreds of followers promoting you merchandise.
“It’s so malevolent the way in which they do it,” Hamer mentioned of the social media quizzes. “Relying on what number of of those silly participation issues that you just’ve performed, I do know your favourite coloration, I do know your canine’s identify, I do know your favourite meals. And all of that is used to construct up a profile that goes right into a database. A few of it’s used for focused promoting.”
Hamer mentioned it’s essential to keep in mind that “free” isn’t actually “free” with on-line companies.
“Any time anyone gives you a free service it’s since you’re the commodity. They’re promoting your info and your entry and your likes and dislikes to advertisers,” he mentioned. “You might be what they’re promoting to advertisers. You’re the commodity.”
Hamer mentioned the quizzes can be used to glean extra private info that can be utilized for id theft — like tricking you into sharing your start month with a “select your birthstone” quiz after which sharing your start yr and day in a separate quiz that seems to be from a distinct group however actually isn’t.
The much less info you give out, the much less possible you’ll be scammed, he mentioned.
Copyright 2022 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.
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