BEWARE GEEKS BEARING GRIFTS

I told you that I've got my phone and iPad connecting properly to the internet again via SPARK. This is good for sending and receiving emails but not good in that a lot of the incoming communications are grifts from geeks.

Current internet grifts are largely AI deep-fakes and deceptive e-commerce platforms that cybercriminals use to steal identities and steal money.

Scammers use AI video and audio clones of prominent figures to promote fake cryptocurrency and get-rich-quick schemes. 

Fake online shops and marketplaces lure buyers with purportedly huge discounts to collect credit card details or to take the money and then send nothing at all. 

Fraudsters target job seekers with fake job offers on platforms like LinkedIn, sending attachments containing malware or charging a processing fee to secure employment. 

Pop-up warnings or unsolicited texts from tech support people claim a device has a virus or that the platform needs updating. Victims are urged to call a number and grant remote access to their computer, allowing the scammer to steal passwords and bank accounts. 

Urgent text messages or emails claiming to be from authorities or utility companies contain links to fraudulent sites aimed at stealing personal information or demanding immediate payment.

Sheesh! Maybe it was better being incommunicado.