Welcome to Part 2 in our series of scams to be aware of. With a bit of knowledge and some common sense,  you can be equipped to protect your identity, your devices, and your bank account.  I’m sure scammers sleep, but their schemes and systems set in motion that attempt to infiltrate cyber security forces, do not.

Some scams are carried out in person with a live scammer on the phone. Or, they may be on the other side of a text.  However, many scams are spam emails, spam texts, robocalls, fake websites, malware and virus attachments.  Some even involve mail fraud.   The list of of old and new scams seem endless but before you panic, take a deep breath.

There are simple things you can learn that apply common sense to prevent you from being fooled.  So, let’s get into it shall we?

Imposter Scams

Imposter scams, also known as impersonation scams, are scams involving cybercriminals who are pretending to be someone, or something, they are not. The most commonly reported impersonation that scammers will utilize is that of a government official.  Other examples are a scammer posting as someone you work with or trust, such as a bank, technology company, or a relative.

Signs of an imposter scams is a sense of urgency to act now to avoid of being arrested, threats of account deactivation, or additional fees being charged. Threatening language and requesting payment in obscure ways, such as with a gift card, are also common signs of an imposter scam.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is also being used to make these scams more authentic by cloning voices or creating deepfake videos.

Wrong Number Text Scams

Receiving unsolicited phone calls from unknown numbers has been common for years.  Recently, text messages from unknown numbers or entities are on the rise. Often, the messages appear to be mistakenly sent. Many people may text back with “wrong number”, but this will only verify your number to scammers. Never respond to these messages or you will begin to receive more of them.

Unsuspecting receivers of these messages who beginning communicated with the scammer will eventually receive a malicious link after trust is gained. Never click any link sent to you in a text unless you verify that you are in fact speaking to someone you know. Confirm with them if they sent you the link.

Scammers may send messages for days or weeks before doing anything suspicious.  When you receive these messages, check for blocking or reporting options on your mobile phone.

Deepfake Scams

These types of scams are also known as synthetic media or an imposter scam. A deepfake is a type of artificial intelligence that uses machine learning algorithms to manipulate images, audio or videos.  You may receive an email from your friend or boss, followed up by a phone call where the scammer has used AI to mimic their voice. Video is often used on social media to give credibility to an offer in an advertisement.

To help spot a video deepfake, experts recommend looking for irregular blinking and eye motion, inconsistent lip synching, flickering around the edges of the subject, and odd-looking teeth.

To help spot an audio deepfake, experts recommend listening for irregular high and low pitches within the audio, lack of background noise, and awkward pauses.

If you received a frantic phone call from a family member in trouble and something seems off, let them know you want to verify that it’s really them calling. Ask them a few questions that a scammer could not possibly know.  Such as, what is the color and year of your car?  Where did we go on vacation last year?  Or, name three of your best friends.

Mail-in Scams

Most people may not think of a scam coming in your mailbox.  We are so used to junk mail that much of it is thrown away.  But just like phishing through an email, scammers send out bulk mail in hopes of catching someone who is not paying close attention. It may be a fake bill stating that you are behind in your mortgage, or a fake utility bill requesting payment on a fake website or by mailing payment directly.

Fraudulent mail may also come as handwritten notes from a scammer pretending to be a friend.  Think of all the ways phishing emails you receive. These can just as easily come in the form of junk male.   A scam known as the “Hard Luck Story” takes the form of a scammer impersonating a friend or stranger needing assistance, but this letter is really coming from a scammer.

Social Media Phishing Attacks

Most of us feel comfortable on social media.  After all, it’s where we connect with friends and family. There is also the potential to make new friends in community groups.  The more relaxed we are in the social media environment, the easiest it is for cybercriminals to scam us.

These scams are dangerous for both an individual and an organization. The takeover of a business or brand’s social media account by cybercriminals can have devastating consequences.  Many social media phishing attacks begin with cybercriminals gathering publicly available information.  They will use this to fool you into clicking a link or forwarding a message to all your friends.

Use the privacy controls on personal and business social media accounts to keep personal information out of public view.  Including your location, full name, and lists of connections.  You can also take from the SLAM Method (used to inspect possible phishing emails) and adapt it to social media.

Social Media Cyber Safety

Fake Customer Service Accounts

Scammers will create fake customer service social media accounts of real companies and respond to help requests with a link to fake login pages where they can steal the user’s credentials or ask for payment for repair services.

Reporting all unusual activity you notice or suspect on social media helps keep the whole community safe.

Account Hijacking

Account hijacking happens when someone gains unauthorized access to a user’s social media account, usually through a weak password. Hijacked accounts are actively used by scammers to impersonate the user, send phishing messages to followers, post harmful content, or steal the user’s personal information.

Malicious links that could infect your device with viruses or malware can also come through social media via messages, comments, and posts by other users. If hacked, your account can be used to distribute scams and malware to your friends.

How to Prevent Account Hacking

Scammers often use information from multiple online profiles, such as answers to common security questions, to gain access to your other accounts.  Disconnecting third-party apps that you no longer use can help keep your social media account secure.

Don’t use the same password for all your social media accounts. Using the same password across multiple platforms means if a hacker uncovers your password to one account, they also gain access to any additional accounts that use the same password.

Learn how my daughter’s Instagram account was hacked because of malicious link:

Teach the SLAM Method reviewed in part 1 to children so they won’t become another victim of a scamming text that preys on emotions.

Visual Spoofing

Visual spoofing is an action performed by a cybercriminal to disguise a website or email.  Domain spoofing can also occur when a website is made to look like a legitimate website. Link in emails can also be cleverly disguised to catch you off guard.  Looking closely at the URL will reveal that there are additional characters in the domain that seem to fit at first glance.

Scammers may also use different characters from other languages or accents over letters in the domain name. Something as simple as using the capital letter O instead of the number 0 can fool people.

Scammers don’t stop there.  If you happen to end up on one of the scam websites, it may be copied from the original website to look real, including the design and products listed.

Be cautious of all links. It’s always better to access any website directly instead of clicking a link.  Look for fake logos, poor website design or spelling errors.  Keep your browser up to date allowing for automatic updates for all software and operating systems on your devices.

Pig Butchering Scam

This sounds like a weird name for a scam.  In pig butchering scams, the scammer first builds trust through a new business relationship or friendship.  It can happen through email or text.  So, just like a farmer fattens up a pig before it’s time to send it to the butcher, the scammer is prepared their victim to eventually give them money.

Typically, they use the lure of guaranteed quick profits from cryptocurrency investments to convince the victim to invest.  If you find yourself in this situation, conversations may go on for weeks or months until your defenses are totally down and you won’t think twice about investing or helping your new friend.

Be cautious of “wrong number” text scams, which may be a ploy to start a friendly conversation and eventually launch the scam.

Formjacking Scams

In a formjacking scam, cybercriminals target a website and insert malicious code to skim sensitive information from the sites form pages.  Form pages can be anything, from a basic contact form to an online shopping cart, or payment form.

The information that scammers are after are passwords, login credentials, and payment information. These can include bank account numbers and credit card data.

Unfortunately, consumers are at the mercy of companies to ensure their forms are not being used to skim information.  There’s no way of knowing is a web form is compromised or not, even for the most tech savvy person.

However, there are ways to mitigate the effects in the event your data is skimmed.

Best Practices for Protection Include:

Monitoring your credit card statements, banks accounts, and credit scores for unauthorized, unfamiliar and suspicious activity.

Use banking apps that alert you through SMS or push notifications in real time about transactions made on your account.

Notify your bank as soon as possible if you noticed fraudulent transactions.

Using multi-factor authentication on all accounts when possible.

These methods won’t stop form jacking but they make it difficult for criminals to siphon funds from a compromised account.

Signing up for identity theft protection that monitors your credit score, will let you know about changes connected to your finances.  For example, it will email you when a new account is opened in your name.  These services also identity theft insurance and provide services to help you clean up the mess made some any cyber breach that causes you financial harm.

Common Sense for Common Scams – Wrap Up

There will never be a shortage of scams to write about.  As technology grows and changes, someone somewhere in the world is thinking about a new year to use it for malicious purposes.  However, we hope you have seen a common theme of how some basic tips, combined with common sense, can help to be prepared. Always take a second look when something strange comes to you in an email, a text, or app.

Learn more about Scams – Part 1 and Creative Scams Part 3

The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) is indisputable. It’s reshaping the daily lives of people, including children, at a rapid pace. While AI holds promise in offering quick assistance for everyday life, there’s much more to understand. As a parent, knowing the complexities of AI tools is crucial to your child’s education.

With tools like ChatGPT becoming more popular among children, controlling the use of AI for academic purposes is vital to ensure responsible use, while preventing them from cheating and derailing the learning process.

What Is AI?

AI refers to a computer’s ability to process requests and generate responses. It’s modeled after the human brain — it gathers information, sorts details and makes them immediately available to the user. The goal is to recognize patterns based on large amounts of data and make decisions like humans. However, it can’t relate to people’s life experiences.

This technology has been present since the mid-1950s. Today, AI-powered tools are quickly becoming a part of everyday life. Companies use AI in many different ways, from Spotify using AI to recommend music based on your listening habits, to customer service chatbots generating a response based on a database of information.

How Do Children and Teens Use AI?

AI can be more than a helping tool for children and teenagers, allowing them instant access to loads of information.  However, problems arise when AI is used by students to take shortcuts, resulting in a deficiency in their education.  Simply put, the process of learning includes doing assignments and creatively thinking for themselves.

Here are some common ways teens are using this technology:

Improve Writing

AI-powered technologies like Trinka and Grammarly can help detect spelling and grammar errors and make suggestions on improving writing. Many students use these tools when crafting essays and other school assignments.

In worse cases, some children might use platforms like ChatGPT to write essays for them. This is cheating.

Perform Research

According to the Pew Research Center, about one in five teenagers familiar with ChatGPT have used it for schoolwork. It can be misused by students who don’t want to do their work, but it can also be used as an aid in research.

Students can use AI like a search engine to gather research or summarize information into simpler terms. While this can help save time, it is not always reliable. It’s important to double check any information the program gives you to make sure it’s accurate.

Acquire and Enhance New Knowledge

AI tools can provide access to training and education from all over the world, supporting your child’s self-directed learning. It allows schools to create personalized educational programs for students based on learning history or weaknesses.

AI-powered apps can even help them learn a new language. Duolingo provides a gamified way for kids to acquire one of the 40 languages available.

This technology can also improve your child’s knowledge about a specific topic. Gizmo is a tool that allows kids to recall everything they learn in an interactive and fun manner — just paste the study notes the app will use to create a quiz.

Can Parents Trust AI?

Reliance on AI technologies can yield positive and negative outcomes. Its increasing usefulness can increase your teen’s productivity and inform their decision-making. These tools can help motivate kids to learn more, as it offers new ways to explore the world around them.

However, the proliferation of AI emphasizes privacy and safety issues. AI-powered platforms often collect personal data without people knowing it and follow your teen’s every move online, making them a target of relentless advertising campaigns. Like any technology, AI tools can also be used maliciously.

To trust a technology that’s slowly dominating the world, you need ways to ensure your child remains safe from the possible pitfalls of AI usage.

Strategies for Safe and Responsible Use of AI

AI has already infiltrated society and the online world. You may not realize it, but your children have likely already used AI tools or encountered AI-generated content online. Now is the time to sit down with your kids to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this technology.

1.    Teach How to Manage Online Privacy

Clearing browser history and managing cookies can help block websites from accessing online activity. Teach younger kids to avoid sharing personal details like full name, phone number, address and financial information without your knowledge.

2.    Explain Plagiarism

Help older kids understand the value of original work. AI tools like ChatGPT can easily prompt students to copy and paste AI-generated output on their homework to finish work faster. Explain how copying the ideas of others, including AI, without giving proper credit is wrong and might be illegal.

3.    Think Critically

The speed of AI tools might be incredible, but like people, they can make mistakes. Remind your child to double-check factual information and consider acquiring different perspectives from other sources before reaching conclusions.

4.    Expand Their Horizons

Encourage your child to use other resources to avoid overdependence on AI tools. Explain the value of research, journals, books and professional insights. Introduce educational AI tools that complement their learning, and consider blocking access to some platforms.

5.    Discuss The Dangers

AI tools will continue to be used in irresponsible ways. The results can include fake new articles, deep fake images of real people, edited text, videos or photos and more. Do some research on how to spot AI-generated content online, and show your children examples. Tell them to report any cases of bullying they see using AI, such as fake photos used to mock or harass them or their classmates.

Navigate the AI World Responsibly

Modern technologies like AI are opening up learning and development opportunities for students. However, it’s not without its downsides. Following these strategies can help ensure your child’s safety while interacting with AI.

Author bio:  Cora Gold is the Editor-in-Chief of women’s lifestyle magazine, Revivalist. She strives to live a happy and healthy life with her family by her side.

Watch How to Properly use AI in Education

One emergency vehicle stands out to many, symbolizing the rapid response to a crisis and captivating our imaginations from a young age: the fire truck. But did you know that beyond their shiny exteriors lie some fascinating secrets? Let’s dive into the world of safety and explore five fun facts about fire trucks.

1. The Origins of the ‘Big Red’

The first fire engines date back to Roman times when they were horse-drawn water pumps. The iconic red color scheme has a historical significance, originating from 19th-century Britain. After legislatures developed the most recent fire truck design standards in 1905, the use of red became official because it was a visible color that people could associate with fire even from a distance. With technological advancements, today’s pumpers and tankers make life easier for rescue workers dealing with blazes.

2. Honk if You Love Air Horns!

The siren is one of the most exciting features of a fire truck, which is enough to startle even the most composed passerby. Modern fire trucks come equipped with a variety of options, including air horns, electronic sirens, and mechanical wailers. These sirens are exceptionally loud, with some capable of reaching a staggering 100 decibels.

3. Spreading Wings and Ladders to the Sky

Fire trucks also have excellent vertical reach. The aerial ladder, a crucial part of a fire truck’s arsenal, can extend up to 150 feet—the length of a 15-story building—making it possible to position a firefighter within a few feet of a window for a rescue. Most can telescope, pivot, and even support the weight of multiple people at perilous heights.

4. Dalmatians and Firehouses: An Enduring Partnership

It would be remiss to talk about fire trucks without mentioning Dalmatians, the quintessential firehouse dogs. The tradition of Dalmatians in fire stations goes back to the days of horse-drawn fire carriages. Dalmatians were particularly fond of horses and adept at clearing the way for rescue workers, making their presence in the firehouse not just ceremonial, but practical.

5. Fire Trucks in Popular Culture

Popular culture has long romanticized the image of a fire truck. Kids learn about fire trucks from a young age, whether it’s through toys and games or consumable media.

Toys and Games

Toy manufacturers have long recognized the fascination that fire trucks hold, crafting detailed miniature replicas that come complete with extendable ladders, working water hoses, and even sound effects mimicking the distinct siren cries.

Films and TV

Classic films like “The Red Tails of Courage” and the legendary TV show “Emergency!” have immortalized the image of fire trucks dashing through city streets with sirens blaring.

Inspiring Childhood Dreams for Generations

Fire trucks hold a special place in the hearts of many, not just for their role as lifesavers but also for the childhood dreams they inspire. They’re also an excellent way to educate kids about fire safety!

So, the next time you go chasing the big red, remember these five fun facts about fire trucks. Perhaps, just for a moment, you’ll feel that same childlike wonder you did the first time one passed you by.

In the US, many university students in their final year plan to travel abroad and teach English as a foreign language once they have graduated. Teaching English abroad can be a meaningful and fulfilling way to invest your gap year that can better prepare you for diverse and ever-changing professional environments.

One way of approaching the experience of teaching abroad is through government-led programs designed especially for international teachers of English.

In this article, you will discover what TAPIF program is. But first, let’s take a look at what benefits teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) can bring to you on a personal and professional level.

Advantages of Teaching English Abroad

It’s a well-known fact that traveling broadens your horizons, and teaching English abroad no doubt does the trick. It provides an immersive experience in a different culture, and you’ll have the opportunity to interact with locals, learn a new language, and engage in cultural exchange. This allows you to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of diverse perspectives, traditions, and lifestyles.

Another advantage of teaching abroad is that it challenges you to step out of your comfort zone, adapt to new environments, and navigate unfamiliar situations independently. When you find yourself in a foreign country where you can hardly speak the language and don’t know anyone, that’s when your survival instinct kicks in and you make a virtue of necessity. You develop resilience, self-confidence, and a sense of resourcefulness as you overcome cultural and language barriers, and other challenges. Ultimately, you’ll discover your hidden strengths.

On a professional level, teaching abroad offers valuable opportunities for skill development. Working as a teacher, you will gain and develop a range of transferable skills that will make you stand out from any other candidate in an increasingly globalized job market. Skills such as communication, adaptability, problem-solving, and leadership are highly sought after by employers in every sector.

Making Learning More Engaging

Whether you are planning on making teaching your future career or not, there might be times when you need to teach something or help others learn. Whichever learning environment you find yourself in, some strategies can help you make teaching and learning more enjoyable and effective for yourself and everyone involved.

Flipped Classroom Model

One innovative approach gaining traction in education circles is the flipped classroom model. In this setup, traditional teaching methods are reversed. Instead of spending class time listening to lectures, students engage with course materials beforehand through videos, readings, or interactive modules. Class time is then dedicated to discussions, problem-solving, and hands-on activities facilitated by the instructor.

Project-Based Learning

Another effective way to make teaching more engaging for adult students is through project-based learning (PBL). Instead of focusing solely on exams and quizzes, PBL immerses learners in real-world scenarios where they apply theoretical knowledge to solve practical problems. PBL is ideal for professional training situations because it motivates trainees to develop a sense of ownership and autonomy while collaborating as part of a team.

Gamification

Who says learning can’t be fun? Gamification involves incorporating elements of game design, such as challenges, rewards, and competition, into educational activities. By “gamifying” the learning process, instructors can capture learners’ attention, increase motivation, and promote active participation. Whether it’s a trivia quiz, a role-playing simulation, or an educational game app, gamification makes learning more enjoyable and memorable for students of all ages.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Finally, to truly engage learners, it’s essential to provide experiential learning opportunities that bridge the gap between theory and practice. Whether it’s internships, practicums, research projects, or service-learning initiatives, these hands-on experiences allow students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, gain valuable skills, and build professional networks.

The TAPIF Program in France

If you think that spending a year abroad teaching English is just what you need after graduation, the TAPIF program in France might be a straightforward way into your new adventure.

The TAPIF Program isn’t your typical teaching position; it serves as a gateway to fully immerse yourself in French culture. It is the American component of the broader Programme des Assistants de Langue en France overseen by FEI. Graduates of TAPIF often embark on diverse global career paths and may even access scholarships for further studies at the MA and PhD levels.

Who Is TAPIF for

This program is ideally suited for US citizens who are independent and highly motivated – individuals passionate about teaching and comfortable with young learners. While participants receive a modest monthly stipend of under 790 € for a 12-hour teaching week, they should note that travel costs and accommodation are not covered. This aspect provides ample downtime for exploration, but financial planning is essential.

As language assistants, successful candidates will engage in firsthand teaching experiences across primary and high schools in various regions of France, including its overseas territories like French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Réunion.

Let’s look at the requirements needed to apply for the TAPIF program in detail:

• Citizenship: Must be either a US citizen or a permanent resident. Green Card holders from specific countries, like Canada, may also be considered. French or French-American nationals are ineligible.

• Language: English must be the applicant’s first language, and proficiency in French at a B1 level is required.

• Age: Applicants must be between 20 and 35 years old at the start of the program.

• Education: Completion of at least three years of post-secondary studies by the program’s start date is necessary.

Applicants meeting the requirements must submit a personal statement in French and a letter of recommendation attesting to their French proficiency, attitude, and work ethic. Ideally, the recommendation should come from a French language professor or be supported by scores from standardized French language tests (TCF, TEF, DELF/DALF) through the Alliance Française.

While prior teaching experience isn’t obligatory, it’s advantageous. However, a genuine interest in education and international culture, along with suitable skills for a classroom setting, is crucial. Applications are open from mid-October to mid-January, with outcomes communicated in April.

Teaching English in France? Oh la la!

It is estimated that between 40,000 and 60,000 university graduates take a gap year every academic year; it’s like a break from reality after leaving the world of education and before entering that of employment. But why not constructively use that time? Teaching English abroad can be a fulfilling experience that helps you develop your professional skills and grow on a personal level. TAPIF can simplify the process and give you the security of a program you can trust.