In an era when technology is advancing at breakneck speed, smart robots are becoming a part of our daily lives. And let me tell you about one of the coolest ones out there: the XPENG Robotics Smart Robot Unicorn.

This isn’t just any regular toy; it’s way more than that. Imagine having a super smart companion who understands the world around you. That’s what the XPENG Robot Unicorn is all about.

It’s got this amazing ability to sense its environment so accurately that it can dodge obstacles while playing or effortlessly find its way around your living room.

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The unicorn’s innovative body and joint design

Inspired by the mythical unicorn, Robot Unicorn features an innovative body and joint design. Its knee joints and elbow joints allow for a natural and elegant gait, something that sets it apart from clunky robots of the past. As it moves gracefully, you’ll find yourself forgetting that it’s not a living creature.

MORE: THIS ROBOT INVENTION CAN DO BACKFLIPS BETTER THAN A GYMNAST 

The unicorn’s tail becomes a robotic arm

The robot’s tail has been redesigned for the Gen 2 unicorn model. The previous tail had little use, but now it has been designed as a robotic arm. This innovation catapults the unicorn’s practicality to new heights. Imagine a tail that can grasp, lift and carry objects weighing up to approximately 6.61 pounds.

Picture this scenario: You’re wedged under a car, tinkering with its inner workings. Instead of struggling to reach for tools, you turn to your unicorn companion and say, “Can you pass me the 5/8 open ender, please?” And there it is – the robotic tail extends, placing the tool in your hands.

As the software continues to evolve, its fetch-and-carry capabilities become even more practical. Soon, this robotic companion will prove genuinely useful – like simply lending an extra hand (or tail) around the house.

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

MORE: THIS HUMAN ROBOT IS NOW CAPABLE OF FULL CONVERSATIONS

Conversations beyond the ordinary

The XPENG Robot Unicorn isn’t just silent company but a conversationalist. With its talking and listening capabilities, it engages in banter. But that’s not all: this unicorn recognizes you through face or voiceprint, responds to touch and even expresses emotions through its expressive face screen.

MORE: A ROBOT THAT CAN TRIM, EDGE, BLOW YOUR LAWN FOR YOU

A unicorn built to ride

Imagine your child’s excitement as they hop onto their very own smart vehicle – the XPENG Robot Unicorn. Its unique riding and driving system ensures a safe experience, and custom safety gear protects your little one, whether they’re exploring the backyard or racing down the hallway.

The unicorn can load and transport items

Need to carry groceries? Picking up packages? The robot unicorn has you covered there as well. Its specially designed loading gear allows it to transport items effortlessly. It’s like having a helpful little assistant by your side, ready to lend a hoof (or four).

Autonomous navigation: More than child’s play

The XPENG Robot Unicorn’s navigation system rivals that of a smart car. Cameras, LiDAR and other sensors work in harmony to map its environment, plan paths, follow targets and avoid obstacles.

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Robot Unicorn maps its own environment (XPENG)

Kurt’s key takeaways

Eighteen months ago, the idea of a quadruped companion for children seemed whimsical. But today, the XPENG Robot Unicorn is here, bridging the gap between fantasy and practicality. It’s not just a booty-shaking companion; it’s a testament to how far artificial intelligence has come. Once a concept, the Unicorn now stands as an intelligent, articulate companion. Whether it’s assisting with chores, fetching tools or sparking conversations, this unicorn has the framework to be your or your child’s versatile companion.

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If you had your own Robot Unicorn, how would you utilize its robotic tail? What tasks or scenarios would you envision where this tail could come in handy? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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We are less than a week away from the tax deadline, and McAfee is out with new data on tax season that can help ensure you stay safe this tax season. 

With tax return scams on the rise, rushing to get your taxes done before the deadline can be one of the ways you are more vulnerable to becoming a victim of one of these scams.

So, how can you strike the balance of utilizing tax filing software to support you in getting those taxes on time while ensuring you’re protecting yourself from the various tax scams that are out there?

Steve Grobman, senior vice president and chief technology officer at McAfee, a cybersecurity company, advises that filing your taxes on time is a key step in avoiding tax scams.

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Woman stressed out while doing her taxes (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What are the most common tax scams?

Tax scams have become more sophisticated over the last few years, but they are in no way new. However, with AI becoming more commonplace, scammers can utilize this technology to expedite their malicious scams. These scams can come in many different forms, but some of the most common ones are:

Phone scams: Scammers impersonate IRS officials to solicit back payments or personal information over the phone, using threats of arrest or fines to pressure immediate compliance. They may use fake badge numbers, caller IDs or robocalls enhanced with AI voice-overs.

Phishing email scams: Scammers commit fraud by sending emails or messages pretending to be from tax authorities or reputable tax software companies. They entice recipients to click on links that lead to fake websites designed to steal personal and financial information or directly request sensitive data under the guise of tax filing or refunds.

Tax-related identity theft: This occurs when identity thieves use stolen personal information to file fraudulent tax returns. Signs of such theft include receiving a letter from the IRS about a tax return already filed in your name, an electronic filing rejection because a return has already been filed using your Social Security Number, or a notification about the creation of a new online IRS account you did not initiate.

The word SCAM over data (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: DON’T FALL FOR THESE SNEAKY TAX SCAMS THAT ARE OUT TO STEAL YOUR IDENTITY AND MONEY

What you need to know about tax filing software

Today’s tax landscape is dominated by online engagement, with nearly nine out of 10 (89%) individuals turning to online platforms for at least one part of the tax filing process. More than half of consumers (54%) struggle to differentiate between scams and legitimate messages. In February alone, cybersecurity firm McAfee blocked more than one million attempts to engage with malicious, tax-related URLS.

Steve says, “With less than a week left until Tax Day, early filers are awaiting refunds and tax procrastinators are likely feeling the pressure and stress of the deadline. Scammers exploit these heightened emotions by offering easy filing, faster refunds or urgent information requests, so it’s not surprising that Americans report an average of $8,199 per person lost to tax-related email and text message scams.”

“We encourage people to maintain healthy skepticism, pause before sharing sensitive information online, and to use the right tools to protect their privacy, identity and personal information during tax season and beyond.”

Fraud written on a tablet (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How scam attempts and detection look in different states

According to Steve, “Our recent tax scam survey uncovered notable disparities in scam susceptibility. Residents of some states – particularly Texas, New York, California, Alaska and Arkansas – have a much higher rate of receiving fraudulent tax refund messages than others.”

“These messages often contain malicious links or malware, increasing vulnerability to scams, so we encourage people to be extra alert and use AI-powered online identity and information protection measures to safeguard themselves against potential scams.”

Here’s some more information by state:

Texas: Despite being highly confident in spotting tax-related scams, Texas has a significant percentage (66%) of people who have lost money to online tax scams, indicating a gap between confidence and reality.

New York: While New Yorkers are confident in identifying tax-related scams, 70% have received messages purporting to be from tax authorities, and 80% have received requests for personal information, suggesting a significant issue with scam attempts.

MUST-KNOW TAX SEASON TIPS FOR FAMILIES WITH COLLEGE STUDENTS

West Virginia: Although West Virginia has a high confidence level in spotting fake tax preparation services, 88% of its residents are likely to click on links from supposed tax software companies, indicating vulnerability to scams.

Kansas: Despite being less likely to click on links from purported tax preparation software companies, Kansas has a relatively high percentage (88%) of people who wouldn’t recognize a scam message from the IRS or state tax authority, suggesting a need for awareness and education on tax scams.

Tennessee: 100% of Tennessean respondents who clicked on links from supposed tax software companies lost money, and all respondents who received messages about tax refunds clicked on those links, highlighting a vulnerability to scam messages in the state.

Woman preparing taxes (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: HOW SCAMMERS ARE USING AI TOOLS TO FILE PERFECT-LOOKING TAX RETURNS IN YOUR NAME

How to protect yourself from tax-related identity theft

There are several ways you can protect yourself from tax-related identity theft:

Smart Selection: Utilize tax software to get your taxes done faster and on time, but be sure to research and check the reviews.

IRS Impersonation Alert: The IRS will NEVER call you and ask you to make any sort of payment over the phone.

Secure Your Identity: Request an Identity Protection PIN from the IRS. This will help to ensure your account is protected going forward and make it less likely that someone can file a fake tax return in your name.

Early Bird Advantage: In the future, try to file your taxes as early as you can. By doing this, you’re essentially beating the scammer to it. Once you file the return, they will be unable to commit fraud by filing a return in your name.

Beware of Phishing: Don’t click on suspicious links, even if you recognize the name of the tax software company. The best way to protect yourself from clicking malicious links that install malware that may get access to your private information is to have antivirus protection installed on all your devices. 

This can also alert you of any phishing emails or ransomware scams. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices.

Steve adds, “The rise of AI-generated tax scams has made it incredibly challenging for Americans to tell the difference between real and fake communications. Cybercrooks can now easily create malicious robocalls that sound like they could come from a neighbor and send error-free text and email messages.”

“With 1 in 4 Americans losing money to online tax scams, it’s crucial for consumers to stay informed about the latest scams, exercise skepticism when something seems too good to be true, and utilize AI-powered tools to protect their privacy, identity and personal information.”

MORE: TOP WAYS TO SAFEGUARD YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER

What to do if you’re a victim of a tax scam?

The hope is that by being aware of the different tax scams that are out there – especially when the deadline for filing your taxes is right around the corner – you’ll be less likely to become a victim of one. That being said, we know that these scammers are pretty clever. So, if you do find that you’ve been a victim of a scam, follow these steps:

1. Complete IRS Form 14039, the Identity Theft Affidavit. This is the form that all victims of fraud must fill out for the IRS. It will let them know that the person claiming to be you is a fraud. You can find the form on the IRS website.

2. Request a copy of the fraudulent tax return from the IRS: You can do this by going to this page on the IRS website on dealing with fraudulent returns and following the instructions to order a copy.

3. Alert national credit bureaus: Let the national bureaus, such as Experian, Equifax and TransUnion, know that there has been fraud and freeze your account so that the scammers cannot access it.

4. Report the crime to the Federal Trade Commission: The FTC is there to help track down scammers, and your report can also help them record how many scams are happening in a single year to improve better how to warn others. You should also report the crime to identitytheft.gov/.

5. Check your online bank accounts: Make sure there aren’t any suspicious transactions on any of your accounts.

6. Use an identity theft protection service: As tax season approaches, the risk of tax fraud significantly increases. It’s crucial to be vigilant and proactive in protecting your personal information. One effective measure is to enlist the help of an identity theft protection service. 

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Identity theft companies can monitor personal information like your Social Security Number, phone number and email address and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or being used to open an account. They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals.

One of the best parts of using an identity theft protection service is that it might include identity theft insurance of up to $1 million to cover losses and legal fees and a white-glove fraud resolution team where a U.S.-based case manager helps you recover any losses. See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft.

A Post-it on tax documents (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: DON’T CLICK THAT LINK! HOW TO SPOT AND PREVENT PHISHING ATTACKS IN YOUR INBOX

Kurt’s key takeaways

Taxes are a necessary evil that we have to do every year. Because it can be complicated, many people resort to software to help get the job done. Whatever route you take, be on the lookout for suspicious links from these software companies and any strange messages or phone calls claiming to be from the IRS – and claim your IRS Identity Protection PIN ASAP.

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Considering the advancements in cybersecurity, what steps should companies take to protect their customers’ sensitive financial data? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

The Ascender robot vacuum and mop cleaner tackles stairs, edges and corners for marathon cleaning sessions. 

Are you tired of lugging heavy vacuums up and down the stairs? Do you wish a robot could help you clean every corner of your home, including those pesky stairs? Well, now there is. 

Meet Migo Robotics’ Ascender, the world’s first robot vacuum and mop cleaner with stair-climbing capability. You heard right – stairs.

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Ascender the robot (Migo Robotics)

Stair climbing & stair cleaning

Ascender isn’t just another robot vacuum; it’s a game-changer. With the ability to climb stairs of different heights up to 8.7 inches, Ascender navigates over stairs, obstacles and floor levels to clean your entire house hands-free. Plus, it can clean various types of stairs, ensuring no nook or cranny is left untouched.

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

Ascender can climb stairs. (Migo Robotics)

MORE: THIS ROBOT INVENTION CAN DO BACKFLIPS BETTER THAN A GYMNAST

Cleaning stairs, but also every edge and corner

Ascender’s square-shaped body with motorized omnidirectional wheels ensures optimal cleaning of every edge and corner. Equipped with ultra-strong suction power and versatile brushes, Ascender deeply cleans various surfaces, from floors to carpets, picking up even the tiniest particles.

Ascender descending steps (Migo Robotics)

MORE: AI ROBOT THAT CAN TRIM, EDGE, BLOW YOUR LAWN FOR YOU

How does the mopping aspect of Ascender perform?

Forget about manual mopping. Ascender will have you saying goodbye to your handheld mop. With 17N downward pressure and high-speed scrubbing, it surpasses handheld floor scrubbers. It automatically detects the ground material and adjusts the mop accordingly, ensuring a thorough cleaning every time.

Ascender sweeps, mops and climbs. (Migo Robotics)

MORE: THIS HUMANOID ROBOT IS NOW CAPABLE OF FULL CONVERSATIONS

Large battery capacity for cleaning marathons

Featuring a 12000mAh battery, Ascender can sweep, mop and climb a grade slope of up to 5,380 square feet on a single charge. Say goodbye to interrupted cleaning sessions and hello to true hands-free cleaning.

Ascender runs on a 12000mAh battery. (Migo Robotics)

Top-tier hardware and software on board

At the core of Ascender lies advanced hardware and software, including an HD camera, LiDAR and ToF sensors, which ensure navigational accuracy. With its powerful Al algorithms seamlessly integrated, Ascender avoids obstacles and plans efficient cleaning routes.

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Ascender is less than 4 inches tall. (Migo Robotics)

MORE: FORGET HANDS. TOYOTA’S HUG-READY ROBOT PICKS UP WITH ITS ENTIRE BODY

Smart app for full control at your fingertips

With the Ascender app, you can control your robot vacuum from anywhere, set cleaning schedules and even designate no-go zones. Ascender seamlessly integrates into smart home systems, offering convenience and flexibility.

The Ascender app (Migo Robotics)

All-in-one robot dock

Experience truly hands-free cleaning with Ascender’s all-in-one dock. No more manual emptying or cleaning of the robot – Ascender takes care of everything.

Ascender and docking station (Migo Robotics)

How do I buy an Ascender robot?

Currently, the Ascender is a Kickstarter project. The company tells us that it will start mass production very soon and aims to start shipping in June or July. You can choose from Ethereal White, Moon Grey or Titanium Black. At the time of publishing, the price per robot was $849.00. According to the Ascender’s Kickstarter site, this project will only be funded if it reaches its goal by Tuesday, April 30, 2024.

Ascender is available in multiple colors. (Migo Robotics)

Kurt’s key takeaways

Say goodbye to the hassle of multi-floor cleaning with the Ascender. With its revolutionary features, including stair-climbing capability, smart navigation and cleaning performance, Ascender is more than just a cleaner – it’s a lifestyle upgrade for your home. Say hello to effortless, hands-free cleaning and reclaim your time for the things that matter most.

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Would you consider having one of these robots in your home? Are we becoming a lazy society where we let technology do everything for us? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions

Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

A federal agency announced it’s monitoring video games that include in-app purchases, digital currencies and external marketplaces often used by children.

Games that include these features can effectively operate as banks of sorts but aren’t subject to the same types of regulations or protections, according to a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau report released last week. The agency also questioned whether children or parents were aware of the vast amount of data gaming companies collect.

“For several years, the most popular video games have included immersive virtual worlds that offer the storage and exchange of valuable assets,” CFPB wrote. “Gaming companies have created digital marketplaces that facilitate the buying, selling, and trading of these assets with limited consumer protections, which has led to potentially harmful practices for players including financial losses due to theft and scams.”

For years, video games like the mega-hit “Fortnite” have allowed users to make microtransactions — small, optional fees players can pay to obtain items or other features. In many cases, users must purchase in-game currencies bought with real dollars — similar to tokens purchased at brick-and-mortar spots like Dave & Buster’s or Chuck E. Cheese.

CFPD reported that video games like Fortnite could be children’s introduction to banking. (Neilson Barnard/Getty Images)

GOATS, GOOGLE AND GAMES: THE FUTURE IMPACT OF A TECH GIANT’S PUSH TO TRAIN AI TO PLAY VIDEO GAMES

CFPB warned that digital currencies, purchased items and other assets can amount to a “considerable value” in terms of real money. But those closed markets aren’t subject to regulations meant to protect asset holders. 

“Banking and payment services that facilitate the storage and exchange of valuable assets generally provide consumer protections, including recourse after unauthorized transactions,” CFPB wrote in its report. “Yet operators of gaming and virtual worlds typically emphasize a ‘buyer beware’ approach.”

The agency was particularly worried about children, who may be using these markets without their parents knowing.

“For many young people today, gaming may be their introduction to financial activity,” CFPB wrote. “For example, gaming provides young people the opportunity to learn about earning currency, managing assets, and making purchases.”

A CFPB report warned that video games with features like in-app purchases and digital currencies behave like banks but aren’t subject to the same regulations. (Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

NOW THAT ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE CAN CLONE VOICES, VIDEO GAME ACTORS MUST WEIGH THEIR OPTIONS

“Gaming companies may view young players as an opportunity to create lifelong consumers early,” the report continued.

Because players can accumulate assets in these video games worth considerable sums of real money, gamers could face a significant financial loss if their accounts are hacked or if they fall prey to scammers.

Those risks have increased as the value of gaming assets has risen, according to CFPB. But players might have limited recourse since traditional banking and payment system protections don’t apply.

“In complaints to the [Federal Trade Commission] and CFPB, several players reported hacking attempts, account theft, scams, unauthorized transactions, and losing access to game currencies and virtual items, but they received limited recourse from gaming companies,” the bureau wrote. Gaming companies often put “the burden on individual players to avoid these scams and phishing attempts.”

CFPB warned that many video games collect a massive amount of data, a fact parents of young players may be unaware of. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

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Meanwhile, publishers can also collect significant information about their users, including location data, social media data and behavioral interactions, “such as how a player responds to personalized incentives,” according to the CFPB report.

“There is risk that gamers may be harmed when their data is sold, bought, and traded between companies, including for purposes outside of game play,” the report continued. “Additionally, the vast accumulation of data collected from consumers by gaming companies raises questions as to whether privacy rules are being adhered to and whether consumers, especially young ones and their parents, are fully aware of how their data is being collected and used across the industry.”

Ultimately, CFPB didn’t indicate it was taking action against the video game industry, instead noting that it’s “monitoring” the situation.

You just knew this was coming. No doubt, you’ve heard about the staffing shortages in factories. And guess what? The solution seems to be robots.

At Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing in Hungary, they’ve swapped out some of their human workers for humanoid robots right there on the factory floor. These futuristic robots are produced by Apptronik, a Texas-based company.

Mercedes-Benz and Apptronik have teamed up to explore how these robots can lend a helping hand to their human counterparts. The goal? To tackle staffing challenges during the manufacturing process.

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Apollo, the humanoid robot at a Mercedes-Benz factory. (Apptronik)

The humanoid robot workmate

The humanoid robots are called Apollo. Standing at a height of 5 feet 8 inches and weighing in at 160 pounds, Apollo mirrors the proportions of a human worker. Its mission? To collaborate seamlessly with its human counterparts while tackling physically demanding tasks.

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

Apollo the robot works at a Mercedes-Benz factory. (Apptronik)

MORE: AI ROBOT THAT CAN TRIM, EDGE AND BLOW YOUR LAWN FOR YOU 

The robot’s strength and agility

Apollo’s powerful arms can lift up to 55 pounds at a time, making it a valuable asset in an assembly line environment. Its swappable battery ensures a runtime of approximately four hours per pack, enough to keep it going through a productive shift.

Apollo the humanoid robot does work in a Mercedes-Benz factory. (Apptronik)

MORE: THIS ROBOT INVENTION CAN DO BACKFLIPS BETTER THAN A GYMNAST

Is the robot safe?

Apollo’s unique force control architecture allows it to operate safely alongside humans. Think of it as a collaborative robot, not an industrial behemoth. No need to barricade off sections of the factory; Apollo integrates seamlessly into existing spaces.

Apollo the robot works on a car at a Mercedes-Benz factory. (Apptronik)

MORE: THIS HUMANOID ROBOT IS NOW CAPABLE OF FULL CONVERSATIONS

The robot’s applications in manufacturing facilities

Apollo’s first task? Logistics. It shuttles parts to the production line, ensuring workers have what they need to assemble vehicles. So, for example, Apollo delivers assembly kits while simultaneously inspecting components. Later in the process, Apollo takes on another critical role: delivering totes of kitted parts. These neatly organized containers contain everything necessary for specific assembly steps.

Apollo the robot at a Mercedes-Benz factory. (Apptronik)

How the robot is bridging the labor gap

Mercedes-Benz faces a common challenge: finding reliable workers for physically demanding, repetitive, dull tasks. That’s where Apollo comes in and bridges the gap. The company says these robots allow them to automate tasks and free up skilled employees to focus on higher-value work. They say it’s a win-win for productivity and job satisfaction. However, it’s unclear how many robots will be used at their factories.

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A close-up of Apollo the humanoid robot on a Mercedes-Benz factory floor. (Apptronik)

Robots on the assembly line

But Mercedes-Benz isn’t the only player in this game. Earlier this year, BMW made waves by partnering with California-based Figure to put its robots to the test. The star of the show? Figure’s 01 robot, currently hard at work in BMW’s U.S. factories located in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Both Mercedes-Benz and BMW are still fine-tuning their approach, figuring out how best to leverage these robots. The goal? To automate those tricky, unsafe or downright tedious tasks that have traditionally fallen on human shoulders. From delivering and inspecting parts to working alongside skilled workers, these robots are poised to revolutionize the assembly line.

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Is this a step in the right direction, or is this just another way to replace human jobs with automation, potentially leading to job displacement? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:

Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 15:  Dennis Quaid attends the “The Art Of More” Season 2 Premiere  at Museum Of Arts And Design on November 15, 2016 in New York City.  (Photo by Brad Barket/Getty Images) (Brad Barket/Getty Images)

Welcome to Fox News’ Artificial Intelligence newsletter with the latest AI technology advancements.

IN TODAY’S NEWSLETTER:

– Dennis Quaid says AI can’t replace human emotion: ‘That’s what actors bring’
– African drone company uses AI to give vital help to US farmers
– Amazon CEO Andy Jassy touts AI push in shareholder letter

‘WHAT ACTORS BRING’: Dennis Quaid sees artificial intelligence as a “great tool,” but doesn’t think humans will lose out at the end of the day.

SAVING THE FARM: – South Africa’s Aerobotics is utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) in helping fruit and nut farmers improve crop yields.

South African country using AI to help farmers in the US and 16 other countries. Photo: Aerobotics (Aerobotics)

AI PUSH: Amazon CEO Andy Jassy outlined the e-commerce giant’s approach to artificial intelligence (AI) development in his annual letter to shareholders released Thursday.

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy. (REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo)

ENHANCING THE MASTERS: Thanks to Watsonx – IBM’s AI and data platform – and the Masters Tournament, the experience for golf fans around the world will have their own analytics they can use to further their understanding of the tournament in real time.h

A general look at how fans can see players’ shots during the 2024 Masters this year.  (IBM/The Masters)

AI RACE HEATS UP: Google unveiled its latest custom-designed artificial intelligence semiconductor on Tuesday, introducing the new Google Axiom Processors designed to operate data centers. 

Subscribe now to get the Fox News Artificial Intelligence Newsletter in your inbox.

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As if scammers couldn’t sink any lower, there’s a new online scam taking advantage of grieving people. 

It’s a strange pirate scam that uses artificial intelligence to scrape data to build fake obituary websites, exploiting the information of somebody who is deceased in an attempt to scam vulnerable victims.

Grieving woman at a grave site. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

We can only hope that this unfortunate situation doesn’t affect you or anyone you care about. If, unfortunately, you have died, there’s little you can do to prevent someone from exploiting your obituary for their own gain. However, these scammers specifically target kind-hearted individuals who are still alive and willing to assist grieving families. It’s essential to remain vigilant and protect yourself and your loved ones from such deceptive practices.

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Grieving woman sitting on the floor. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: HOW IMPOSTERS ARE TRYING TO EXPLOIT YOUR GRIEF AND WALLET IN A NEW FUNERAL SCAM 

How the fake obituary or ‘bereavement scam’ works

Have you ever been on your social media account and seen someone post an obituary page of someone they have lost? Perhaps you’ve clicked on the links to learn about the person, their impact, how they’ve passed or to read the information regarding the funeral.

Maybe you’re even looking to send flowers to the family or a donation in the person’s name. Of course, when someone dies, the last thing you’re probably thinking about is whether it could be a scam. But there’s been a rise in bereavement scams by heartless scammers.

Monitoring search trends

Scammers do this by first monitoring Google search trends to determine when people are searching for obituaries after a death.

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

Creating bogus obituaries

Then, once the scammers find out who has died, they create bogus obituaries with the help of AI that are hosted on legitimate funeral/memorial websites.

SEO optimization

Next, the scammers optimize these pages using SEO tactics so that the scammer’s page ranks first when someone searches for a specific person’s obituary page.

The trap is set

Then, when the prospective victim goes to click on it, they’ll be redirected to an e-dating or adult entertainment site, or they’ll be given a CAPTCHA prompt that, unbeknownst to them, will install web push notifications or pop-up ads when clicked.

These may give fake virus warnings but link to legitimate landing pages for subscription-based antivirus software programs. Worrying that you might accidentally download a virus, innocent victims instead walk right into a scam.

The scammers profit in two ways

After this, two things can happen:

• Scammers monetize this via affiliate reward programs from software downloads people are tricked into thinking they need.
• Scammers get revenue from adverts on the page that pay per impression.

So, while they may not explicitly target you in the same fashion as other scams, they’re still quite creative. Although Secureworks Counter Threat Unit emphasizes that this scam is not currently infecting devices with malware, it is possible that this scam could evolve in that direction in the near future.

Grieving woman on her cellphone. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: HOW TO ENSURE YOUR PASSWORDS DON’T DIE WITH YOU

How to protect yourself from falling for an obituary scam

To protect yourself from one of these scams, there are a few questions to ask yourself if you see an obituary page:

Do you have a connection to the person who has passed away? If you’re not connected in any way to the person you see the obituary page for, don’t click on it. And, if you do know the person, make sure you click on the original link that was shared on social media from the contact you know well; don’t search it in Google, as the first option that comes up could be a fake one.

Know the fake websites. Some fake obituary websites include Nextdoorfuneralhomes.com, Memorialinfoblog.com, Obituaryway.com and Funeralinfotime.com. But keep in mind that some scammers are using common sites, too.

Check if the person has actually passed away. This may seem obvious, but some of these scammers are writing obituaries for people who have not actually passed away!

Look out for suspicious pages. Key signs of a fake obituary include overly descriptive language and an impersonal tone. Many scammers rely on AI to write these obituaries as quickly as they can and don’t usually take the time to review them to make them sound more human. After all, they are in a rush to snag you shortly after the person has died.

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A woman in a reflection. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: SCAMMERS ARE USING FAKE NEWS AND MALICIOUS LINKS TO TARGET YOU IN AN EMOTIONAL FACEBOOK PHISHING TRAP

Kurt’s key takeaways

Many scammers prey on emotionally vulnerable people to get their way. Though this obituary scam is next-level, it’s not much different than someone taking advantage of someone during a phone scam, where the victim is rushed to send over money or provide information. So, always keep your wits about you if you’re ever not sure. Before clicking on a link, opening a file or answering that phone call, take a minute.

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