Tag Archives: Cyber Safety

Black Insurrectionist exposed as Jason Palmer again!

The infamous Black Insurrectionist just exposed himself AGAIN as a white guy called Jason Palmer! Here is what you need to know…

 

Black Insurrectionist Exposed As Jason Palmer!

The infamous Black Insurrectionist social media persona on X recently went viral with claims that Tim Walz had sex with a 14 year-old male student while he was a high school teacher at Alliance High School in Nebraska. Those claims was quickly eviscerated by many people who investigated the claims, which I covered here, here, here, and here.

That was followed quickly by a viral testimony video, in which a man who calls himself Matthew Metro claimed that he too had sex with Tim Walz while he was also a 14 year-old student, this time at Mankato West High School. That turned out to be a Russian disinformation campaign to help re-elect Donald Trump, and Black Insurrectionist mysteriously deleted his account on X.

Then on October 25, 2024, the Associated Press revealed that Black Insurrectionist isn’t even a black man, never mind a Black soldier (as his profile photo suggests). It turned out Black Insurrectionist is a 51 year-old white man called Jason G. Palmer, with a history of fraud.

The Black Insurrectionist account is linked directly to Jason G. Palmer, who has his own questionable backstory, starting with the fact that he isn’t Black, according to an Associated Press review of public records, open source data and interviews with a half-dozen people who interacted closely with Palmer over the past two decades.

The records and personal accounts offer a portrait of an individual who has repeatedly been accused of defrauding business partners and lenders, has struggled with drug addiction and whose home was raided by the FBI over a decade ago. He also owes more than $6.7 million in back taxes to the state of New York.

Recommended : Tim Walz sex scandal: Why Matthew Metro video is fake!

 

Black Insurrectionist returned + exposed himself as Jason Palmer!

Just as mysteriously he disappeared, Black Insurrectionist reappeared on or around 29 October 2024, reposting a censored video which purportedly shows him as a black man, and claiming that Jason Palmer was really his “youtube operator” who helped him get his X account back after it was suspended.

He continued to double down on the fake story that Tim Walz was fired after having sex with a male student, while claiming not to know that the Matthew Metro video was created by Russian propagandists.

Recommended : Was Tim Walz fired after having sex with student?!

In an angry retort to a comment, Black Insurrectionist posted a screenshot of his conversation with another account on X – MAGA ANTIFA (@Twesty33).

Unfortunately for him, his screenshot revealed more than just his conversation with MAGA ANTIFA. Two of the four tabs on his Microsoft Edge browser showed email accounts which appear to belong to Jason Palmer – (palmer50000@gmail.com, and what appears to be palmer50000@rocketmail.com).

As you can see – Black Insurrectionist appeared to have inadvertently exposed himself as Jason Palmer! Even if Palmer is indeed merely his friend, why would any friend give Black Insurrectionist access to not just one, but two, Palmer email accounts with thousands of personal emails???

It is far more plausible that Black Insurrectionist is none other than Jason Palmer himself. After all, Black Insurrectionist / Jason Palmer made the same mistake in March, showing his email address logged into the Georgia state online court system.

Recommended : Russia created Tim Walz fake news to help Donald Trump!

You can also see that Black Insurrectionist captured that screenshot at 10:12 AM on 29 October 2024, and the temperature and weather at that time was 53°F and Mostly cloudy.

Windows 11 gets its weather forecasts from Microsoft Azure Map, which is powered by AccuWeather. Unfortunately, AccuWeather does not provide historical data publicly. But based on Weather Underground historical data of Rochester, New York, it was 54°F and Mostly Cloudy at 9:54 AM that day.

Why Rochester? That’s the location of the nearest weather station to the town of Webster, where Jason G. Palmer owns a home, as the Associated Press found out. That tells us that the screenshot was plausibly taken at Palmer’s home in Webster, and is yet another piece of evidence that Black Insurrectionist is likely Jason Palmer.

When James Rogers called him out on his mistake, Black Insurrectionist bizarrely claimed that he was posting screenshots sent to him by Jason Palmer, even though we can all see that he was logged into the Black Insurrectionist (@DocNetyoutube) account on X in that same screenshot!

Recommended : Did Tim Walz sexually assault a high school student?!

Mysteriously and bizarrely, after he was alerted to the mistakes seen in his screenshot, Black Insurrectionist deleted his account on X again! Yes, his account has disappeared off X yet again.

Will Black Insurrectionist return with more tales of shocking exposes? After his Tim Walz failures, who will he expose next? Kamala Harris? Diddy? Or will he expose himself again? We can only wait with bated breath…

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

 

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Tim Walz sex scandal: Why Matthew Metro video is fake!

The Tim Walz sex scandal just blew up with the drop of the Matthew Metro testimony video. Take a look at the video, and find out why it is likely fake!

Updated @ 2024-10-30 : Added many updates on Matthew Metro
Originally posted @ 2024-10-17

 

Tim Walz sex scandal : Matthew Metro video drop???

Black Insurrectionist recently went viral with claims that Tim Walz had sex with a 14 year-old male student while he was a high school teacher at Alliance High School in Nebraska. Those claims was quickly eviscerated by many people who investigated the claims, which I covered here, here, here, and here.

However, it looks like the people creating or promoting the Tim Walz sex scandal narrative do not want the story to die, and have instead dropped the Matthew Metro testimony video. The video shows a man who calls himself a former student at Mankato West High School, claiming that he too had sex with Tim Walz.

Since the video is likely fake (see details in the next section), I will not post the full video here, but will instead share a transcript of what the man said:

My name is Matthew Metro. I’m a survivor of sexual assault. For the past few years, we’ve seen many powerful men, even many celebrities, being held accountable for their sexual assaults.

Recommended : Tim Walz sex scandal may have been exposed as fake!

 

Tim Walz sex scandal: Why Matthew Metro video is fake!

Just like the prior accusations Tim Walz having sex with an Alliance High School student (here, here, here, and here), this Matthew Metro video is very likely to be fake, and here are the reasons why…

Man in video does not look like Matthew Metro

Let me start by pointing out that the man in the video does not look like the real Matthew Metro who once studied at Mankato West High School.

If you go to his Facebook page, you will find multiple photos that the real Matthew Metro posted. If you compare those photos with the man in the video side-by-side, you will see that they do not look alike!

Take a look at this comparison I created below. You can see that the real Matthew Metro (on the right) has:

  • double eyelids
  • longer and more prominent eyebrows
  • a pointier ear
  • a squarer and more prominent jawline
  • thinner lips

Not shown in the comparison below, but this photo shows that the real Matthew Metro has a prominent gap between his two upper front teeth (incisors). That gap is missing in the man in the fake video.

It is likely the people who created the video hired a Black actor who looked a little like Matthew Metro. Once you compare them side-by-side, you can’t unsee the difference. You can easily tell that they are really two different men.

This video is eerily similar to the fake video of a Black woman who claimed that she was knocked down by Kamala Harris in a 2011 hit-and-run accident! That effort was traced to a covert Russian disinformation team called Storm-1516 (also known as CopyCop), which was likely trying to influence the 2024 Election.

Recommended : Tim Walz sex scandal emails fact checked!

The man in the video does not sound like Matthew Metro

When I scoured Matthew Metro’s Facebook page, I found this March 2020 video in which you can hear Metro speak very clearly. It appears to be the only public video in which Matthew Metro can be heard speaking clearly.

If you listen to both the Matthew Metro testimony video (below), and the real Matthew Metro’s own Facebook video, you will immediately realise that they do not sound alike. Not only are their tones different, so are their accents.

It is possible that the fake video creator tried to use an AI voice generator to recreate his voice from that single March 2020 video sample, but the final result may have been skewed by Matthew Metro switching from a Jamaican accent early in that short video, to a normal American accent after that.

Video was created by Russia to help Donald Trump win

On Tuesday, 22 October 2024, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) confirmed that Russian disinformation groups were responsible for creating and spreading fake news about Tim Walz.

Based on newly available intelligence, for example, the IC assesses that Russian influence actors manufactured and amplified inauthentic content claiming illegal activity committed by the Democratic vice-presidential candidate during his earlier career. The IC reviewed electronic media associated with this effort and in doing so revealed several indicators of manipulation that are consistent with the influence efforts and tactics Russian actors have used this cycle, including those highlighted in the Mid-September Election Security Update.

This appears to be yet more evidence that Russia was trying to influence the 2024 US elections in favour of former President Donald Trump, whom US intelligence assesses is the Kremlin’s preferred choice.

Recommended : Russia created Tim Walz fake news to help Donald Trump!

The real Matthew Metro confirmed it was not him

The Washington Post managed to get in touch with the real Matthew Metro (archive), who confirmed that he was not the man in the viral video.

It’s obviously not me: The teeth are different, the hair is different, the eyes are different, the nose is different. I don’t know where they’re getting this from.

Matthew Metro labelled video details as false

The real Matthew Metro also confirmed that personal details in the video were false:

  • He started studying at Mankato West in 1994. Tim Walz joined two years later but never taught him.
  • Metro did not experience any difficulties in his senior year, saying that it “was a breeze”.
  • Metro did not have to keep his sexuality a secret – “I was completely out in high school”.
  • His parents did not divorce as the fake Matthew Metro claimed. They remain happily married today.

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

 

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Name : Adrian Wong
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Elon Musk Crypto Giveaway Scam: What You Need to Know!

Please watch out for the Elon Musk crypto giveaway scam, and warn your family and friends!

 

Elon Musk Crypto Giveaway : What Is It?

People are sharing a video which purportedly shows Elon Musk telling people to go to the ElonFirst website, which claims to be giving away 20 million dollars worth of bitcoins (BTC) and ether (ETH) cryptocurrencies!

And now breaking news. Take out your phones and go to elonfirst.com right now. You will be thanking me forever for this.

If you go to the ElonFirst website, you will see it claim that Elon Musk is the “founder of this event and one of the main sponsors” of the $20,000,000 crypto giveaway.

Elon Musk ’s Crypto Giveaway

You can visit the website, but do not follow the instructions there, because it’s a scam!

Recommended : Donald Trump Crypto Giveaway Scam Alert!

 

Why Elon Musk Crypto Giveaway Is A Scam!

Here are the reasons why the Elon Musk crypto giveaway is a just another scam to cheat you of your hard-earned money!

Elon Musk is not giving away free crypto!

First, let me just point out that Elon Musk is not giving away any Bitcoin or Ether. He is a businessman who loves making money, not give it away.

Even his philanthropy appears to be largely self-serving, making him eligible for enormous tax breaks, and helping his businesses. That’s why he’s a billionaire.

There is also no reason why X (formerly Twitter) would ever give away over $2,000,000 worth of BTC and ETH cryptocurrency, when it is in financial trouble with negative cash flow, and has already lost about 80% of its value!

Elon Musk video was digitally-altered

The video of Elon Musk asking you to go to ElonFirst.com appears to be digitally-altered, using AI software to change the movement of Elon Musk’s mouth to match the fake voice-over.

If you watch the original video from the 2024 Annual Tesla Shareholder Meeting, you can see that Elon Musk never asked anyone to go to ElonFirst.com.

Recommended : Elon Musk Bitcoin + Ethereum Giveaway Scam Alert!

ElonFirst.com is a fake / scam websites

The ElonFirst.com website is a fake or scam website, pretending to be owned by Elon Musk. The website domain name is brand new, and was only registered on 9 October 2024.

The domain name also does not belong to Elon Musk, X or Tesla. In fact, its ownership appears to be hidden – a common practice for scam websites.

All we can tell is that the domain was registered in Stockholm, Sweden, and the server it uses appears to be hosted in Russia.

ElonFirst.com

Registered on : 2024-10-09
Expires on : 2025-10-09
Name Servers : ns5.myarena.ru, ns6.myarena.ru

Organization : Redacted for privacy
State : Stockholm
Country : SE (Sweden)

Just like an earlier cryptocurrency scam involving Elon Musk, it is likely the scammers will keep switching the same scam website to different domains every time they get exposed.

Recommended : Can SIM swap attack empty bank account without warning?!

This is a double-up crypto scam!

Just like the earlier Elon Musk BTC + ETH scam, this is a similar double-up crypto scam that relies on your greed to cheat you of your cryptocurrency.

Instead of giving you the cryptocurrency you prefer like a real giveaway would, it asks you to send your own BTC or ETH to receive double the amount in return!

In order to receive BTC from our giveaway – you have to send BTC & we will send back to you double the amount, instantly! This is to avoid bad actors exploiting our giveaway.

That’s utter nonsense. Whatever cryptocurrency you send to those addresses will be lost for good. You will never get it back, never mind get double the amount!

To further tempt you into giving even more bitcoin or ether, the scammers offer special bonuses for large transactions:

Send 0.1+ BTC get 0.2+ BTC back

Send 0.5+ BTC get 1+ BTC back

Send 1+ BTC get 2+ BTC back

Send 5+ BTC get 11.25+ BTC back +25% Bonus

Send 10+ BTC get 25+ BTC back +50% Bonus

Send 20 BTC get 60 BTC back +100% Bonus

All that is bullshit. They are just preying on your greed to trick you into giving them more cryptocurrency.

Please do NOT send any bitcoin or ether to those addresses. It is a SCAM!

Please help us fight fake news – SHARE this article, and SUPPORT our work!

 

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Microsoft: Russia behind fake Kamala Harris hit-and-run story!

Microsoft has confirmed that Russia is responsible for the fake story about Kamala Harris paralysing a 13 year-old girl in a hit-and-run accident! Here is what you need to know…

 

Fake Kamala Harris hit-and-run story : A quick primer!

Earlier this month, a video went viral on social media, showing a young Black woman on a wheelchair claiming that Vice President Kamala Harris left her paralysed in a 2011 hit-and-run accident in San Francisco.

The alleged victim, who was alternatively called Alisha Brown / Alicia Brown, said that she “cannot remain silent anymore“, and lamented that her childhood “ended too soon“.

The video by KBSF-TV showed the shattered windshield of the alleged vehicle used by Kamala Harris in that hit-and-run accident, as well as X-ray images of the alleged victim.

As I covered in my fact check article, the story was fabricated. Kamala Harris was not involved in a hit-and-run accident in 2011 in San Francisco, that left a girl paralysed.

Recommended : Did Kamala Harris paralyse girl in 2011 hit-and-run accident?!

 

Microsoft: Russia behind fake Kamala Harris hit-and-run story!

On Tuesday, 17 September 2024, the Microsoft Threat Analysis Center issued a report identifying Russia as being responsible for the fake story about Kamala Harris paralysing a 13 year-old girl in a hit-and-run accident!

According to its latest threat assessment report, Microsoft said that the fake Kamala Harris hit-and-run story was created by a covert Russian disinformation team known as Storm-1516 (also known as CopyCop).

While some people have suggested that the young Black woman was AI-generated, Microsoft said that Storm-1516 paid an actor to play the part of the alleged victim. The fake story was disseminated through a fake website for a non-existent San Francisco news outlet called KBSF-TV, that was created just a week earlier.

Clint Watts, general manager of the Microsoft Threat Analysis Center said in an ABC News interview that Microsoft has been tracking the use of AI by nation states for more than a year and while foreign actors tried AI initially, many have gone back to basics as they’ve realized AI was “probably more time-consuming and not more effective.”

Recommended : Elon Musk shares fake, digitally-altered Kamala Harris video!

The Microsoft report also highlighted a second video created and spread by Storm-1516 / CopyCop, which showed two Black men beating up a bloodied white woman at a Donald Trump rally.

Microsoft explained how Russian intelligence actors struggled initially to adapt to President Joe Biden dropping out of the race, but have now started serious attacks to discredit Kamala Harris and stoke controversy around her campaign.

A newer Russian group called Storm-1679 has allegedly pivoted from producing content about the 2024 Paris Olympic Games to publishing false videos designed to discredit Vice President Kamala Harris. One of the videos featured a fake New York City billboard showing false claims about her policies.

Microsoft warned that Russian actors will continue use cyber proxies and hacktivist groups to spread allegedly hacked or leaked materials to undermine confidence in the US Presidential election outcome.

When asked about Russia’s motivation behind these fake videos, Watts said the Russia-aligned groups Microsoft tracks may not necessarily support particular candidates, but they are motivated to undermine anyone who “is supporting Ukraine in their policy.”

Vice President Kamala Harris has publicly vowed to support Ukraine in its fight against the Russian invasion if elected as President. On the other hand, Donald Trump has repeatedly refused to say whether he wants Ukraine to win the war, only saying that “I want the war to stop“.

Recommended : Did Kamala Harris paralyse girl in 2011 hit-and-run accident?!

This Microsoft report comes after the Biden Administration seized Kremlin-run websites and charged two Russian state media employees in an alleged scheme to secretly fund a network of right-wing American influencers to influence the 2024 Presidential election.

Ultimately, this is yet another example of political fake news surrounding the upcoming 2024 US Presidential election. Here are some other examples I fact checked recently:

As the 2024 US Presidential election draws close, you can expect more of such fake news and/or fake videos to appear, so be wary and skeptical!

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

 

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp

Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Is Bill Gates embedding Digital ID in kids by 2025?!

Is Bill Gates planning to embed a Digital ID under the skin of every child in the world by 2025?! Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : Bill Gates is embedding Digital ID in kids by 2025!

People are sharing an article (archive) by The People’s Voice (formerly NewsPunch), which claims that Bill Gates is planning to embed a Digital ID under the skin of every child in the world by 2025, with or without parental consent!

Here is an excerpt of the (intentionally?) rambling and confusing article. Feel free to skip to the next section for the facts!

Gates Insider: Digital ID Will Be Embedded Under the Skin of Every Child by 2025

Globalist billionaire Bill Gates has begun rolling out Digital IDs that will be embedded under the skin of every child in the world – with or without parental consent.

Recommended : Is Bill Gates creating a supervirus using COVID, Mpox and HIV?!

 

Truth : Bill Gates is not embedding Digital ID in kids by 2025!

This is yet another example of fake news created / promoted by The People’s Voice, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Bill Gates is not embedding Digital ID in children

Let me start by simply pointing out that Bill Gates is not rolling out Digital IDs that will be embedded under the skin of every child in the world, with or without parental consent.

If that actually happened, such a shocking news would have been widely reported by the mainstream media all over the world. It would also have resulted in mass outrage. Yet, none of that happened, because it was all made up!

Unsurprisingly, The People’s Voice article itself did not provide any evidence to back up its claim.

Fact #2 : Bill Gates did not create “global digital ID”

Bill Gates also did not create any “global digital ID”, much less demand that world governments use such a system.

Needless to say, The People’s Voice article itself did not provide any evidence to back up its claim. In fact, it actually provided evidence to the contrary – that different countries are implementing their own digital ID, instead of a “global digital ID”.

Recommended : Did WEF report confirm 6 billion people will die in 2025?!

Fact #3 : Digital ID helps authenticate your identity online

A digital ID isn’t some nefarious way to get you to comply with the government. It is merely an electronic representation of your identity that is used to prove who you are online.

Currently, governments and companies are using emails, and phone numbers, to determine someone’s identity online. However, using emails / phone numbers and passwords is not a reliable way to prove your identity as such logins can be stolen, or used by multiple people.

A digital ID would offer a convenient and secure way to authenticate your identity, allowing you to safely access online services, and prevent identity theft.

For example, scammers and hackers can steal the login to your bank account, but you can remove that vulnerability by using a digital ID (instead of a username and password) to authenticate your identity.

Fact #4 : Digital ID is usually just a mobile app

A digital ID can take many forms. In its most basic form, it can be a digital version of existing credentials that are used to authenticate the identity of a person – like a physical identity card, a driving licence, or a passport.

Many countries though are opting for a Digital ID app that can be installed on a smartphone, and used to authenticate your identity online, or even offline. Such a Digital ID app will often include the person’s physical credentials like a driving licence, or a health services card.

Needless to say – it is just silly to embed digital IDs under anyone’s skin. Why go to that trouble, when you can simply install it as an app on your phone??? And how would you update the digital ID if it’s embedded under your skin???

Yet again, The People’s Voice article itself did not provide any evidence to back up its claim that any government plans to embed a Digital ID under the skin of kids.

Recommended : Did Tony Blair call for Digital ID mandate to suppress dissent?!

Fact #5 : Digital IDs are not mandatory

Currently, there are no mandatory digital IDs in the world. That’s because not everyone has a smartphone, and the digital infrastructure do not currently extend to all parts of the world, or any country for the matter.

Countries that implement Digital IDs still accept physical forms of identification, like a national identity card, a driving licence, or a passport.

Fact #6 : It’s pointless to embed children with Digital ID

Even if you actually believe in a nefarious plot to implant people with a Digital ID microchip, it is silly to only do so for children.

For one thing – children are not even allowed to undertake services that would require digital IDs, like opening a bank account, applying for a credit card or a loan, buying a home, paying taxes, etc.

But claiming that evil corporations or governments are trying to microchip your kids is a great way to trigger outrage, and/or get people to share fake news about digital IDs.

Recommended : Is Bill Gates using chemtrails to spread monkeypox?!

Fact #7 : The People’s Voice is known for fake news

The People’s Voice is the current name for NewsPunch, which possibly changed its name because its brand has been so thoroughly discredited after posting numerous shocking but fake stories.

Founded as Your News Wire in 2014, it was rebranded as NewsPunch in November 2018, before becoming The People’s Voice. A 2017 BuzzFeed report identified NewsPunch as the second-largest source of popular fake news on Facebook that year.

Its articles have been regularly debunked as fake news, so you should think twice about sharing anything from NewsPunch / The People’s Voice.  Here are some of its fake stories that I fact checked earlier:

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

 

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Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp

Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Is WEF plotting grid outage to reset America before election?!

Is the WEF plotting a catastrophic grid outage to permanently reset American before the 2024 Presidential Election?! Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : WEF plots grid outage to reset America before election!

People are sharing an article (archive) by The People’s Voice (formerly NewsPunch), which claims that the WEF is plotting a catastrophic grid outage to permanently reset American before the 2024 Presidential Election!

Here is an excerpt of the (intentionally?) confusing article. Feel free to skip to the next section for the facts!

WEF Plotting ‘Catastrophic Grid Outage’ That Will ‘Permanently Reset America’ Before Election

The World Economic Forum in Davos is planning what they describe as a “catastrophic grid outage” with the stated goal of “creating a permanent reset” in the US before the November election.

Recommended : Did WEF Develop AI Tech To Eliminate Non-Compliant Humans?!

 

Truth : WEF is not plotting grid outage to reset America before election!

This is yet another example of fake news created / promoted by The People’s Voice, and here are the reasons why…

WEF is not plotting grid outage in America

Let me start by simply pointing out that the WEF (World Economic Forum) is not plotting any grid outage to  reset America, or any other nefarious purposes, before or after the 2024 US Presidential election.

If such a plot exists, it would have been widely reported by the mainstream media, not by a well-known fake news website! In fact, it would have triggered a criminal investigation! Yet none of that happened, because… it was all made up!

Unsurprisingly, The People’s Voice article did not provide any evidence to back up its “fact checked” claim.

CrowdStrike outage was due to buggy update

The People’s Voice article claims that the CrowdStrike outage was “the final preparation for a devastating cyber attack on the US power grid”, but provided no evidence to back up its claim.

That’s likely because the CrowdStrike outage was due to a buggy driver update, and was not a cyberattack at all! In fact, the buggy driver was only pushed to Windows-based system, and did not affect CrowdStrike clients who used Linux or Mac computers.

While the threat of a cyberattack on U.S. utilities is a real possibility, it won’t be caused by a buggy driver update being issued by CrowdStrike or other software companies.

Recommended : Microsoft / CrowdStrike: Who is responsible for global IT outage?

CrowdStrike outage did not disrupt electricity supply

While the CrowdStrike outage impacted the U.S. Department of Energy, and a number of American utilities, it did not disrupt electricity supply. The outage only impacted ancillary services at those utilities (source):

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio was also experiencing issues, they said, impacting their docketing information system and call center. The City of Corpus Christi said its utility billing software and development services software, including customer portals, are both down. The Department of Energy’s website was down for a couple of hours. Avangrid subsidiary New York State Electric & Gas said its customer electricity outage information is not available due to the outage.

That’s not surprising as the CrowdStrike outage only affected Windows-based computers running its Falcon software, which would naturally only be installed in computers connected to the Internet.

It is not easy to take down entire power grid

While the The People’s Voice article suggests that it would be pretty easy for nefarious parties to take down the American power grid, it isn’t simple at all.

Critical systems are air-gapped (not connected to the Internet), and American utilities have to follow the Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) Reliability Standards developed by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC).

American utilities therefore have separate networks, so hackers or malware gaining access to the IT network, would not be able to get to the OT (Operations Technology) network that keeps the lights on for everyone.

The Ukrainian blackout of 2015 was the first-ever confirmed case of hackers causing a power outage. But even though that cyberattack likely required months of planning, and dozens of hackers working together, the attack only affected three facilities, with the blackout only impacting 250,000 Ukrainians for just six hours (source).

Recommended : Did WEF Order Cyber Attacks On US Water Supply?!

WEF post on X is fake!

The cover image used in The People’s Voice article and video has a screenshot which purportedly shows the World Economic Forum posting on X (formerly Twitter) that:

The next CrowdStrike outage will result in a #PermanentReset

That is a fake screenshot, because there is no such post on X by the World Economic Forum! If the WEF actually made such a shocking post, it would have been reported by the media across the world, and mocked and criticised on social media.

But of course, that didn’t happen, because the WEF never made such a bizarre post! Why would The People’s Voice article use a fake screenshot???

Recommended : Was Donald Trump shot in chest + saved by bulletproof vest?!

The People’s Voice is known for fake news

The People’s Voice is the current name for NewsPunch, which possibly changed its name because its brand has been so thoroughly discredited after posting numerous shocking but fake stories.

Founded as Your News Wire in 2014, it was rebranded as NewsPunch in November 2018, before becoming The People’s Voice. A 2017 BuzzFeed report identified NewsPunch as the second-largest source of popular fake news on Facebook that year.

Its articles have been regularly debunked as fake news, so you should never share anything from NewsPunch / The People’s Voice.  Here are some of its fake stories that I fact checked earlier:

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

 

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Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp

Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Elon Musk Bitcoin + Ethereum Giveaway Scam Alert!

Please watch out for the Elon Musk Bitcoin and Ethereum giveaway scam, and warn your family and friends!

Last updated @ 2024-07-17 : Added new scam website domains
First posted @ 2024-05-07

 

Elon Musk Bitcoin + Ethereum Giveaway : What Is It?

People are sharing posts by Tesla Event (archive), and other X accounts with similar names (like Tesla News), about Elon Musk giving away cryptocurrency, in the form of 5.000 bitcoins (BTC) and 100.000 ether (ETH).

Great times have come! 🚀

To support crypto community, Elon Musk initiated 5.000 BTC and 100.000 ETH Airdrop!

💰First come, first served: TESLA.domain-removed

Great times have come! 🚀

To support crypto community, We are initiated #BTC and #ETH GiveAway!

💰First come, first served: TESLA.domain-removed

The links lead to a website that looks like a Medium post by Elon Musk, with this message:

Elon Musk — Official ETH and BTC Giveaway

You can visit the website, but do not follow the instructions there, because it’s a scam!

Recommended : Can Scammers Hack Your Phone If You Call Back?!

 

Why Elon Musk Bitcoin + Ethereum Giveaway Is A Scam!

Here are the reasons why the Elon Musk Bitcoin and Ethereum giveaway is a just another scam to cheat you of your hard-earned money!

Elon Musk is not giving away free BTC / ETH!

First, let me just point out that Elon Musk is not giving away any Bitcoin or Ether. He is a businessman who loves making money, not give it away.

Even his philanthropy appears to be largely self-serving, making him eligible for enormous tax breaks, and helping his businesses. That’s why he’s a billionaire.

There is also no reason why X (formerly Twitter) would ever give away over $600,000 worth of BTC and ETH cryptocurrency, when it is in financial trouble with negative cash flow, and has already lost about half of its value.

Those are fake / scam websites

Those websites are fake, pretending to be a Medium post by Elon Musk. There is no such Medium post by Elon Musk.

And think about this – why would Elon Musk post on Medium, when he can post on X (formerly Twitter) – the social medium platform he owns???

The domains are also brand new, and do not belong to X or Tesla, or Elon Musk. In fact, their ownership is being hidden – which is common with scam websites.

  • finance-promotion.com – hidden ownership, registered on 26 February 2024
  • event-promotion.info – hidden ownership, registered on 6 May 2024
  • event-finance.net – hidden ownership, registered on 10 May 2024
  • event-finance.org – hidden ownership, registered on 10 May 2024
  • finance-promo.net – hidden ownership, registered on 18 May 2024
  • finance-foundation.com – hidden ownership, registered on 21 May 2024
  • finance-foundation.net – hidden ownership, registered on 25 May 2024
  • finance-promotion.info – hidden ownership, registered on 9 June 2024
  • finance-promotion.net – hidden ownership, registered on 11 June 2024
  • promotion-finance.net – hidden ownership, registered on 12 June 2024
  • promotion-finance.com – hidden ownership, registered on 14 June 2024
  • promotion-finance.info – hidden ownership, registered on 14 June 2024
  • teslacrypto-finance.org – hidden ownership, registered on 10 July 2024
  • teslacrypto-promo.info – hidden ownership, registered on 13 July 2024
  • teslacrypto-promotion.info – hidden ownership, registered on 16 July 2024

It appears that the scammers will keep switching the same scam website to different domains every time they get exposed.

Recommended : Can SIM swap attack empty bank account without warning?!

This is a double-up crypto scam!

This double-up crypto scam relies on your greed to cheat you of your cryptocurrency.

Instead of giving you BTC or ETH like in a real giveaway, it asks you to send your own BTC or ETH to receive double the amount in return!

To verify your address, just send from 0.05 to 2 BTC to the address below and get from 0.1 to 8 BTC (x2 back)!

That’s utter nonsense. Whatever BTC or ETH you send to those addresses will be lost for good. You will never get it back, never mind get double the amount!

To further tempt you into giving even more bitcoin or ether, the scammers offer special bonuses for large transactions:

If you send from 1+ ETH, you will receive from 2+ ETH back +40% BONUS.

If you send from 3+ ETH, you will receive from 6+ ETH back +60% BONUS.

If you send from 9+ ETH, you will receive from 18+ ETH back +80% BONUS.

If you send from 25+ ETH, you will receive from 50+ ETH back +100% BONUS.

If you send from 40+ ETH, you will receive from 80+ ETH back +200% BONUS.

All that is bullshit. They are just preying on your greed to trick you into sending more cryptocurrency.

Please do NOT send any bitcoin or ether to those addresses. It is a SCAM!

Please help us fight fake news – SHARE this article, and SUPPORT our work!

 

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Why QR Code in Air Selangor red tag is not a scam!

Are scammers turning off water supply and using a red Air Selangor tag with a QR code to cheat their victims?! Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : QR Code On Air Selangor Red Tag Is A Phishing Scam!

People are sharing a photo of a red tag from Air Selangor, claiming or suggesting that scammers are turning off water supply and using the QR code to cheat their victims!

On WhatsApp : A tenant had his water supply suddenly stop so he went out to check and saw this red tag.

This QR leads to a website which at first glance looks like legitimate AS website but it’s not. It’s a scam, like many other imitation website.

Turns out the tap was turned off manually. Air selangor doesn’t operate this way.

Please be alert 🙏🏻

Received from a friend, this could be a similar case of the free water bottle with a QR code scam

Stay alert
Stay Safe

Recommended : Elon Musk Bitcoin + Ethereum Giveaway Scam Alert!

 

Truth : QR Code On Air Selangor Red Tag Is Not A Scam!

This is yet another example of fake news circulating on WhatsApp, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Air Selangor QR Code Is Legitimate

Let me start by pointing out that the QR code on the Air Selangor red tag that people are sharing on WhatsApp appears to be legitimate.

If you scan the QR code, it will take you to a QR code generator and redirect website called ME-QR, with the link https://qr.me-qr.com/3430619.

Once you click on the Skip advertisement link, it will take you directly to the payment page on the official payment website for Air Selangor – https://crisportal.airselangor.com/pay/

While it is admittedly odd for Air Selangor to use a QR code redirect website (instead of linking the QR code directly to their official website), the redirect eventually leads to their official website, which is not a scam or phishing website.

To avoid confusing people, it would be better for companies like Air Selangor to use QR codes that lead directly to their official websites. There is no reason for companies to use QR code redirect services.

Ultimately, this viral message appears to be a misguided attempt by a wannabe Internet security “expert” to warn people about a QR code scam that does not exist.

Fact #2 : Air Selangor Red Tag Is Legitimate

I should also point out that the Air Selangor red tag is legitimate. Air Selangor confirmed on Friday, 12 July 2024, that it leaves a red tag after shutting off water supply to residences or businesses with unpaid bills.

For example, Malaysian actress Zarina Zainuddin posted a photo (archive) of such a red tag on 24 February 2021, when Air Selangor cut off water supply to her house for outstanding bills.

It appears that these red tags from Air Selangor do not have a QR code in the past, but newer red tags have a QR code to encourage debtors to pay their outstanding bills.

Recommended : Will QR code on free water bottle empty your bank account?!

Fact #3 : QR Code On Water Bottle Was Not A Scam

The viral message appears to refer to a recent viral claim that scammers are giving out free water bottles with a QR code that will empty your bank account.

I investigated that claim in April, and found it to be false as well. That QR code only led to Go Shopping – a mobile shopping app on the Google Play Store, and Apple App Store. Incidentally, those free water bottles have a Go Shopping logo on them…

Fact #4 : QR Code Is Not Malicious In Nature

QR code (which is short for Quick Response code) is not nefarious or malicious in nature.

The QR code is merely a type of two dimensional barcode that was invented in 1994 by the Japanese company, Denso Wave, to track automotive parts. It has since been adopted for other purposes because it is more efficient and can support more than just numbers. For example, Version 40 QR code can contain up to 7,089 numbers or 4,296 characters.

Ultimately, a QR code is nothing more than a series of numbers or characters – data which can be used for a variety of purposes, including providing a link to an online restaurant menu.

While QR codes are not malicious by nature, scammers can and do create fake QR codes to trick people. In Texas, for example, fake QR codes were placed on parking meters to trick drivers into keying their credit card or bank login information in fake (phishing) websites that look like a genuine payment website.

So, the safest way is to manually open the official website for the bank or payment portal you need, instead of using a QR code.

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

 

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Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Bantuan Tambahan RM1000 Scam Alert!

Is the Malaysian government giving every citizen extra RM1000 through the Bantuan Tambahan financial aid?! Take a look at the viral claim, and find out why it’s just a scam!

 

Bantuan Tambahan RM1000 Scam Alert!

People are sharing links to WhatsApp and Telegram groups that purportedly offer RM1000 in extra financial  aid from the Malaysian government! Here are the messages, with our English translation in bold.

Bantuan RM1000 telah dikreditkan dalam MyKad bermula hari ini.

Bantuan kerajaan melalui MyKad ini telah dilaksanakan sejak bulan May 2024.

MOHON & SEMAK https://mykad-xxxxx-xxxx.try-44.com/c/

RM1000 assistance has been credited into MyKad starting today.

Government assistance through MyKad has been implemented since May 2024.

APPLY & CHECK https://mykad-xxxxx-xxxx.try-44.com/c/

Jom claim bantuan tu sy dah claim dan success masuk kat mykad sye

Go and claim that financial aid. I have claimed mine, and successfully received the cash in my MyKad

These scams do not only appear on WhatsApp and Telegram, but also TikTok.

Recommended : Can You Get Free Cash Via MyKasih App?!

 

Why Bantuan Tambahan RM1000 Is A Scam!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS circulating on WhatsApp, and social media platforms, and here are the reasons why!

Fact #1 : There Is No RM1000 Bantuan Tambahan

Let me start by pointing out that there is no such thing as the RM1000 Bantuan Tambahan financial aid from the Malaysian government.

This scam has been circulating since October 2023, with the scammers changing the name to mislead people.

On 15 October 2023, the Malaysia Ministry of Finance called it fake news, and warned people against sharing it:

THIS IS FAKE!

The Ministry of Finance stresses that information about the Rahmah Basic Aid of RM1000 in your MyKad claim is FALSE.

Be careful and don’t be easily fooled by such news on social media.

Visit the portal and follow the Ministry of Finance’s official social media channels for the latest and most accurate information.

Recommended : Warning – PDRM Parking Fine Scam Alert!

Fact #2 : Domain Is New + Ownership Is Hidden!

The domain used by this scam website is quite new, and was registered only on 25 October 2023. But more importantly, its ownership is hidden – a common way for scammers and other criminals to avoid being identified.

Fact #3 : This Scam Targets Your Telegram Account!

I investigated the link, and it appears to be a phishing website based on the STR 2024 scam that I debunked earlier this year.

The real STR (Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah) website will only ask you for your MyKad or user ID to check your STR 2024 status.

The scam websites, on the other hand, will ask you to submit your full name, and your mobile number.

They will send an OTP to your Telegram account, and ask you to key in the OTP to their website. This will allow them to hijack and take over your Telegram account.

To protect your Telegram account from such hijacking, please make sure you turn on Two-Step Verification!

Even if you don’t have a Telegram account, the scammers now have access to your full name and mobile number, which they can use in future scam attacks.

Recommended : STR 2024 Scam Alert : Can You Get RM1,000 Per Month?!

Fact #3 : STR 2024 Does Not Give RM1,000 Per Month

To help the hardcore poor handle the high inflation in 2024, the Malaysia Ministry of Finance announced an increase in the amount of STR cash aid.

However, even with the increased STR 2024 cash aid, you won’t receive RM1,000 per month. That’s just insane. Here is what the government is giving for STR 2024, in quarterly payments:

Qualifying
Categories
STR 2024 Cash Aid
Household Income
≤ RM2,500
No Children : RM1,000
1-2 Children : RM1,500
3-4 Children : RM2,000
≥5 Children : RM2,500
Household Income
RM2,500 – RM5,000
No Children : RM500
1-2 Children : RM750
3-4 Children : RM1,000
≥5 Children : RM1,250
Senior (Single)
≤ RM5,000
RM600
Single
≤ RM2,500
RM350

As you can see, only the hardcore poor will get RM1,000, or more. If you are middle class, or well-to-do, you rightly will not qualify for this financial aid!

Do NOT click on the links, and do NOT share them with your family and friends!

Please help us FIGHT SCAMS + SCAMMERS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

 

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Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Will Bill C-63 jail those who ever posted hate speech online?!

Will Bill C-63 give police the power to arrest people who posted hate speech, even if the offence occurred before the law existed?!

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : Bill C-63 Will Jail Those Who Ever Posted Hate Speech Online In The Past!

People are sharing an article (archive) by The People’s Voice (formerly NewsPunch), which claimed that the Trudeau government in Canada has introduced Bill C-63, which will give police the power to retroactively search the Internet for hate speech, and arrest people who posted hate speech, even if the offence occurred before the law existed!

Here is an excerpt of the long and (intentionally?) confusing article. Feel free to skip to the next section for the facts!

Canada To Imprison Anyone Who Has EVER Posted ‘Hate Speech’ Online

The Trudeau regime has introduced an Orwellian new law called the Online Harms Bill C-63, which will give police the power to retroactively search the Internet for ‘hate speech’ violations and arrest offenders, even if the offence occurred before the law existed.

Recommended : Has Canada Begun Euthanising Vaccine-Injured Citizens?!

 

Truth : Bill C-63 Will Not Jail Those Who Posted Hate Speech Online In The Past!

This is yet another example of fake news created / promoted by The People’s Voice, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Bill C-63 Is Enforced By Digital Safety Commission

The People’s Voice article claimed that Bill C-63 will give police the power to retroactively search the Internet for hate speech, and arrest offenders. That is not accurate.

Bill C-63 (read in full) – the Online Harms Act if enacted, will be enforced by the Digital Safety Commission of Canada, and supported by the Digital Safety Office of Canada – both of which will be established by the law.

This is stated clearly in the summary on the first page of Bill C-63. So why would anyone claim that Bill C-63 would empower the police to scour the Internet for hate speech, and arrest offenders???

Fact #2 : Hate Speech Is Already Punishable In Canada!

It is ludicrous to claim that Bill C-63 empowers the police to arrest and imprison people for posting hate speech, because hate speech is already punishable under the current Canadian Criminal Code!

Bill C-63 only amends the Criminal Code to define hatred as “the emotion that involves detestation or vilification” that is “stronger than disdain or dislike“.

In addition, it seeks to clarify that any statement that “discredits, humiliates, hurts or offends” would not be considered as promoting or inciting hatred. It also increases the penalties for hate speech.

In short – the proposed changes to the Canadian Criminal Code narrow the definition of hate speech, even while they increase its penalties.

Recommended : Is Justin Trudeau planning to BAN Christianity in Canada?!

Fact #3 : Bill C-63 Targets Continuous Hate Speech, Not Retrospective

There is no evidence that Bill C-63 is retrospective in nature. If you read the bill (here), you will see that it does not state that people should be punished for what they wrote before the bill becomes law.

Unsurprisingly, The People’s Voice article never provided any evidence that Bill C-63 allows the Canadian government to punish people for the online hate speech they posted in the past.

What Bill C-63 does though is target continuous hate speech, by adding a new Section 13 to the Canadian Human Rights Act:

Communication of hate speech

13 (1) It is a discriminatory practice to communicate or cause to be communicated hate speech by means of the Internet or any other means of telecommunication in a context in which the hate speech is likely to foment detestation or vilification of an individual or group of individuals on the basis of a prohibited ground of discrimination.

Continuous communication

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), a person communicates or causes to be communicated hate speech so long as the hate speech remains public and the person can remove or block access to it.

In other words – if you posted online hate speech in the past, and continue to make it public, you will have infringed the Canadian Human Rights Act, after it’s amended by Bill C-63.

This isn’t retrospective in the sense the law cannot be used to punished hate speech you posted and deleted in the past. It can only be used to punish you if you posted hate speech, and continue to make it public.

Here is a simple solution for those who are worried about Bill C-63. If you receive an order to remove your past hate speech post, just delete it. It’s that simple.

I should also point out that this amendment only applies to the Canadian Human Rights Act, and does not affect the Canadian Criminal Code.

Recommended : Can Canada Social Credit System Freeze Bank Accounts?!

Fact #6 : Canadian Human Rights Act Only Allows For A Fine

The People’s Voice article claimed that Bill C-63 will give police the power to arrest people who post hate speech in the past. That is not accurate either.

For one thing – the Canadian Human Rights Act does not have a prison sentence. People who are convicted under this law is only liable for a fine not exceeding C$50,000.

Punishment

(2) A person who is guilty of an offence under subsection (1) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding $50,000.

Bill C-63 does not amend this, so even if the amendments under the Online Harms Act become law, and you continue to make public any hate speech you posted in the past, you can’t be imprisoned under the Canadian Human Rights Act.

You can be imprisoned for hate speech under the Canadian Criminal Code, but this is currently the case even before Bill C-63 becomes law. Bill C-63 actually narrows the definition of hate speech, and arguably makes it harder to imprison someone for hate speech.

On top of that, there is no “Continuous communication” amendment to the Criminal Code, so it appears you cannot be punished for past hate speech that you continue to make public under the Criminal Code. You can only be fined for that under the Human Rights Act.

Recommended : Is Justin Trudeau Facing Child Rape Charges?!

Fact #7 : The People’s Voice Is Known For Fake News

The People’s Voice is the current name for NewsPunch, which possibly changed its name because its brand has been so thoroughly discredited after posting numerous shocking but fake stories.

Founded as Your News Wire in 2014, it was rebranded as NewsPunch in November 2018, before becoming The People’s Voice. A 2017 BuzzFeed report identified NewsPunch as the second-largest source of popular fake news on Facebook that year.

Its articles have been regularly debunked as fake news, so you should never share anything from NewsPunch / The People’s Voice.  Here are some of its fake stories that I fact checked earlier:

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

 

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp

Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

Recommended Reading

Go Back To > Fact Check | Law + CrimeTech ARP

 

Support Tech ARP!

Please support us by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or donating to our fund. Thank you!

Will QR code on free water bottle empty your bank account?!

Will the QR code on a free water bottle really empty your bank account if you scan it?! Take a look at the viral claims, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : QR Code On Free Water Bottle Will Empty Your Bank Account!

People are sharing a video on WhatsApp and social media, claiming or suggesting that water bottles are being distributed by scammers, and scanning the QR code on those water bottles will empty your bank accounts!

Don’t scan any gift QR, it will Zero your bank account.

The scammer put a new thermos bottle on the iron door. Never scan the QR code on a thermos. Once scanned, the money from the bank account was stolen by the fraudsters. Please spread the word

Here is a translated transcript of what the man says in the video below:

After we came out of the house, we saw this tumbler. This is one of the ways they placed the tumbler on our gates. My house received one, my neighbour also received one. See.

So people have to be careful because the bottle says “Scan QR get RM200 cash coupon”. Go Shopping. You have to be careful. My neighbour also received one.

Recommended : Bank Letter QR Code Scam : What You Need To Know!

 

Truth : QR Code On Free Water Bottle Will Not Empty Your Bank Account!

This appears to be yet another example of fake news circulating online, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Go Shopping Appears To Be Legitimate App

I traced the Go Shopping app to both the Google Play Store (archive), and the Apple App Store (archive), and it appears to be a genuine mobile app. In both stores, it describes itself as:

Go Shopping is an online shopping app primarily serving the Southeast Asian region. It has expanded to over 7 countries, amassing more than 200,000 users. Go Shopping garners support from major source manufacturers, differentiating it from other e-commerce platforms.

As a rapidly growing new e-commerce platform, Go Shopping offers Southeast Asian users high value-for-money shopping, a wide range of products, and various discount plans. Many popular products on the Go Shopping platform are available at substantial discounts of 40% to 60%. Consumers can learn more about products and join flash sale groups

In the Google Play Store, the developer was listed as NWS Hardware Trading, while in the Apple App Store, the developer was listed as Yap Chee Leong.

In the Google Play Store, the Go Shopping app has a 3.5 star rating, and it has a 3.3 star rating in the Apple App Store.

Fact #2 : NWS Hardware Trading Appears To Be Legitimate Company

I looked up NWS Hardware Trading, and it appears to be a genuine company that was incorporated on 10 May 2022 in Malaysia, with the SSM registration number of 003396291-V.

According to CTOS (archive), its official business type was listed as “trading in furniture hardware and aluminium glass door for kitchen and wardrobe“.

However, on two different job recruitment websites (here, here), NWS Hardware Trading uses the same Go Shopping logo, and says that it aims to create “a reliable business platform for shoppers to buy good products and save money“:

About NWS Hardware Trading

WORTH is aimed to present a reliable business platform for the Shoppers to buy the good products and save money. More than 3,000 manufacturers and suppliers have business cooperation with us to help factories clear their inventories.

This basically confirms that NWS Hardware Trading is a legitimate company registered in Malaysia, and it developed and owns the Go Shopping app that is available in both the Google Play Store, and the Apple App Store.

Recommended : Can Restaurant Menu QR Code Hack Your Phone?!

Fact #3 : QR Code Is Not Malicious In Nature

QR code (which is short for Quick Response code) is not nefarious or malicious in nature.

The QR code is merely a type of two dimensional barcode that was invented in 1994 by the Japanese company, Denso Wave, to track automotive parts. It has since been adopted for other purposes because it is more efficient and can support more than just numbers. For example, Version 40 QR code can contain up to 7,089 numbers or 4,296 characters.

Ultimately, a QR code is nothing more than a series of numbers or characters – data which can be used for a variety of purposes, including providing a link to an online restaurant menu.

Fact #4 : QR Code Cannot Empty Bank Accounts

While QR codes are not malicious by nature, scammers can and do create fake QR codes to trick people. In Texas, for example, fake QR codes were placed on parking meters to trick drivers into keying their credit card or bank login information in fake (phishing) websites that look like a genuine payment website.

I tried a number of ways to scan the QR code, but was unsuccessful. The resolution appears to be too poor in the video, or the QR code was too distorted to be scanned successfully. So I cannot confirm that the QR code leads to the Go Shopping app, or a phishing website.

That said, scanning the QR code itself won’t empty your bank account, as people are claiming on WhatsApp and social media. That’s the stuff of bad movie plots.

What can happen though is that scammers can create such water bottles using logos of legitimate companies, and insert QR codes that lead to fake (phishing) websites that masquerade as bank or payment platforms, to trick you into giving up your credit card or bank login details.

Then the scammers can use those details to make fraudulent charges on your credit card, or log into your bank account to transfer money.

Recommended : Malaysia Airlines 6 Months Free Flight Card Scam Alert!

Fact #5 : Go Shopping Is Pretty Obscure

Truth be told, scammers would more likely use more famous or familiar brands or apps like TNG eWallet, Grab, Maybank MAE, etc. to trick you into giving up your credit card or bank login details.

You are more likely to trust a QR code from a well-known brand, rather than an obscure brand like Go Shopping, whose app has only garnered some 10,000 downloads in the Google Play Store.

Although I cannot verify the QR code on the water bottle, this looks like a marketing promotion by NWS Hardware to promote its Go Shopping app.

Fact #6 : You Can Choose Not To Scan QR Code

If you receive such a water bottle, there is a simple solution – you can use it without scanning the QR code.

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Did WEF just order ICANN to seize website domains?!

Did the WEF just order ICANN to seize website domains that publish “non-mainstream content”?! Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : WEF Orders ICANN To Seize Website Domains!

People are sharing an article (archive) by The People’s Voice (formerly NewsPunch), which claimed that WEF just ordered ICANN to seize website domains that publish “non-mainstream content”!

Here is an excerpt of the long and (intentionally?) confusing article. Feel free to skip to the next section for the facts!

WEF Orders ICANN To Seize Website Domains That Publish ‘Non-Mainstream Content’

The World Economic Forum (WEF) has ordered the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) to wage “war on conspiracy theorists” by seizing domains of websites that publish “non-mainstream content” online.

Recommended : Did WEF order governments to declare Bird Flu Martial Law?!

 

Truth : WEF Did Not Order ICANN To Seize Website Domains!

This is yet another example of fake news created / promoted by The People’s Voice, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : WEF Did Not Order ICANN To Seize Website Domains!

Let me start by simply pointing out that the World Economic Forum (WEF) did not order ICANN to seize website domains for posting disinformation and/or “non-mainstream content”.

If that actually happened, it would have been reported all over the world. Yet no legitimate media report it – that’s because it never happened.

Unsurprisingly, The People’s Voice did not provide any actual evidence to back up its claim that the WEF ordered ICANN to seize website domains for posting “non-mainstream content”!

Fact #2 : EU DisinfoLab Did Not Order ICANN To Seize Website Domains

The People’s Voice article appears to be based around the EU DisinfoLab article called “Of Domain Names And Ducks“. Interestingly, it did not include a link to the article…

Perhaps that’s because anyone reading it would immediately see that  EU DisinfoLab itself did not order ICANN to seize website domains for posting “non-mainstream content”, or disinformation!

Nowhere in its article did EU DisinfoLab call upon ICANN to seize website domains for any reason. In fact, its article specifically points out that it “makes a lot of sense” that ICANN is “unwilling to regulate content“!

Its article also pointed out that ICANN ran a security operation called DNSTICR (Domain Name System Threat Information Collection and Reporting) to identify websites involving in phishing attacks and spreading malware, and instead of seizing those domains, it merely informed the domain registrars, and left it to the domain registrars to take action based on local laws, terms of service, etc.

In short – EU DisinfoLab too did not order ICANN to seize website domains for any reason.

Recommended : Was WEF Founder Klaus Schwab Just Hospitalised?!

Fact #3 : EU DisinfoLab Article Was About Doppelgänger Websites

I should also point out that the EU DisinfoLab article was referring specifically to Doppelgänger websites, which are websites that deceptively mimic real news websites in order to spread disinformation.

Basically, these websites attempt to look like genuine news websites (for example, CNN or BBC), with similar domains (for example, CNNNews.com or BBCNews.org), to trick people into believing fake content or disinformation.

This is completely different from websites that produce “non-mainstream content”. It doesn’t even address websites that consistently produce fake news, like The People’s Voice, but do not attempt to masquerade as genuine news websites.

Fact #4 : No Evidence EU DisinfoLab Is Not Independent

The People’s Voice article suggested that EU DisinfoLab is not independent because it receives funding from the WEF and the Open Society Foundations.

While that may be possible, there is no actual evidence that EU DisinfoLab received funding from the WEF or Open Society Foundations.

While EU DisinfoLab (EUDL) receives funding from private and public sources, its fundraising policy only allows contributions from sources that meet these criteria:

• Avoid the creation of a perception of bias or actual bias that would undermine EUDL reputation or credibility.
• Impose no compromise to the effectiveness and objectivity of EUDL’s work.
• The funding source should not present any other risk to the reputation and mission of the organisation and support the implementation of EUDL’s mission and core activities without condition

In addition, EUDL also has an internal alert system to allow employees to report directly to its Board of Directors any suspicion of the organisation’s independence being altered.

Recommended : Did WHO Unveil Global Police Force With Arrest Powers?!

Fact #5 : The People’s Voice Is Known For Fake News

The People’s Voice is the current name for NewsPunch, which possibly changed its name because its brand has been so thoroughly discredited after posting numerous shocking but fake stories.

Founded as Your News Wire in 2014, it was rebranded as NewsPunch in November 2018, before becoming The People’s Voice. A 2017 BuzzFeed report identified NewsPunch as the second-largest source of popular fake news on Facebook that year.

Its articles have been regularly debunked as fake news, so you should never share anything from NewsPunch / The People’s Voice.  Here are some of its fake stories that I fact checked earlier:

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

 

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Name : Adrian Wong
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Did WEF Order Cyber Attacks On US Water Supply?!

Did the WEF order devastating cyber attacks on US water supply?! Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : WEF Orders Cyber Attacks On US Water Supply!

People are sharing an article (archive) by The People’s Voice (formerly NewsPunch), which claims that the WEF ordered devastating cyber attacks on US water supply!

Here is an excerpt of that long and (intentionally???) confusing article. Feel free to skip to the next section for the facts!

WEF Memo Orders Devastating Cyber Attacks on US Water Supply

Recommended : Is WEF Planning Cyber Attack To Disrupt 2024 Election?!

 

Truth : WEF Did Not Order Cyber Attacks On US Water Supply!

This is yet another example of fake news created / promoted by The People’s Voice, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : No Evidence WEF Ordered Cyber Attacks On US Water Supply

Let me start by pointing out that there is no evidence the World Economic Forum (WEF) ordered any cyber attacks on US water supply.

The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency also never once suggested, never mind reported, that there was any cyberattack by the WEF.

But more importantly – why would the WEF bother with cyberattacks when it allegedly has control over world governments? It can simply order them to restrict water supply, as and when it wishes to. Why bother with cyber attacks???

Unsurprisingly, The People’s Voice article provided no evidence to back up its ridiculous claim.

Fact #2 : WEF Video Is From 2022

Instead of providing any actual evidence, The People’s Voice article posted a link to its own video, which featured Professor Mariana Mazzucato, and claimed that the WEF ordered global water rationing to starve people into submission.

The video clip appears to be taken from the May 2022 WEF press conference on The New Economics of Water (link), and not 2023 as suggested by the article.

Needless to say, the actual video does not show Professor Mariana Mazzucato admit that a water crisis would help to starve people into submission, or that the elite was going to “experiment” on humanity.

Recommended : Did Insider Reveal WEF Global Famine False Flag Op?!

Fact #3 : CISA Warned Of Cyberattacks By Iran + China

On 18 March 2024, the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure and Security Agency (CISA) highlighted two recent and ongoing cyber attacks against critical infrastructure in the United States, including drinking water.

However, those cyber attacks were not conducted by the WEF, but rather, by threat actors affiliated or sponsored by Iran and China. From the full CISA letter to US governors (PDF):

Threat actors affiliated with the Iranian Government Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have carried out malicious cyberattacks against United States critical infrastructure entities, including drinking water systems. In these attacks, IRGC-affiliated cyber actors targeted and disabled a common type of operational technology used at water facilities where the facility had neglected to change a default manufacturer password.

The People’s Republic of China (PRC) state-sponsored cyber group known as Volt Typhoon has compromised information technology of multiple critical infrastructure systems, including drinking water, in the United States and its territories. Volt Typhoon’s choice of targets and pattern of behavior are not consistent with traditional cyber espionage. Federal departments and agencies assess with high confidence that Volt Typhoon actors are pre-positioning themselves to disrupt critical infrastructure operations in the event of geopolitical tensions and/or military conflict.

To be clear – these cyberattacks on American water systems have nothing to do with the WEF.

Recommended : Did Bill Gates Order Govts To Replace Farmers With AI Bots?!

Fact #4 : WEF Screenshot Is Fake

The cover image used by The People’s Voice article and video has a screenshot which purportedly shows the World Economic Forum (WEF) posting on X (formerly Twitter) that:

Water will soon become a privilege you must earn!

That is most definitely a fake screenshot, because there is no such post on X by the WEF.

If the WEF actually posted such a shocking warning, it would have been reported by the worldwide media. But of course, that didn’t happen, because the WEF never posted it!

Yet again, and unsurprisingly, The People’s Voice article provided no evidence that such a post ever existed!

Recommended : Did WEF Pass Law To Criminalise Criticism Of mRNA?!

Fact #5 : The People’s Voice Is Known For Fake News

The People’s Voice is the current name for NewsPunch, which possibly changed its name because its brand has been so thoroughly discredited after posting numerous shocking but fake stories.

Founded as Your News Wire in 2014, it was rebranded as NewsPunch in November 2018, before becoming The People’s Voice. A 2017 BuzzFeed report identified NewsPunch as the second-largest source of popular fake news on Facebook that year.

Its articles have been regularly debunked as fake news, so you should never share anything from NewsPunch / The People’s Voice.  Here are some of its fake stories that I fact checked earlier:

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

 

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Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Synology World Backup Day 2024 Briefing + Demo!

Ahead of World Backup Day on March 31, Synology held an exclusive briefing and demo of its cutting-edge data management, and security features! Watch the video, and find out what Synology demonstrated!

 

Synology World Backup Day 2024 Briefing + Demo!

On 21 March 2024, Jason Sin, Country Manager at Synology Malaysia, gave an exclusive briefing and demo of its latest data management, and security features, in Kuala Lumpur.

The live session showcased Synology’s exclusive backup features like Active Backup Suite, and Snapshot Replication; highlighting practical use cases against malicious access, accidental deletion, and ransomware threats.

Jason Sin also emphasised the importance of data integrity, and data recovery in the face of virus or ransomware attacks.

Recommended : Synology DiskStation DS223j 2-Bay NAS Review!

During his presentation, he showcased three critical phases of a robust data protection process using Synology solutions:

Prevention of Ransomware Attacks

Synology demonstrated Secure SignIn, a secure login framework designed to enhance account security of Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM), the operating system that powers every Synology NAS.

This feature verifies sign-ins using multiple methods, including approved sign-ins, verification codes (OTP), and hardware security keys. This allows users and businesses to significantly reduce the risk of unauthorised access and potential ransomware attacks.

Centralised Data Protection

Active Backup for Business is Synology’s all-in-one data protection solution. Synology highlighted its ability to centralise protection across diverse IT environments, including virtualised environments, physical servers, file servers, and personal computers.

In the demo session, Synology showcased how administrators can efficiently deploy and manage data protection strategies through a centralised admin console, ensuring comprehensive backup coverage and seamless continuity of operations.

Recommended : 4TB Synology Plus (HAT3300-4T) Hard Disk Drive Review!

Comprehensive, Streamline Data Recovery

Synology demonstrated how Snapshot Replication efficiently streamlined data recovery, providing backup capabilities against threats like accidental deletion and viruses. Synology also simulated a ransomware attack by encrypting a file, followed by a swift data recovery conducted through Snapshot Replication.

This showcased its effectiveness in restoring systems to a previous state and emphasized that only a rapid, comprehensive data solution is effective for both end users and enterprises. Administrators can configure scheduled snapshots and retention settings, ensuring efficient data management and recovery, even in scenarios where ransomware attacks occur.

 

Selected Synology NAS Drives

If you are interested in purchasing Synology NAS drives, here are some highly-rated options you can buy online.

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He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Is WEF Planning Cyber Attack To Disrupt 2024 Election?!

Is the WEF planning to launch a ‘false flag’ cyber attack to disrupt the 2024 US Presidential election?! Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : WEF Plans Cyber Attack To Disrupt 2024 Election!

People are sharing an article (archive) by The People’s Voice (formerly NewsPunch), which claimed or suggested that the World Economic Forum (WEF) is planning to launch a ‘false flag’ cyber attack to disrupt the 2024 US Presidential election!

WEF Insider: Imminent ‘False Flag’ Cyber Attack Will Disrupt 2024 Election

Recommended : WEF ordered electors to not certify Trump’s 2024 election win?!

 

No Evidence WEF Plans Cyber Attack To Disrupt 2024 Election!

This is yet another example of fake news created / promoted by The People’s Voice, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : No Evidence WEF Plans Cyber Attack To Disrupt 2024 Election!

Let me start by pointing out that there is no evidence of the World Economic Forum (WEF) plans to launch a cyber attack to disrupt the 2024 President election.

If a WEF insider did indeed reveal such a plan, it would have gone viral, and it would have been condemned by everyone from the left to the right. The FBI and US Department of Homeland Security would also have launched criminal investigations.

Yet, there was no such report by the mainstream media, and no social media outrage. Heck, even right-wing American websites did not so much as squeak about a juicy WEF plot to launch a cyber attack against the United States???

That’s because that never happened. The People’s Voice article, unsurprisingly, offered no evidence to back up its “fact checked” claim.

Fact #2 : Voters Don’t Use Ballot Tabulators

The People’s Voice article claimed that South Carolina primary voters were “reportedly unable to vote due to ballot tabulators being unable to connect to the internet [sic]”.

Well, I could find no report of South Carolina primary voters not being able to vote because ballot tabulators were unable to connect to the Internet. That’s probably because no voter ever uses ballot tabulators to cast their vote.

Ballot tabulators are machines used to scan and count ballots, and are never used by voters to cast their votes! So how would any ballot tabulator failure prevent voters from casting their votes?

Unsurprisingly, The People’s Voice article offered no evidence of such ballot tabulator failure, or that South Carolina voters were prevented from voting in its 2024 Presidential primary elections.

Recommended : Biden hired Bill Gates to flood Internet with AI censorship bots?!

Fact #3 : South Carolina Voting System Isn’t Connected To Internet

According to the South Carolina Election Commission, the South Carolina voting system is never connected to the Internet.

In fact, the ballot marking devices (BMD), ballot scanners, and computers used to tabulate the votes, are not even capable of being connected to the Internet!

Is the voting system connected to the Internet?

No, the voting system is never connected to the internet. Computers used to tabulate votes, BMDs, and ballot scanners used in South Carolina are not even capable of being connected to the Internet.

Needless to say, The People’s Voice article provided no evidence that ballot tabulators used in South Carolina were even capable of being connected to the Internet, never mind requiring it to work!

Fact #4 : WEF Screenshot Is Fake

The cover image used by The People’s Voice article and video has a screenshot which purportedly shows the World Economic Forum (WEF) posting on X (formerly Twitter) that:

The coming cyber attack will allow a New World Order to emerge.

That is most definitely a fake screenshot, because there is no such post on X by the World Economic Forum. And it’s a really silly creation too – why would the WEF reveal its nefarious cyber attack plan publicly?

Yet again, The People’s Voice article provided no evidence that such a post ever existed! In fact, it would not need some “WEF insider” to spill the beans when the WEF itself already publicly revealed its cyber attack plan!

Recommended : Did EU Legalise Child Porn As WEF Pedophilia Agenda?!

Fact #5 : The People’s Voice Is Known For Fake News

The People’s Voice is the current name for NewsPunch, which possibly changed its name because its brand has been so thoroughly discredited after posting numerous shocking but fake stories.

Founded as Your News Wire in 2014, it was rebranded as NewsPunch in November 2018, before becoming The People’s Voice. A 2017 BuzzFeed report identified NewsPunch as the second-largest source of popular fake news on Facebook that year.

Its articles have been regularly debunked as fake news, so you should never share anything from NewsPunch / The People’s Voice.  Here are some of its fake stories that I fact checked earlier:

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

 

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Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Did Bill Gates Order Blacklist Of People Sharing Fake News?!

Did Bill Gates order governments to blacklist citizens who share fake news / misinformation?! Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : Bill Gates Orders Blacklist Of People Sharing Fake News!

People are sharing an article (archive) by The People’s Voice (formerly NewsPunch), which claims that Bill Gates just ordered governments to blacklist citizens who share misinformation / fake news!

Bill Gates Orders Govt’s To Blacklist Citizens Who Share ‘Non-Mainstream’ Content Online

Recommended : Is Interpol Investigating Bill Gates For Murder?!

 

Truth : Bill Gates Did Not Order Blacklist Of People Sharing Fake News!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS created / promoted by The People’s Voice, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Bill Gates Did Not Order Any Blacklist

Let me start by pointing out that there is no evidence Bill Gates ordered any government to blacklist their citizens who spread fake news / misinformation. There was no announcement, no document or press release, not even a leaked video or audio of Bill Gates ordering a blacklist of people who post or share fake news / misinformation.

As usual, The People’s Voice offered no evidence to back up its “fact checked” claim.

Fact #2 : Satya Nadella Is Microsoft CEO, Not Bill Gates

Interestingly, The People’s Voice article used a photo of Bill Gates, even though he handed over day-to-day operations at Microsoft more than 15 years ago. He also stepped down as Microsoft Chairman, when Satya Nadella was appointed as CEO in February 2014.

For people who are unaware, Satya Nadella is both CEO and Chairman of Microsoft. It is Nadella who decides what Microsoft does, not Bill Gates.

Recommended : Is Bill Gates Planning To Kill Billions Using Turbo AIDS?!

Fact #3 : Satya Nadella Never Ordered Any Blacklist Either

Satya Nadella never ordered any governments to blacklist citizens who share fake news / misinformation either.

In his interview with NBC News’ Lester Holt, he only said that the technology is there to tackle disinformation and misinformation, and the problem is deciding on the policy:

Then the question, again, comes back to: How do we build consensus between parties, candidates, and the norms around what is acceptable or not acceptable?

As the interview clearly shows, Satya Nadella isn’t dictating what is considered acceptable, or not acceptable. Why would anyone claim otherwise?

Fact #4 : Bill Gates X Post Is Fake

The People’s Voice article and video used a cover photo which appears to feature a screenshot of a post by Bill Gates on X (formerly Twitter), in which he appears to say, “Wanna share fake news? No internet for you!

That is definitely a fake screenshot, because Bill Gates never posted that on his X account. In fact, Bill lGates appears to have stopped posting on X after 7 October 2023.

As usual, The People’s Voice article and video offered no evidence, or a link, to prove that Bill Gates ever posted it.

Recommended : Is Bill Gates Facing Life Behind Bars For Child Rape?!

Fact #5 : The People’s Voice Is Known For Publishing Fake News

The People’s Voice is the current name for NewsPunch, which possibly changed its name because its brand has been so thoroughly discredited after posting numerous shocking but fake stories.

Founded as Your News Wire in 2014, it was rebranded as NewsPunch in November 2018, before becoming The People’s Voice. A 2017 BuzzFeed report identified NewsPunch as the second-largest source of popular fake news on Facebook that year.

Its articles have been regularly debunked as fake news, so you should never share anything from NewsPunch / The People’s Voice.  Here are some of its fake stories that I fact checked earlier:

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

 

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Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Biden hired Bill Gates to flood Internet with AI censorship bots?!

Did Joe Biden hire Bill Gates and other billionaire technocrats to flood the Internet with AI censorship bots, ahead of the 2024 election?!

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : Biden Hires Bill Gates To Flood Internet With AI Censorship Bots!

People are sharing an article (archive) by The People’s Voice (formerly NewsPunch), which claims or suggests US President Joe Biden hired Bill Gates and other billionaire technocrats to flood the Internet with AI censorship bots ahead of the 2024 election!

Here is an excerpt from the long, and (intentionally?) rambling article. Feel free to skip to the next section for the facts!

Biden Hires Bill Gates To Flood the Internet With ‘AI-Censorship Bots’

Recommended : Is Interpol Investigating Bill Gates For Murder?!

 

Biden Did Not Hire Bill Gates To Flood Internet With AI Censorship Bots!

This is yet another example of fake news created / promoted by The People’s Voice, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Bill Gates Doesn’t Even Have An AI Program!

Let me start by simply pointing out that it is impossible for Joe Biden to hire Bill Gates to floor the Internet with AI censorship bots, because Bill Gates doesn’t even have an AI program!

Bill Gates is a big proponent of artificial intelligence, and has made a number of investments in AI companies like Inflection AI and LikeWise. However, he does not actually own or run those AI companies.

As far as anyone can tell – Bill Gates does not have the power or resources to “flood the Internet with AI censorship bots”.

The People’s Voice certainly offered no evidence that Joe Biden hired Bill Gates, or any other billionaire, to flood the Internet with AI censorship bots.

Fact #2 : Report Doesn’t Even Mention Bill Gates!

The People’s Voice article is based on an “Interim Staff Report” (PDF) by the GOP Representative Jim Jordan’s Subcommittee on the Weaponization of Government under the House Judiciary Committee.

While the report mentions a number of tech luminaries like Elon Musk and Marc Andreesen, it does not even mention Bill Gates once as a person of interest in the issue!

So why on Earth would anyone claim that US President Joe Biden hired Bill Gates, when he was not even mentioned in the report as a person of interest?!

Bill Gates’ name only appeared in the notes on Page 10 as part of a title of an article written by Jonathan Turley.

Recommended : Was Oprah Just Exposed In Jeffrey Epstein Client List?!

Fact #3 : Report Doesn’t Claim AI Tools Were Deployed

Even though the Jim Jordan report claims or suggests that the National Science Foundation (NSF) is funding the development of AI tools, it doesn’t even claim that they were deployed, or ready to deploy, for the 2024 US presidential election.

So why would anyone claim that Bill Gates or any tech billionaire was hired by Joe Biden to use these AI tools, which are still under development, to censor people during the 2024 Presidential election???

Fact #4 : Report Doesn’t Claim Joe Biden Was Involved

Notably, the Jim Jordan report also does not directly claim that the Biden White House is involved in the NSF funding of those AI censorship tools.

It only said that senior White House officials berated social media companies into changing their content moderation policies.

Fact #5 : NSF Convergence Accelerator Was Launched Under Trump!

It would be quite impossible for anyone to blame Joe Biden for the development of these AI tools, because NSF Convergence Accelerator was established in 2019 – during the Trump Administration!

While the report focused on Track F, which launched in March 2021, the earlier Track B and Track D on AI technologies were initiated in 2019 and 2020 during the Trump Administration.

Recommended : E. Jean Caroll Admits Lying To Help Biden Destroy Trump?!

Fact #6 : The People’s Voice Is Known For Publishing Fake News

The People’s Voice is the current name for NewsPunch, which possibly changed its name because its brand has been so thoroughly discredited after posting numerous shocking but fake stories.

Founded as Your News Wire in 2014, it was rebranded as NewsPunch in November 2018, before becoming The People’s Voice. A 2017 BuzzFeed report identified NewsPunch as the second-largest source of popular fake news on Facebook that year.

Its articles have been regularly debunked as fake news, so you should never share anything from NewsPunch / The People’s Voice.  Here are some of its fake stories that I fact checked earlier:

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

 

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp

Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Will Microsoft Disable Your Computer If You Share Fake News?!

Is Microsoft planning to disable your computer if you post or share fake news / misinformation?!

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : Microsoft To Disable Your Computer If You Share Fake News!

People are sharing an article (archive) by The People’s Voice (formerly NewsPunch), which claims that Microsoft is planning to disable your computer if you post or share fake news / misinformation!

Microsoft To Disable Computers of Users Who Share ‘Non-Mainstream Content’ Online

Recommended : Is Interpol Investigating Bill Gates For Murder?!

 

Truth : Microsoft Won’t Disable Your Computer If You Share Fake News!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS created / promoted by The People’s Voice, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Microsoft Did Not Announce Plans To Disable Computers

Let me start by pointing out that Microsoft did not announce any plans to disable computers of people who share “non-mainstream” content online, in an attempt to combat “misinformation” in the run-up to the 2024 US Presidential election.

If Microsoft actually announced such plans, it would have been major news covered by news outlets all over the world. It would also have gone viral on social media, with conservative and right-wing personalities criticising those plans.

Microsoft certainly made no such announcement, and The People’s Voice offered no evidence to back up its “fact checked” claim.

Fact #2 : Satya Nadella Is Microsoft CEO, Not Bill Gates

Interestingly, The People’s Voice article used a photo of Bill Gates, even though he handed over day-to-day operations at Microsoft more than 24 years ago. He also stepped down as Microsoft Chairman, when Satya Nadella was appointed as CEO in February 2014.

If Microsoft does indeed plan to disable computers to fight fake news, that decision would have to be approved by its CEO and Chairman, Satya Nadella. Not its former founder, Bill Gates.

How is Bill Gates involved in this “story”? Nothing in the article even remotely suggests that Bill Gates is, in any way, involved in Microsoft affairs, or the non-existent plan to disable computers of people who share fake news / misinformation.

Recommended : Is Bill Gates Planning To Kill Billions Using Turbo AIDS?!

Fact #3 : Satya Nadella Never Said Anything About Disabling Computers

The People’s Voice article used a video of Lester Holt from NBC News interviewing Satya Nadella as evidence that Microsoft plans to disable computers of people who share misinformation. However, that’s completely nonsensical.

The NBC News video only shows Satya Nadella saying that the tech industry is using technological solutions like watermarking [AI created content], detecting deep fakes, and implementing content IDs, to fight disinformation and misinformation.

This is not the first election where we dealt with disinformation or propaganda campaigns by adversaries and election interference.

We’re doing all the work across the tech industry around watermarking, detecting deep fakes and content IDs. There is going to be enough and more technology quite frankly in order to be able to identify the issues around disinformation and misinformation.

Fact #4 : Microsoft Can’t “Magically” Disable Computers Remotely

Even if Microsoft is so inclined, disabling a computer remotely isn’t like waving a magic wand, or chanting “Abracadabra”!

With the possible exception of specifically hacking into your computer to gain access, or tricking you into installing malware, it is not possible for Microsoft to remotely disable your computer simply because you shared fake news or misinformation.

The People’s Voice article certainly offered no explanation of how Microsoft might conceivably disable your computer remotely… like magic!

Recommended : Is Bill Gates Facing Life Behind Bars For Child Rape?!

Fact #5 : The People’s Voice Is Known For Publishing Fake News

The People’s Voice is the current name for NewsPunch, which possibly changed its name because its brand has been so thoroughly discredited after posting numerous shocking but fake stories.

Founded as Your News Wire in 2014, it was rebranded as NewsPunch in November 2018, before becoming The People’s Voice. A 2017 BuzzFeed report identified NewsPunch as the second-largest source of popular fake news on Facebook that year.

Its articles have been regularly debunked as fake news, so you should never share anything from NewsPunch / The People’s Voice.  Here are some of its fake stories that I fact checked earlier:

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

 

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Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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STR 2024 Scam Alert : Can You Get RM1,000 Per Month?!

Watch out for the STR (Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah) 2024 scam, and find out why you really cannot get RM1,000 per month!

 

STR 2024 Scam : Get RM1,000 Per Month For Free!

Many people are getting messages about getting RM1,000 in free cash through the STR (Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah) scheme on WhatsApp and Telegram, from their family members and friends:

TERKINI: Permohonan untuk bantuan MySTR 2024 RM1000 sebulan
.
📒 Borang Permohonan (Online dan Manual)
📒 Kemaskini Maklumat kerajaan
.
Memohon secara online👇👇
https://xxxx-xxxx-xx-xxx-tunai2024.com/39/kerajaan

Recommended : Bantuan Rakyat Malaysia Scam Alert!

 

STR 2024 Scam : Don’t Fall For The RM1,000 Offer!

This is yet another scam circulating on WhatsApp and Telegram, and here are reasons why…

Fact #1 : STR 2024 Is Only Given Quarterly

First, let me just point out that the 2024 STR (Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah) program is genuine. However, it is restricted to the hardcore poor, and is paid out quarterly.

STR 2024 Application Period Payment Date
Phase 1 1 to 30 Nov 2023 29 January 2024
Phase 2 1 Dec 2023 to 29 Feb 2024 April 2024
Phase 3 1 March to 30 June 2024 August 2024
Phase 4 1 July to 30 Sept. 2024 November 2024

In short – you won’t get the money on a monthly basis, as the scam websites are claiming.

Fact #2 : STR 2024 Scam Targets Your Data + Telegram Account

The real STR (Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah) website will only ask you for your MyKad or user ID to check your STR 2024 status.

The scam websites, on the other hand, will ask you to submit your full name, and your mobile number.

They will send an OTP to your Telegram account, and ask you to key in the OTP to their website. This will allow them to hijack and take over your Telegram account.

To protect your Telegram account from such hijacking, please make sure you turn on Two-Step Verification!

Even if you don’t have a Telegram account, the scammers now have access to your full name and mobile number, which they can use in future scam attacks.

Recommended : PDRM Warning : Watch Out For MyBayar Scam!

Fact #3 : List Of Successful Applicants Is Fake

To convince you that their offer is genuine, the scam websites often show a scrolling list of successful applicants – each one receiving RM1,000. That’s a fake list.

If you check the source code, you can see that the scammer merely created a manual list of fake names. Here is a small segment with the fake details highlighted in bold, to show you what I mean:

<!— record berjaya box —>
<div class=”_record-box”>
<div id=”list” class=”list-box”>
<div class=”list” style=”margin-top: -3.1345px;”>
</div>
<div class=”center”>
<div class=”h1″><span class=”name”>Kaamil bin Haarith</span></div>
<div class=”h2″>Berjaya RM 1.000,00</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class=”item”>
<div class=”record_logo”>
<img src=”assets/masterweb/avatar.png” alt=””>
</div>
<div class=”center”>
<div class=”h1″><span class=”name”>Fat’hi bin Jaasir</span></div>
<div class=”h2″>Berjaya RM 1.000,00</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class=”item”>
<div class=”record_logo”>
<img src=”assets/masterweb/avatar.png” alt=””>
</div>
<div class=”center”>
<div class=”h1″><span class=”name”>Ibrahim bin Khaalid</span></div>
<div class=”h2″>Berjaya RM 1.000,00</div>
</div>
</div>

Fact #4 : STR 2024 Does Not Give RM1,000 Per Month

To help the hardcore poor handle the high inflation in 2024, the Malaysia Ministry of Finance announced an increase in the amount of STR cash aid.

However, even with the increased STR 2024 cash aid, you won’t receive RM1,000 per month. That’s just insane. Here is what the government is giving for STR 2024, in quarterly payments:

Qualifying
Categories
STR 2024 Cash Aid
Household Income
≤ RM2,500
No Children : RM1,000
1-2 Children : RM1,500
3-4 Children : RM2,000
≥5 Children : RM2,500
Household Income
RM2,500 – RM5,000
No Children : RM500
1-2 Children : RM750
3-4 Children : RM1,000
≥5 Children : RM1,250
Senior (Single)
≤ RM5,000
RM600
Single
≤ RM2,500
RM350

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

 

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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How Antivaxxers Create Fake News Using VAERS!

Like the British Yellow Card system, VAERS has long been used by antivaxxers to create fake news about vaccines.

Find out why VAERS is so important to doctors, and yet so easily abused by antivaxxers!

Updated @ 2024-01-07 : Refreshed article for new slew of VAERS-based “reports”
Originally posted @ 2021-09-03

 

VAERS : What Is It?

VAERS is an acronym for the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System used by the US government.

Like the British Yellow Card system, it is a passive reporting system that relies on individuals to submit reports of their adverse reactions to vaccines.

This open design used by both VAERS and Yellow Card lets scientists catch very rare adverse effects that even large clinical trials may not catch.

For example, anaphylactic reactions to the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are so rare, they didn’t show up in their large Phase 3 clinical trials at all. They were only identified through VAERS after mass vaccinations started.

Recommended : Did Hackers Release Pfizer + Moderna Vaccine Death Data?!

 

Here’s How Antivaxxers Create Fake News Using VAERS!

Both the American VAERS and the British Yellow Card system suffer from the same problem – their open catch-all design lets ANYONE file a report.

Not just parents and patients, but also any Tom, Dick or Harry with nothing better to do. And you don’t even have to ever been to the United States to file a report!

This allows antivaxxers to abuse both the VAERS and Yellow Card systems to create fake news about vaccines.

Back in 2004, James Laidler famously filed an adverse reaction report into VAERS, claiming that his annual influenza vaccine turned him into the Incredible Hulk!

Incredibly, the CDC had to ask for his permission to remove the fake report. Otherwise, it would remain in the database forever!

Recommended : Were COVID-19 Vaccines Recalled After 40K Deaths?!

More recently, anti-vaccination websites have been using VAERS and Yellow Card reports to fabricate fake news that vaccines are killing people.

The CDC is well-aware of this problem, which is why they explicitly pointed out to everyone that :

  • Reports may include incomplete, inaccurate, coincidental and unverified information.
  • The number of reports alone cannot be interpreted or used to reach conclusions about the existence, severity, frequency, or rates of problems associated with vaccines.

So the next time you read an article claiming that VAERS or the Yellow Card system are reporting injuries and deaths from this or that vaccine, take them with a BIG, BIG PINCH of salt. None of those reports are verified.

 

VAERS : Anyone Can File A Fake Report!

To demonstrate this point, here is a fake report I attempted to file into VAERS, with the following information :

First Name : Donkey
Last Name : Kong
Street Address : Rolling Barrel Avenue
City : Jungle
County : Donkey
Date Of Birth : 1 January 1908
Age : 113 Years Old
Race : 1% white, 2% black, 3% Asian, 4% Latin, 90% alien

Date of Vaccination : 31 May 2021, 1:00 AM
Date of Adverse Event : 31 May 2021, 1:01 AM
Facility / Clinic Name : Jungle Clinic
Facility / Clinic Address : Jungle Clearing, Jungle

Recommended : Did Bill Gates Call For COVID-19 Vaccine Withdrawal?!

Vaccine : COVID19 (Pfizer-BioNTech)
Lot Number : 1110654
Dose Number : 6 (it actually only has 2 doses)

Description of Adverse Event(s)

I asked to be jabbed in my left arm, the doctor insisted right arm is better because right is right, no?

After the jab, I went back and on the way back, two young punks pulled up in their fancy Mercedes at the traffic light.

I challenged them to a race in my Mustang, and midway, they clipped me and sent me flying through the walls of the Grand National Bank.

As a result, I suffered two broken legs and my right arm was ripped off.

I’m absolutely confident that my driving skills were impaired by the vaccine, and it also made my right arm easy to tear off.

Recommended : COVID vaccines have 1000X death rate than safe limit?!

Medical tests and lab results

The doctors at AdventHealth Orlando have all my medical reports and my right arm.

Days hospitalised : 300
Life threatening illness : Yes
Disability or permanent damage : Yes
Congenital anomaly or birth defect : Yes

Other Vaccine : Bullshit Vaccine
Manufacturer : Google
Adverse Event From That Vaccine : My penis fell off after getting the MMR vaccine

I did not hit Submit though, because I did not want to add another fake adverse event to the holster of anti-vaccination advocates.

But take a look at the screenshots, and see just how easy it is for anyone to make a fake VAERS report. There is no need to verify any personal details, and you can do this from anywhere in the world!

Recommended : Are Residual DNA In mRNA Vaccines Dangerous?!

But as you can now see – it is very easy to abuse VAERS. With enough time and persistence, you can file all kinds of fake reports on VAERS, and use those reports to push your narrative.

That’s why responsible people do not use unverified VAERS reports. You should always be wary of anyone who makes a claim based on VAERS reports.

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

Don’t forget to protect yourself, and your family, by vaccinating against COVID-19!

 

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Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Can You Get Free Cash Via MyKasih App?!

Is the MyKasih Foundation giving out RM1000 or RM1200 cash aid via its mobile app?!

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : Get Free Cash Via MyKasih App!

Many people are getting messages about getting free cash through the MyKasih Foundation on WhatsApp and Telegram, from their family members and friends:

Terkini: Bantuan Percuma RM1000 Ke Dalam MyKad : Rujuk Cara Semakan & Syarat Kelayakan

Latest: Free RM1000 Assistance Into MyKad : How To Check & Eligibility Conditions

Jom claim RM1200

MyKasih Foundation : Cek MyKad Boleh Dapat Wang RM1000 Secara Percuma

MyKasih Foundation : Check MyKad To Get Free RM1000

Bantuan Tambahan STR 2023 MySARA RM800: Semakan Status & Tarikh Bayaran

Additional STR 2023 MySARA Assistance RM800: Check Status & Payment Date

Recommended : WhatsApp Block Button Scam : What You Need To Know!

 

Truth : MyKasih Free Cash App Is A Scam!

This is yet another example of SCAMS circulating on WhatsApp and Telegram, and here are reasons why…

Fact #1 : MyKasih Free Cash Initiative Is A Scam!

First, let me just point out that these messages on WhatsApp and Telegram, as well as the websites promoting the MyKasih free cash initiative is a scam!

The Malaysian government have already labelled these free cash offers as FAKE NEWS on Facebook and Twitter. Here is a non-exhaustive list of links that have been identified as scam links:

my.mykasihh.online

l.my-kasihapp.com

apps-mykasih.co/twe

There’s no need to memorise these links. These scammers will keep changing them.

Just know that the official MyKasih website is www.mykasih.com.my. Do NOT go to any other website when it comes to the MyKasih Foundation website.

Fact #2 : Those Accounts Were Hijacked

Those viral messages are actually coming from WhatsApp and Telegram accounts that have been hijacked by scammers. That’s why they are so convincing.

Those are really the actual WhatsApp and Telegram accounts of your family members or friends. But they have been taken over by scammers using tricks like the screenshot hack.

Take this opportunity to tighten the security of your own Telegram and WhatsApp accounts, by turning on two-step verification!

Recommended : Can StopNCII Remove All Nude / Deep Fake Photos?!

Fact #3 : SARA Cash Aid Is Only RM600

As part of its initiative to help the hardcore poor handle the high inflation this year, the Malaysia Ministry of Finance announced SARA (Sumbangan Asas Rahmah).

However, the SARA cash aid is only RM600, and limited to the hardcore poor. There is no way for anyone to get RM800, RM1000 or RM1,200 in SARA cash aid from the government.

RM100 x 6 months is credited directly into the MyKad of eligible hardcore poor, allowing them to purchase a limited list of essential goods from grocery stores and supermarkets across Malaysia, from July to December 2023.

In Sabah and Sarawak, the RM600 is credited directly into the bank account, or provided as cash through Bank Simpanan Nasional branches.

Fact #4 : SARA Recipients Are Automatically Selected

There is no need to apply for SARA cash aid. For one thing – it only applies to the hardcore poor. If you are reading this on a computer or a smartphone, you very likely do not qualify as “hardcore poor”.

SARA recipients are automatically determined using the existing eKasih Hardcore Poor data, and includes those who had earlier qualified for the STR 2023 cash aid.

Fact #5 : Real Website Asks Only For Your MyKad

Qualification for the SARA cash aid of RM600 is based entirely on your MyKad number.

On the official Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) website, you can check for your eligibility using your MyKad number only.

The fake websites look just like the real SARA website, but instead of asking for your MyKad number, they will ask you for your mobile number and ask you to submit a TAC number.

Needless to say – these are scam websites. You should NEVER submit your phone number or any TAC codes.

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

 

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Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp

Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Is It Dangerous To Exit WhatsApp Exit Scam Groups?!

Is it dangerous to exit WhatsApp scam groups? Or quitting such scam groups on WhatsApp cause your phone to be hacked?!

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : It Is Dangerous To Exit WhatsApp Scam Groups!

People are sharing this warning about quitting WhatsApp scam groups using the Exit Group link option! Take a look!

Here’s another Scam chat group. DO NOT CLICK ON ITS EXIT GROUP BUTTON to exit, instead go to your top right 3dots and click on exit group or report.

Clicking on the group’s exit button might have dire consequences..

Recommended : WhatsApp Block Button Scam : What You Need To Know!

 

Truth : It’s Not Dangerous To Exit WhatsApp Scam Groups!

This viral warning was likely created by well-meaning but clueless Internet “experts” who are apparently not tech-savvy enough to understand what’s going on.

Fact #1 : No Evidence Of WhatsApp Exit Group Hacking

First, let me just point out that there is no evidence that anyone was ever hacked after using the Exit Group link to get out of any WhatsApp group, whether they are scam groups or otherwise.

Even if an enterprising hacker / scammer was able to create a message with a fake Exit Group button that downloads an APK (Android Package Kit) file, it won’t automatically install that file. You will need to manually install the APK file from the Downloads folder.

Those who know how to do that would be tech-savvy enough to avoid installing APK files from unknown sources. Those who don’t know how to do that would not be able to install the downloaded APK file.

Fact #2 : WhatsApp Exit Group Option Is Genuine

The truth is – the Exit Group link that you may see in new messages from strangers is not a scam or a trick. It also does not download or install any APK file.

The Exit Group link is actually a safety feature in WhatsApp, that appears if you have been added to a WhatsApp group by someone who is not in your contact list – like a scammer, for example.

Once you open the new group you have been added to, WhatsApp warns you that you were added by someone who isn’t a contact. You are then given the option to exit the group, or click OK to continue.

There is really nothing malicious about this Exit group link in WhatsApp. Clicking on it to exit any WhatsApp group won’t harm you in any way, or cause your phone to be hacked.

Recommended : Can Israel Seismic Wave Card Hack Your Phone?!

Fact #3 : Older Exit Group Methods Still Work

The WhatsApp Exit group link offers an easy way to quickly remove yourself from a group you don’t want to be in. However, the older exit group methods still work, in case you prefer to use them:

Exit Group Only

  1. Go into the group chat you wish to leave.
  2. Tap on the kebab menu / vertical ellipsis (⋮) icon on the upper right corner.
  3. Select MoreExit group.

An even better option is to actually report the scam group, while quitting it and removing the chat at the same time.

Report + Exit Group Only

  1. Go into the group chat you wish to leave.
  2. Tap on the kebab menu / vertical ellipsis (⋮) icon on the upper right corner.
  3. Select More > Report
  4. Make sure the Exit group and delete chat option is checked.
  5. Tap Report to report and quit from the group, and delete the chat.

Fact #4 : WhatsApp + Telegram Scam Groups Are Real

Before I leave, I just want to remind all of you that there are many scam groups on WhatsApp and Telegram.

If you are added to any of these scam groups, just exit them without a thought. Do not read anything posted in these scam groups, lest you fall for the scam!

That’s why scammers often try to convince you to check out the group first, and “don’t rush to leave the group”:

Hello everyone! Please don’t rush to leave the group, thank you all for taking the time to read this message!

Ignore whatever they post in those scam groups. Hit the Exit group link, or better still – REPORT the group to WhatsApp / Telegram!

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

 

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Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp

Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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WithSecure Signs Partnership Agreement With LGMS!

Finland’s WithSecure Corporation just signed a partnership agreement with LGMS Berhad to develop cybersecurity solutions for the SME market in Malaysia!

 

WithSecure Signs Partnership Agreement With LGMS

On Wednesday, 1 November 2023, Finland’s WithSecure Corporation (formerly known as F-Secure Business) signed a partnership agreement with LGMS Berhad (LGMS) to develop cybersecurity solutions for the SME market in Malaysia!

The partnership agreement was signed by LGMS Executive Chairman Fong Choong Fook and WithSecure Corporation CEO Juhani Hintikka, who flew in from Finland to emphasise its importance while demonstrating support for the progress of Malaysia’s Digital Economy.

The signing was witnessed by Malaysia Deputy Communications and Digital Minister Teo Nie Ching, together with His Excellency Sami Leino, Ambassador of Finland to Malaysia and Brunei.

Recommended : WithSecure Takes Offensive Security Approach To Cloud Threats!

The Deputy Minister said that the partnership was ‘timely’, and represents a ‘significant leap’ towards a secured Digital Economy, and more so ahead of the National Cybersecurity Bill the Unity Government is set to unveil in early-2024.

This partnership is also aligned with the government’s ‘Ekonomi Madani’ vision of attracting significant foreign direct investments and generating avenues for technological advancements and innovations.

It serves to demonstrate how collaborative efforts can facilitate a robust, secure and prosperous digital ecosystem, thereby solidifying Malaysia’s position as a preferred destination for global tech investments.

The partnership agreement today between LGMS and WithSecure embodies a philosophy of attracting significant foreign direct investments and generating avenues for technological advancements and innovations.

It serves to demonstrate how collaborative efforts can facilitate a robust, secure and prosperous digital ecosystem, thereby solidifying Malaysia’s position as a preferred destination for global tech investments.

– Malaysia Deputy Communications and Digital Minister Teo Nie Ching

WithSecure CEO Juhani Hintikka expressed his ‘deepest appreciation’ to the Deputy Minister for endorsing this partnership, stating, “Your presence significantly amplifies the resonance of this initiative, showcasing a unified front in our endeavour to foster a secure and prosperous Digital Economy for Malaysia and also the region.

Recommended : How WithSecure Offensive Security Drives Business Resilience!

 

WithSecure – LGMS Partnership Agreement Details

WithSecure is today a leading international cybersecurity group which had also invested significantly in Malaysia and in nurturing local talent. Besides its headquarters in Helsinki, Finland, WithSecure houses its intelligence, customer support, business operations and shared services in Kuala Lumpur for its Asia-Pacific operations.

LGMS Berhad, meanwhile, has been recognised as Cybersecurity Malaysia’s ‘Company of the Year’ with Fong himself being acknowledged as ‘Cybersecurity Professional of the Year’.

Fong said that, within today’s Digital Economy, cyberthreats and ransomware attacks have become more sophisticated and rampant and potential damages to SMEs, who often lack the necessary IT expertise and resources, can be catastrophic.

Most SMEs today are just one cyber attack away from a devastating setback or even closure. Recognising that most SMEs might not possess advanced IT know-how, our collaboration with WithSecure aims to deliver cybersecurity solutions that are not only robust but also intuitive and user-friendly.

The purpose is to empower our SME community to navigate the digital landscape confidently and securely.

– LGMS Executive Chairman Fong Choong Fook

This localised cybersecurity approach underscores WithSecure’s understanding of the region’s unique digital ecosystem and our commitment to crafting solutions that align with local business needs. It embodies WithSecure’s ethos of merging global cybersecurity expertise with local insights to foster a safer digital realm.

– WithSecure Corporation CEO Juhani Hintikka

One product of this partnership is the ‘Made in Malaysia’ StarSentry solution – a plug-and-play model that is more than just a ‘shield’ for SMEs but offers a proactive approach to threat prevention.

This solution is also aligned with broader sustainability goal and embraces the ESG framework of safeguarding critical infrastructures, nurturing a secure digital community and reinforcing stringent governance standards, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to responsible, transparent business operations.

Pre-orders for the solution can already be made.

 

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp

Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Bank Letter QR Code Scam : What You Need To Know!

Are scammers sending bank letters with a QR code that can steal your money?!

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : Bank Letter With QR Code Is A Scam!

People are sharing a photo of a letter from a bank, claiming that the QR code in the letter can steal your money if you scan it with your phone!

Circulating In WhatsApp : If you get a letter from the bank like this and ask to update the book using the QR CODE provided in the letter that was sent, don’t ever scan it, you will lose all your daily savings or old age savings, this is another scammer’s work and method take your money, please spread it to everyone so that siblings, relatives, neighbors & family members are not affected by this kind of scam…

Peng Seong, the one : ⛔️ Another Scam ‼️

Do NOT scan the QR code per the letter even with bank’s letterhead without verifying with the bank

Recommended : WhatsApp Block Button Scam : What You Need To Know!

 

Truth : Bank Letter With QR Code Is Not A Scam!

This is likely another example of FAKE NEWS circulating on WhatsApp and social media platforms, and here are reasons why…

Fact #1 : This Is Old Fake News

First, let me just point out that this photo is not new. It first went viral, with a voice message in August 2022, and has subsequently gone viral on and off over the last year or so.

Fact #2 : CIMB Letter Was Genuine

The letter, which was sent by CIMB, is genuine. CIMB even posted a reply to one viral tweet, that the letter was genuine:

FYI, this [letter] is genuinely from our bank. You can refer to the link below for more information: [link no longer available]

[U]ntuk makluman, ia adalah sah dari pihak kami. Anda boleh rujuk pautan di bawah bagi maklumat lanjut: [link no longer available]

Fact #3 : CIMB Letter Was Only Sent To Business Customers

The letter was not meant for consumers, and was only sent to CIMB business customers, to request that they update their company/organisation’s information.

Re: Update on your records to improve your banking experience

We refer to the above mattes and our letter dated 27/06/2022.

We note that you have vet to update your company/organisations information with us.

As part of the Bank’s ongoing process to know our customers better and provide a seamless banking experience, we would like to remind you to return the completed Customer Information Update form to us

This letter appears to be CIMB’s efforts to comply with KYC (Know Your Customer) requirements set out by regulators like Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM).

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Fact #4 : QR Code Leads To CIMB Website

QR codes is a type of barcode, which allows people and companies to share / deliver information, that can include links. QR codes can lead you to malicious websites, but they cannot deliver malware, or hack your computer or smartphone.

The QR code in the CIMB bank letter isn’t malicious. It actually codes for a link to the CIMB website. You can verify it by simply scanning the QR code in that “CIMB scam letter”. You will see that it only leads to http://www.cimb.com.my/bizupdate [which no longer exists]

Ultimately, this viral warning was likely created by well-meaning but clueless Internet “experts” who are apparently not tech-savvy enough to even verify the QR code by simply scanning it!

Fact #5 : Form Was To Be Emailed / Delivered

The CIMB letter asked its business customers to download and fill in a form. However, that form was not to be submitted online.

Rather, the letter specifically asked its business customers to email the completed form to a legitimate CIMB email address, or to physically mail or courier it to the bank itself.

Scan the QR Code below to download the form. Once you have completed the form, please submit by email to cimb_updates@cimb.com or mail/courier to the address below within 21 days from the date of this letter, failing which, the Bank reserves the right to suspend or close the account in accordance with the account terms and conditions.

In a real scam, you will be asked to taken to a fake CIMB bank website, and asked to logged into your bank account. That’s how the scammer gets hold of your bank login credentials.

However, even that scam won’t work without access to your TAC (Transaction Authorisation Code), which is sent to your phone by SMS, or authenticated through the bank’s mobile app.

For certain, scammers cannot log into your bank account by simply gaining your company’s information through a form, unless you actually include your company’s bank account login details!

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Can Scammers Hack Your Phone If You Call Back?!

Can scammers hack your phone if you answer their calls, or call back?!

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : Scammers Can Hack Your Phone If You Call Back!

People are sharing this advice about scammers hacking your phone if you answer their calls, or call back!

Very Very Urgent …

Please pass this message to your family and friends NOW.

Recommended : WhatsApp Block Button Scam : What You Need To Know!

 

Truth : Scammers Cannot Hack Your Phone If You Call Back!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS circulating on WhatsApp and social media platforms, and here are reasons why…

Fact #1 : This Is Old Fake News

First, let me just point out that this fake message isn’t even new. It has been circulating on WhatsApp and social media platforms since April 2020, if not earlier.

Fact #2 : This Hoax Is Based On One Ring / Wangiri Scam

This hoax appears to be based on the 2019 FCC warning about the “One Ring” or “Wangiri” scam, where scammers use robocall devices to give victims a miss call, in hopes that they would call back and get charged for Pay-Per-Call services.

The Federal Communications Commission is alerting consumers to reported waves of “One Ring” or “Wangiri” scam robocalls targeting specific area codes in bursts, often calling multiple times in the middle of the night. These calls are likely trying to prompt consumers to call the number back, often resulting in per minute toll charges similar to a 900 number. Consumers should not call these numbers back.

Recent reports indicate these calls are using the “222” country code of the West African nation of Mauritania. News reports have indicated widespread overnight calling in New York State and Arizona.

Generally, the One Ring scam takes place when a robocaller calls a number and hangs up after a ring or two. They may call repeatedly, hoping the consumer calls back and runs up a toll that is largely paid to the scammer.

Consumer Tips: · Do not call back numbers you do not recognize, especially those appearing to originate overseas. · File a complaint with the FCC if you received these calls: www.fcc.gov/complaints · If you never make international calls, consider talking to your phone company about blocking outbound international calls to prevent accidental toll calls. · Check your phone bill for charges you don’t recognize.

This scam, however, does not involve hacking any phone. It only requires you to call back the number, which is a Pay-Per-Call service.

Once you call back, you will get charged a premium rate, as the scammers try to keep you on the line for as long as possible.

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Fact #3 : Scammers Cannot Hack Phone Through Calls

It is simply not possible to hack your phone through a voice call, even if you’re using VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol), or apps like WhatsApp or Telegram.

What is possible though is voice phishing, also known as vishing. This is a form of social engineering, where scammers pose as a bank or police officer (or someone with authority) to obtain your bank account information, or trick you into transferring money into their bank accounts.

Fact #4 : 90# Telephone Scam Only Works With PBX / PABX

The #90 or 90# scam is a very old phone scam that only works on business landline phones that use a PBX (Private Branch Exchange) or PABX (Private Automatic Branch Exchange) system. Here is the official US FCC warning about this scam.

In this very old scam, the scammer pretends to be a telco employee looking into a technical problem with your phone lines, and asks you to help him by either mailing 90# or transferring the call to an outside line. If you do that, you will enable the scammer to place premium-rate calls that will billed to your phone number.

To be clear – these codes do NOT work on mobile phones or smartphones, because they do not run on PBX or PABX systems.

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

 

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Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
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Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp

Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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PayNow PDF Malware Scam : What You Need To Know!

Is there a new malware scam involving a PayNow PDF?!

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : WhatsApp Block Button Is A Scam!

People are sharing this warning about a new malware scam involving a PayNow PDF. Take a look!

I just received below the latest and new scams Modus Operandi from my Uncle. Forward to warn and share.
======================

The scammers have changed their modus operandi. They don’t ask you to download the app.
My neighbour told me yesterday that her sister (a cancer patient) wanted a part-time helper to clean her house. Hence, she went to Facebook. I called the number and made the request. The advertiser asked whether she had a Paynow, and she said that she had. He directed her to make the partial payment, and he will send the invoice to confirm. (Note: He did not ask her to download an app, as people are getting alerts). When she received the invoice in the PDF format, she did not suspect any foul play and clicked it. The invoice showed the amount paid and the balance to be paid. After that, she went to sleep. The next morning, her phone could not be switched on.
She used her laptop to check her DBS bank account. Her $20K was gone, and her two fixed deposits of $25K, which had not reached the maturity date, were also gone—the total loss was $ 70K.
When she went to the bank and asked why her fixed deposit was also gone, the receptionist told her that digital banking allows you to transfer the amount back to your account to facilitate withdrawals without going to the bank.
Police told her the malware was embedded in the PDF document.
So folks, beware that the scammers are always changing their modus operandi to con your money $$$! 😡😡😡

Recommended : WhatsApp Block Button Scam : What You Need To Know!

 

No Evidence There Is Any PayNow PDF Scam!

This is likely another example of FAKE NEWS circulating on WhatsApp and social media platforms, and here are reasons why…

Fact #1 : No Evidence Of PayNow PDF Scam

First, let me just point out that there is no evidence that anyone was ever scammed by a PayNow PDF invoice.

There has been no actual news report of such a case, never mind multiple cases involving malicious PayNow PDF documents.

Frankly, I don’t know of any PDF malware that can shut down a phone, and transfer money from a bank account, including liquidating fixed deposits!

Fact #2 : PDF Malware Generally Target Computers

PDF documents can contain malware, but malicious PDFs generally target Windows computers. In fact, many aren’t actual PDF documents, but are instead executable files masquerading as PDF files – invoice.pdf.exe, for example.

Malicious PDF documents or executables targeted at Windows computers won’t work on smartphones. The malicious PDF must not only be specifically designed to target smartphones, it must target the right operating system – iOS or Android. A malicious PDF targeting Android won’t work on an Apple iPhone, for instance.

On top of that, many PDF malware actually exploit vulnerabilities in a specific PDF reader – most commonly, the industry-standard Adobe Acrobat Reader. Most smartphones do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed, and instead rely on a variety of PDF readers like Samsung Note, OneDrive, Google Drive, Kindle, etc.

Embedded PDF malware that target vulnerabilities in the Adobe Acrobat Reader won’t work with other PDF readers. That’s probably why it’s rare to see PDF malware that target smartphones.

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Fact #3 : PayNow Scams So Far Involve Phishing

Singapore reported 477 cases of PayNow scams in 2021, with 133 more cases in 2022. However, they were not due to PDF malware. Rather, their victims were deceived into giving scammers their digital banking credentials.

In other words, PayNow scams have so far involved phishing attacks, in which victims are tricked into logging into fake websites, or giving up their Internet banking login details by phone.

In one of these scams, victims received phone calls from people pretending to be bank employees. The callers would ask for the victims’ personal details, such as their Internet banking usernames and passwords, under the pretext that the bank needed them to verify transactions in their accounts.

Fact #4 : Singapore Police Warned About Android Malware

It seems likely that the viral warning is based on a misunderstanding of a Singapore Police Force warning about Android malware withdrawing money through PayNow.

Issued on 17 June 2023, the Singaporean police warned that scammers were tricking victims into installing an Android Package Kit (APK) file through WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. Once installed, the malware allows the scammers to remotely access the victims’ devices, and steal their passwords.

The victims are then directed to fake websites that mimic banks like DBS to key in their banking credentials. The login information obtained through this phishing attack then allows the scammers to withdraw their victims’ money through PayNow.

To be clear – this PayNow scam does NOT involve any PDF. It requires the victim to install an APK file – to gain access of your 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) device, and provide bank login information through a fake (phishing) website.

This allows the scammers to log into your bank account using the login info you provided, and authenticate all transfers using your mobile phone.

Recommended : Nurse Lost RM380K After Pressing Instagram ‘Like’ Button?!

Fact #5 : Here Are Some Common Cybersecurity Tips

Here are some simple cybersecurity tips to help you avoid getting scammed online:

  • Never install APK files (for Android) from unknown or untrustworthy sources.
  • Never sideload IPA files (for Apple iOS) from unknown or untrustworthy sources.
  • Always check the entire filename, including its file extension:
    – PDF documents should end with .pdf, and not .pdf.apk or .pdf.ipa or .pdf.exe.
    – Word documents should end with .doc or .docx, and not .doc.apk or .doc.ipa or .doc.exe.
  • Never click on any link to go to any bank website. Always type in the link yourself into a web browser, or better still – use the official app issued by the bank.
  • Never give your bank login details to any person, even if they claim to be a police officer, a bank officer, or even a cybersecurity expert!
  • Never give your 2FA authentication code / TAC or OTP number to any person, even if they claim to be a police officer, a bank officer, or even a cybersecurity expert!

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

 

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Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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WhatsApp Block Button Scam : What You Need To Know!

Will clicking on the WhatsApp block button install a malicious app that will hack your phone?!

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : WhatsApp Block Button Is A Scam!

People are sharing this advice on a new WhatsApp scam involving the Block button in messages. Take a look!

New Type of Scam in Whatsapp.

Don’t press the “Block” button within the message because when you press on it then, you are effectively downloading this Malicious App. Instead go to WhatsApp setting (3 dots on the right hand top) and block the message.

Do the same if you received this kind of message in your SMS. Someone already got scammed by this fake template.

Whatsapp 中的新型诈骗。
不要按消息中的“阻止”按钮,因为当您按下该按钮时,您实际上是在下载此恶意应用程序,而是转到 WhatsApp 设置(右上角的 3 个点)并阻止该消息。
如果您在短信中收到此类消息,请执行相同的操作。

New Type of Scam in Whatsapp. Don’t press the “Block” button within the message because when you press on it then, you are effectively downloading this Malicious App. Instead go to WhatsApp setting (3 dots on the right hand top) and block the message. Do the same if you received this kind of message in your SMS. Someone already got scammed by this fake template.

Recommended : Can Mexico Did It Photo Infect Your Phone With Virus?!

 

Truth : WhatsApp Block Button Is New Feature!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS circulating on WhatsApp and social media platforms, and here are reasons why…

Fact #1 : No Evidence Of WhatsApp Block Button Scam

First, let me just point out that there is no evidence that anyone was scammed by the WhatsApp block button in messages.

Even if an enterprising hacker / scammer was able to create a message with a fake block button that downloads an APK (Android Package Kit) file, it won’t automatically install that file. You will need to manually install the APK file from the Downloads folder.

Those who know how to do that would be tech-savvy enough to avoid installing APK files from unknown sources. Those who don’t know how to do that would not be able to install the downloaded APK file.

Fact #2 : WhatsApp Block Button Is Part Of New Safety Tools

The truth is – the Block button that you may see in new messages from strangers is not a scam. It also does not download or install any APK file.

The Block button is actually part of the new Safety Tools feature that WhatsApp started introducing in July 2023.

The Safety Tools feature will only appear when you receive a message from an unknown number. You will be given some details about the safety of this new contact – whether you are in common groups, and in some cases – the country of origin.

You are given the option of either blocking this new contact, or adding it to your Contact list. You can also click on the Safety tools link for more details.

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Fact #3 : Older Blocking Method Still Exists

The new WhatsApp Safety Tools offer an easy way to quickly block and remove obvious spammers and scammers. However, it may not be readily apparent whether the new contact is genuine, or just a spammer / scammer.

If you start messaging with this new contact – to find out if their identity / purpose, the Safety Tools option will disappear. But don’t worry – you can still block this new contact if you realise that he/she is a spammer / scammer.

  1. Go to the messaging screen for the person you want to block.
  2. Tap on the kebab menu / vertical ellipsis (⋮) icon on the upper right corner.
  3. Select More > Block.
    You can also select More > Report (to report block the scammer)

Alternatively, you can block multiple contacts using this method:

  1. Open WhatsApp, and go to the Chats screen.
  2. Tap on the kebab menu / vertical ellipsis (⋮) icon on the upper right corner.
  3. Select Settings.
  4. Tap on the Privacy option.
  5. Scroll down and tap on Blocked contacts.
  6. Tap on the Add Contacts () icon at the upper right corner.
  7. Search for the contacts you want to remove, and select them.

Now, blocking people does not remove your contact details or profile photo from their phones and devices.

However, they will no longer be able to call you, or send you messages. They will also not be able to see changes to your status updates including when you’re online / last seen, or changes you make to your profile photo.

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Name : Adrian Wong
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Can StopNCII Remove All Nude / Deep Fake Photos?!

Can the StopNCII website remove all of your nude or deep fake or Photoshopped photos from the Internet?!

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : StopNCII Can Remove All Nude / Deep Fake Photos!

People are sharing this advice on WhatsApp and social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, claiming that the StopNCI website can remove all of your nude or deep fake or Photoshopped photos from the Internet!

Attention girls! If someone edits your photo with Al or Photoshop to create a nude photo, then you go to stopncii.org and submit the original photo and the edited photo.

They’ll remove the edited photo from all the places on the Internet and your identity will be confidential. Please immediately inform the cyber cell and file a case to take immediate action.

Recommended : Can Mexico Did It Photo Infect Your Phone With Virus?!

 

Truth : StopNCII Cannot Remove All Nude / Deep Fake Photos!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS circulating on WhatsApp and social media platforms, and here are reasons why…

Fact #1 : StopNCII Does Not Remove Photos / Videos

First, let me just point out that the StopNCII website is a project by the Revenge Porn Helpline, which is itself a part of the UK-based charity, SWGfL.

StopNCII is not a government organisation, or even a multinational / international organisation that controls what gets posted on the Internet. It does not have any power or authority or even capability to remove a single photo or video.

To be clear – StopNCII cannot remove all of your photos or videos from the Internet. No organisation can.

Fact #2 : You Don’t Upload Photos / Videos To StopNCII

The advice to upload your nude or edited photos or videos to the StopNCII website is nonsensical. So is the claim that you must also upload your original photos or videos.

StopNCII does not require you to upload your nude / edited photo or video, or your original photo or video.

In fact, StopNCII does not even require you to upload a single photo or video. It merely scans the photos or videos that you are concerned about.

Those photos or videos do not leave your devices (computers, tablets, and smartphones).

Fact #3 : StopNCII Only Generates Digital Hashes

StopNCII only scans the photos or videos that you select on your device, and generate their digital fingerprints (hashes). It does not download or keep your nude photos or videos.

Select the image(s)/video(s) on your device that you would like to protect. Remember, your image(s)/video(s) do not leave your device, they will only be scanned so a unique “hash,” or digital fingerprint, can be generated.

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Fact #4 : Photos / Videos Are Only Removed On Certain Platforms

StopNCII itself does not remove any photos or videos, whether they are nude or edited. Instead, they rely on a limited number of partner platforms to do that:

  • Facebook
  • TikTok
  • Reddit
  • Instagram
  • Bumble
  • OnlyFans
  • Threads
  • Pornhub

Only these platforms will receive cases and the digital hashes (fingerprints) from StopNCII.

Fact #5 : Not All Photos / Videos Will Be Removed

Even on those supported platforms, it’s not a guarantee that those photos / videos submitted to StopNCII will be removed.

Those platforms will scan their systems for those digital hashes, and remove them if they are found to have violated their intimate image abuse policy.

This is to avoid the StopNCII system from being abused to remove photos or videos that are not sexual, abusive, personal, or illegal in any way.

Once generated the ‘hash’ will be shared with the participating companies.

Participating companies will look for matches to the hash and remove any matches within their system(s) if it violates their intimate image abuse policy.

The Revenge Porn Helpline reported a 90% removal rate on those platforms since 2015. While that is impressive, that tells us that some 10% of all reported photos or videos were determined not to have contravened the policies of those partner platforms.

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Fact #6 : No One Can Remove All Photos / Videos From Internet

Even if StopNCII is able to partner with every single social media platform, large and small; or Internet service providers, it simply cannot help you remove all of your nude photos or videos from the Internet.

That’s because once released on the Internet, those photos or videos (whether nude or edited) can be transmitted through many means – messaging apps like WhatsApp or Telegram, or email and file-sharing services.

They can also be posted or stored on independent websites / servers on the Internet or the dark web, that no one can shut down. There are revenge porn websites and groups dedicated to this, and it is simply impossible to remove edited / nude photos and videos from those websites and groups.

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Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Nurse Lost RM380K After Pressing Instagram ‘Like’ Button?!

Did a Malaysian nurse lose RM380,000 after pressing the Instagram Like button?!

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : Nurse Lost RM380K After Pressing Instagram Like Button!

People are sharing an article which claims that a Malaysian nurse lost RM380,000 after pressing the Like button in Instagram for RM5 commissions! Here is an excerpt from the article:

M’sian Nurse Loses RM380K After Pressing Instagram ‘Like’ Button For RM5 Commission

Too late to unlike

Recommended : Scam Alert : How Fake Job Syndicates Operate!

 

Nurse Did Not Lose RM380K After Pressing Instagram Like Button!

First of all, I would like to applaud the website for writing about job scams, but that’s really a misleading title.

Unfortunately, many people don’t read beyond the headlines. People are even asking if they will get “hacked” like the nurse if they like Instagram posts!

The truth is – the Malaysian nurse did not lose RM380,000 because she pressed on the Like button in Instagram. In fact, Instagram and its Like button have nothing to do with the actual scam!

Social Media Jobs Are An Easy Lure

As I have earlier written on how fake job syndicates operate, the “job” and “platform” are not important. These scammers generally offer social media jobs, because that’s what most people already use, so it’s easy to hook victims.

These syndicates will offer quick and easy tasks to do on social media, for example – liking Instagram photos and Facebook posts. Other (non-social media) tasks include liking YouTube videos and/or subscribing to YouTube channels, or even making comments on businesses in Google Maps.

Whether the job is on Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Google Maps, etc. is irrelevant. The first few “jobs” you are given are the bait. You will be paid for those simple tasks, like RM5 for liking an Instagram post, or RM10 for subscribing to a YouTube channel. Such an easy way to make money!

Paying For Jobs Is The Scam!

After you get the first payment, you will be asked to participate in a “prepaid job”. All you have to do is pay a “deposit” for the opportunity to make a lot of money in high-paying “jobs”.

At this point, you may feel that this is a genuine side job opportunity. After all, they paid you for the earlier jobs, didn’t they? Real scammers wouldn’t pay their victims, right? WRONG!

Once you make that first deposit, you are “hooked”. The scammers will not let you withdraw the money, but insist that you must continue with the next “prepaid job”, which would require another deposit. Then, you will be asked to pay again to participate in another “prepaid task”, and so on.

On paper, you appear to be earning a lot of money, but you won’t be able to withdraw any of that money. By the time you realise it’s a scam, you would have lost a LOT of money. That is the scam, not pressing on the Instagram Like button.

Recommended : How A University Student Lost RM22K In Online Job Scam!

Trying To Recover The Money Is The Scam!

In the nurse’s case, she fell for their trap to participate in the “prepaid assignment”. She ended up making 36 transactions worth RM387,000 to 21 different bank accounts over 13 days! She not only emptied her savings, she even loaned money from her friends and family members!

Why would any victim do that? Simple – the more money you invest in this fake job offer, the more desperate you will be to recover the money you “invested” and “earned”. To quit would mean losing everything, so you will feel that you have “no choice” but to continue.

To help you make that decision to “stick with the programme”, the syndicate have fake users in their Telegram group continuously posting bank deposit screenshots, while claiming that they just received their earnings.

The truth is – any money you send to their mule accounts will be quickly transferred to the scammers’ account. You will never see the money again.

As one student shared, he lost over RM22,000 in just two days, because he was so engrossed in trying to get back the money he “invested” earlier:

There’s one trick that this scammer is using. He let me start with a small investment, then proceed with stages.

They force me to continue because I want to rescue the money that I put in in the previous task. So it keeps getting bigger and bigger.

Just like that, two days, RM22300, gone.

Recommended : Must You Disable Facebook Auto-Fill To Block Scams?!

Again, I’m glad to see more publicity about fake job scams. But it is important that YOU understand that the scam does not involve the pressing of the Like button in Instagram, or Facebook, or YouTube, or any other online platform.

This is ultimately just another case of a fake job scam. In this nurse’s case, the scammers used the simple job of liking Instagram posts as the lure, but it will be different for other victims. These scammers will use any convenient platform to give you simple jobs to trick you into falling for their scam.

Just remember – there is no such thing as easy social media jobs. Even unscrupulous social media promoters do not need to pay anyone to like a post, or follow someone. They simply use bots (automated software)!

Don’t fall for such fake job scams. No matter how enticing the offer is – NEVER pay for any job.

Please SHARE this article out, and WARN your family and friends!

 

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Can Israel Seismic Wave Card Hack Your Phone?!

Can the Seismic Wave Card containing photos of the recent Hamas attacks on Israel hack your phone?!

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : Israel Seismic Wave Card Can Hack Your Phone!

This warning about the Seismic Wave Card containing photos of the recent Hamas attacks on Israel has gone viral on WhatsApp:

URGENT

Some people are going to upload pictures of the fighting in Jewish settlements on WhatsApp. The file is called Seismic Waves CARD.

Do not open it, it will hack your phone in 10 seconds and cannot be stopped in any way.

They talked about it on TV. A cyber attack on us from all kinds of directions is also starting.

Pass the information on to family and friends.

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Truth : There Is No Israel Earthquake Seismic Wave Card!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS circulating on WhatsApp, and here are reasons why…

Fact #1 : There Is No Seismic Wave Card!

First, let me just point out that there is no such thing as a Seismic Wave Card.

The Seismic Wave Card is an Internet hoax that keeps getting recycled for every disaster that comes along, like these examples show:

They are going to upload some photos of the Moroccan earthquake on WhatsApp. The file is called Seismic Waves CARD, don’t open it and see it, it will hack your phone in 10 seconds and it cannot be stopped in any way. Share the information with your family and friends.
DO NOT OPEN IT. They also said it on TV

They are going to upload some photos of the Cariaco earthquake on Whatsapp. The file is called Waves Seismic CARD, do not open or see it, it will hack your phone in 10 seconds and it cannot be stopped in any way. Pass the information on to your family and friends. DO NOT OPEN IT. They also said it on TV.

Recommended : Can Morocco Earthquake Seismic Wave Card Hack Your Phone?!

Fact #2 : Photos Are Shared Directly On WhatsApp

There is no need to open any file, or install any app, to view photos on WhatsApp. You simply click to view photos shared by other people on WhatsApp.

Of course, people may sometimes share high-resolution photos in ZIP or RAR files, because WhatsApp greatly reduces the resolution of photos shared on its platform.

Those ZIP or RAR files may be opened using apps like WinZip (Android | iOS) or RAR (Android) or Unarchiver (iOS). However, you should be wary if you are asked to download and install any app.

Unless you know what you are doing, it’s best to only view photos and videos directly inside WhatsApp, and not download any compressed files at all.

Fact #3 : Seismic Waves Card Is Not A Browser Hijacker

Seismic Waves Card appears to be falsely labelled as a browser hijacker by at least one “cybersecurity” website:

The scam message known as Seismic Waves Card is notorious for its disruptive behavior while surfing the web. Generally, scams like this, and other like Mintnav and Lookaside fbsbx, are crafted to meddle with your browser’s settings, replacing homepages and default search engines to promote affiliated sites and generate advertising revenue.

There is no evidence that a malware or browser hijacker called Seismic Waves Card exists. The article itself does not offer any evidence to prove its existence. In fact, the article and its guide on how to “remove” the malware appears to be generic, and may possibly be AI-generated.

Recommended : Can Greeting Photos + Videos Hack Your Phone?!

Fact #4 : Image-Based Malware Is Possible, But…

Digital steganography is a method by which secret messages and other data can be hidden in digital files, like a photo or a video, or even a music file.

It is also possible to embed malicious code within a photo, but it won’t be a full-fledged malware that can execute by itself.

At most, it can be used to hide the malware payload from antivirus scanners, which is pretty clever to be honest… but it cannot hack your smartphone by itself.

Recommended : Can Restaurant Menu QR Code Hack Your Phone?!

Fact #5 : Image-Based Malware Requires User Action

In January 2019, cybercriminals created an online advertisement with a script that appears innocuous and would pass any malware check.

However, the image itself has an “almost white” rectangle that is recognised by the script, triggering it to redirect the user to the cybercriminals’ website. Once there, the victim is tricked into installing a Trojan disguised as an Adobe Flash Player update.

This is an incredibly clever way to bypass malware checks, but even so, this image-based malware requires user action.

You cannot get infected by the Trojan if you practice good “Internet hygiene” by not downloading or installing anything from unknown websites.

Fact #6 : Malicious Code Executes Immediately

If you accidentally download and trigger malware, it will execute immediately. It won’t take 10 seconds, as the hoax message claims.

There is really no reason for malware to wait before it infects your devices. Waiting will only increase the risk of detection.

Whether the malware serves to take over your device, steal your information or encrypt it for ransom, it pays to do it at the first opportunity.

Please help us FIGHT FAKE NEWS by sharing this fact check article out, and please SUPPORT our work!

 

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp

Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

Recommended Reading

Go Back To > Fact Check | CybersecurityTech ARP

 

Support Tech ARP!

Please support us by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or donating to our fund. Thank you!