#holiday scams

[pwrn51]

Deep Dive into International and Domestic Bank Scams

  In this episode of ‘Lest We Forget’, host Lillian Cauldwell continues examining bank scams in the United States and internationally. Additional bank scams to be vigilant about include ATM Cash Trapping, Remote Access, and Pretexting. Identifying bank scams and recognizing the warning signs is another challenge. Today, we will explore various warning signs and extend our conversation on bank…

[juliansdiary2]

This Message is for the Scammers trying to do their last minute holiday Scams

[jlriggin]

Don't be a victim of consumer fraud

Don’t be a victim of consumer fraud

December is a time when scammers really ramp up activity. Do not fall for their tricks! Criminals, thieves and con artists use many types of scams to target unsuspecting people who have access to money. Consumer scams happen on the phone, through the mail, e-mail, or over the internet. They can occur in person, at home, or at a business. Here are some tips to protect yourself from scams: Don’t…

[iwasbored777]

It just doesn't sit right with me that in fanfiction whenever Branch and Poppy get married he becomes a king. He would outrank the current queen when he's not even royalty and usually in real world the highest title that he would get would be prince consort. He would be the happiest troll ever if they get married but they would co-lead and he would help her just like now but she would still be the real leader and things wouldn't change that much.

[take-care-with-your-glasses]

The dilemma of being the husband but also the patient.

"I can be your wife, but I'm also your doctor."

That's true, Six.

[isawthismeme]

[penofglen]

Navigating European Etiquette: A Traveler's Guide to Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Croatia

Planning a trip to Croatia? 🇭🇷 Before you go, check out my latest blog post on European etiquette and tips to avoid common tourist traps. Trust me, it'll save you some euros! 💶 #TravelTips #Croatia #TravelSmart #vacation #holiday #travel #euro #money

Following my last post, I received quite a few requests to share more about Croatia and my experience in Split. I understand that many of you, especially those from the US, may not be familiar with this beautiful part of the world, and that makes sense given the distance. However, what did surprise me during my trip was just how many American tourists I encountered—by far the largest group in…

[rebelband]

:D they look at each other

[bevanne46]

Scammers are getting smarter and more creative. Because of this we have to be very careful. I have spent 2 days talking with someone online about a custom quilt order and up until just now I really thought they were legit. It makes me want to cry that I have spent so much time and communication with someone only to find out they just want to steal from me!

How did I discover they were a scammer?

They didn't read the email I sent with instructions on how my process works.

They want to pay me now when I said I won't take payment until I start the project in March. They said they tried to send me a payment but we hadn't even discussed how I would take the payment.

They want to pay the Full Amount ($522.28) when I said it was a price range of $446.58 - $522.28 and that the actual price wouldn't be determined until the quilt fabrics were picked out. And I said I only wanted a deposit of $200 in March with the final payment before I shipped the quilt to them.

No real person would pay that much money instantly, they would want to think it over, then wait for the actual price once the fabrics were picked out!

And all because I posted a picture of a quilt I had made!

[ligbi]

A reminder to everyone to install an adblock for yourself and everyone you know Because

As of late Google's Sponsered Links (the first links that come up- marked with small text that indicates google is taking money to put these at the top) have been illegitimate links to popular sites like Facebook, Amazon, and Fox News (I work in I.T. I cannot force these people to use better sites) but rather they click the link and it comes up with a fake windows defender page with lots of scary messages saying Oh No You're Infected Click Here To download a real piece of malicious code because we're trying to trick you.

Google is taking money and doing nothing to protect the people using their engine from cyber attacks. This is the digital equivalent of being paid to stock a squishy looking toy that's full of knives at the very front of a store. Get Fucking rid of them????

Would love to reccomend a search engine that 1) isn't going to actively harm me and 2) works like Someone did about a decade ago

and 3) isn't bing.

[humbleboar]

just attempted to schedule my fifth (🤗) doctor's appt of the year please be proud of me

[pwrn51]

Essential Guide to Steering Clear of Scams

  In this interview,  Lillian emphasized the importance of vigilance against frauds, particularly highlighting the BBB’s resource at BBB.org/AvoidScams for avoiding scams. She recommended referring to the BBB’s tips for safe online shopping and stressed the importance of reporting any online scams to the BBB Scam Tracker. The discussion on December 22 focused on the “Twelve Scams of Christmas,” a…

[kingspuppet]

"Why does everyone care about this accursed holiday? It's nothing but a ploy to scam idiots out of their money as if roses and expensive chocolates aren't inconsequential in the grand scheme of things. It's dedicated to morons, not love."

[thisfairytalegonebad]

So does anyone ever actually go back to work after a vacation and feel refreshed and energised or

[mommalosthermind]

What is it about the kids’ winter break that always. Always. Makes the weirdest shit go wrong.

[darkmagic-sweetheart]

Holiday Shopping PSA 2022

Holiday Shopping PSA

It’s that time of the year again were I write one of these to remind old and new shoppers to be careful where and on what they spend their money on this holiday season.

Regardless of what you celebrate or don’t celebrate it’s always nice to give a gift to either yourself or someone you care about, but it’d be a huge bummer to later find out what you got them was actual bootleg or stolen art.

To start I always tell those that are interested in buying from an artist to go check out their social media and see where exactly do they sell their work. That is always the best way to make sure you get your art from the actual artist. Try to find a direct link as well. Most are in bios, pinned posts, or other posts were they promote their store/website.

My Stores: 

https://www.redbubble.com/people/darkmagicswh/shop

https://www.etsy.com/shop/DarkmagicSWH

If you can’t find a direct link see if their DMs are open or send them an Ask/Tweet at them (delete once you get your answer though). Now if this artist’s store is closed or if they don’t sell to people that is not an invitation to look elsewhere for their work or to print it out yourself! Please respect the artist wishes/schedule and look for another gift option.

Try to avoid shopping for art on sites like Amazon, Wish, Ebay, and Aliexpress UNLESS the artist has specifically said that is where they sell. Most of the time these sites are riddled with stolen work and at a very cheap price so it can be hard to not to take that deal, but don’t. Artist’s, for the most part, are the little guy in this situation. We are having our work taken by bigger companies and given almost no power to fight back. Our art is not free to use or part of the public domain!

Be careful when shopping on Etsy and Redbubble as well. Stolen works can also be found there too. Once again try to find a direct link to the artist store and if you can’t Google their name or search for one of the items they do sell. Just make sure to triple check that the person whose store you are looking at if the artist and not someone just selling their art.

I know it can be hard because sometimes you just see something online you want and don’t put too much thought into whether the listing for it on Amazon is stolen or not, but all I can ask if that people try. Tell friends and families about where they can find artists you like and their stores. Report any stolen listings you find and possibly contact the artist if possible about them. We artist want to keep making fun and creative works for you all to enjoy whether you buy them or not, but we can’t keep giving while our art is stolen and sold for so little by a complete stranger. We need your help too!

If you have bought or received bootleg/stolen art in the past you don’t need to feel guilty. It’s okay that you didn’t know at the time or whoever got you the gift didn’t know. That’s in the past, but right now you can change for the better. Show the artist you love the upmost respect by becoming a safer shopper this holiday season or informing others about the does and don’ts of shopping for art.

For those possibly reading this and thinking that this isn’t a huge issue and that losing out on just a little bit of money couldn’t hurt...it does and it is.

Over the course of just this year I have had to report over 100 stolen listings on just Amazon alone. I have also had to continually look out for stolen works on Etsy, Redbubble, Wish, and Mercari. I have had counter claims sent to me I’ve had to fight, all the while being in student debt. I’m unable to even report the stolen works I’ve found on Ebay and Aliexpress because those sites have made it nearly impossible for a single artist like myself to file a report. This is and has always been a problem and it’s not one artists should just get used to.

I hope this PSA helps some people learn how to shop better this holiday season and reflects the struggle artists sometimes have to go through.

DMCA Takedown Forms for Amazon and Wish (for any artists):

https://merchant.wish.com/brand-protection/brand-violation-report

https://www.amazon.com/report/infringement

Examples of my Art Being Stolen (Currently Up):

https://www.amazon.com/MDGCYDR-Stickers-Graffiti-Refrigerator-Notebook/dp/B09DQ4K9YJ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1KZ6QJVTUIY3C&keywords=unus+annus+stickers&qid=1669341197&sprefix=unus+annus+sticker%2Caps%2C125&sr=8-1

https://graphicbreak.com/sander-sides-anxiety-aop-t-shirt-tee/

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256803468333708.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2usa4itemAdapt&_randl_shipto=US

https://www.amazon.com/Jacksepticeye-Painting-Pictures-Bathroom-Decoration/dp/B092TR4ML9/ref=sr_1_123?crid=325A38TYQZALN&keywords=jacksepticeye+merch&qid=1669341359&sprefix=jacksepticeye+merch%2Caps%2C97&sr=8-123

https://www.amazon.com/Sanders-Sticker-Ceramic-Printed-Digital/dp/B0BB8X76WQ/ref=sr_1_16?crid=2W6S167LTES8C&keywords=sanders+sides+merch&qid=1669341390&sprefix=sanders+sides+merch%2Caps%2C95&sr=8-16