#recovery scammer

[scam-alerts]

🚨Scammer Alert🚨 + 🔎Scam Exam(ination)🔍

Seen as: We can help you recover your <thing> Scam Type: Recovery scam

Description of this scam and how it works:

Recovery scams target people who have already fallen for a scam. The scammer may contact you, or may advertise their services online. They will usually either offer to help you recover your funds, or will tell you that your funds have already been recovered and they will help you access them. In cases where they say they will help you recover your funds, they usually call themselves either "recovery agents" or "hackers". When they tell you that your funds have already been recovered, they may impersonate a law enforcement, a government official, a lawyer, or anyone else along those lines. Recovery scams are simply advance-fee scams that are specifically targeted at scam victims. When a victim pays a recovery scammer, the scammer will keep stringing them along while asking for increasingly absurd fees/expenses/deposits/insurance/whatever until the victim stops paying. If you have been scammed in the past, make sure you are aware of recovery scams so that you are not scammed a second time. If you are currently engaging with a recovery scammer, you should block them and be very wary of random contact for some time. It's normal for posters on r/scams to be contacted by recovery scammers after posting, and they often ask you to delete your post so that you both cannot receive legitimate advice, and cannot be targeted by other recovery scammers. Remember: Never take advice in private. If someone reaches you in private after posting your scam story, it is because a scammer will always try to hide from the oversight of our community members. A legitimate community member will offer advice in the open, for everyone to see. Anyone suggesting you should reach out to a hacker is scamming you.

source: reddit

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Example account shown running this scam: cyberhelp911 (there's probably other recovery scammers out there, this is just the most obvious and out there one that I saw)

Reason this account is a scam:

I really don't need to explain it... Just look at these pictures:

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Important things to always remember:

If you ever get an alert that there's issues going on with your account, saying that you were locked out, hacked, or you have money/photos/crypto missing, ect. The first thing you should do is contact support through the official website that you signed up on and nothing else.

Do not click on any links you may receive via text message telling you that there has been an issue with your account and that you need to 'click/go here' to fix it. (especially if it looks suspicious like a bit.ly or short url)

Do not click on any links in a e-mail that are telling you that there's been an issue with you an account and to 'go here' to fix it. (unless you are 150% sure that it is from the official website.)

Do not share your one time pass codes with anyone no matter who they are. Even your bank will never ask you for this. (If someone calls and they do, they are a scammer. Hang up and call your bank immediately.)

Do not seek help from strangers claiming to be able to fix your issues for free or 'for a small fee. Anyone promising they can fix your issue 'no problem' is lying to you. Do not give them your account information, your irl information, passwords, ect. They are scammers. (why would you do this anyway? They're strangers. Have common sense!)

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Final thoughts:

Only trust the help desks on the websites you sign up on to help you fix your issue. If you were contacted by someone and they ended up hacking/scamming you, make sure you take screenshots. Document everything. Any evidence is good evidence to help you prove you are who you are to get your account back.

Don't trust strangers on the internet to 'magically' fix your problems just because they claim they can do it. You wouldn't let your uncle who boasts 'he's worked on a car or two in his time' (and by that he means changed a tire) tear out your engine and replace the heating system.

You'd take your car to the mechanic. To the people you trust.

Your accounts should be no different. :)

Other helpful guides on spotting scams. (by @kyra45)

Current list of documented scammers: Part 1 and Part 2

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Disclaimer: This post is only meant to serve as documentation and reference material so that others know: why this person is a scammer, and to provide more information about the scam they are running. I do not, in any way, endorse harassment or mass reporting these users. Only report posts related to asks, comments, or messages if you GET them or ones like them. Thank you.

[raywybingazblog]

I’m raising $1,500 until 10/06/2024 for Lawyer Fees / Crypto Recovery. Can you help?

This was all the money in the world to me...please help and God Bless all that donate. AMEN

[adhdisgay]

Friendly reminder to listen VERY VERY CRITICALLY if someone tries to convince you not to register for federal disaster assistance following a declared disaster. Helene is still moving north and I see the usual rants picking up steam already.

That person trying to win social commentary points online is not your friend. That person can’t give you funds for house repair or to restock on food and meds. And if they say they can - that is a scammer and not someone you can trust.

Scammers and developers trying to take advantage after a disaster intentionally spread rumors/misinformation to convince survivors not to apply for federal disaster assistance. Many well meaning people pick this misinformation up and spread it further without understanding how the assistance process works. It’s happened more and more over the years and it will happen with Helene.

If you do not apply for assistance, you lose the chance to receive federal funds. APPLY APPLY APPLY. This doesn’t guarantee you will meet eligibility requirements, but you definitely can’t meet them if you don’t apply. The application process isn’t perfect but it continues to be updated - and was updated in 2024!! - to try and make it easier for survivors. If you have damages or lost power for an extended time, APPLY.

You can check on FEMA.gov or with local news to see when disaster recovery centers will open, how long the application period will last, and what information you’ll need when applying.

[shamelessglittertyphoon]

[tonycodes]

SCAM ALERT 🚨

A fraudster has been identified as selling Birkenstock shoes online, but after receiving payment, they disappear without providing the goods. Be on high alert for individuals engaging in this type of scam. Do not send money to strangers and be cautious of any requests for payment before receiving the goods.

Protect yourself from falling victim to these types of scams by being vigilant and informed.

[gidest68]

Bitcoin recovery software

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CLICK HERE To VISIT: (https://digitalevault.com/)

or make enquiries through

TELEGRAM: https://t.me/Digitalva0lt

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Furthermore, Bitsonic Crypto Recovery Software may also include a seed phrase generator or recovery phrase generator. These tools allow users to create new seed phrases or recovery phrases for their wallets, providing them with an additional layer of security and protection. By generating a new seed phrase or recovery phrase, you can ensure that your funds are safe and secure, even in the event of a lost or compromised wallet.

In conclusion, Bitsonic Crypto Recovery Software is an essential tool for individuals who have lost access to their cryptocurrency wallets. With features such as the private key finder, eth private key finder, private key generator, seed phrase generator, and recovery phrase generator, users can effectively recover their lost assets and regain control over their funds. By utilizing these tools, you can ensure the security and protection of your valuable cryptocurrency holdings. We highly recommend using Bitsonic Crypto Recovery Software

(https://digitalevault.com/product/bitsonic-crypto-recovery-software/) for all your bitcoin recovery needs.

[alias-9]

Bitcoin recovery software

In the world of cryptocurrency, security is paramount. One of the most important aspects of safeguarding your digital assets is ensuring that you have a secure and reliable way to access your private keys. Private keys are essentially the keys to your digital wallet, allowing you to access and manage your cryptocurrencies. That’s why it’s essential to have a backup plan in place, and a recovery phrase generator like Bitsonic Private Key Generator (https://digitalevault.com/product/bitsonic-private-key-generator/) can provide you with a secure way to recover your private key in case it is lost or stolen.

https://digitalevault.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2204_BlogHeader_Wallet.png

There are various types of recovery phrase generators available, including bitcoin private key finders, eth private key finders, and general private key generators. But when it comes to reliability and security, Bitsonic Private Key Generator (https://digitalevault.com/product/bitsonic-private-key-generator/) stands out from the rest. These tools are designed to securely generate a unique seed phrase that can be used to restore access to your digital assets. By using Bitsonic Private Key Generator, you can rest assured that your seed phrase is generated with the highest level of security and reliability. For more information contact us on

Telegram;

(http://t.me/Digitalva0lt)

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It is important to note that while recovery phrase generators can be a valuable tool, it is crucial to choose a reputable and trustworthy provider like Bitsonic Private Key Generator (https://digitalevault.com/product/bitsonic-private-key-generator/). Make sure to do your research and select a generator that has a proven track record of security and reliability. By choosing Bitsonic Private Key Generator, you can be confident that your seed phrase is generated with the highest level of security and reliability. chat with our experts on

Telegram;

(http://t.me/Digitalva0lt)

In conclusion, a recovery phrase generator like Bitsonic Private Key Generator (https://digitalevault.com/product/bitsonic-private-key-generator/) is an essential tool for anyone who wants to ensure the security of their digital assets. By generating a seed phrase and storing it securely, you can have peace of mind knowing that you will always be able to access your private key, no matter what happens. So, take the necessary steps to protect your cryptocurrencies and invest in a reliable recovery phrase generator like Bitsonic Private Key Generator today. Chat with our service providers on

Telegram

(http://t.me/Digitalva0lt)

[judero]

How to recover your lost Bitcoin wallet

In the world of cryptocurrency, security is paramount. One of the most important aspects of safeguarding your digital assets is ensuring that you have a secure and reliable way to access your private keys. Private keys are essentially the keys to your digital wallet, allowing you to access and manage your cryptocurrencies. That’s why it’s essential to have a backup plan in place, and a recovery phrase generator like Bitsonic Private Key Generator (https://digitalevault.com/product/bitsonic-private-key-generator/) can provide you with a secure way to recover your private key in case it is lost or stolen.

https://digitalevault.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2204_BlogHeader_Wallet.png

There are various types of recovery phrase generators available, including bitcoin private key finders, eth private key finders, and general private key generators. But when it comes to reliability and security, Bitsonic Private Key Generator (https://digitalevault.com/product/bitsonic-private-key-generator/) stands out from the rest. These tools are designed to securely generate a unique seed phrase that can be used to restore access to your digital assets. By using Bitsonic Private Key Generator, you can rest assured that your seed phrase is generated with the highest level of security and reliability. For more information contact us on

Telegram;

(http://t.me/Digitalva0lt)

Using a recovery phrase generator like Bitsonic Private Key Generator (https://digitalevault.com/product/bitsonic-private-key-generator/) is a simple and effective way to ensure that you always have a backup plan in case of emergencies. By generating and storing your seed phrase in a secure location, you can rest assured that you will always be able to access your private key, even if you lose or forget it. With Bitsonic Private Key Generator, you can have peace of mind knowing that your digital assets are protected.

It is important to note that while recovery phrase generators can be a valuable tool, it is crucial to choose a reputable and trustworthy provider like Bitsonic Private Key Generator (https://digitalevault.com/product/bitsonic-private-key-generator/). Make sure to do your research and select a generator that has a proven track record of security and reliability. By choosing Bitsonic Private Key Generator, you can be confident that your seed phrase is generated with the highest level of security and reliability. chat with our experts on

Telegram;

(http://t.me/Digitalva0lt)

In conclusion, a recovery phrase generator like Bitsonic Private Key Generator (https://digitalevault.com/product/bitsonic-private-key-generator/) is an essential tool for anyone who wants to ensure the security of their digital assets. By generating a seed phrase and storing it securely, you can have peace of mind knowing that you will always be able to access your private key, no matter what happens. So, take the necessary steps to protect your cryptocurrencies and invest in a reliable recovery phrase generator like Bitsonic Private Key Generator today. Chat with our service providers on

Telegram

(http://t.me/Digitalva0lt)

[oliviablog2]

Contact BCA for best funds recovery experts to recover stolen funds from scammers

Contact BCA for best funds recovery experts to recover stolen funds from scammers

WELCOME TO

About Company

Broker Complaint Alert helps victims of investment fraud, forex scams, crypto scams, and any type of fraud that happened to you. We have helped and guided thousands of people every year.

We provide information on financial brokers that scam people in any country. Our online consultants work round the clock to make sure you get the right service from the right fund recovery or lawyer in their field of expertise.

Our Mission

Broker Complaint Alert puts you in contact with leading service providers who skillfully navigate the next.

Our Vission

Our team of professionals will carefully assess your case, so we can determine the best course of action.

[scam-alerts]

Introduction

Looking for something specific? Don't want to scroll?

Check out the Index of important posts I've made!

NOTICE: Please do not send me asks or DM's telling me you've found a 'scam/scammer' or ask me to look into blogs/posts that have gofundme's and/or have gofundmes and a PayPal links on them. I am not in any rightful position to validate/vet any blog that has a gofundme campaign that may also use PayPal. The use of PayPal along side a gofundme is usually so they can get funds quicker. This does not mean they are running a scam.

Please read this post for more information on this. Thank you.

NOTICE 2: If you have doubts about the legitimacy of the asks you receive (especially if they've been made more recently), you can check out this post or this post by el-shab-hussein (someone who is Palestinian and is also well trusted amongst scam busters like @kyra45 and myself), which contains links to vetted/verified fundraisers for both Ghazzan families and Sudanese families. :)

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1, Purpose

This blog is to serve as public documentation to any and all tumblr users who visit to make them aware of known accounts that are running PayPal donation/aid scams and/or other scams that I can 100% verify are scams. I will be providing any and all documented evidence of how and why accounts listed here are scams.

2. Evidence

Evidence in calling out these scams will include things such as:

Username changes in an attempt to make others think that they are a different/new person.

Images of them changing their 'real name' repeatedly.

Alternate accounts running the same scam.

Alternate accounts running different scams. (but the same scammer)

PayPal.me names that are being used with these accounts. (this is information they list themselves. Nobody is being doxed)

3. Resources

With every post I will provide resources on how to avoid these scams. This information will be written and provided by fellow tumblr users.

Here's a couple to start:

Helpful guides on how to spot scams. (by @kyra45)

How to guide: Reverse Image Search. (Now with extensions!)

Tips and tricks on spotting scam blogs.

4. Ask Box / Submissions

My ask box is open to questions, concerns, or links to users you think may be scammers.

Again: Please do NOT submit questions via ask or DM' me asking me to look into a possible 'scam' related to blogs with gofundme's.

I am not someone who has the knowledge or ability to 'vet' these blogs and those asks will be deleted.

---- Current list of documented scammers: Part 3

Archived for reference: Part 1 and Part 2

Some notes from the blog owner below:

Hi everyone! @slenbee here.

First I'd like to note that:

This blog is not in any way affiliated with or run by tumblr staff.

I do not ask for money in any shape or form for what I do, nor would I ever. It would be nice, sure, but sadly I wouldn't feel right accepting money for something I feel should be public knowledge to begin with. Plus I don't want scammers knowing my personal information. :p

To give a small back story about myself:

I'm simply a user who joined tumblr in 2014 that's been into scams for the past 2-3 years. It started with watching the youtuber/streamer Kitboga who's known for the rather infamous 'DO NOT REDEEM' clip that was eventually born. (loud warning btw)

From him I learned about other youtubers that covered scams, so I also got into watching channels like ScammerPayback, TrilogyMedia, JimBrowning, TheTekkitRealm, and Tranium.

The last two being more for comedic purposes than more serious ones listed prior. ;)

I wouldn't say my liking of scams has turned into any sort of obsession, but there is a few factors that sort of spurred me into wanting to make this blog and cover scams.

Here's some examples:

My grandma almost fell for a scam on the phone pretending to be her bank and I was able to explain to her how and why it was a scam and how it worked, and she was able to avoid it.

An older friend of mine on discord who plays a mobile game with me nearly fell for the Norton Lifelock email scam, and in mentioning offhand that they weren't sure if this 'email was legit', i was able to save them and let them know that emails like that were scams.

Another friend of mine nearly fell for the 'click this link and play our mobile game and we'll give you free in game credits for trying it!' scam, which ends up being a virus that steals your data.

And, well, there was the incident recently with Roblox and Youtube doing literally fuck all to ban a Free Robux scammer who was using a 3rd party website to literally phish information out of children and possibly install a virus on their computer. But y'know 'we can't do anything about stuff that happens off our website.' 🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄

And thus Bee's internal flame to document and bust scams was lit.🔥

I feel any and all information about scams should be public and available to anyone and everyone in an easily digestible manner that people can understand. It shouldn't be something that's tucked away in a private page you have to search for or go 5 pages deep into google to find because the first 3 pages are full of sponsor links or unhelpful FAQ pages that don't answer your questions at all.

And don't get me started on AI bots answering questions...

Useless if you ask me.

So thus, I made this blog! I try to document scams here the best I can, and if you can't find information here, you can find it under my scam tag on my main blog.

That's about all for now. If you have any questions or comments, my DM's are always open. :)

Take care and have a good day.

[maypiles]

Pick A Pile: What is your justice?⚖️

❗This is a collective reading so take what resonates and leave what does not. Please do not force the reading. Be careful of scammers I'll never reach out to you to ask for money or personal readings❗

Okay, listen up, darlings. After that vision of New York City and Lady Liberty gracing me like the queen I am, I just knew Spirit was screaming at me to dig into this. Justice, karma, the scales tipping—whatever you want to call it—it’s all connected, and I had to know what’s up with my collective. What’s your justice? What’s the tea on your karmic comeback or payback? Because let me tell you, when Lady Liberty herself makes a cameo in my dreams, it’s not just a vibe; it’s a cosmic declaration. Buckle up; the universe is about to spill.

Pile One

Pile one, this is a BIG moment, and I can’t even begin to stress it enough, okay? So first, let’s just dive into what Spirit wants you to know because there’s a whole lot going on, and I feel like the universe is throwing a whole deck of cards down on the table—your table. The message is loud and clear, baby.

First thing I’m hearing—there’s this vibe of someone talking behind your back. Ugh, I hate it. It's like there’s this sneaky energy, maybe some people trying to paint you in a certain light, and I'm hearing ‘final chapter.’ Yeah, you’re at the end of something—something major. You’ve been going through it, whether emotionally, financially, or just in general, and Spirit’s telling me you’re about to face your justice. But here’s the thing, babe—this is karma, okay? Whether it's real debt or energetic debt, whatever happened in the past, the universe is balancing the scales.

I’m seeing cards like the 5 of Pentacles reversed, Page of Pentacles, 4 of Cups, 5 of Swords reversed, and 5 of Cups. Like, I’m getting this feeling that maybe you’ve been struggling, feeling left out in the cold, or just like the universe is not on your side. But here’s the thing: the 5 of Pentacles reversed is showing me that things are changing for you. I’m hearing recovery, and it feels like you’ve been through hell, but baby, the tides are shifting. Spirit is telling me you're in the process of paying for some past mistakes, but there is a lesson here, and it’s going to help you rise.

Then there’s the King of Wands and Hanged Man—and I gotta say, it’s like, there’s this person in your life or this energy where you’ve been putting on this strong, ‘I’m untouchable’ vibe, but deep down you’re realizing something has to change. You’ve been in limbo—stuck in this weird cycle, indecisive, unsure of your next move. You’ve been trying to juggle everything—2 Pentacles—and it’s like, what was once in balance is now all over the place. It’s time for a shift.

Now, the World reversed and the 7 of Cups hit me hard because something is incomplete, and there's confusion surrounding it. It’s like you're getting a new perspective on everything, but there’s still this cloudiness, something hidden, or a situation that hasn’t fully unfolded yet. Don’t worry, you’re seeing it all soon. Trust me, things are coming to light. Spirit is saying, “Hold your ground,” with the 7 of Wands, because there’s a big payoff coming with the Ace of Pentacles and 10 of Pentacles—yes, I said it, big money and stability! You just have to keep pushing through this current energy, even if it feels like a struggle right now.

But let’s talk about that 10 of Swords, Moon reversed, and the 5 of Wands. This is heavy. There is some serious betrayal energy here, something that’s cut you deep, but it's also like, you’re breaking free from whatever chains have held you. The truth is coming out—especially with the Moon reversed. You’ve been through the battle, now it’s about overcoming the chaos and moving forward. The 10 of Cups reversed—yep, love life might be in the pits for some of you right now, and you’re feeling emotionally drained, but there’s healing ahead, okay?

So here’s what Spirit wants you to know, Pile one: You are facing your justice. The scales are balancing, and yes, there’s been some messy, dark energy from the past—but now? You are stepping into your new chapter. You are paying your debts, emotionally or otherwise. But trust me when I say, after the storm comes your victory. You’ve been through the struggle, but now you are about to reap the rewards of that hard work. The universe is testing your resilience, and, baby, you’re gonna come out stronger than ever.

So what is your justice?

Your justice? Oh, it’s sweet, isn’t it? Karmic cleansing, honey. All that betrayal and shady business? Watch it unravel like a cheap sweater. You’re cutting ties, reclaiming your voice, and stepping into your power. They thought they could keep you in the dark, but surprise! You're the High Priestess, babe—illusions shattered, truths exposed. Their little games backfired, and you? You’re thriving. Justice? Served. Cold, delicious, and with a side of don’t mess with me.

Pile Two

All right, okay, my loves Pile 2, let’s get into this, because I am picking up on a lot, and I need you to listen closely. This feels like a moment for you—like the universe is standing right in front of you, waiting for you to make some decisions. And baby, let me tell you, these are big ones. I feel like you’re in a position where you’re about to turn the page—the past is behind you, and you’re stepping into something new. But let me break it down for you.

So first thing I’m feeling, my foot starts itching—I don’t know why that’s happening, but Spirit is giving me the strong vibe that you’re either about to travel or visit someone. More likely, it’s a visit, and I’m getting that this is connected to family or someone who’s just returned from a visit. Whatever it is, it’s coming soon. It could even be a recent visit, like you’re still processing it. There’s something here, and it feels important.

Now let’s talk about what I’m seeing in my mind’s eye. I see a crow—I know it’s a crow, but also it’s black and dark like it has this shadowy presence. It’s standing on the bank of a river or water—maybe even in a park. There’s sunlight, and I’m seeing this bird looking around. Spirit’s telling me that there’s a symbolic energy here—crows are messengers. You’re receiving a message, Pile 2, and this is a time of transition, of choosing your path, like the bird flying away to where it’s meant to be. It feels like a time for you to decide—are you staying where you are, or are you flying away?

And then, I hear the word ‘rosemary’, and it’s so significant right now. It could be something as simple as you needing to protect your energy, cleanse your space, or work with rosemary in some way—whether it’s spiritual or practical. Rosemary is a protector, a cleanser, and it feels like you are being called to do this now. There’s some protection needed here, especially if you’re feeling drained or unsure about things.

But let’s talk about the shift, because there is a huge shift happening. With the 2 of Wands reversed and the Devil, I’m getting that you’re in a place where you’ve been stuck, possibly bound to something toxic—something holding you back. And I feel like you’re at a breaking point. You’ve been grappling with this decision, right? Whether it’s leaving something behind or moving forward, the universe is saying—you are finally choosing your happiness. You’re turning away from the past and stepping into something new. And yes, panic attacks could be a thing here, like anxiety around this change. But trust me, babe, Spirit’s saying, this is your time.

So, when I see the 6 of Pentacles, 7 of Pentacles, and the Page of Swords reversed, I’m getting that you’ve been working hard, trying to balance things out. But right now, there’s something off—you might be feeling drained, like you’re giving too much and not receiving enough. It’s like you’ve been planting seeds, but you’re not seeing the rewards yet. Spirit’s saying, you’re about to see your harvest, but you need to clear the air first.

I’m also seeing the Queen of Pentacles, 4 of Cups, and the Sun, and here’s the thing: you’ve been in this emotional space where maybe you’ve been unfulfilled. Like, you’ve had everything you need, but something’s still missing. You’ve been looking at things and saying, “Is this it?” Spirit is telling me: you are about to get your answer. You’re about to step into the light. The Sun is coming for you—this is happiness, healing, and clarity.

But there’s also the 4 of Swords reversed, Fool reversed, and 7 of Wands reversed, and listen, I feel the resistance. There’s some fear here, some hesitation to take that first step forward. You’ve been in your head, feeling unsure, but let me tell you: it’s time to act. The 7 of Wands reversed is telling me that maybe you’ve been defensive, maybe you’ve been holding back, but it’s time to stop fighting yourself and just go. There’s so much fear around the unknown right now, but you’re being called to release it.

Now, I’m seeing the 3 of Cups, 3 of Swords, and 2 of Cups reversed, and there’s a lot of emotional healing here. I feel like you’ve been hurt in the past, possibly by a relationship or a close friendship, and it’s been hard to let go. Spirit’s saying, you’re healing from that. You’re moving on, even if it feels painful right now. Your heart is healing, babe, and you’re opening yourself up to something new.

And then the King of Pentacles, 3 of Pentacles, and Moon reversed show me that there’s stability coming. You’re about to start building something solid, something real. There’s clarity on the way, and it’s like the Moon reversed is all about revealing hidden truths. Whatever was hidden, whether it was in your relationships, your work, or within yourself, it’s about to come to light.

So, I’m hearing it loud and clear now, Pile two: you are in the middle of a major shift. You’re deciding to turn your back on the past and choose your happiness. There are fears, there’s resistance, and there’s pain—but Spirit is saying, the clarity is coming, the healing is coming, and you are stepping into your power. You’re being guided to protect your energy—use rosemary, cleanse, reset. Trust that the universe has your back, and soon, you’ll be standing on solid ground, feeling like yourself again.

So what is your justice?

Ah, your justice is glow-up revenge. You’re untouchable, darling, and they’re left watching from the sidelines as you rise. Their attempts to block you? Laughable. The wheel is spinning in your favor, and the universe is handing you blessings while their lives turn into a slow-motion disaster. You’re stepping into abundance and alignment, and let’s be honest, it’s about time. They’ll choke on their envy, but don’t worry—you’re too busy being fabulous to care.

Pile Three

All right, my gorgeous Pile 3, let’s get into it. I’m feeling this is a deep reading, like we’re diving into some serious energy here. First off, I’m picking up something huge. You might be connected to the New York dream I channeled in a previous post—whether you’re from New York, visited, or that place has some significance for you. I’m also hearing dreams, and I feel like some of you are having prophetic dreams or visions that are part of your spiritual journey. Spirit is coming through strong right now, so pay attention.

You’re in a phase right now where the Wheel of Fortune is spinning for you. Fate is at play, and I feel like everything that’s been happening is part of a bigger plan—this is your spiritual path, Pile 3. It’s like the universe is pushing you forward, and there’s a reason for every challenge you’re going through. There’s something bigger unfolding here, and your journey is truly aligning with your higher self.

Now, Spirit keeps telling me choices in love, so let’s dive into that for a minute. I don’t know who you’re dealing with right now, but you’ve got choices—multiple options, different energies around you. But let’s get into the cleansing bit. It feels like you’re releasing a lot. There's a need to clear out some heavy stuff that’s been weighing you down, especially emotionally and mentally. I’m talking about the 10 of Wands reversed, where the burdens are finally being lifted, but you’ve been carrying them for a long time. You're letting go of things, people, situations, and ideas that no longer serve your highest good. It’s like Spirit is telling you to finally breathe again. Let the weight off.

But I see Ace of Swords reversed, Knight of Pentacles reversed, Knight of Cups reversed, and Queen of Pentacles challenge, and there’s this sense of miscommunication, lack of clarity, and maybe even feeling stuck in a place where you’ve been waiting for answers that aren’t coming. Like, it feels like you've been trying to move forward, but you're hitting roadblocks, especially in your career, relationships, and your sense of security. It's been difficult, but Spirit is saying—you're breaking free from this soon. It’s part of the cleansing process. The delays are just preparing you for the next chapter.

Then I’m seeing Justice here, and yes, this is it. The justice you’re seeking is coming through, especially with the 7 of Swords and 5 of Wands. If there’s been any deception or betrayal, or if you’ve been involved in conflict—whether with people, or even just within yourself—Spirit is saying you will be vindicated. You will receive what’s yours. The energy is shifting, and the balance is about to be restored. It’s coming through in your choices in love and in life—whatever this injustice was, it’s clearing up now.

The 7 of Pentacles and 3 of Pentacles indicate that you’ve been waiting for rewards, for your effort to pay off, and Spirit is saying that it’s on its way. You've planted the seeds, and now you're just waiting for things to fall into place. You’ve been patient, working on yourself, on your dreams, on your future. It’s all going to pay off. But with the 2 of Wands challenge and the Knight of Wands reversed, Spirit says there's still this hesitation, this fear of moving forward. But you need to let go of the fear. It’s holding you back.

But I see the Chariot reversed and the 10 of Cups challenge, and it’s clear: you’ve been struggling with your direction—like you’re not fully sure where you're headed, and it’s affecting your emotional state. There’s been an emotional imbalance here, and it’s holding up the momentum you need to push forward. You’re questioning if happiness is even possible right now. There’s been sadness, regret (5 of Cups), but Spirit is coming through to tell you don’t stay stuck in the past. Things will change once you step out of this emotional rut.

And I can feel the Moon reversed—this is clarity. There’s stuff that’s been hidden in the dark, and it’s about to come to light. If there’s been confusion, if you’ve felt like you can’t see the truth, that’s changing. Truth is coming through, and it’ll be like a weight lifted off your shoulders.

Now let’s talk about the Devil energy. I feel like you’ve been breaking free from toxic cycles—whether it’s toxic relationships, bad habits, or something that’s just drained your energy. You're cleansing this out. This is part of your transformation, and with the 4 of Swords reversed, Spirit is saying you need to rest but also push through this final phase of your healing. It’s time to let go, to forgive, to release.

With the 6 of Wands, Page of Wands, and 8 of Pentacles, Spirit is showing me that there’s victory coming your way. Success is ahead, and it feels like you’re going to stand tall soon—your efforts will be recognized, especially in your work and personal growth. There’s excitement, enthusiasm, and the energy of new beginnings ahead. You're going to feel like you're winning again. You're moving forward with renewed purpose.

And the Wheel of Fortune? Oh, yes. This is fated. This is your turning point. Things are finally aligning, and the High Priestess challenge is saying that the mysteries you’ve been dealing with will soon be revealed. Secrets will come out, intuition will be clearer, and your path will be illuminated.

The Tower and Fool reversed—yes, I feel this chaos energy. Something might shake up your world soon, but it’s necessary for your growth. It’s going to feel like a sudden change, but trust it. This is the universe breaking down what no longer serves you, so you can step into something better. Don't resist the shift.

Finally, with the 3 of Cups, Queen of Wands, 7 of Cups, and Ace of Pentacles, there’s celebration and new beginnings on the horizon. You're going to be feeling more confident, more sure of yourself, and ready to embrace your future. And yes, there’s a new opportunity waiting for you that’s going to make all of this worth it.

So what is your justice?

Oh, pile 3 my loves, your justice is that they can’t escape their mess. You’re out here cleansing your energy, minding your business, and meanwhile, they’re drowning in their own chaos. It’s giving what goes around comes around, but with a spiritual twist. Their lies? Exposed. Their manipulations? Ineffective. And you? You’re aligning with destiny, walking your path, and attracting love and opportunities that actually deserve you. Justice is fated, baby, and you’re divinely protected.

Pile Four

Hello, Pile 4 my darlings, let's get into it. Spirit is definitely making a strong presence here with some serious energy. First off, there's something about connection—whether it’s a need for deeper connections with others or feeling that you're disconnected from someone or something. This could be with a person, a situation, or even within yourself. Spirit is saying that the connection you’re seeking is right in front of you, but there’s an energy of impatience building. Like, you're waiting for something to align, but it feels like it’s taking forever, and you're growing restless. You're over it—there’s an irritation, a feeling like you're being disturbed from what you really want, whether externally or internally.

I’m hearing external annoyance and disturbance. Spirit is showing me that you’re dealing with distractions or people who are just in your face right now, causing chaos or disruption in your life. It's as if things keep getting in the way of your peace and your flow. There’s a destructive energy around, something or someone that’s throwing you off your path, and it’s draining your energy. You might be feeling tired from dealing with this. There’s a lot of frustration here.

Looking at your cards, 6 of Wands tells me there’s victory here. You’re fighting for something, and despite the disturbances, you're still winning. But the 7 of Cups and 9 of Cups tell me you're confused about your happiness. There are choices, possibilities in front of you, but you’re unsure if you’re going in the right direction. Maybe you’ve been indulging in too many distractions or seeking external validation for your success. Spirit is saying there’s more to it—your happiness isn’t about the external, it’s about what you believe it is. That’s what’s going to bring you true fulfillment.

Now, with the 7 of Wands reversed, you're definitely dealing with a feeling of giving up or surrendering. It’s like you're trying to hold your ground, but the energy is just too much. You're losing your defense, and it's wearing you down. You’re being asked to reevaluate what’s truly worth fighting for because there’s a sense of feeling outnumbered or unable to maintain your position.

The Hanged Man is showing up, and this tells me you’ve reached a place of pause, like you're stuck. You’re at a standstill, and things feel stagnant, but Spirit is showing me this as a necessary delay. It's forcing you to see things from a different perspective. You’ve been resisting this moment of stillness, but it’s actually giving you the clarity you need. The 2 of Wands reversed reinforces this sense of indecision, like you’re not sure where to go next. You’ve been thinking about your future, but there’s a hesitation—like, you don’t have the clarity you need, and it’s causing you to feel disconnected from your own plan.

The Moon here, well, this tells me there’s confusion, uncertainty, and things being hidden from you—whether it’s your own emotions, the truth of a situation, or something that you're just not seeing clearly yet. This is the classic illusion card, and Spirit is saying that things might not be what they seem right now, so don’t jump to conclusions. Things are murky, but the truth will eventually come to light.

Then we have the 6 of Pentacles, and Spirit is showing me balancing—there’s a need for balance in how much you’re giving and receiving. Are you overextending yourself for others? Are you being fairly compensated or recognized? This is a time to equalize what you’re putting out versus what you're getting back. There’s a 5 of Cups reversed here, which shows that you're healing from emotional wounds. You’re moving past regret, past disappointment, and finally starting to release the past. Spirit is showing me that you’re ready to move on—you've been grieving, but it’s time to let it go.

Now, the 9 of Swords reversed shows that the worst of the anxiety and stress is behind you, but you're still holding onto some things. You're overthinking and worrying about things that you can’t control, and it’s preventing you from truly healing and stepping into your empowerment. There's definitely a need to confront these fears and stop letting them dictate your actions.

The 4 of Wands shows me that you’re seeking stability, but there’s a lack of celebration or fulfillment around this area. Maybe you’ve been wanting a certain outcome or a stable situation, but there’s a sense of something falling short here. Spirit is saying that your happiness isn’t defined by what you think it should look like—there's a need to let go of expectations and embrace the flow of your journey.

Looking at the King of Pentacles reversed and 4 of Cups reversed, there's definitely a feeling of instability—whether it's in your finances, security, or sense of self-worth. You're dissatisfied, unfulfilled, and Spirit is pointing out that it’s time to let go of attachments to material things or false security. You need to make room for something more fulfilling, something deeper.

But here’s the good part—the 9 of Pentacles shows you’re independent and capable of standing on your own. Spirit is saying you’re strong and have everything you need within you to overcome this. There’s an energy of self-sufficiency here, and Spirit is reminding you that you have the power to create your own stability.

The 8 of Swords reversed tells me that you're breaking free from mental restrictions. There’s a release from feeling trapped or stuck, and you’re starting to see things for what they truly are. The Page of Swords and Page of Pentacles reversed indicate that you're still learning, still growing, but you're starting to develop a clearer mindset. There’s a need for patience, but Spirit is showing that you’re getting more clarity and awareness.

Then we have the Knight of Pentacles and 9 of Wands. This is your persistence paying off. It’s slow-moving, but you’re finally getting back on track after everything has felt chaotic. You're pushing through, and even though you’ve been battered by the challenges, you’re still standing strong.

But, there’s the King of Wands challenge position, which is interesting. It feels like you're struggling with taking control, with leading your life in the direction you want. There's a lack of confidence in your ability to make the big decisions, and Spirit is telling me that you need to step up and claim your power. You're more than capable, but you’ve got to believe that you are.

The Tower here is a big one—expect sudden change. This is a moment of destruction, but it's necessary. Things will be torn down to rebuild stronger foundations. Trust this process—it’s breaking down the old to make way for the new. You’re shedding layers, and it’s all part of your transformation.

With the King of Cups reversed, you're being reminded to manage your emotions better. Don’t let your emotions control you; take the reins and process what's coming up. There’s emotional instability, but you’re being asked to balance that out. You can’t let your emotions dictate your decisions if you want peace and clarity.

Lastly, the 3 of Cups shows me that there’s a need for community, celebration, and joy. You’re going to find people who are there to support you, but Spirit is saying you need to open up and allow yourself to receive support. The 2 of Pentacles reversed tells me you’re dropping the juggling act, and it’s time to focus on what really matters.

At the bottom of the deck, we have the Chariot, so the message is clear: you're headed in the right direction, but you've got to take control of your path. And with the 3 of Pentacles, you’ll see that collaboration and working with others will help bring you closer to your goals.

So what is your justice?

Your justice is undeniable freedom, my loves. You’re breaking chains, shedding illusions, and stepping into your truth. The disturbances? The annoyances? They’re distractions, and you’re rising above it all. The tower may have fallen, but now you’re rebuilding on a foundation of strength and clarity. And them? They’re stuck in their own games, while you’re winning the war. You’re moving forward, claiming victories, and leaving them in the dust. Justice? Oh, it’s poetic, isn’t it?

All right, mon amours, that’s the tea for today. Justice has been served, karmic debts are being paid, and the scales are tipping exactly where they need to. If you’re in the clear, congratulations—you’re the main character, obviously. And if not? Well... consider this your villain origin story. Either way, the universe is working its magic, so take it, own it, and don’t forget who’s running the show—you. Now, go forth, be fabulous, and remember: karma always collects, but a good outfit and a sharp wit will keep you winning every time. À bientôt!

P.S: credits belong to the original owner of the pictures and dividers.

[marypsue]

Just got a nasty scam comment on one of my 10k+ note posts, and thought I should give all of you a heads up. If anybody online tells you they can help you recover money you've been scammed out of, that is also a scam.

This empty tumblr (which I blocked and reported before I thought to take screenshots, unfortunately) left a reply on this post of mine going on and on about how they'd been scammed and lost all of their retirement savings. Once it got the sob story out of the way, it went into the pitch - oh, but then by luck I was listening to an article on the BBC and they said that there are scam recovery experts out there! Here's a link to the one I used! Contact them on this messenger app (contact and messenger app name in a non-standard font so that bot detection software won't catch it and nuke me from orbit)! You only need to pay a small upfront fee!

First of all, this comment didn't make any sense on this post. (The post had nothing to do with either scams or retirement savings, not even tangentially. It did, however, mention the 1980s, and it is being actively passed around. Don't know which of those things may have caught the bot's attention.) However, this is a longstanding method of tumblr bots: liking a post creates a link to their blog in the notes on your post. The more posts they like, the more legitimate tumblr pages link to their blog. And the more legitimate website pages link to your website, the more trustworthy search engines think that your website is.

So, for the decade and change that tumblr's been around, bot farms have been planting 'likes' on real posts, so that the bot blogs that like those posts look legit to, say, Google. Then, they have all the bot blogs post links to the shady website that they really want to direct people to. Because the bot blogs now look legitimate to Google, all of them linking to stealyourcreditcard.org.nx now makes stealyourcreditcard.org.nx look legit. And tumblr users may be too wise to click the link on the obvious bot blog, but non-tumblr user Joe Schmoe may not be wise enough to not click the link that's first in the Google search results.

This looks like a variation on that business. This long-winded reply had nothing to do with my post, but putting it under my post, which has a lot of genuine, legitimate interaction, means that if someone searches for 'scammed out of retirement savings' or 'scam recovery', this long-ass comment may show up in the search results - or even snuck into a bullshit generative summary of results - looking like it was posted on a legitimate blog.

Second of all, here's the secret: once scammers have successfully gotten money out of you once, they don't stop. Either they'll come back to double-dip, or they'll sell your name and contact information along to another scammer. The logic is that someone who falls for it once is more likely to fall for it again. And one of the ways that they try to double-dip is by contacting victims and claiming they can help get back the money that the victim lost.

This is a scam. It's always a scam. The people who might be able to help you get money back from a scam are not going to contact you. You would have to make a report, to the police or to an organisation like the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (sorry rest of the world, I don't know what resources you have available to you, but that information should be available on government websites), and they might be able to find some of the money you lost. If somebody calls or messages you out of the blue, that's scammers again.

But it sounds like the scammers are getting wise to this piece of advice. So instead, now they're fishing for people who've heard (possibly from friends or family who've themselves been scammed) that there are 'recovery specialists' out there, or for people who are simply desperate and scared and looking for help, who're trying to find information and assistance on the internet.

And they're trying to use your tumblr blog to do it.

Anyway. If you see this shit happening on your posts, block, report, sow the earth with salt. And, as always, if you're new to tumblr and your blog is blank with a default icon and you're wondering why everybody keeps blocking you - do something to prove you're human.

[cpunkwitch]

Happy disability pride month to:

- quadriplegics and paraplegics

- ambulatory and non ambulatory mobility aid users

- folks with prosthetics, stents and replacements

- jaw pain and other mouth issue havers

- folks with spine issues

- folks with deformed limbs and/or facial features

- folks with chronic pain and or fatigue

- folks with comorbidities

- folks with animal support

- folks with human support

- the bedridden / bedbound

- disabled folk struggling to live on their own

- folks with living assistance

- disabled folk stuck living with others (be it family, roommates etc, toxic or otherwise)

- the blind (of any range)

- disabled poc and disabled bipoc

- disabled queers

- disabled folk with sensory issues

- employed and unemployed disabled folk

- self employed disabled folk

- cripples of all sorts

- those with fibromyalgia, any range of arthritis and autoimmunities

- disabled punks

- folks unable to get aids and assistance

- disabled folk in debt

- chronic migraine and headache havers

- disabled artists

- disabled gardeners

- disabled pet owners

- disabled witches

- disabled heathens and pagans alike

- disabled cis, trans, intersex, altersex and nonconforming folk

- disabled adults

- disabled youth

- disabled folk into sports

- the visibly and invisibly disabled

- the frequent hospital visitors

- disabled adoptees

- birth defect havers

- those disabled through birth, genetics or incidents/injuries

- amputees

- those with rare and incurable conditions

Unhappy month to:

- ableists

- able bodied folk using the term cripple and/or trying to be in the cpunk community

- fakeclaimers

- able bodied people who use rescources that aren't meant for them and/or complain about them

- people who claim glasses and other non mobile related disability aids are mobility aids.

- people who continue to use slurs they can't reclaim as well as general offensive/ableist language (cripple, psycho etc)

- people who talk over the disabled

- people who mock others for their conditions and trauma

- anti-recovery folk

- people refusing to give support that's needed/asked for (meds, aids, company etc)

- anti-vax bitches

- those who don't care about the autoimmune and don't take proper steps like wearing a mask when required and WASHING YOUR DAMN HANDS

- scammers and people who take advantage of those in need

- people who harass disabled people for "proof" or an explanation on their conditions

- people who touch mobility aids without asking

- people who use others addictions as a reason not to support them

- those who think disabled and deformed folk are unsightly

- the anti-homeless

- the "you're not disabled you shouldn't use that" karens

- people who use the disabled for inspiration porn (the "wow you're so strong despite your disability" bs)

- those who treat the disabled like fragile infants

- those who take things away from disabled folk for whatever reason

- those who think disabled people shouldn't have kids or pets

- people using the disabled and/or homeless for clout

- able bodied people using mobility aids just for cosplay

- claiming disabled folk can't cosplay a certain character either because "that mobility aid ruins the cosplay/the character is able bodied" or whatever other reason.

- people who insist disabled folk can't live on their own

- people who try to control or criticize how disabled folk spend their money

- people who think using disabilities, disorders and deformities as the butt of a joke is funny

- people who complain about accessibilities

[q-theeccentric]

Sampo Koski Lore Notes

Because we love our HSR conman, Trailblazers all over the internet have begun to form many theories surrounding our beloved scammer. There are a lot of details about this man that are peculiar, and for those like me who love to overanalyze their favorite characters and how they contribute to the lore, I have created a list of notes about Sampo that point to him being downright suspicious.

Warning: Very, very long post ahead.

He is has a lot of intel apparently... where does he get them from?

Knowledge Voiceline: "Come on, how did you guys end up in the middle of the Snow Plains? UFO? Let me guess, you took a train, haha. Seriously though."

About Natasha Voiceline: He's not from the Underworld.

He loves money; money is considered to be a form of pleasure; does this refer to the Masked Fools being hedonists?

Turn Begins 1: "We're just having fun." Elation??

Hit by Heavy Attack: "Hey! W-watch the face!" Sampo is not really the type to be narcissistic… unless this is a pleasure-related matter…

Ultimate: Unleash: "Betraying the king" is often seen in literary works and other similar fictional media, and these types of things are often used for pleasure and entertainment

Return to Battle, Health Recovery, Natasha's About Sampo Voicelines: He's also… altruistic?

Hook's About Sampo Voiceline: He can be everywhere

Character Story: Part I: He slips away easily

Character Story: He is good at disguises, as if he's an actor… as if he were wearing a mask… because actors and masks and roles… Masked Fools foreshadowing?

Character Story: Why did they choose this specific story to be the one in his profile? The tale seems so random… or is it?

Character Story: Everything is purely dialogue… almost as if it were a script. If we compare it to the others, they have character stories that match them well, such as Bailu, whose character story is in the format of a prescription because she is a doctor.

Light Cone - Eyes of the Prey: "In reality most prety don't realize when danger is encroaching. This one's no exception." After reading the description, it may seem weird since Sampo noticed the sniper BUT what if the sniper is the REAL prey?

Light Cone - Eyes of the Prey: "So that's what greed looks like. That amount is equal to several of my contracts already… No wonder someone wants him dead." Another reference to money being a form of pleasure.

Light Cone - Eyes of the Prey: "As if these thoughts were broadcasted out loud, the an in the scope turns his head, looking straight into the eyes of the sniper. 'I've been waiting for you. Would this much be enough for you to hear me out?'" The EYES of the PREY refers to the SCOPE of the SNIPER. The light cone depicts Sampo from the EYES of the PREY.

Splash Art: The city in the background is likely NOT on Jarilo VI

Splash Art: It looks like he's jumping off a ledge or something similar

Design: @littlekiara96 noticed that his design refers to death a little too much due to the amount of skeleton imagery on him…

Kit: His technique is to blind enemies, which may call back to the fact that he slips away easily without anyone noticing

Kit: Why are his weapons blades that turn into boomerangs and not anything related to his obvious line of work?

Kit: His basic attack is called "Dazzling Blades"; I might be overthinking but the word "dazzling" is something I would hear when one describes an actor…

Kit: His skill is called "Ricochet Love"; "ricochet" often refers to projectiles bouncing more than once off of a surface (verb) or a shot that bounces more than once off of a surface (noun)---so where does the "love" come into all this? Love is another form of pleasure; I don't know but this skill reminds me of the Masked Fools again just because of all the bouncing more than once off of a surface and the love thing..

Kit: His ultimate is called "Surprise Present"; Sampo can be called a master of the element of surprise as he often appears suddenly without anyone suspecting him to---the present can also be something unexpected and weird (like a RICKROLL) which gives off MAJOR Masked Fools vibes…

Kit: Why is his element Wind?

Kit: Why is his path Nihility? @gachagen pointed out that Nihility characters hide secrets (Welt, Pela, Silver Wolf, Kafka). For my own observation, Nihility states that the universe is meaningless while Elation states that the universe is one big joke; both paths seem to infer that the universe has little meaning…

Kit: Half his Eidolons are about his scamming business and the other half are about… love and enthusiasm; both aforementioned concepts seem to call back to the Masked Fools and Aha the Elation…

Achievements: Versatile Joker is a hidden achievement until it is unlocked… does this fact and the achievement itself indirectly infer to Sampo's secret connection to the Masked Fools and Aha the Elation?

Missions: Besides Pela, Sampo is the only other 4-star character from Jarilo VI who does not have a companion mission yet

Character Traits: He BOWS like an actor (as seen in the Jarilo VI Trailblaze Mission), as if he is bowing for his PERFORMANCE

Character Traits: If I had a penny for every time Sampo was aware that he was being watched like how Aha did in the Simulated Universe (Jarilo VI quest conclusion, Eyes of the Prey light cone), I'd have two pennies… which isn't much but it's weird that it happened twice…

And that's pretty much it! Feel free to add more observations in the replies, or reblog too.

[mariacallous]

As digital scamming explodes in Southeast Asia, including so called “pig butchering” investment scams, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) issued a comprehensive report this week with a dire warning about the rapid growth of this criminal ecosystem. Many digital scams have traditionally relied on social engineering, or tricking victims into giving away their money willingly, rather than leaning on malware or other highly technical methods. But researchers have increasingly sounded the alarm that scammers are incorporating generative AI content and deepfakes to expand the scale and effectiveness of their operations. And the UN report offers the clearest evidence yet that these high tech tools are turning an already urgent situation into a crisis.

In addition to buying written scripts to use with potential victims or relying on templates for malicious websites, attackers have increasingly been leaning on generative AI platforms to create communication content in multiple languages and deepfake generators that can create photos or even video of nonexistent people to show victims and enhance verisimilitude. Scammers have also been expanding their use of tools that can drain a victim’s cryptocurrency wallets, have been manipulating transaction records to trick targets into sending cryptocurrency to the wrong places, and are compromising smart contracts to steal cryptocurrency. And in some cases, they’ve been purchasing Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet systems to help power their efforts.

“Agile criminal networks are integrating these new technologies faster than anticipated, driven by new online marketplaces and service providers which have supercharged the illicit service economy,” John Wojcik, a UNODC regional analyst, tells WIRED. “These developments have not only expanded the scope and efficiency of cyber-enabled fraud and cybercrime, but they have also lowered the barriers to entry for criminal networks that previously lacked the technical skills to exploit more sophisticated and profitable methods.”

For years, China-linked criminals have trafficked people into gigantic compounds in Southeast Asia, where they are often forced to run scams, held against their will, and beaten if they refuse instructions. Around 200,000 people, from at least 60 countries, have been trafficked to compounds largely in Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos over the last five years. However, as WIRED reporting has shown, these operations are spreading globally—with scamming infrastructure emerging in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and West Africa.

Most prominently, these organized crime operations have run pig butchering scams, where they build intimate relationships with victims before introducing an “investment opportunity” and asking for money. Criminal organizations may have conned people out of around $75 billion through pig butchering scams. Aside from pig butchering, according to the UN report, criminals across Southeast Asia are also running job scams, law enforcement impersonation, asset recovery scams, virtual kidnappings, sextortion, loan scams, business email compromise, and other illicit schemes. Criminal networks in the region earned up to $37 billion last year, UN officials estimate. Perhaps unsurprisingly, all of this revenue is allowing scammers to expand their operations and diversify, incorporating new infrastructure and technology into their systems in the hope of making them more efficient and brutally effective.

For example, scammers are often constrained by their language skills and ability to keep up conversations with potentially hundreds of victims at a time in numerous languages and dialects. However, generative AI developments within the last two years—including the launch of writing tools such as ChatGPT—are making it easier for criminals to break down language barriers and create the content needed for scamming.

The UN’s report says AI can be used for automating phishing attacks that ensnare victims, the creation of fake identities and online profiles, and the crafting of personalized scripts to trick victims while messaging them in different languages. “These developments have not only expanded the scope and efficiency of cyber-enabled fraud and cybercrime, but they have also lowered the barriers to entry for criminal networks that previously lacked the technical skills to exploit sophisticated and profitable methods,” the report says.

Stephanie Baroud, a criminal intelligence analyst in Interpol’s human trafficking unit, says the impact of AI needs to be considered as part of a pig butchering scammer’s tactics going forward. Baroud, who spoke with WIRED in an interview before the publication of the UN report, says the criminal’s recruitment ads that lure people into being trafficked to scamming compounds used to be “very generic” and full of grammatical errors. However, AI is now making them appear more polished and compelling, Baroud says. “It is really making it easier to create a very realistic job offer,” she says. “Unfortunately, this will make it much more difficult to identify which is the real and which is the fake ads.”

Perhaps the biggest AI paradigm shift in such digital attacks comes from deepfakes. Scammers are increasingly using machine-learning systems to allow for real-time face-swapping. This technology, which has also been used by romance scammers in West Africa, allows criminals to change their appearance on calls with their victims, making them realistically appear to be a different person. The technology is allowing “one-click” face swaps and high-resolution video feeds, the UN’s report states. Such services are a game changer for scammers, because they allow attackers to “prove” to victims in photos or real-time video calls that they are who they claim to be.

Using these setups, however, can require stable internet connections, which can be harder to maintain within some regions where pig butchering compounds and other scamming have flourished. There has been a “notable” increase in cops seizing Starlink satellite dishes in recent months in Southeast Asia, the UN says—80 units were seized between April and June this year. In one such operation carried out in June, Thai police confiscated 58 Starlink devices. In another instance, law enforcement seized 10 Starlink devices and 4,998 preregistered SIM cards while criminals were in the process of moving their operations from Myanmar to Laos. Starlink did not immediately respond to WIRED’s request for comment.

“Obviously using real people has been working for them very well, but using the tech could be cheaper after they have the required computers” and connectivity, says Troy Gochenour, a volunteer with the Global Anti-Scam Organization (GASO), a US-based nonprofit that fights human-trafficking and cybercrime operations in Southeast Asia.

Gochenour’s research involves tracking trends on Chinese-language Telegram channels related to carrying out pig butchering scams. And he says that it is increasingly common to see people applying to be AI models for scam content.

In addition to AI services, attackers have increasingly leaned on other technical solutions as well. One tool that has been increasingly common in digital scamming is so-called “crypto drainers,” a type of malware that has particularly been deployed against victims in Southeast Asia. Drainers can be more or less technically sophisticated, but their common goal is to “drain” funds from a target’s cryptocurrency wallets and redirect the currency to wallets controlled by attackers. Rather than stealing the credentials to access the target wallet directly, drainers are typically designed to look like a legitimate service—either by impersonating an actual platform or creating a plausible brand. Once a victim has been tricked into connecting their wallet to the drainer, they are then manipulated into approving one or a few transactions that grant attackers unintended access to all the funds in the wallet.

Drainers can be used in many contexts and with many fronts. They can be a component of pig butchering investment scams, or promoted to potential victims through compromised social media accounts, phishing campaigns, and malvertizing. Researchers from the firm ScamSniffer, for example, published findings in December about sponsored social media and search engine ads linked to malicious websites that contained a cryptocurrency drainer. The campaign, which ran from March to December 2023 reportedly stole about $59 million from more than 63,000 victims around the world.

Far from the low-tech days of doing everything through social engineering by building a rapport with potential victims and crafting tricky emails and text messages, today’s scammers are taking a hybrid approach to make their operations as efficient and lucrative as possible, UN researchers say. And even if they aren’t developing sophisticated malware themselves in most cases, scammers are increasingly in the market to use these malicious tools, prompting malware authors to adapt or create hacking tools for scams like pig butchering.

Researchers say that scammers have been seen using infostealers and even remote access trojans that essentially create a backdoor in a victim’s system that can be utilized in other types of attacks. And scammers are also expanding their use of malicious smart contracts that appear to programmatically establish a certain agreed-upon transaction or set of transactions, but actually does much more. “Infostealer logs and underground data markets have also been critical to ongoing market expansion, with access to unprecedented amounts of sensitive data serving as a major catalyst,” Wojcik, from the UNODC, says.

The changing tactics are significant as global law enforcement scrambles to deter digital scamming. But they are just one piece of the larger picture, which is increasingly urgent and bleak for forced laborers and victims of these crimes.

“It is now increasingly clear that a potentially irreversible displacement and spillover has taken place in which organized crime are able to pick, choose, and move value and jurisdictions as needed, with the resulting situation rapidly outpacing the capacity of governments to contain it,” UN officials wrote in the report. “Failure to address this ecosystem will have consequences for Southeast Asia and other regions.”

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