Scams Targeting Creators: The Rise of Phishing and Deepfakes

Safe Squad educates the public on evolving scams, emphasizing vigilance and awareness to protect against fraud.

### Scams Evolve: The Rise of Phishing and Deepfake Fraud
* 📞 "As technology advances, scammers are getting **savvier**, and so are we," highlighting the **ongoing battle against fraud**.
* 💻 Gabby Anne Sheets, an ASMR influencer, reported **$3,000 drained from her account**, suspecting a **larger operation targeting content creators**.
* 🔍 The investigation revealed a **phishing attempt disguised as a legitimate contract signing**, where Gabby unknowingly provided her information.
* 🛡 Safe Squad emphasized the importance of **two-factor authentication** and **reporting phishing emails** to prevent the spread of scams.
* 🐶 Elliot, a new client, shared his heartbreaking story of **losing $700 to a fraudulent dog breeder**, Sable Chestnut, who **vanished after receiving payment**.
* 🤖 The team discovered that Elliot's interactions included a **deepfake video**, illustrating how criminals use advanced technology to **create trust**.
* ⚠ "Criminals are adapting," and the Safe Squad urged everyone to be **cautious and verify identities before sending money**.
* 🐾 Ultimately, they encouraged adopting shelter dogs, offering a **positive solution to Elliot's loss** while emphasizing **community awareness against scams**.

Christina Ricci Leads A Scam-Stopping Power Team [Partner content from Zelle®]

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ASMR Influencer Gabby Anne Sheets reports a scam targeting content creators.

Gabby Anne reports a significant amount of money stolen from her and her friends' accounts.

She suspects a large-scale operation targeting content creators.

The scammers are becoming more sophisticated.

Gabby Anne describes the events leading to the theft.

Analysis of the scam and preventative measures.

Safe Squad analyzes the phishing website used in the scam.

They explain how to identify a legitimate website using the URL.

They discuss the technical skills of the scammers.

They explain the use of phishing kits by less skilled individuals.

They emphasize the importance of two-factor authentication and reporting phishing emails.

Further investigation and awareness campaign.

Safe Squad attempts to identify the creator of the phishing software.

They stress the importance of awareness and checking URLs.

They advise checking for the HTTPS protocol in URLs.

They install ad blockers on Gabby Anne's computer.

Interview with Safe Squad member about the surge in scams.

Don Divonton interviews Skip Neighbors from the Safe Squad.

Skip emphasizes the importance of awareness in preventing scams.

A new potential client approaches them with a scam story.

Elliot's story of being scammed by a fake dog breeder.

Elliot explains how he was scammed into paying for a non-existent puppy.

He describes the interaction with the scammer, Sable Chestnut.

He shows the advertisement and communication with the scammer.

He explains the consequences after sending the money.

Another similar case is discovered, involving the same scammer.

Analysis of the video message reveals it's a deepfake.

Technical details about the creation of the deepfake are discussed.

The ease of creating deepfakes with readily available tools is highlighted.

The psychological impact of deepfakes is discussed.