Monday, June 29, 2020

Online Extortion Scams Increasing During the COVID-19 Crisis


 The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) has seen an increase in reports of online extortion frauds, especially among singles using dating apps, during the current "stay-at-home" orders due to the COVID-19 crisis. Because large numbers of the population are staying at home and likely using the computer more than usual, scammers may use this opportunity to find new victims and pressure them into sending money. The scammers are sending e-mails threatening to release sexually explicit photos or personally compromising videos to the individual's contacts if they do not pay. While there are many variations of these online extortion attempts, they often share certain commonalities.

Fraud COMMONALITIES:

Online extortion schemes vary, but there are a few common indicators of the fraud. The following characteristics are not all-inclusive but should serve as warning signals. It is important to remember that scammers adapt their schemes to capitalize on current events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, high-profile breaches, or new trends involving the Internet, all in an attempt to make their scams seem more authentic.
  • The online extortion attempt comes as an e-mail from an unknown party and, many times, written in broken English with grammatical errors.
  • The recipient's personal information is noted in the e-mail or letter to add a higher degree of intimidation to the fraud. For example, the recipient's user name or password is provided at the beginning of the e-mail or letter.
  • The recipient is accused of visiting adult websites, cheating on a spouse, or being involved in other compromising situations.
  • The e-mail or letter includes a statement like, "I had serious spyware and adware infecting your computer," or "I have a recorded video of you" as an explanation of how the information was allegedly gathered.
  • The e-mail or letter threatens to send video or other compromising information to family, friends, coworkers, or social network contacts if a ransom is not paid.
  • The e-mail or letter provides a short window to pay, typically 48 hours.
  • The recipient is instructed to pay the ransom in Bitcoin, a virtual currency that provides a high degree of anonymity to the transactions.
TIPS TO PROTECT YOU:

  • Do not open e-mails or attachments from unknown individuals.
  • Monitor your bank account statements regularly and your credit report at least once a year for any unusual activity.
  • Do not communicate with unsolicited e-mail senders.
  • Do not store sensitive or embarrassing photos or information online or on your mobile devices.
  • Use strong passwords and do not use the same password for multiple websites.
  • Never provide personal information of any sort via e-mail. Be aware that many e-mails requesting your personal information appear to be legitimate.
  • Ensure security settings for social media accounts are activated and set at the highest level of protection.
  • Verify the web address of legitimate websites and manually type the address into your browser.
The FBI does not condone the payment of online extortion demands, as the funds will facilitate continued criminal activity, including potential organized crime activity and associated violent crimes.

VICTIM REPORTING:

If you believe you have been a victim of this fraud, reach out to your local FBI field office, and file a complaint with the IC3 at www.ic3.gov. Please provide any relevant information in your complaint, including the online extortion e-mail with header information and Bitcoin address if available.

Monday, June 22, 2020

Have You Thought About Having a Pre-Wedding Cosplay Party?

If you are not familiar with the word Cosplay, it is a performance art where participants called cosplayers wear costumes and fashion accessories to represent a specific character.

For tips on planning this type of pre-wedding celebration, click here.


Monday, June 15, 2020

Are You Considering a Domestic Partnership Instead of Marriage? By Miss Know It All

Miss Know It All
Many couples wonder whether they should get married or just live together, but a domestic partnership may be another option. 

Domestic Partnership is an interpersonal relationship between two individuals who live together and share a common domestic life, but are not legally married to each other or anyone else. People in domestic partnerships receive benefits that guarantee the right of survivorship, hospital visitation, and others; it provides protection for couples who are not legally married or part of a Civil Union. This agreement is suitable for all types of "Living Together" couples who are in a committed relationship.

The definition of what is a domestic partnership or what is a civil union may vary depending on the city or state in which one lives. While local laws vary, usually, there are few common requirements as to who can enter a Domestic Partnership:

Age - Most often, people will need to be over 18 years of age. Some states even have age requirements for senior citizens.

Commitment - Partners must live together and be in a committed relationship. How long the couple has been together also matters, usually it must be longer than six months or a year.

Not In Another Agreement - A couple cannot be in another agreement (or marriage) and sometimes a waiting period is mandatory before when one arrangement ends and the next agreement can begin.

Proof of commitment - Some states may require that you show information displaying your commitment such as lease agreements, mutual bills, or state IDs listing the same address.


Proving Domestic Partnership May Include:

·       Common ownership of a car or other property (joint deed or mortgage agreement)
·       A driver's license listing a common address
·       Proof of joint bank accounts, credit card accounts and loans
·       Designation as the primary beneficiary for life insurance, retirement benefits, or under a partner's will


The Benefits of a Domestic Partnership Are

·       Ability to get coverage on a family health insurance policy
·       Right to family leave for a sick partner
·       Right to bereavement leave
·       Visitation rights in hospitals and jails

 

Local and state governments support Domestic Partnerships, however, when it comes to filing federal taxes, partners cannot claim head of household with a partner as a dependent and cannot file as married filing jointly, or married filing separately. Another complication of tax filing is determining how you define "community funds" and who paid what to determine who can claim credits or deductions.

If you decide to file for Domestic Partnership, as mentioned, laws vary from one state to another; some have this type of agreement characterized more like a business or corporate agreement, and you will have to apply with the department that manages business agreements. Other cities will require you to apply with the county clerk or recorder. You may also have to apply to be included in a Domestic Partners Registry for statewide recognition. Some government agencies even provide a certificate or a laminated card as proof. Since laws vary greatly, seeking advice from a lawyer about your state's requirements is essential.

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Source:

Monday, June 08, 2020

Announcing an Upcoming Event - Show It Off Saturday Sponsored by Coffee Time Romance & More - June 13, 2020




Vivienne Diane Neal
On June 13, 2020, Author Vivienne Diane Neal will appear on Coffee Time Romance & More Facebook Page and on Coffee Time Romance Exclusive Blog.

Vivienne will be promoting her short story, Café Mocha. The character, Cinnamon Jones, decides to change her way of thinking when it comes to meeting men. It is a romance short story with a universal appeal.

The posts will go live at 9 AM EST on their Facebook Page and at 9.30 AM EST on their CoffeeTime Romance Blog.

Please, mark your calendar and share this announcement with your friends and associates on social media sites. Thank you.

Be safe and stay healthy. 

One World Singles Blog Staff

Monday, June 01, 2020

ATTENTION ASPIRING AUTHORS



Get Written. Get Published. Get Paid.

IT IS FINALLY HERE: STORYTELLERS ACADEMY TOOLKIT IS ON SALE!

It is the TOOLKIT for aspiring authors as well as those who have written a book but still need help in promoting it. It is only $27.00. That is right - Only $27.00.

Some of the goodies inside the Toolkit:

·       The Author Roadmap- Before you post a question on Facebook, or Google it... the Author Roadmap is what you need.

·       Self-Publishing Checklist- Links for copywriting your book and more!

·       Time Blocker Planner- Created for the busy writer so you can block out time to write.

·       Ways To Monetizing Your Book- Ideas to bring more income into your business.

Purchase it now at Storytellers Academy