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TUTORIAL/FAQ

TUTORIAL/FAQ

Short Tutorial/FAQ – How Can I Spot AI-Generated Images?


Download Graphics to View QUESTION: How can I spot AI-generated images?

ANSWER: New artificial intelligence (AI) technology is becoming more sophisticated and easier to use, making it possible for just about anyone to create realistic-looking images. Unfortunately, this also means scammers are now using AI images to lend credibility to their tricks — like making a phony celebrity endorsement look real or convincing family members of a fake emergency.

The Better Business Bureau offers these tips for recognizing AI-generated images:

Find a high-resolution image and zoom in. If you see a surprising photo of a politician or celebrity, look closer before you believe what’s in the picture. Search the image in the highest-possible resolution and then zoom in. You’ll likely find a few giveaways if you’re looking at an AI-generated image. For example, there could be glasses that seem to melt into the person’s face, or fingers that don’t quite close around the coffee cup that’s hanging in midair.

Consider asymmetry and other physical inconsistencies. Less sophisticated versions of AI can have a hard time with physical traits. Asymmetry in human faces, teeth, and hands are common issues with poor quality AI images. You might notice hands with extra (or not enough) fingers, too. Another telltale sign is unnatural body proportions, such as ears, fingers, or feet that are disproportionately large or small.

Strange textures or a glossy effect. AI images often have textured backgrounds or an airbrushed look that real photos don’t share. You might also notice strange-looking backgrounds or sharp images with random blurry spots.

CUSTOMER ALERT

CUSTOMER ALERT

Stay Alert – Quit Answering Those Online Quizzes

Quit Answering Those Online Quizzes Before you take a quiz to find out which Marvel character you are, ask yourself: Do I know who’s gathering this information about me or what they plan to do with it?

Personality tests, quick surveys, and other types of online quizzes ask seemingly harmless questions, but the more information you share, the more you risk it being misused. Scammers could do a lot of damage with just a few answers that give away your personal information. We’ve heard about scammers phishing for answers to security question data through quizzes. They use your quiz answers to try and reset your accounts, letting them steal your bank and other account information. Some scammers hack social media accounts and send malware links to friends of the hacked account holder under the guise of sharing a quiz.

One major way to protect your personal information — in addition to maintaining strong passwords and using multi-factor authentication — is to steer clear of online quizzes. Or just don’t answer them truthfully.

As for accounts that require actual security questions, treat them like additional passwords and use random answers. Asked to enter your mother’s maiden name? Say it’s something else, like Vanilla or another word you’ll remember. Or use a password manager to store a unique answer. This way, scammers won’t be able to use information they find to steal your identity.

If you suspect that an online quiz is a phishing scam, you can report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

TUTORIAL/FAQ

TUTORIAL/FAQ

Short Tutorial/FAQ – Is It Safe to Use Mobile Payment Apps Like Venmo


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Question: Many people I know use mobile payment apps. Do I need to worry about security?

Answer: Mobile technology and peer-to-peer (P2P) payment apps like Venmo, Cash App, and Zelle make it easy to split a dinner bill with friends or send money to a family member. But being able to transfer funds quickly also comes with risks, including potentially getting scammed or having your financial information stolen. That’s why it’s important to be careful when using these or other P2P apps.

The Federal Trade Commission warns of scams where someone impersonates a customer service rep from your payment service. The scammer says there’s something wrong with your account and asks you to transfer money or give them your account information to fix the problem.

Recognizing this type of scam can help you avoid becoming a victim. In addition, take these precautions:
  • Only use these apps with friends or family you trust.
  • Set up extra security. Be sure to opt-in and enable PIN or fingerprint confirmation.
  • Make sure to get all recipient details correct. App servicers don’t issue refunds for money sent to incorrect recipients.
  • Do NOT use peer-to-peer payments for business purposes.
  • Learn the app’s customer service contact information and procedures before using the app.
  • Keep your app updated. Older versions are more susceptible to hackers.
For even more security tips, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s consumer information page.

CUSTOMER ALERT

CUSTOMER ALERT

Stay Alert – Rental Scams Can Ruin Your Party

Watch Out For Charity Scams If you need to rent party supplies such as chairs, decorations, or a bouncy house, be cautious when searching for vendors. BBB Scam Tracker continues to receive reports of party hosts being tricked by rentals that never materialize.

Here’s how the scam typically works: The “vendor” promises to reserve your rental for the date you need it — if you pay a deposit first. They may also require you to fill out a contact form with personal details. However, the party supplies don’t arrive on the specified date. The “vendor” may claim they’ve had an emergency and can’t deliver on their promise. When you ask for your money back, they’ll disappear completely and prevent you from contacting them by blocking you on social media or deleting their account.

To avoid rental scams, the BBB recommends the following:
  • Do your research before you rent. Take a good look at the rental company’s website and ensure it has accurate contact information. Then, read consumer reviews about the company on third-party websites, such as BBB.org. Also, search the business name plus the word “scam” to ensure you don’t find any reports of fraudulent business dealings.

  • Think twice when renting from listings only advertised on social media. Be suspicious if you find party rentals on social media but can’t find the company’s website or confirm their contact information anywhere else. If the rental business only contacts you and facilitates the rental transaction through social media and refuses to talk on the phone or in person, that’s another red flag.

  • Be careful with your personal details. You may need to fill out a contract with personal information, but make sure you’re dealing with a legitimate, professional company before handing over sensitive information.

  • Carefully review your contract. It’s common to have a contract in place when you order rentals from a company. Ensure that your delivery date and time are accurate, as well as the final cost and payment details. Save a copy of the contract that is signed and dated by both you and the company.

  • Consider how the company is asking you to provide payment. Oftentimes, scammers will ask you to provide payment through a digital wallet app or a wire transfer. Don’t ever hand over money or your payment information to a stranger or someone you haven’t met. If you do pay, remember that it’s much easier to dispute fraudulent charges using your credit card. If you pay with a debit card, digital wallet, or cash, you may not get your money back if you find out you were scammed.
If you spot a party rental scam, report it to BBB.org/ScamTracker to help build consumer awareness.

TUTORIAL/FAQ

TUTORIAL/FAQ

Short Tutorial/FAQ – Are More Seniors Using Tech?


Download Graphics to View Question: Is the gap closing in tech usage between young people and senior citizens?

Answer: Yes, the use of the internet and consumer tech among older Americans is rising, closing the gap between them and younger adults.

Fully 95% of adults in the U.S. reported using the internet as of last year, up from 90% in 2019, according to a study from the Pew Research Center. Internet use is unsurprisingly almost universal among younger age groups, but that’s also the case for the 50-64 age group and increasingly so for adults ages 65 and older.

Internet usage remained constant among the 50-64 bracket in 2023 relative to 2021 (96% each), though up from 88% in 2019. However, it’s the oldest age group that has made the biggest strides in internet usage: Fully 88% in the latest Pew Research Center survey said they use the internet, up markedly from 75% in 2021 and 73% in 2019.

AARP’s 2023 Tech Trends and Adults 50+ shows that over the past four years, older adults have made technology an integral part of their lives, with 78% using it frequently to connect with loved ones — 94% text, 88% email, 74% are on social media, and 67% video chat. The survey also finds 86% own a smartphone, 70% have a smart TV, 59% use a tablet, 31% have a home assistant, 28% own a wearable device, and 24% have a smart home-tech device.