Happy New Year 2025

Tag: Fake

  • USA-Canada 4 Nations fights were ‘fake,’ says sports anchor

    USA-Canada 4 Nations fights were ‘fake,’ says sports anchor

    Team USA and Canada dropped the gloves three times in the first nine seconds of their 4 Nations Face Off contest on Saturday night; it was the first time the two teams had played one another in a best-on-best format in nine years.

    Two fights occurred within the first three seconds, with Matthew Tkachuk getting in the first one against Brandon Hagel, and his brother, Brady, fighting Matthew’s Florida Panthers teammate, Sam Bennett, in the second.

    After a goalie stoppage, J.T. Miller found anybody who was willing, resulting in the third brouhaha. There were no fights for the remainder of the game, but the fisticuffs set the tone for what was a physical bout that ended in a 3-1 win for the Americans.

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    The United States’ Brady Tkachuk (top) fights Canada’s Sam Bennett during first-period 4 Nations Face-Off hockey action in Montreal on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (Christinne Muschi/Canadian Press via AP)

    The fights were the preamble to the most-watched NHL event outside a Stanley Cup Final since 2019, resulting in an average of 4.4 million viewers. The fights, without a doubt, grabbed the attention of novice fans everywhere, but not everyone was a fan of it.

    Chris “Mad Dog” Russo called out the fights for being “fake”.

    “I don’t like things that are pre-orchestrated. I don’t like things that have a fakeness or WWE feel to them. They had three fights in nine seconds, they all texted each other before the game … to have three fights in nine seconds,” Russo said on his radio show, via Awful Announcing. “I know the fans in the arena loved it, I know the fans at home got emotionally into the game right away. 

    “That to me was a joke. That was fake. ‘Let’s all drop the gloves and kill each other in the first nine seconds of the game.’ It wasn’t organic. It was pre-arranged. It was not something that came through a rugged hit, a dirty play, physicality in the course of 60 minutes … they set that up before the game. That’s fake. I didn’t like that.”

    Brandon Hagel and Matthew Tkachuk fight

    Canada’s Brandon Hagel, left, fights with United States’ Matthew Tkachuk during the first period of a 4 Nations Face-Off hockey game in Montreal on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (Graham Hughes//The Canadian Press via AP)

    EXCITEMENT BUILDS FOR US-CANADA 4 NATIONS FINAL AFTER RAUCOUS 1ST GAME

    Hagel shut down Russo’s claim recently, saying that he “didn’t fight for the cameras” but rather “for the [Canadian] flag.” Brady Tkachuk also said his brother’s fight “happened pretty organically.”

    “Matthew said that he wanted to go first, it just happened, and now it’s over and done with,” he said. “It’s right when Matthew found out the starting lineup, he said that he wanted a piece of him (Hagel).”

    The fights came shortly after the Canadian crowd booed “The Star-Spangled Banner,” which has been a theme recently up north against teams from the United States amid President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canada. The tariffs have since been paused. The president has also teased Canadians with the idea of Canada becoming the “51st state.”

    Brady Tkachuk and Sam Bennett fight

    Team Canada forward Sam Bennett, left, and Team United States forward Brady Tkachuk fight in the first period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at the Bell Centre. (Eric Bolte-Imagn Images)

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    While the USA and Canada have been on-ice rivals for decades, the political tension has certainly brought a new flavor to the crowds and perhaps the players as well.

    The two teams face off again on Thursday, this time in Boston, for the 4 Nations title.

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  • Punjab Police’s Valentine’s Week campaign on fake news attracts audiences in North America, Australia and NZ | Chandigarh News

    Punjab Police’s Valentine’s Week campaign on fake news attracts audiences in North America, Australia and NZ | Chandigarh News

    You can take a Punjabi out of Punjab but you cannot make him forget the Punjab Police. This could be why the Punjab Police anti-fake news drive during Valentine’s Week attracted large audiences from the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

    The campaign aimed to educate people on the dangers of misinformation and the importance of verifying news before sharing it online.

    The Punjab Police have lately focused on cyber campaigns to enhance the reach of public safety messages and have a dedicated team that prepares internet campaigns.

    Story continues below this ad

    A viewer engagement and demographic analysis done by the Punjab Police on their online campaign showed that very heavy traffic was generated from overseas.

    “With widespread visibility and participation on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Telegram, and WhatsApp, the initiative sparked important conversations on responsible digital behaviour. The campaign went viral across WhatsApp groups, amplifying the message to think before forwarding unverified information,” said a senior officer involved in the campaign.

    The data underscores a strong connection with younger demographics across Punjab and key diaspora communities, validating the campaign’s strategic impact, he added.

    Police officers said a high viewership was also recorded across Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. Urban centres like Chandigarh and Ludhiana led in interactions.

    Story continues below this ad

    “A growing interest was noted in the Middle East and the United States, presenting expansion opportunities. The audience comprised 65 per cent males and 35 per cent females, indicating a need for more gender-balanced content. The highest viewership in Punjab was observed in Ludhiana, Patiala, Mohali, Jalandhar, and Amritsar. There was a strong resonance with individuals aged 18-35, emphasizing the importance of youth-centric messaging,” an officer said.

    The Punjab Police have lately cultivated an increased social media presence to strengthen community relations and enhance public safety. Their platforms serve as channels for real-time updates, public advisories, and community outreach.

    “The aim of the newly focussed digital strategy is to support swift communication during emergencies but also promote proactive engagement with citizens, contributing to a more informed and resilient community,” a senior officer said.

    According to senior officials, the week-long initiative generated 11-12 million impressions, reinforcing the importance of media literacy and responsible social media use.

    Story continues below this ad

    “The Punjab Police will continue leveraging digital platforms to combat fake news, promote cyber awareness, and strengthen public trust. Citizens are encouraged to engage with official sources, think critically before sharing information, and report any misleading content to authorities. To report fake news or seek assistance, dial 112,” said an officer involved in cyber strategy.

  • Former Hamas hostage’s mom says daughter was forced to fake her death for a propaganda video

    Former Hamas hostage’s mom says daughter was forced to fake her death for a propaganda video

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    Former Hamas hostage Daniella Gilboa was apparently forced to fake her own death for a propaganda video. In an interview with Israel’s Channel 12, Orly Gilboa, Daniella’s mother, detailed the horrifying ordeal.

    “One of the captors just came to her with a camera and said, ‘Daniella, today we’re going to film you dead.’  She of course pleaded for her life and asked him not to do it,” Orly Gilboa told Channel 12. Gilboa also said that her daughter was covered in debris and powder to make it seem like she was killed in an Israeli airstrike.

    In November 2024, Hamas claimed that Gilboa was killed in an Israeli airstrike, producing the video of her “dead body” as proof. However, Gilboa was in fact alive and was released from captivity on Jan. 25, 2025, alongside Liri Albag, Naama Levy and Karina Ariev.

    Released Israeli hostage Daniella Gilboa, a soldier who was seized from her army base in southern Israel during the deadly Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel by Hamas, is embraced by her parents after being released as part of a ceasefire and a hostages-prisoners swap deal between Hamas and Israel, in an unknown location, in a handout photo obtained by Reuters on Jan. 25, 2025.  (Israel Defense Forces/Handout via REUTERS)

    Following Hamas’ release of the video, the IDF said in a statement that it was investigating the situation. The IDF also condemned the release of the video, saying “Hamas continues to engage in psychological terror and act with extreme brutality.”

    Hamas made videos of multiple hostages, including Yarden Bibas, whose wife and two young sons were also kidnapped on Oct. 7, 2023. Bibas is seen in the Hamas video, which was released in November 2023, breaking down as he is told that his family was killed. The fate of Bibas’ wife, Shiri, and their sons, Ariel and Kfir, remains unknown.

    Gilboa, Albag, Levy and Ariev were kidnapped by Hamas terrorists from an IDF base in southern Israel during the attacks on Oct. 7, 2023. Agam Berger, who was taken hostage with the other female soldiers, was held for an extra week alone. She was released from Hamas captivity on Jan. 30, 2025.

    Hamas hostages released

    Former Hamas hostages Liri Albag, Naama Levy, Daniela Gilboa and Karina Ariev watch as fellow hostage Agam Berger is released. (Courtesy: IDF)

    HAMAS SAYS IT WILL FREE MORE ISRAELI HOSTAGES ON SATURDAY AS ORIGINALLY PLANNED 

    On the day she was taken hostage, Gilboa was shot in the leg, but the bullet was not removed during her time in captivity.

    In an exclusive interview with Ynet, Ran Gilboa, Daniela’s father, called his daughter “a hero who returned from hell.” He also revealed that for two days after his daughter’s kidnapping, his family did not know if she was alive or dead.

    “Their captors gave them more food in the days leading up to their release. They were only told they would be freed three days before it happened,” Ran Gilboa told Ynet.

    Israelis were stunned by the condition of three hostages released last week, Or Levy, Eli Sharabi, and Ohad Ben Ami, as the men appeared emaciated. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised that this “would not be ignored.” Additionally, Israeli President Isaac Herzog said that the “emaciated and pained” men were a visual representation of a “crime against humanity.”

    trump netanyahu gaza

    President Donald Trump (left) and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (right). (Getty Images/Fox News Digital)

    ISRAELI CABINET BACKS TRUMP’S DEMAND FOR HAMAS TO RELEASE ALL HOSTAGES BY SATURDAY DEADLINE

    Hamas and Israel were engaged in a ceasefire. However, the terrorist organization threatened to stop hostage releases. President Donald Trump then gave Hamas a deadline of Saturday, Feb. 15, at 12 p.m. to release the remaining hostages.

    “If all the Gaza hostages aren’t returned by Saturday at 12 p.m., I would say cancel the ceasefire,” Trump said in the Oval Office. “Let all hell break out. Israel can override it.”

    Trump stressed that Hamas needs to release “all of them, not in drips and drabs.”  

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    Israel’s security cabinet backed President Trump’s threat, and Prime Minister Netanyahu said in a statement that if the hostages are not released by the deadline, they “will resume intense combat until Hamas is decisively defeated.” 

    On Thursday, Hamas announced it would free three more Israeli hostages as originally planned, according to the Associated Press.

    Greg Norman contributed to this report.

  • Is your camera ticket a fake? Here’s how to tell

    Is your camera ticket a fake? Here’s how to tell

    Suddenly, a red light camera ticket arrives in your mailbox bearing your name but you weren’t even driving that day. This frustrating scenario is catching many drivers off guard. So, what’s the deal here? Let’s break down these tricky fake tickets and how to fight back when you’re wrongly in the crosshairs.

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    Example of a fake red light camera ticket (Highwayrobbery.net) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    The ticket that might not be a ticket

    First things first, not all “tickets” are created equal. If you receive something that looks like a ticket but doesn’t have the court’s full address or phone number – or worse, it says “Do not contact the court” – you might be dealing with what’s cheekily called a “snitch ticket.” These aren’t real tickets at all but rather attempts to get you to rat out whoever was actually driving. The dead giveaway is usually that they will say something like, “Courtesy Notice: This is not a ticket.”

    Is your camera ticket a fake? Here’s how to tell

    Example of a fake red light camera ticket (motorists.org) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    BEWARE OF FAKE PARKING TICKETS ON YOUR WINDSHIELD WITH FAKE FINES

    Why are they playing this game?

    Because cities often have to pay camera vendors for every ticket issued, whether or not they ever collect a dime. So, when the footage is too blurry to ID the driver, they toss out these “Whoops, was this you?” tickets, hoping you’ll do their homework for them. It’s basically a shady game of “Guess Who?” except you never agreed to play, the rules are rigged and the only prize is an unwanted fine.

    THESE 5 FUZZ BUSTER APPS CAN HELP GET YOU OUT OF A SPEEDING TICKET

    Now what?

    If you’ve received a “snitch ticket” (a fake ticket designed to get you to identify the driver), here’s what you can do.

    Ignore it: Since it’s not a real ticket, you’re not legally obligated to respond. Many people simply disregard these notices.

    Don’t identify the driver: Remember, you’re under no legal obligation to name who was driving your car.

    Check for red flags: Confirm it’s a fake by looking for missing court information or the phrase “Do not contact the court regarding this notice.”

    Stay informed: Keep the notice for your records, but don’t let it stress you out. It’s not a legal document.

    Remember, these fake tickets are just fishing expeditions. You’re well within your rights to toss them in the recycling bin and go about your day.

    Is your camera ticket a fake? Here’s how to tell

    Example of a fake red light camera ticket (motorists.org) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    BEWARE OF THE NEW SNEAKY PARKING QR CODE SCAM

    ‘But it’s not me!’ – What to do

    If you receive a genuine ticket (one with all the court info) but you weren’t the driver, you’ve got options.

    1) Contact the police (optional): You can try calling the number on the ticket and explaining the situation. But beware, they might pressure you to identify the actual driver.

    2) Stand your ground: Remember, you’re not legally required to identify the driver. It’s not your job to play detective for them.

    3) Go to court: If push comes to shove, you can always contest the ticket in court. Just be prepared for some potential pushback.

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    Kurt’s key takeaways

    Dealing with red light camera tickets can feel like navigating a legal minefield. The key is to know your rights, stand firm and don’t let anyone pressure you into admitting guilt or identifying others if you’re not comfortable doing so. Remember, the burden of proof is on them, not you. Stay informed, stay calm, and if all else fails, seek legal advice. After all, justice shouldn’t be a game of “gotcha.”

    Has a “snitch ticket” ever landed in your mailbox? Tell us how you handled it by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

    For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

    Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

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    Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

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    Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

    Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

    February 10, 2025
  • Beware of fake Reddit solutions delivering dangerous malware

    Beware of fake Reddit solutions delivering dangerous malware

    Sometimes, when you need an answer to a complex life situation or a way to troubleshoot an error on your computer, regular articles on the web don’t help. Some issues are so niche that no one writes about them, and those who do often say nothing useful in 1,000 words. 

    In these cases, adding Reddit to your search query can be a game changer. Nine times out of 10, someone on Reddit has faced the same issue, and there’s probably a solution. 

    But bad actors have caught on to this, too. They’re now mimicking Reddit to spread malware that can steal your personal information.

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    Reddit app on home screen of smartphone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    What you need to know about fake Reddit pages

    Hackers are distributing nearly 1,000 fake websites mimicking Reddit and WeTransfer to spread the Lumma Stealer malware. These sites are designed to trick you into downloading malicious software by imitating legitimate discussions and file-sharing services.

    On these fake Reddit pages, attackers create a fabricated discussion where one user asks for help downloading a tool, another offers a WeTransfer link and a third expresses gratitude to make the exchange seem real. Clicking the link redirects victims to a counterfeit WeTransfer site, where the download button delivers the Lumma Stealer malware.

    All these fake pages have the following things in common:

    • The websites include a brand name (like “Reddit” or “WeTransfer”) followed by random characters to appear legitimate at first glance
    • They use “.org” or “.net” domains instead of the official one, which is “.com”
    • The interface closely mimics the real sites to deceive users

    These fake websites were discovered by Sekoia researcher crep1x, who compiled a full list of the pages involved in the scheme. In total, 529 of these sites mimic Reddit, while 407 impersonate WeTransfer to trick users into downloading malware.

    According to BleepingComputer, hackers may be driving traffic to these fake pages through methods like malicious ads (malvertising), search engine manipulation (SEO poisoning), harmful websites, direct messages on social media and other deceptive tactics.

    fake reddit 2

    Illustration of a hacker at work (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    HOW TO REMOVE YOUR PRIVATE DATA FROM THE INTERNET

    The dangers of info-stealer malware

    Hackers are using fake Reddit pages to spread Lumma Stealer, a powerful malware designed to steal personal data while staying under the radar. Once it infects a device, it can grab passwords stored in web browsers and session tokens, allowing attackers to hijack accounts without even needing a password.

    But Reddit isn’t the only way this malware spreads. Hackers also push it through GitHub comments, deepfake websites and shady online ads. Once they steal login credentials, they often sell them on hacker forums, where others can use them for further attacks.

    This type of malware has already played a role in major security breaches, including attacks on PowerSchool, Hot Topic, CircleCI and Snowflake. It’s a growing threat, especially for companies that rely on password-based security.

    WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

    fake reddit 3

    Illustration of a hacker at work

    BEST ANTIVIRUS FOR MAC, PC, IPHONES AND ANDROIDS – CYBERGUY PICKS

    6 ways to protect yourself from info-stealing malware

    1. Be cautious with download links: Avoid downloading files from random Reddit discussions, social media messages or unfamiliar websites. If an unknown user shares the link or seems out of place in the context, it’s better to err on the side of caution. If the link is directing you to a file-sharing site like WeTransfer or Google Drive, double-check the URL for any signs of manipulation—like random characters added to the domain name.

    2. Have strong antivirus software: The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware originating from these Reddit discussions, potentially accessing your private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

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    3. Verify website URLs: Fake websites often look convincing but have slight differences in their URLs. Check for misspellings, extra characters or unusual domains (e.g., “.org” or “.net” instead of the official “.com”).

    4. Use strong, unique passwords and enable 2FA: A password manager can help generate and store strong passwords for each site. Meanwhile, enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security, making it harder for attackers to hijack your accounts. Get more details about my best expert-reviewed Password Managers of 2025 here.

    5. Keep your software updated: Regularly update your operating system, apps, browsers and other software on your PC or mobile devices. Updates often include patches for security vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit.

    6. Watch out for malvertising and SEO traps: Hackers manipulate search engine results and run deceptive ads to trick users into visiting fake sites. Stick to official sources and avoid clicking on ads or search results that seem too good to be true. 

    HOW TO FIGHT BACK AGAINST DEBIT CARD HACKERS WHO ARE AFTER YOUR MONEY

    Kurt’s key takeaway

    Hackers are getting sneakier, using fake Reddit and WeTransfer pages to spread dangerous malware like Lumma Stealer. These sites might look real, but they’re designed to steal your personal info. To stay safe, always double-check links and be cautious about downloading files from unfamiliar sources. Use strong, unique passwords, enable two-factor authentication and keep your software updated to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals.

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    Have you ever encountered a suspicious link on Reddit or social media? How did you handle it? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

    For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

    Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

    Follow Kurt on his social channels:

    Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

    New from Kurt:

    Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

    Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

  • LARRY KUDLOW: Don’t believe the fake news, Trump is cutting spending and the bureaucracy

    LARRY KUDLOW: Don’t believe the fake news, Trump is cutting spending and the bureaucracy

    The Beltway swamp hates it, but President Donald Trump is bound and determined to shrink the federal budget and its massive deficit, and to shrink the 2 million-plus federal workforce.

    A score of liberal news outlets are all claiming that Trump’s directive to freeze certain federal spending was rescinded on Wednesday. Except, no such thing took place.

    A memo from the Office of Management and Budget was pulled back, mainly because it was badly written.

    Take the headline from the Washington Post, for example: “Trump White House rescinds order freezing federal spending, reversing course.”

    But Mr. Trump’s executive order to put a hold on various grants, loans, and credits that have not yet been spent or dispersed continues to stand.

    He still wants to freeze and then review funding for things like Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and the Green New Deal.

    He is still going after the misnamed Inflation Reduction Act and a whole bunch of other programs that are based on some kind of status called “disadvantaged businesses or communities.”

    DEI and affirmative action strike again, but they are both illegal. And the President is well within his executive authority.

     ‘Kudlow’ panelists Sandra Smith, Taylor Riggs and John Carney evaluate the White House’s efforts to stop government waste.

    In other words, he’s not pulling back. And it’s the executive order that counts.

    Not to mention, all this could save close to $1 trillion in federal spending and deficits.

    As far as shrinking the federal workforce, another Trump executive order provides a generous eight-month severance package to workers who want to resign, rather than work for the administration.

    Once again, while the liberal media and the Washington swamp howl, Mr. Trump absolutely has the authority to do this under the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978. Hat-tip to the Wall Street Journal editorial page for pointing this out.

    The President can redesignate jobs if the role involves policymaking at any level, be it a Cabinet secretary or an assistant secretary or a mid-level career bureaucrat.

    And Mr. Trump is restoring a job category known as “Policy/Career,” which was formerly known as “Schedule F”. Which allows him to say: if you disagree with my policy agenda, and you work against it, you’re fired.

    Well, over 50,000 civil servants will have to deal with this. And over two million civil servants will have to figure out if they want to resign or not.

    Odds are, 5 to 10% will resign. That alone could save taxpayers $100 billion.

    If you want to stay in the game, you have to show up for work and toe the line for President Trump’s election mandate for policy change.

    And don’t listen to any fake news.

  • Trump press secretary attacked by California House Democrat: ‘Fake Christian’

    Trump press secretary attacked by California House Democrat: ‘Fake Christian’

    A first-term House Democrat is attacking White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on X after she sought to clarify a White House memo rescinding an earlier policy statement on President Donald Trump’s federal funding order.

    “Karoline Leavitt is a Fake Christian, like so many in this Golden Calf administration,” Rep. Dave Min, D-Calif., wrote on Wednesday.

    It comes after the White House rescinded an Office of Management and Budget (OMB) memo that ordered the freeze of most federal grants and assistance, which was blocked by a federal judge on Tuesday.

    TRUMP DHS REPEALS KEY MAYORKAS MEMO LIMITING ICE AGENTS

    Freshman House Democrat Rep. Dave Min criticized Trump press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Wednesday. (Getty Images)

    Leavitt posted on X that it was just the memo that had been rescinded, and that Trump’s executive orders targeting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and other progressive spending priorities remained intact.

    “This is NOT a rescission of the federal funding freeze. It is simply a rescission of the OMB memo. Why? To end any confusion created by the court’s injunction,” she wrote.

    WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT DOGE AND ITS QUEST TO SLASH GOVERNMENT WASTE, SPENDING

    Trump and the RNC announce a $76 million fundraising haul in April

    President Donald Trump’s OMB issued a memo pausing most federal funding. (Donald Trump 2024 campaign/File)

    “The President’s EOs on federal funding remain in full force and effect, and will be rigorously implemented.”

    Min’s comments were directed at Leavitt’s aforementioned post.

    Earlier, the California Democrat criticized Leavitt’s comments at a White House press briefing in which she said, “DOGE and OMB also found that there was about to be 50 million taxpayer dollars that went out the door to fund condoms in Gaza. That is a preposterous waste of taxpayer dollars.”

    White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt

    White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks at the daily briefing on Tuesday. (AP)

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    Min mocked the senior Trump aide, claiming she was making those remarks “while wearing a giant cross to let everyone know how pious and moral she is, even as she is so comfortable stating a bald-faced lie to hundreds of millions of people.”

    He told Fox News Digital in request for further comment, “As a person of faith, I find it appealing that this administration uses religion to advance an agenda while lying through their teeth about what they are doing, allowing children to go to bed hungry, depriving veterans of their earned healthcare, and slashing funding for the police and first responders.”

    Fox News Digital reached out to Leavitt for comment.

    Elizabeth Elkind is a politics reporter for Fox News Digital leading coverage of the House of Representatives. Previous digital bylines seen at Daily Mail and CBS News.

    Follow on Twitter at @liz_elkind and send tips to [email protected]

  • Fake toll road texts sweep America as Chinese scammers target US drivers

    Fake toll road texts sweep America as Chinese scammers target US drivers

    A new scam has come to light targeting residents across the United States with text messages that pretend to be from toll road operators. For many who receive these messages, it’s an easy and expensive trap to fall into.

    The scam begins when people receive a message claiming they have unpaid tolls and may be charged fines. Scammers then ask for card details and a one-time password sent via SMS to steal their money. Security researchers believe that Chinese smishing groups are behind this scam, selling SMS-based phishing kits to thousands of scammers.

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    Fake toll road scam text (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    What you need to know about the fake toll scam

    As reported by KrebsOnSecurity, the scam begins with a text message claiming to be from a toll road operator, such as E-ZPass or SunPass. The message warns about unpaid tolls and the possibility of fines, forcing recipients to act quickly. Victims are directed to a fake website mimicking the toll operator’s site, where they are asked to provide sensitive information, including payment card details and one-time passwords. 

    Security researchers have traced the scam to Chinese smishing groups known for creating and selling sophisticated SMS phishing kits. One such kit, “Lighthouse,” makes it easy for scammers to spoof toll road operators in multiple states. These kits are designed to trick users into sharing financial information, which is then used to commit fraud. 

    Reports of these phishing attacks have surfaced across the U.S., targeting users of toll systems like EZDriveMA in Massachusetts, SunPass in Florida and the North Texas Toll Authority in Texas. Similar scams have been reported in states including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Minnesota and Washington. The phishing pages are mobile-optimized and won’t load on non-mobile devices, making them even more deceptive.

    Fake toll road texts sweep America as Chinese scammers target US drivers

    Fake toll road scam text (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    MASSIVE SECURITY FLAW PUTS MOST POPULAR BROWSERS AT RISK ON MAC

    Phishing scams are evolving 

    Recent advancements in phishing kits include better deliverability through integration with Apple iMessage and Android’s RCS technology, bypassing traditional SMS spam filters. These methods increase the likelihood of victims receiving and engaging with fraudulent messages. The phishing sites are operated dynamically in real time by criminals, making them harder to detect and shut down. Even individuals who don’t own a vehicle have reported receiving these messages, indicating random targeting.

    Fake toll road texts sweep America as Chinese scammers target US drivers

    Illustration of a scammer sending toll road texts to scam victims (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    THAT APPLE ID DISABLED MESSAGE? IT’S A DANGEROUS SCAM

    7 ways to stay safe from toll scam messages

    By staying vigilant and following the steps below, you can protect yourself from falling victim to toll scams. 

    1) Verify directly with toll operators: If you receive a message about unpaid tolls or fines, do not click on any links. Instead, visit the official website of your toll operator or contact their customer service directly to verify the claim.

    2) Install strong antivirus software: The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

    3) Do not share personal information: Never provide sensitive details like payment card information, Social Security numbers or one-time passwords via text or unverified websites. Legitimate toll operators will not request such information through SMS.

    4) Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Use 2FA for your accounts whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of protection by requiring two forms of verification, reducing the risk of unauthorized access even if some details are compromised.

    5) Be wary of urgency in messages: Scammers often create a sense of urgency, claiming immediate action is required to avoid penalties. Take a moment to assess the situation and verify the legitimacy of the message through official channels.

    6) Report suspicious messages: If you suspect a phishing attempt, report it to the Federal Trade Commission or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. Include details like the sender’s phone number and any links in the message. Additionally, inform your mobile carrier to help block similar scams.

    7) Use a personal data removal service: Employ a reputable data removal service to reduce your online footprint and minimize the risk of scammers obtaining your personal information. These services can help remove your data from various data broker sites, making it harder for scammers to target you with personalized scams. While no service promises to remove all your data from the internet, having a removal service is great if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites continuously over a longer period of time. Check out my top picks for data removal services here.

    HOW TO REMOVE YOUR PRIVATE DATA FROM THE INTERNET

    Kurt’s key takeaway

    It’s deeply concerning how these scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and widespread. It’s no longer just about random phishing attempts. These are carefully crafted schemes designed to exploit our trust in systems we rely on daily. The fact that scammers can impersonate toll road operators so convincingly is alarming, and it shows how vulnerable we are to such attacks. It frustrates me to think of how many people may fall victim to these tactics, losing their hard-earned money.

    Have you recently received a suspicious text message claiming to be from a toll road operator or any other service? How did you react? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

    For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

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    Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

    January 28, 2025
  • Fake job interview emails installing hidden cryptocurrency mining malware

    Fake job interview emails installing hidden cryptocurrency mining malware

    The job market hasn’t been great in the last few years, especially in tech, leaving a lot of people actively looking for jobs. 

    Scammers are taking advantage of this. They have come up with a new trick where they pretend to be recruiters to spread crypto miners on people’s devices. 

    It starts with an email inviting the person to schedule an interview for a job. But when they click the link, it installs a malicious app that secretly mines cryptocurrency. This app hijacks your PC’s resources, like the CPU and GPU, which slows down its performance significantly.

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    A person typing on their laptop. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    What you need to know

    This malicious campaign begins with an email that tricks victims into thinking it is part of a recruitment process, as reported by Dark Reading. In most cases, these emails are pretending to be from recruiters at the cybersecurity company CrowdStrike.

    The fraudulent email contains a link claiming to take the recipient to a site where they can schedule an interview. However, in reality, it redirects the victim to a malicious website that offers a download for a supposed “CRM application.”

    WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

    The site provides download options for both Windows and macOS. Regardless of which option the victim selects, the download will be a Windows executable written in Rust. This executable then downloads the XMRig cryptominer.

    The executable performs several environmental checks to analyze the device and avoid detection. It scans running processes, checks the CPU and more. If the device passes these checks, the executable will display a fake error message while secretly downloading additional payloads needed to run the XMRig miner.

    fake interview email

    Fake CrowdStrike job application download. (CrowdStrike)

    HERE’S WHAT RUTHLESS HACKERS STOLE FROM 110 MILLION AT&T CUSTOMERS

    How does a cryptominer affect your PC?

    A cryptomining app can significantly impact your PC’s performance. Once installed, it hijacks your computer’s resources, including the CPU and GPU, to secretly mine cryptocurrency. This process requires a lot of computational power, which can cause your system to slow down drastically. You might notice your computer becoming unresponsive, running hotter than usual, or consuming more power. 

    In some cases, prolonged use of cryptominers can also lead to hardware damage due to the increased strain on your components. Additionally, these miners often run in the background without your knowledge, making it harder to detect the issue until the damage is already done.

    CrowdStrike is aware of the scam and advises individuals to stay vigilant. “This campaign highlights the importance of vigilance against phishing scams, particularly those targeting job seekers. Individuals in the recruitment process should verify the authenticity of CrowdStrike communications and avoid downloading unsolicited files,“ the company said in a blog post. 

    “Organizations can reduce the risk of such attacks by educating employees on phishing tactics, monitoring for suspicious network traffic and employing endpoint protection solutions to detect and block malicious activity.”

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    people on laptops

    People working on their laptops. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    BEWARE OF ENCRYPTED PDFS AS THE LATEST TRICK TO DELIVER MALWARE TO YOU

    5 ways to stay safe from job interview scams

    1. Check if you applied for the job: If you receive an unsolicited interview invitation, think back to whether you actually applied for that job or company. Scammers often target jobseekers randomly, hoping someone takes the bait. If you didn’t apply, it’s likely a scam. Always confirm directly with the company before proceeding.

    2. Verify recruiter credentials: Always double-check the recruiter’s details before responding to an email or clicking any links. Verify their email address, LinkedIn profile and company association. Legitimate companies will use official email domains, not free services like Gmail or Yahoo.

    3. Avoid downloading unsolicited files: Be cautious of emails asking you to download any files or applications. Legitimate recruitment processes rarely require you to install software. If unsure, contact the company directly to confirm the request.

    4. Inspect links before clicking: Hover over any links in the email to see their actual URL. Scammers often use URLs that mimic legitimate sites but have subtle differences. If a link looks suspicious, avoid clicking on it.

    5. Use strong antivirus software: Use strong antivirus or endpoint protection software to detect and block malicious downloads. Regularly update your security tools to ensure they can handle new threats effectively.

    The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

    WHAT TO DO IF YOUR BANK ACCOUNT IS HACKED

    Kurt’s key takeaway

    Cybercriminals always manage to come up with new ways to exploit people. While this particular scam is more focused on using your computer’s resources than stealing data, it is still very dangerous. It shows that if a hacker can easily install software on your PC, they can also go ahead and steal your financial information and other personal data. Always verify the emails you receive, and try not to download anything you don’t trust.

    Have you ever received a suspicious email that looked like a job offer? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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    Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

    Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.