Happy New Year 2025

Tag: Target

Mike Lee floats allowing private parties to target drug cartels for profit

Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, has floated the idea of the U.S. green-lighting private parties to target drug cartels for profit.

The senator laid out the proposal in posts on X.

“Letters of marque and reprisal are government-issued commissions that authorize private citizens (privateers) to perform acts that would otherwise be considered piracy, like attacking enemy ships during wartime,” Lee explained. “Privateers are rewarded with a cut of the loot they ‘bring home.’”

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Sen Mike Lee, R-Utah, speaks during a campaign rally for U.S. Republican presidential nominee, former President Donald Trump at Findlay Toyota Center on Oct. 13, 2024, in Prescott Valley, Ariz. (Rebecca Noble/Getty Images)

The lawmaker pointed out that the U.S. Constitution authorizes Congress to “grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal,” and suggested that this power could be leveraged against drug cartels.

“Congress could issue letters of marque and reprisal authorizing private security firms or specially trained civilians to intercept cartel operations, particularly those involving drug shipments or human trafficking across borders,” Lee wrote, adding, “Focus on disrupting supply lines, capturing high-value targets, or seizing assets like boats, vehicles, cash, gold, or equipment used in criminal activities.”

Lee suggested that this method of contending with cartels would lower costs to American taxpayers, since privateers would be paid a portion of what they capture and bring back to the U.S.

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“Dismissing the possible use of letters of marque to combat Mexican drug cartels—either on the basis of ‘international law’ or otherwise—overlooks the clear and present threat posed by those cartels to the U.S.,” he wrote. “This could prove to be an effective alternative to war.”

Lee noted that in such a scenario, privateers would only profit from “non-contraband,” and that cartel drugs would be destroyed, not sold.

“One pitfall as a practical matter might be that a lot of the property belonging to these cartels isn’t … easy to monetize — because the products they sell are illegal,” he wrote.

“That could make it difficult to incentivize and reward them, as ‘prize courts’ (historically the government’s tool used for selling the seized assets and assessing how much money each privateer is able to receive) obviously wouldn’t be able to sell drugs,” Lee indicated. “But these cartels have a lot of non-contraband assets, including many things (gold, cash, etc.) that could be seized by privateers, returned to the U.S., liquidated, and used to reward the seizures.”

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Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah., arrives for the Senate Republicans leadership election in the Capitol on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

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Rep. Chip Roy responded to Lee’s proposal by describing it in a tweet as “worthy of consideration.”

“This would work very fast,” Elon Musk said of the idea in a post.

Alex Nitzberg is a writer for Fox News Digital.

January 28, 2025
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 scam text (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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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.

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
Target facing retribution at home for rolling back DEI intiatives

Former executive NYSE floor governor Jay Woods explains why some big companies might be scrapping their DEI initiatives on Cavuto: Coast to Coast.

Target’s decision to scale back its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs is being met with backlash from the LGBTQ+ community on the Minneapolis-headquartered retailer’s home turf.

Target announced Friday that it will implement some changes to its “Belonging at the Bullseye” strategy, including ending its three-year DEI goals and ending its Racial Equity Action and Change (REACH) initiatives in 2025, as planned.

Shopping carts outside a Target store in Albany, California, US, on Monday, Nov. 18, 2024. Target Corp. is facing pushback from the LGBTQ+ community in its hometown for scaling back on DEI. (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Then over the weekend, organizers of the Twin Cities Pride Festival — of which Target has been a longtime sponsor — said the retailer is no longer welcome.

Andi Otto, Twin Cities Pride executive director, told MPR News that he made the decision to boot Target from any involvement in this year’s festivities due to their rolling back their DEI initiatives.

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“In the current climate that we are having to live in as a community, I made the decision that it would not be in the best interest of our community to have Target’s presence at Pride or the parade this year,” Otto told the outlet.

Signage for Target Corp.’s “#TakePride” initiative sits above products displayed for sale at a company store in Chicago, Illinois, U.S., on Monday, May 16, 2016. (Getty Images / Getty Images)

Ticker Security Last Change Change %

TGT TARGET CORP. 142.49 +4.62 +3.35%

Twin Cities Pride also announced on social media that it had “made the bold decision to part ways with Target as a sponsor,” noting that the “choice means losing $50,000 in funding.”

A fundraiser posted by the group had earned nearly $28,000 of its $50,000 goal as of this writing.

COSTCO SHAREHOLDERS REJECT ANTI-DEI MEASURE

Target did not immediately respond to FOX Business’ request for comment on Twin City Pride’s decision.

Bahnsen Group founder and managing partner David Bahnsen joins ‘The Big Money Show’ to discuss companies reversing course on DEI and ESG investing, UFC CEO Dana White joining Meta’s board and the ongoing California wildfires.

Target announced the rollback of its DEI programs following President Donald Trump’s executive order to review such initiatives. The move adds Target to a growing list of companies scaling back or eliminating their DEI efforts as these programs come under increased scrutiny.

A slew of companies, including Amazon, Lowe’s, Meta, McDonald’s, American Airlines and Boeing, have pulled back on their DEI programs over the past year amid pressure.

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However, some companies, such as Costco, have resisted activist pressure, publicly reaffirming their commitment to maintaining DEI policies.

January 27, 2025
Target scaling back DEI policies after Trump signs executive order

Bahnsen Group founder and managing partner David Bahnsen joins ‘The Big Money Show’ to discuss companies reversing course on DEI and ESG investing, UFC CEO Dana White joining Meta’s board and the ongoing California wildfires.

Target announced on Friday that it is scaling back its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies following President Trump’s executive order to review such initiatives. The move adds Target to a growing list of companies scaling back or eliminating their DEI efforts as these programs come under increased scrutiny.

Kiera Fernandez, Target’s chief community impact and equity officer, said in a note to employees on Friday the retailer will implement changes as part of its “Belonging at the Bullseye” strategy that adapts to the evolving external landscape. This includes concluding its three-year DEI goals and ending its Racial Equity Action and Change (REACH) initiatives in 2025, as planned.

“As a retailer that serves millions of consumers every day, we understand the importance of staying in step with the evolving external landscape, now and in the future – all in service of driving Target’s growth and winning together,” said Fernandez.

COSTCO DEFENDS DEI PROGRAM AS OTHER MAJOR RETAILERS DROP CONTROVERSIAL DIVERSITY PUSH

The Minneapolis-based retailer said it has used “years of data, insights, listening and learning” to share the next chapter in its strategy.

Target’s announcement comes as pressure mounts on major corporations, particularly from social media influencers such Robby Starbuck, to scale back on initiatives that purport to increase racial and gender equality in the workplace. The initiatives have also faced fierce criticism from Trump, who on Tuesday signed an executive order directing government agencies to investigate DEI programs at publicly traded corporations, large nonprofit corporations or associations and foundations with assets of at least $500 million. Target falls under that category.

“Illegal DEI and DEIA policies not only violate the text and spirit of our longstanding Federal civil-rights laws, they also undermine our national unity, as they deny, discredit, and undermine the traditional American values of hard work, excellence, and individual achievement in favor of an unlawful, corrosive, and pernicious identity-based spoils system,” the executive order said.

An employee pulls a wheeler to restock shelves at a Target store in Chicago on Nov. 26, 2024. (KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI/AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Fernandez said that Target recruits and retains employees “who represent the communities we serve,” but moving forward, she said it will stop all external diversity-focused surveys, including HRC’s Corporate Equality Index.

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Target will also change its “Supplier Diversity” team to “Supplier Engagement” to reflect an “inclusive global procurement process across a broad range of suppliers, including increasing our focus on small businesses,” Fernandez said in the note.

Ticker Security Last Change Change %

TGT TARGET CORP. 137.25 +1.48 +1.09%

It will also review corporate partnerships and ensure employee resource groups will focus on development and mentorship for all communities.

“We remain focused on driving our business by creating a sense of belonging for our team, guests and communities through a commitment to inclusion. Belonging for all is an essential part of our team and culture, helping fuel consumer relevance and business results,” Fernandez wrote.

Shoppers outside a Target store in Clifton, New Jersey, on Nov. 26, 2024. (Victor J. Blue/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

A slew of companies, including Amazon, Lowe’s, Meta, McDonald’s, American Airlines and Boeing, have pulled back on their DEI programs as pressure increased over the past several months. In November, Walmart, the nation’s largest private employer, announced plans to roll back its polices, including how it monitors products within its marketplace and reviews grant funding.

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By contrast, some companies have resisted activist pressure, publicly reaffirming their commitment to maintaining DEI policies.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said in the tech firm’s annual report in October that it continues to ensure that its “workforce represents the planet we serve and the products we build always meet our customers’ needs” and that it continues to “hire, develop, and grow a global workforce that best supports each other and our customers.”

Shopping carts outside a Target store in Albany, on Nov. 18, 2024. (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Pinterest Chief Legal Officer Wanji Walcott posted on LinkedIn that the company is “laser-focused on advancing inclusion and diversity both within our organization and on our platform, investing in critical initiatives like pay equity internally and body inclusivity externally.”

Still, anti-woke activist Starbuck, who has been taking credit for companies scaling back or ending their DEI programs, stated he has no intention of stopping his campaign anytime soon.

Target first introduced the “Belonging at the Bullseye” strategy to employees in early 2024, but its been working on it since 2021.

January 24, 2025