The SpaceX IPO is here, and it’s more than just an historic public offering that could make Elon Musk the world’s first trillionaire. It also reveals more ways in which Elon Musk’s companies interact and overlap with each other, shuffling money around in ways that are often difficult to keep track of.
Technology
Meta Medicare scam ads targeting seniors face scrutiny
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A Facebook ad tells older Americans to claim a Medicare allowance card before it is too late. Another promises thousands of dollars for groceries, rent and gas. Some ads sound like they are coming from the government. Others use fake deadlines, familiar faces or official-looking claims to get people to click. For many seniors, that kind of ad can feel confusing because Medicare is already complicated enough.
Now, a new report from the Center for Countering Digital Hate, known as CCDH, takes a closer look at Medicare scam ads on Meta’s platforms. The report claims scammers used Facebook ads to reach seniors with misleading offers for “free benefits” such as grocery cards, flex cards or monthly spending allowances. Meta strongly disputes the idea that it ignores scams. The company says it is fighting them aggressively and points to large removal numbers, new anti-scam tools and its work with law enforcement.
STOP MEDICARE SCAMS BEFORE THEY STOP YOU
A new CCDH report claims Medicare scam ads on Meta platforms targeted seniors with misleading offers for grocery cards, flex cards and allowances. (Halfpoint/iStock/Getty Images)
So what should you take from this? There’s no easy answer. CCDH says scam advertisers reached older Americans on a huge scale. Meta says scammers are determined criminals who constantly try to evade detection. That leaves seniors stuck in the middle, trying to figure out which Medicare ads are real and which ones are designed to trick them.
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What CCDH says about Meta Medicare scam ads
CCDH says it analyzed more than 90,000 ads from Meta’s Ad Library to study Medicare scam activity. From that larger review, the group says it identified the top 30 Medicare scammers by ad spend. Those advertisers accounted for 42,984 ads in CCDH’s review.
CCDH defined Medicare scams as ads that promoted supposed extra benefits to Medicare beneficiaries while using deceptive tactics. Those tactics included misleading benefit claims, false government-style branding, fake endorsements from public figures, AI-generated celebrity or politician endorsements and fabricated enrollment deadlines. The group says these tactics violate Meta’s advertising rules on fraud, scams and deceptive practices.
How many people saw the Medicare scam ads?
CCDH says Medicare scammers received 215 million impressions on their ads in the year studied, from March 12, 2025, through March 11, 2026. The report says that is nearly six times as many impressions as all previous years on record combined. The group also says Meta collected an estimated $14.3 million from these Medicare scam advertisers. According to CCDH, $12.4 million of that came during that same one-year period.
In some cases, the report says users who clicked were asked for personal information or pushed toward changing Medicare plans. That can put seniors in a tough spot if they think they are checking eligibility for a legitimate benefit. Instead, they could end up sharing sensitive details or being steered toward a plan that may not fit their doctors, prescriptions or budget.
Why seniors are being targeted by Medicare scam ads
According to CCDH, 73% of impressions from the top Medicare scammers came from people over age 65. The report estimates that seniors over 65 viewed these ads 185 million times on Meta’s platforms. CCDH also estimates that users ages 55 to 64 accounted for about 50 million impressions. The most targeted states, according to the report, were Texas, Florida, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. CCDH notes that these states have large Medicare-eligible populations.
That targeting detail is important. Medicare scams work best when they reach people who are already eligible, close to being eligible or helping a family member make decisions. A younger person may scroll past a fake Medicare grocery card ad. A senior on a fixed income may stop and click.
What the Medicare scam ads looked like
The examples in the CCDH report follow a pattern. They promise money or benefits that sound urgent and easy to claim. Some ads allegedly told seniors they could get $3,600 for groceries, rent or gas. Others suggested that Medicare recipients could qualify for a spending card, grocery card or monthly allowance.
CCDH says some ads falsely presented themselves as connected to the government. Others implied that politicians had approved a new benefit. Some used fake AI-generated endorsements from politicians or celebrities. Others created pressure by claiming enrollment would close that night, funds were limited, or viewers had only hours left.
Those tactics are familiar in many scams. The offer sounds helpful. The deadline feels urgent. The ad uses public figures or government-style language to build trust. That combination can be especially risky during Medicare enrollment seasons, when legitimate plan options and real deadlines are already confusing.
Meta responds to the Medicare scam ad report
Meta says scams are bad for users, advertisers and its own platforms. A Meta spokesperson provided CyberGuy with this statement in response to the CCDH report:
“Scammers are determined criminals who use increasingly sophisticated tactics to defraud people and evade detection on our platforms and across the internet. We aggressively fight scams on and off our platforms because they’re not good for us or the people and businesses that rely on our services. We removed over 159 million scam ads last year alone – 92% of which we took down before anyone reported them – launched new tools to protect people, and partnered with law enforcement around the globe to disrupt these criminals.”
Meta also points to recent anti-scam work and partnerships. The company says it continues to invest in new technology, including tools to combat securities investment scams and celeb-bait scams. Meta also says it now prohibits U.S. financial services ads from linking to messaging services and is expanding advertiser verification. In addition, Meta says the Department of Justice recently credited the company with assisting in the takedown of a criminal scam ring.
MEDICARE DATA BREACH EXPOSES 100,000 AMERICANS’ INFO
Seniors should verify Medicare benefits directly with Medicare or a trusted licensed adviser before responding to social media ads. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Where Meta and CCDH disagree on scam ads
CCDH’s report focuses on what it says got through Meta’s systems. Meta’s response focuses on how much it removed and how aggressively scammers try to evade detection. In other words, CCDH is pointing to the ads that slipped through, while Meta is pointing to the scams it says it stopped.
CCDH says Meta approved ads that appeared to violate its own policies. The group also says Meta sometimes removed one ad while allowing similar or identical content to keep running. In one example cited by CCDH, researchers found 86 ads with identical content. The report says Meta rejected 48 of them while allowing 38 to run. CCDH also says removed ads in its review accumulated 72 million impressions before Meta took them down. The group estimates those removed ads generated $3.7 million in revenue for Meta before removal. Meta, meanwhile, says it removed more than 159 million scam ads last year and took down 92% of them before anyone reported them.
In a statement to CyberGuy, CCDH CEO and founder Imran Ahmed said the report shows Meta is giving scammers access to a powerful advertising system.
“We finally have clear evidence that Meta is doing business with scammers preying on older Americans, providing them with a sophisticated advertising platform that helps them identify and access potential victims. This is a business model that puts revenue ahead of the wellbeing of American seniors. Many elderly people will suffer catastrophic economic harm, as well as enduring shame and potentially serious impacts on their physical and mental health,” Ahmed said. “Section 230 was meant to protect companies that act responsibly. Instead, it’s being used to shield companies like Meta who are actively profiting by hurting American seniors.”
Section 230 refers to a federal law that generally gives online platforms legal protection from being treated as the publisher of content posted by users or third parties. CCDH argues that platforms should not be able to rely on that protection when they sell, distribute or profit from allegedly deceptive ads.
What Medicare scam ads mean for you
If you are on Medicare, close to Medicare age or helping a parent manage coverage, treat social media Medicare ads with serious caution. These scams can be hard to spot because they often mix real Medicare concepts with false promises. Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer extra benefits in specific situations. However, scammers can twist that idea into broad claims that everyone on Medicare can get thousands of dollars in grocery money or a card that pays for rent, gas and bills.
That can lead someone to click, answer questions or call a number because they think, “Maybe I qualify.” From there, the risk grows. A person may share personal information, get pushed toward switching plans or make a rushed decision because of a fake deadline. Medicare choices can affect doctors, prescriptions, coverage and out-of-pocket costs. That means you cannot assume an ad is safe just because it appears on a major platform like Meta.
Tips to help spot Medicare scam ads
Before you click on a Medicare ad that promises extra benefits, pause and look for these warning signs.
1) Be careful with “free money” claims
Be skeptical of ads that promise large grocery cards, rent help or monthly spending allowances for everyone on Medicare. Real benefits usually come with eligibility rules and plan-specific details.
2) Watch for fake urgency
Scammers often say you must act today, before midnight or before funds run out. Real Medicare enrollment periods have official dates. A random social media ad should not pressure you into a fast decision.
3) Do not trust celebrity or politician images
CCDH says some scam ads used fake AI-generated endorsements from politicians and celebrities. A familiar face in an ad does not prove the offer is legitimate.
4) Avoid ads that sound like the government
Be cautious when an ad uses official-sounding names, government-style language or phone numbers that claim to be Medicare help centers. Scammers often borrow those cues to seem trustworthy.
NEW FACEBOOK SCAM STARTS WITH MESSAGES FROM A FRIEND
Scam Medicare ads can push users to share personal information, call suspicious numbers or change plans without understanding the risks. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
5) Do not share Medicare or Social Security numbers through an ad
A social media ad should not be the place where you hand over sensitive personal details. Treat any request for Medicare numbers, Social Security numbers or banking information as a major warning sign.
6) Check before changing plans
Before changing Medicare coverage, contact Medicare directly, your plan provider or a trusted licensed advisor. Do not rely on a social media ad as your only source.
7) Talk to older relatives about these ads
Many seniors are embarrassed after clicking a scam ad. Make the conversation normal before anything happens. A quick warning from a family member can help someone pause before sharing information.
8) Use strong antivirus protection before trouble starts
If you accidentally click a suspicious Medicare ad, strong antivirus software can help block malicious links, warn you about dangerous websites and stop malware before it infects your device. It will not decide whether a Medicare offer is legitimate, so you still need to verify any benefit claim directly with Medicare or a trusted licensed advisor. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com
9) Report suspicious Medicare ads
If a Medicare ad looks suspicious, report it on the platform and avoid engaging with it. Save a screenshot, write down the page name or phone number. Then report the scam attempt to Medicare, the FTC and Meta.
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Kurt’s key takeaways
Medicare is confusing on a good day. Add in ads promising grocery money or spending cards and it becomes even harder for you to know what is real. CCDH’s report raises serious questions about how scam ads reached older Americans on Meta’s platforms. Meta says it is fighting scams aggressively, removing millions of ads and building stronger protections. Still, the safest move for you is simple: slow down before clicking. If an ad promises easy money or pushes you to act fast, treat it as a warning sign until you verify it directly.
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Would you trust a Medicare ad on social media, or do platforms need to do far more before these ads reach seniors? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
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This is evident in ways that are both obvious and less so. A CTRL-F search for “Tesla” yields 87 results, xAI is mentioned 356 times, and X 267 times. Even the Boring Company (7 times) and Neuralink (3) get a few mentions. Throughout its 330 pages of rocket launches and interplanetary wishes, you can trace the network of ways in which Musk’s companies deal with each other.
It’s also evident in the ways Musk’s companies are shareholders in other Musk companies, further intertwining their fates in the process. Based on the Form S-1 filing, Tesla owns nearly 19 million shares of SpaceX’s Class A common stock, which is less than 1 percent of the total outstanding stock. Tesla’s stake in xAI was converted to SpaceX shares after Elon Musk merged his AI company with his space company in February.
The filing also reveals SpaceX bought $131 million worth of Cybertrucks “at manufacturer’s suggested retail price from Tesla.” A Bloomberg report earlier this year suggested that SpaceX bought 1,279 Cybertrucks in the fourth quarter of 2025, but the IPO suggests it has probably acquired a few more than that. As Electrek notes, without these purchases, Cybertruck registration numbers likely would have gone down year over year.
Tesla’s Megapacks, the company’s giant stationary storage batteries, are used to stabilize SpaceX’s Colossus I and II data centers in Memphis, TN, during peak demand. The rocket company purchased $697 million worth of Megapacks from Tesla in 2024 and 2025.
SpaceX’s relationship with Musk’s Boring Company is much more quaint in comparison. The tunneling venture has paid about $1.2 million in office leases to SpaceX. And SpaceX spent about $1 million for the Boring Company to dig a tunnel at its headquarters in Bastrop, Texas.
SpaceX was valued at $1.25 trillion earlier this year after merging with xAI, Musk’s AI company that also owns X, formerly Twitter. The tie-up means investors will be buying in at a historically high price — but Musk combined the companies at great cost to himself, and also SpaceX. The filing showed that the rocket company directed about 60 percent of its capital spending in 2025 toward xAI, or about $20 billion. But as TechCrunch notes, xAI lost billions of dollars last year on revenue that grew by only 22 percent year over year.
When going public, companies are required to list their risk factors, under the assumption that investors should know about all the skeletons in the closet before putting their money down. For SpaceX, the biggest risk is also the biggest asset: Elon Musk.
For SpaceX, the biggest risk is also the biggest asset: Elon Musk.
While any company, especially one as complex as SpaceX, would be expected to include a long list of risk factors in its S-1, SpaceX’s is unique in that it includes its own CEO. The filing explicitly states that SpaceX is “highly dependent on the continued services of Mr. Musk,” noting that his leadership, vision, and technical expertise are critical to the company’s future.
Like other Musk-owned companies, SpaceX acknowledges that Musk isn’t always 100 percent focused on SpaceX. And it admits that Musk’s intersecting businesses may end up cannibalizing each other in some way. Conflicts could arise. And if they do, Musk is not “restricted” from doing something that directly competes with his other companies, including SpaceX.
Conflicts of interest could arise in the future between us, on the one hand, and Mr. Musk and entities owned by or affiliated with him, on the other hand, concerning among other things, business transactions, potential competitive business activities or other opportunities…. Furthermore, Mr. Musk and other businesses owned by or affiliated with him may now, or in the future, directly or indirectly, compete with us for investment or business opportunities.
The S-1 goes on to enumerate the ways in which Musk’s extensive entanglements could result in financial loss for SpaceX. The company is completely dependent on his leadership, and yet could also incur big losses as a result of said leadership. (See: Tesla in 2025.)
For instance, Mr. Musk currently serves as Technoking and Chief Executive Officer of Tesla and is involved in other emerging technology ventures, including Neuralink and The Boring Company. Mr. Musk has also previously served as Senior Advisor to the President of the United States. Any such loss or reduced involvement in our business could result in a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and future prospects.
The pull between risk and reward is a running theme throughout the filing.
We, Mr. Musk, and other companies Mr. Musk is affiliated with frequently receive an immense amount of media attention. The actions and statements of Mr. Musk and his affiliated ventures, whether or not directly relating to us, may draw significant public attention and scrutiny to us and could potentially have a positive or negative impact on our business, relationships with customers and regulators, or stock price.
These are not statements you find in your average S-1 filing, but SpaceX is not your typical IPO. Musk stands to make billions if SpaceX establishes a “permanent” colony on Mars with “at least” a million inhabitants. He’s also a shit magnet that could do serious damage to SpaceX’s reputation. Musk’s companies do business with and are deeply entangled with each other in ways laid bare by the filing. They buy each other’s stuff, compete with each other for RAM, AI chips, and other ultra valuable components that are increasingly in short supply.
Occasionally, his shareholders push back. In 2024, several Tesla shareholders sued Musk over claims he was knowingly diverting talent and resources away from the company and directing it toward, xAI. That lawsuit is still pending.
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If you choose to get an extra controller for your Nintendo Switch 2, you can spend a lot — and get a lot in return. Buying Nintendo’s own $89 Switch 2 Pro Controller, for instance, will net you the console’s only wireless controller with a 3.5mm headphone jack for private listening, not to mention great-feeling rumble and a slick design. It’s not perfect, but it’s otherwise the total package in terms of features.
But it’d be a disservice to you to call it a day there. There are several third-party models that are cheaper, yet don’t make many compromises in terms of features. I’ve spent time testing a handful of these gamepads, and there’s a small batch of models that I think will satisfy most people, with a range of styles, prices, and features.
Every controller I’ve included in this guide is compatible with both the Switch 2 and the original Switch (all of them can remotely wake the Switch 2), as well as PC. Each offering also includes better, longer-lasting joystick technology than you’ll get with Nintendo’s flagship controller; the Switch 2 Pro Controller’s potentiometer-based joysticks are prone to degradation over time, after all, but our picks include either Hall effect or TMR joysticks. I’ve highlighted any controller-specific perks in the blurbs below.
What I’m looking for
I put my pricey Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller away and cycle in each of these candidates for multi-session tests with a mix of Switch 2 games. I spend time assessing their ergonomics, button location, and the quality of each button press and trigger pull. I also strive to test each controller’s unique functions.
Most people would rather spend $89.99 on two games, not a single controller. We sought cheaper alternatives to Nintendo’s fantastic Switch 2 Pro Controller, but we hate compromising on features and quality as much as anyone. We aim to include wireless gamepads that can remotely wake the Switch 2, as well as offerings that feature good-feeling rumble and a few extras, such as amiibo support.
Our top picks are just as comfortable to use as Nintendo’s flagship gamepad — perhaps more comfortable, depending on your taste. We’ve included picks with Xbox- and PlayStation-style stick layouts, too, as well as one that feels similar to the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller.
Nintendo opted for potentiometer-based joysticks in its pricey Switch 2 controller, which may result in “stick drift” later on, assuming last-gen controller tech is anything to go by. Every pick in this guide, however, builds on that technology with either Hall effect or tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) joysticks, which are drift-resistant by design.
The best Switch 2 controller for most people
$50
The Good
- TMR joysticks
- amiibo support
- Great rumble
The Bad
- Clicky buttons are divisive
Supported platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC, Steam Deck, mobile / Connectivity: Bluetooth, wired / Connector type: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: Yes, two / App customization: No / Rumble: Yes, HD / NFC: Yes / Motion: Yes / Power: Built-in rechargeable 1,200mAh battery / Console wake-up: Yes / Native Switch 2 OS support: No
The EasySMX S10 is nearly as capable and comfortable as the Switch 2 Pro Controller, yet it’s $30 cheaper at $59.99. It’s full of surprises, too, including the best adaptation of Nintendo’s HD rumble that I’ve felt in a third-party controller. It’s also one of the few options that can remotely wake the Switch 2 from sleep mode via Bluetooth. Lastly, it includes amiibo support — another rare feature to find in a third-party gamepad.
However, the S10 isn’t a Switch 2 Pro copycat; it’s a lot grippier, both around the grips themselves and on its stick caps. Button presses and trigger pulls feel different from most other controllers, too, yielding a softer press and shorter travel, which is likely to be the most divisive aspect of the S10. One of my favorite aspects of the S10’s design is its swappable eight-way (circular) D-pad, making diagonal attacks in Hollow Knight: Silksong considerably easier to execute than with a four-way D-pad.
If I could change one thing about the S10, it’d be the system-level buttons (screenshot, GameChat, and home). They’re crammed awkwardly just below the D-pad and right stick.
$34
The Good
- Native Switch 2 software support
- Just as comfy as the EasyMax S10
- Affordable price point
The Bad
- No amiibo support
- No HD rumble
Supported platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC, Steam Deck, mobile / Connectivity: Bluetooth, wired / Connector type: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: Yes, two / App customization: No / Rumble: Yes / NFC: No / Motion: Yes / Power: Built-in rechargeable 1,000mAh battery / Console wake-up: Yes / Native Switch 2 OS support: Yes
While virtually identical to the S10 above, the S10 Lite makes a few compromises to reach its lower $39.99 price point. Most notably, it lacks support for amiibo figures, and its rumble effects are a clear downgrade compared to the HD rumble in the S10. What is unusual, however, is that EasySMX’s budget-friendly gamepad offers a feature I wish were in the step-up version: native support for the Switch 2.
Connecting the S10 Lite to a Switch 2 is as easy as connecting other controllers. But what’s unique is that it doesn’t require a strange sequence of button presses or Joy-Con removal for your console to remember it, which is not the case with the S10 and other gamepads. If you connect it once, you can wake the Switch 2 by pressing its Home button. What’s more, you can customize the two rear buttons on a per-game basis using the Switch 2’s interface, making it the only third-party controller that can utilize the OS to map commands to rear buttons.
At its core, the S10 Lite is an affordable controller that works like the Switch 2 Pro controller in ways that other manufacturers haven’t figured out yet. That’s great, and I love that its grips and overall shape make it just as comfortable to use as a Switch 2 Pro controller. But what it sacrificed (amiibo support, HD rumble) holds it back from being the very best option available.
Read my EasySMX S10 Lite hands-on.
$60
The Good
- Adjustable tension TMR thumbsticks
- Quiet, floating D-pad
The Bad
- Rumble falls behind cheaper models
Supported platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC, mobile / Connectivity: Bluetooth, wired / Connector type: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: Yes, four / App customization: Coming in 2026 sometime / Rumble: Yes / NFC: No / Motion: Yes / Power: Built-in rechargeable battery, 950mAh / Console wake-up: Yes / Native Switch 2 OS support: No
GuliKit’s newer TT Pro is focused on cramming in more features while keeping the price reasonable. This wireless gamepad features TMR thumbsticks in a PlayStation-style stick layout. And notably, both sticks have adjustable tension (like the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller) via a Phillips head screw that’s revealed once you pop off the stick caps. A tool is included that lets you dial in the sticks to be fast and flighty or have them resist snapping back to their original resting place. It’s great to see in a controller that costs well under $100.
The TT Pro has the best floating, eight-way directional pad I’ve used. I play games in the living room while my wife reads, and she can’t hear its quiet yet tactile clicks, even as I’m having a frantic battle in Hollow Knight: Silksong. Like the KingKong 3 Max, the TT Pro features adjustable trigger stops (full Hall effect analog pull or tactile click), and you can install up to four rear paddles to map buttons to. Other niceties include extra face buttons and a tool to remove them in the box (in case you want an Xbox-style face button layout while connected to a PC). It comes in a hard case with a Hyperlink Gen 2 wireless controller adapter, which makes it easier to connect the TT Pro (and myriad other controllers) to your Switch 2.
As for how the TT Pro differs from the step-up TT Max, here are the highlights: The Pro doesn’t include extra stick caps of varying heights, nor can its firmware switch between emulating a four- or eight-way D-pad like the Max can (the Pro only supports eight-way).
$45
The Good
- Comfy and compact
- Silent sticks and buttons
- Good feature set for $50
The Bad
- Loud shoulder buttons
- System-level buttons are tough to feel for
Supported platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC, mobile / Connectivity: Bluetooth, wired / Connector type: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: Yes, two / App customization: Yes / Rumble: Yes, HD / NFC: Yes / Motion: Yes / Power: Built-in rechargeable battery, 1,000mAh / Console wake-up: Yes / Native Switch 2 OS support: No
It’s clear that Mobapad’s primary goal with its $71 Chitu2 HD was to convince people they were using Nintendo’s Switch 2 Pro Controller in a blind test. It crushed that goal. The curves feel identical to Nintendo’s $90 gamepad, as do the soft clicks of the customizable GL and GR rear buttons. The rumble is great, too, and its TMR sticks are nearly silent even when I deliberately try to wiggle them chaotically. It’s great to have a controller that feels so similar yet doesn’t skimp on features.
Build quality is stellar, with the pink color option being particularly nice. As with its whisper-quiet TMR sticks, most of the Chitu2’s other buttons and triggers don’t yield a clacky sound. However, there are some small issues that may not bother you: its floating directional pad is a little louder and mushier than the one GuliKit uses in the TT Pro, and its pair of L and R bumpers are louder to press than the clicking of the analog sticks. Another button-related issue is that the home and screenshot buttons sit nearly flush with the plastic housing, making them tough to feel for without looking.
$60
The Good
- Includes dock and 2.4GHz dongle
- Highly customizable
- Comfortable for small hands
Supported platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC, Steam Deck, mobile / Connectivity: Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, wired / Connector type: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: Yes, two / App customization: Yes / Rumble: Yes / NFC: No / Motion: Yes / Power: Built-in rechargeable 1,000mAh battery / Console wake-up: Yes / Native Switch 2 OS support: No
8BitDo’s Pro 3 is a great yet pricey Switch 2 Pro alternative with a PlayStation-style stick layout. At $69.99, it’s not as affordable (nor as value-packed) as the top contenders. However, the Pro 3 offers a lot of customization, some being cosmetic, while other aspects can impact gameplay.
It has a lot going for it, with TMR joysticks, two back paddles, and a total of three shoulder buttons per side thanks to new custom M buttons. Its analog stick caps can be popped off in favor of glossy arcade stick-style nubs, which were my preferred choice in fighting games (plus, they just look cool). Its ABXY buttons can be suctioned off with an included tool to swap the layout as needed, and for visual flair, each controller includes colored buttons to evoke a retro Nintendo console. Also, it has trigger locks, letting you set triggers to have a short, clicky pull or the default travel distance.
However, I’d skip the Pro 3 if you want good rumble feedback. It’s pretty lousy on that front, to the point that I preferred to turn off rumble entirely in games. If you’re considering the similarly priced Ultimate 2 Bluetooth, it also has poor rumble, but it’s a great controller otherwise that offers similar features with an Xbox-style stick layout.
Read my full 8BitDo Pro 3 review.
Update, May 20th: Adjusted pricing / availability, and added a related links for our impressions of Dbrand’s Joy-Lock grips for the Joy-Con 2, as well as for relevant news on the Switch 2 price increase coming in September.
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Gail Barr expected birthday calls on her 70th birthday. She got plenty of sweet messages from family and friends. Then one voicemail turned her day upside down. The caller claimed to be Chief Deputy Derek Elmore with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. He said Gail had an urgent legal matter involving court documents from an Arizona judge. When Gail called back, the story got scarier.
She had missed jury duty, the caller said. Now she needed to pay a nearly $10,000 fine or risk arrest. Gail is a nurse practitioner. She knows how to handle medical pressure. But a missed jury duty threat felt different. “Well, I didn’t know,” Gail said on the CyberGuy Report podcast at cyberguy.com/podcast, “I know medical things, but I didn’t know how that worked.” That confusion helped the scammer pull her deeper into a jury duty crypto scam.
6 CRYPTO SCAM SCRIPTS CRIMINALS USE TO STEAL YOUR MONEY
Scammers told Gail Barr to stay on the phone, withdraw cash and use a Bitcoin machine to avoid arrest for missing jury duty. (Getty Images/Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
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How the jury duty crypto scam fooled Gail
The scammer did not sound like a random criminal. He used real local names and official-sounding titles. Gail said the voicemail mentioned Judge Jennifer Zipes. She checked the name and found that Jennifer Zipes was indeed an Arizona judge. She also looked up Derek Elmore and found a law enforcement connection. That made the call feel real.
Gail said she was transferred to someone who claimed to be Police Captain John Bailey. He gave her a badge number. He also told her she had been hand-selected for a grand jury case because of her medical background. That detail hit hard. Gail had worked in nursing and as a nurse practitioner. So the story felt possible.
“They said that I was hand-selected by the judge to appear in a grand jury, a medical malpractice case, because of my background in nursing,” Gail said. “So that kind of rang a bell that I believed them.” Then came the threat. The caller claimed Gail had signed a subpoena, failed to appear in court and now faced citations for contempt of court and failure to appear.
Why the fake sheriff’s call felt so real
Scammers know how to use fear. They also know how to use pieces of real information to make a lie sound believable. That is what happened to Gail. The caller used the names of real people. He knew enough about her work to make the story fit. He also sounded calm and official.
Gail said there were “no accents involved” and that the call sounded “totally legit.” When I asked her if it was a legitimate call, Gail’s answer was direct. “Not at all,” she said. Still, in the moment, the pressure worked. “Something seemed a little weird, I think, but I just kept going because I was frightened,” Gail said. That is the part scammers count on. They want you scared enough to act before you think.
The $9,260 demand that sent Gail to a Bitcoin ATM
The caller told Gail she needed to pay $9,260. He called it a payment through a “federal bonding kiosk.” That phrase sounds official. But it was really a Bitcoin machine inside a Circle K. Gail said she did not know much about Bitcoin. Her son did, but the scammer told her not to call anyone. “They said you cannot get off the phone with us,” Gail said. “You must stay on the phone the whole time.”
The caller claimed they needed to make sure she did not “skip town.” He also told her not to tell the bank why she needed the cash. That is one of the biggest red flags in this entire story. Gail withdrew the money. Then she went to the crypto kiosk. The scammer sent her an official-looking barcode that appeared to come from the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.
She scanned it and fed the cash into the machine. “We had to do it, like, five different times because there was a limit to how much you could put in at once,” Gail said. “I was getting very tired. I was so tired.” By the end, Gail had deposited $9,260. “And that was money that I had worked for,” Gail said. “I went back to work to help pay for my son’s medical bills.”
Jury duty scammers may use real judges’ names, fake badge numbers and arrest threats to pressure victims into sending cryptocurrency. (Anna Barclay/Getty Images)
The crypto scam did not stop after Gail paid
After Gail sent the money, the scammer told her to go to the sheriff’s department. Then he suddenly claimed there was another problem. This time, he said Gail had a federal citation. He wanted another $12,000. Gail said she did not have that much money. So the scammer lowered the demand to $3,000 and sent her to another bank. That second bank visit saved her from losing more.
The bank manager asked what the money was for. Gail gave the excuse that the scammer had told her to use. Then the manager asked whether she planned to give the money to her son that day. That question broke through the fear. Gail said no. The manager took her aside and talked with her. He knew something was wrong.
How Gail got her jury duty scam money back
After Gail realized what had happened, she went home and told her husband and son. She also contacted a local news reporter. That is how Gail learned about Arizona’s Cryptocurrency Kiosk License Fraud Prevention law. “It went into effect a month before my scam,” Gail said. “And what it does is it protects people like myself who have been scammed to get all of their money back.”
Arizona’s law requires crypto kiosk operators to provide fraud warnings, transaction receipts, daily limits and refund protections for certain victims who report fraud within the required time window. The Arizona Corporation Commission says the law took effect Sept. 26, 2025. Gail moved fast. “You have to file a police report within 30 days,” she said. “And you have to contact the cryptocurrency kiosk, Bitcoin Machine Company. I also made a report to the attorney general.” After she completed the steps, Gail got her money back by check. “It was a good birthday present,” she said.
States with crypto ATM fraud laws
Crypto ATM scams have become a major problem. AARP reports that cryptocurrency kiosks were used in scams tied to more than $389 million in reported losses in 2025. Adults 60 and older accounted for 86% of reported losses in cases where the victim’s age was known. AARP also reports that 29 states had passed crypto kiosk laws as of April 2026. These laws can include transaction limits, fraud warning signs, licensing rules and receipt requirements. Indiana became the first state to enact a statewide ban. Tennessee later became the second state to enact a ban.
States publicly identified in AARP reporting and related coverage as having enacted crypto ATM protections, restrictions, or bans include: California, Connecticut, Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee, Vermont, and Wisconsin.
Some states regulate the machines instead of banning them. Others limit daily deposits, require warning signs or force operators to help refund fraud victims. California and Connecticut were among the first states to pass crypto ATM laws in 2023. Vermont extended a moratorium on new crypto kiosks to July 1, 2026. Nebraska passed statewide legislation in 2025. Iowa passed a crypto kiosk consumer protection law in 2025.
THIS IS WHAT YOU ARE DOING WRONG WHEN SCAMMERS CALL
Authorities warn that real courts do not demand jury duty fines through Bitcoin ATMs, gift cards, wire transfers or payment apps. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Red flags in a jury duty crypto scam
This scam had several warning signs. Knowing them can help you stop the same trick before it drains your account.
A caller threatens arrest
Real courts do not demand instant payment over the phone to make an arrest warrant disappear.
The caller tells you to stay on the phone
Scammers do this so you cannot call family, police or the real court.
The caller says not to tell the bank
A real law enforcement officer will not tell you to lie about why you need cash.
The caller sends you to a crypto kiosk
Courts, sheriff’s offices and government agencies do not collect fines through Bitcoin ATMs.
The caller uses real names
Scammers often use public information to make the lie feel real.
The caller creates panic
They want you scared, tired and rushed.
Tips to protect yourself from a jury duty scam
Here are the warning signs to watch for and the simple steps that can help you avoid falling for a jury duty scam.
1) Hang up and verify the claim yourself
Hang up if someone says you will be arrested unless you pay immediately. Then call the court directly using a number from an official government website. Do not use the phone number left in the voicemail. Also, avoid links sent by text or email. Scammers can spoof phone numbers, copy official names and build fake websites that look convincing. Use strong antivirus software, to help block malicious links, fake websites and phishing messages before they trick you into handing over personal information. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com
2) Never pay a court fine through a Bitcoin ATM
A real court will not demand payment through cryptocurrency, gift cards, wire transfers or payment apps. That means any request to visit a Bitcoin machine should stop the conversation. The same goes for a caller who says the machine is a “bonding kiosk” or “federal kiosk.” Those phrases are meant to make the scam sound official.
3) Talk to someone before you withdraw cash
Call a spouse, an adult child, a friend, an attorney or a local court clerk before withdrawing money. A quick conversation can break the scammer’s hold. Scammers often tell victims to stay on the phone to maintain control. They do not want you to hear a calm second opinion. If a caller says you cannot hang up, hang up anyway.
4) Tell the bank what is really happening
Ask your bank for help if you feel rushed, scared or confused. Tell the teller or bank manager exactly what the caller said. Do not use the cover story the scammer gave you. Gail was told to say the money was for her son. That kind of instruction is a major red flag. A real law enforcement officer will not tell you to lie to your bank.
Scammers told Gail Barr to stay on the phone, withdraw cash and use a Bitcoin machine to avoid arrest for missing jury duty. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
5) Check your jury duty status through the court
Look up your jury duty status through your county court website. You can also call the clerk’s office directly. Do not click a link sent by the caller. Some jury duty scammers now use fake websites to collect personal information and steal money.
6) Watch for personal details that make the scam feel real
Scammers may know your name, job, address or family details. That does not make the call legitimate. Much of that information can come from public records, data broker sites or past data breaches. If a caller uses personal details to scare you, pause before you react.
7) Use a data removal service to reduce your online exposure
Consider using a data removal service to reduce the personal information scammers can find about you online. These services can help remove your name, address, phone number and other details from many people-search and data broker sites. This will not erase everything from the internet. However, it can make it harder for scammers to build a convincing story around your life, job or family. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com
HOW SCAMMERS BUILD A PROFILE ON YOU USING DATA BROKERS
What to do if you already paid a crypto scammer
If you already sent money through a crypto kiosk, speed matters. Acting quickly can help you document the fraud, secure your accounts and possibly qualify for protections in your state.
Act fast after a crypto scam payment
Move quickly if you have already sent money through a crypto kiosk. Time can matter, especially in states with refund protections. Some state crypto ATM laws require victims to report the fraud within a set window. In Gail’s case, Arizona’s law required fast action, including a police report and contact with the kiosk operator.
File a police report right away
Start with a police report. Ask for a copy or report number. You may need that report when you contact the crypto kiosk company, your bank, your state attorney general or any consumer protection agency.
Contact the crypto kiosk operator
Check the receipt or the machine for the crypto kiosk operator’s contact information. Then report the fraud directly to the company. Share the transaction details, time, location, barcode or wallet address if you have it. Also, provide the police report number.
Report the scam to federal agencies
Report the scam to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov. Also, file a report with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. These reports help federal agencies track scam patterns. They may also create a record you can use when dealing with the kiosk operator or state officials.
Contact your state attorney general
Report the scam to your state attorney general’s office. This step can be especially important if your state has crypto kiosk protections or refund rules. Your state may also track complaints tied to specific kiosk operators. That can help investigators spot larger scam patterns.
Save every piece of evidence
Keep the receipt, barcode, phone number, voicemail, text messages and any names the caller used. Also, write down the address of the kiosk and the time of each transaction. Do not delete anything, even if it feels embarrassing. Those details may help law enforcement, the kiosk operator or your state consumer protection office review the case.
Ask your bank to secure your accounts
Contact your bank after the scam. Even if the crypto payment cannot be reversed, the bank can help protect your accounts. Ask about new debit cards, password changes, account alerts and extra verification steps. Also, review recent transactions for anything suspicious.
Gail Barr lost nearly $10,000 after a fake sheriff’s office caller claimed she missed jury duty and had to pay through a Bitcoin ATM. (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
Kurt’s key takeaways
Gail’s story shows how fast a normal day can turn into a financial emergency. One fake sheriff’s call, one believable legal threat and one Bitcoin machine almost cost her nearly $10,000 for good. The most important lesson is simple. Fear is the scammer’s favorite tool. They want you rushed, isolated and too embarrassed to ask for help. Gail got her money back because Arizona had a new law, and she acted fast. Many victims never recover a dime. That is why these crypto kiosk laws matter. They give people a fighting chance after scammers use technology to make cash vanish. If someone calls and says you missed jury duty, pause before you panic. Real courts do not solve legal problems through a Bitcoin ATM at a convenience store. To hear more of Gail’s story, check out the CyberGuy Report podcast at cyberguy.com/podcast
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Should crypto ATMs be allowed in convenience stores if scammers keep using them to drain people’s savings? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com
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