Technology
How scammers target grieving victims through online games
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For many people, games like Words With Friends are a relaxing way to pass the time. You play a few rounds, chat with opponents and enjoy a little mental exercise. But scammers have quietly turned these casual games into hunting grounds.
They look for players who appear friendly, are older, or are recently widowed. Then they start a conversation. At first, it feels harmless. A compliment. A friendly message. A question about where you live.
Weeks later, the conversation often shifts to money. Angela from Lake Mary, MN, recently wrote to us about a situation that has her entire family worried.
“My sister, who lost her Doctor husband of 56 years 1.5 years ago, is communicating with a man she met on an internet game, “Words with Friends”. She is buying him gift cards and giving him the number so he can cash them. My nephews took her to their local police dept and they told her it’s a scam! Dangerous and to STOP. She doesn’t believe anyone!!! Is there a way to find out where these emails and texts are coming from??? We are very concerned! Hope you have some advice.” Angela, Lake Mary, MN
Angela’s situation is heartbreaking. Sadly, it is also very common. Authorities consider these romance scams. They cost victims billions each year. According to the Federal Trade Commission, romance scams remain one of the most expensive fraud categories reported by consumers.
NEW FBI WARNING REVEALS PHISHING ATTACKS HITTING PRIVATE CHATS
Scammers are using casual word games like Words With Friends to target older and grieving players, often turning friendly chats into costly gift card fraud. (Anastasiia Havrysh/Getty Images)
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How the Words With Friends scam usually begins
Scammers often start inside casual apps where conversation feels natural. Games like Words With Friends allow players to chat during matches. That simple feature creates the perfect entry point for criminals.
The pattern often follows the same steps. First, the scammer begins a friendly conversation during a game. Next, they ask to move the conversation to email, text or a messaging app. Then they begin building emotional trust. Many claim to be widowed, traveling for work or working overseas.
Eventually, a crisis appears. They claim they need help paying a bill, fixing a problem or buying supplies. Finally, they ask for money through gift cards. Once the gift card numbers are sent, the money is usually gone.
Why gift cards are a major warning sign
Gift cards are one of the biggest red flags in scams. Criminals prefer them because they are fast and difficult to trace. Once someone shares the numbers on the back of the card, the scammer can redeem the balance immediately.
There is almost no way to recover the money after that. Legitimate people do not ask strangers or online acquaintances for gift cards. If someone you met online asks for them, treat it as a serious warning sign.
Can you find where the emails or texts are coming from?
Angela asked whether it is possible to trace the messages. Sometimes it is. Often it is difficult. Scammers work hard to hide their identity and location.
They often use:
- VoIP numbers such as Google Voice
- Email accounts created specifically for scams
- VPN services that hide their true location
Because of this, a message may appear to come from the United States even if the scammer is overseas. Still, there are a few steps that can sometimes uncover clues.
Check the full email headers for clues
If the communication is happening by email, the full email header may reveal the route the message traveled. Headers sometimes contain the originating IP address. That address may show the country where the email began its journey.
Free tools such as Google’s Messageheader analyzer, MXToolbox and Microsoft’s Message Header Analyzer can break down email headers and show the path a message traveled across mail servers.
While this information will not usually reveal the scammer’s true identity, it can sometimes indicate the network or country where the email originated.
APPLE PAY TEXT SCAM ALMOST COST HER $15,000
Romance scammers are moving from dating apps to online games, where casual conversation can quickly turn into requests for gift cards and money. (Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Reverse search the photos
Romance scammers almost always steal photos from real people. Those photos often come from social media profiles or professional websites. You can upload the images to reverse search tools such as Google Images.
If the same photo appears under multiple names or accounts, that is strong evidence of a scam. Showing that proof sometimes helps victims reconsider what is happening.
Search the phone number or username
Another simple step is searching for the contact information online. Enter the phone number, email address or username along with words like scam or romance scam.
Many scammers reuse the same identity across multiple victims. In some cases, other people have already reported the same name or number. Finding those reports can help reveal the pattern.
Report the account inside the game
If the conversation began on Words With Friends, the account can be reported directly through the game. Companies investigate reports and often remove accounts involved in fraud.
That action will not always stop the scammer completely. However, it can prevent them from targeting additional players.
The hardest part of these scams
The emotional connection can be stronger than the evidence. Scammers spend weeks building trust. They learn about the victim’s life, their losses and their fears. Then they present themselves as someone who understands.
For someone who is grieving or lonely, that connection can feel very real. Experts often recommend approaching the situation carefully.
Avoid accusations or heated arguments. Instead, focus on protecting finances and calmly presenting evidence.
Family members may also help by monitoring financial activity or encouraging a pause before sending money.
GOOGLE SEARCH LED TO A COSTLY SCAM CALL
Experts warn that scammers often build trust for weeks inside games and messaging apps before inventing a crisis and asking victims to send gift cards. (Suzanne Kreiter/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
How to stay safe from Words With Friends and romance scams
Romance scams continue to grow. A few practical steps can help reduce the risk.
1) Be cautious with strangers in online games
Friendly chat inside games can easily become manipulation. Be careful when strangers try to move the conversation elsewhere.
2) Never send gift cards to someone you met online
Gift cards are one of the most common tools used in scams. Treat any request for them as a warning sign.
3) Reverse search profile photos
Running a quick image search can reveal stolen photos used by scammers.
4) Talk to family before sending money
A second opinion can stop a scam before it becomes expensive.
5) Report scams to authorities
If you suspect fraud, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Reports help investigators track organized criminal networks.
6) Keep conversations inside the game platform
Scammers almost always try to move the conversation to text, email or messaging apps. Staying inside the game platform makes it easier to report suspicious behavior.
7) Monitor credit and financial accounts
Some scammers eventually ask victims for personal details such as bank information or identification documents. Monitoring your credit reports and financial accounts can help detect suspicious activity early. See my tips and best picks on Best Identity Theft Protection at Cyberguy.com.
8) Reduce how much personal information appears online
Scammers often research potential victims through people-search websites and public records. Limiting the personal details that appear online can make it harder for criminals to target you. 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.
9) Watch for sudden emergencies or travel stories
Romance scammers often claim they are working overseas, stuck on an oil rig or deployed in the military. These stories are designed to explain why they cannot meet in person.
Kurt’s key takeaways
Angela’s story shows how easily these scams can begin. They often start in places that feel harmless. A simple word game. A friendly chat. A conversation that slowly becomes personal. By the time money enters the picture, the emotional bond may already feel strong. That is why families must focus on patience and protection. Helping someone step back from a scam can take time, but support and evidence can make a difference.
If a friendly opponent in a simple word game started messaging you every day, would you recognize the moment when the conversation turns into a scam? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
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Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Technology
Microsoft’s Edge Copilot update uses AI to pull information from across your tabs
Microsoft Edge is adding a new feature that will allow its Copilot AI chatbot to gather information from all of your open tabs. When you start a conversation with Copilot, you can ask the chatbot questions about what’s in your tabs, compare the products you’re looking at, summarize your open articles, and more.
In its announcement, Microsoft says you can “select which experiences you want or leave off the ones you don’t.” The company is retiring Copilot Mode as well, which could similarly draw information from your tabs but offered some agentic features, like the ability to book a reservation on your behalf. Microsoft has since folded these agentic capabilities into its “Browse with Copilot” tool.
Several other AI features are coming to Edge, including an AI-powered “Study and Learn” mode that can turn the article you’re looking at into a study session or interactive quiz. There’s a new tool that turns your tabs into AI-powered podcasts as well, similar to what you’d find on NotebookLM, and an AI writing assistant that will pop up when you start entering text on a webpage.
You can also give Copilot permission to access your browsing history to provide more “relevant, high-quality answers,” according to Microsoft. Copilot in Edge on desktop and mobile will come with “long-term memory” as well, which can tailor its responses based on your previous conversations. And, when you open up a new tab, you’ll see a redesigned page that combines chat, search, and web navigation, along with the Journeys feature, which uses AI to organize your browsing history into categories that you can revisit.
Meanwhile, an update to Edge’s mobile app will allow you to share your screen with Copilot and talk through the questions about what you’re seeing. Microsoft says you’ll see “clear visual cues” when Copilot is active, “so you know when it’s taking an action, helping, listening, or viewing.”
Technology
Apple’s $250M Siri settlement: Are you owed cash?
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If you bought a newer iPhone because Apple made Siri sound like it was about to become your personal artificial intelligence sidekick, you may want to pay attention.
Apple has agreed to pay $250 million to settle a class-action lawsuit over claims that it misled customers about new Apple Intelligence and Siri features. The case centers on the iPhone 16 launch and certain iPhone 15 models that were marketed as ready for Apple’s next wave of AI. The settlement still needs court approval, and Apple denies wrongdoing.
The lawsuit argues that Apple promoted a smarter, more personal Siri before those features were actually available. For some buyers, that was a big deal. A new iPhone can cost hundreds of dollars, and many people upgrade only when they think they are getting something meaningfully new.
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WHY IPHONE USERS ARE THE NEW PRIME SCAM TARGETS
U.S. buyers of certain iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 Pro models may qualify for payments if a judge approves Apple’s proposed settlement. (Getty Images)
What Apple is accused of promising
Apple introduced Apple Intelligence in June 2024 and promoted it as a major step forward for iPhone, iPad and Mac. A key part of that pitch was a more personalized Siri that could understand context, work across apps and help with everyday tasks in a more useful way.
The lawsuit claims Apple’s marketing made consumers believe those advanced Siri features would arrive with the iPhone 16 or soon after. Instead, buyers received phones that had some Apple Intelligence tools, but not the full Siri overhaul that many expected.
That gap is the heart of the case. Plaintiffs say customers bought or upgraded devices based on AI features that were not ready. Apple says it has rolled out many Apple Intelligence features and settled the case, so it can stay focused on its products.
How much money could iPhone owners get?
The proposed settlement creates a $250 million fund. Eligible customers who file approved claims are expected to receive at least $25 per eligible device. That amount could rise to as much as $95 per device, depending on how many people file claims and other settlement factors.
That means this will not be a huge payday for most people. Still, if you bought one of the covered phones, it may be worth watching for a claim notice. A few minutes of paperwork could put some money back in your pocket.
Which iPhones may qualify?
The proposed settlement covers U.S. buyers who purchased any iPhone 16 model, iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max between June 10, 2024, and March 29, 2025.
Covered iPhone 16 models include the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 16e. The settlement also includes the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, but not every iPhone 15 model.
The key details are the device model, the purchase date and whether the phone was bought in the United States.
HOW YOU CAN GET A SLICE OF APPLE’S $250M IPHONE SETTLEMENT
Apple has agreed to pay $250 million to settle claims it misled customers about Apple Intelligence and Siri features on newer iPhones. (Michael Nagle/Bloomberg)
How will you file a claim?
You do not need to do anything immediately. The settlement still needs a judge’s approval. Once the claims process opens, eligible customers are expected to receive a notice by email or mail with instructions on how to file through a settlement website.
That notice matters because scammers love moments like this. A real settlement notice should not ask for your Apple ID password, bank login or payment to claim your money. If you receive a message about this settlement, do not click blindly. Go slowly, check the sender and look for the official settlement administrator details once they are available.
Why this case matters beyond one Siri feature
This case hits a bigger nerve. Tech companies are racing to sell AI as the next must-have feature. That creates a problem for shoppers. You are often asked to buy now based on what a company says will arrive later.
That can be frustrating when the feature is the reason you upgraded. A smarter Siri sounds useful. A phone that can understand your personal context, search across apps and help with daily tasks could save time. But if those tools are delayed, limited or missing, the value of the upgrade changes.
This settlement also sends a message about AI marketing. Companies can talk about future features, but consumers need clear timing and plain explanations. “Coming soon” can mean very different things when you are spending $800, $1,000 or more.
We reached out to Apple for comment, but did not hear back before our deadline.
FIRST 15 THINGS TO DO OR TRY FIRST WHEN YOU GET A NEW IPHONE
Apple denies wrongdoing but agreed to settle claims tied to its marketing of Apple Intelligence and Siri features. (Qilai Shen/Bloomberg)
What this means to you
If you bought a covered iPhone during the settlement period, keep an eye on your email and regular mail. You may qualify for a payment if the court approves the deal.
You should also keep your receipt or proof of purchase if you have it. Your Apple purchase history, carrier account or retailer receipt may help if the claim process asks for details.
More broadly, this is a reminder to treat AI features like any other big tech promise. Before you upgrade, ask one simple question: Can the feature do what is being advertised today, or is the company asking me to wait?
That question can save you from buying a device for a future feature that may arrive much later than expected.
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Kurt’s key takeaways
Apple has built its brand on making technology feel polished, personal and easy to use. That is why this Siri settlement hits a nerve. People were buying phones they use every day for texts, photos, directions, reminders and everything in between. Many expected AI to make those everyday tasks easier, which is why the delay felt frustrating. The proposed payout may be modest, but the bigger issue is trust. When a company sells AI as a reason to upgrade, customers deserve to know what actually works now and what is still coming later.
Would you still buy a new phone for promised AI features, or would you wait until they actually show up? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.
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Technology
Instagram hits the copy button again with new disappearing Instants photos
Instagram is once again cribbing from competitors like Snapchat and BeReal with a new photo-sharing format it calls “Instants,” which are ephemeral photos that you can’t edit and that you can only share with your close friends or followers that follow you back. Instants are available globally beginning on Wednesday as a feature in the inbox in the Instagram app and as a separate app that’s now in testing in select countries.
To access Instants from the Instagram app, go to your DM inbox and look in the bottom-right corner for an icon or a stack of photos. After you post a photo, your friends can emoji react to it and send a reply to your DMs, but after they see it, the photo disappears for them. Instants also disappear after 24 hours, and they can’t be captured in screenshots or screen recordings.
However, your Instants will remain in an archive for you for up to a year, and you can reshare them as a recap to your Instagram Stories if you’d like. You can also undo sending an Instant right after you post it or delete it from your archive.
The Instants mobile app, which popped up in Italy and Spain in April, gives you “immediate access to the camera” and only requires an Instagram account, Instagram says. “Instants you share on the separate app will show up for friends on Instagram and vice versa. We’re trying this separate app out to see how our community uses it, and we’ll continue to evolve it as we learn more.”
Instagram, in its testing, has seen that people “tend to use Instants to share much more casual, much more authentic moments about their day,” according to Instagram boss Adam Mosseri. “And we know that this type of sharing of personal moments with friends is a core part of what makes Instagram Instagram, but we also know that a lot of people don’t really share a lot to their profile grids anymore.”
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