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How ‘Yahoo Boys’ use real-time face-swapping to carry out elaborate romance scams

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How ‘Yahoo Boys’ use real-time face-swapping to carry out elaborate romance scams

We’ve all heard of catfish scams – when someone pretends to be a lover on the other side of the screen, but instead, they aren’t who they say they are once their real face is revealed. Now, there’s a similar scam on the rise, and it’s much more sophisticated because scammers can fake the face, too. The scam is known as the “Yahoo Boys” scam, and it’s taking “catfishing” to a whole new level.

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Woman on laptop making a heart sign (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How does deepfake technology work?

Deepfake technology uses AI to allow people to impersonate others over audio or video. The technology is essentially able to replicate someone’s face, facial expressions, gestures, voice, etc., so that the scammer can pretend to be someone they aren’t with almost perfect accuracy. Although deepfake technology has some intentions for good – like in the film industry or advertising (though there are some debates regarding the ethics of this) – it’s generally used for more malicious purposes than anything else.

Because it’s very difficult to tell whether or not a deepfake is the real person or a deepfake (and also because deepfakes are relatively new), deepfakes can have the potential to do a lot of damage. From the larger implications of it being used to spread inaccurate news stories that can sway public opinion and political processes to it being used to inflict damage on individuals with scams, it’s important to know what to watch out for.

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How ‘Yahoo Boys’ use real-time face-swapping to carry out elaborate romance scams

Woman with a scan on her face (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: EXPOSING THE TOP SCAMS TARGETING COSTCO SHOPPERS

What is the ‘Yahoo Boys’ scam?

The “Yahoo Boys” scam involves a group of sophisticated cybercriminals, primarily based in Nigeria, who are using this technology to conduct what’s otherwise known as romance scams. Like some catfishing attempts, they first build trust with victims through personal and romantic interactions over messaging and, eventually, video calls, where they then manipulate their appearances in real time to match the description and profile they may have shared with them up until that point.

By doing this, they can trick the victim into trusting them even more. This is because most of us still use video as a way to verify a person’s identity, when messaging isn’t convincing enough. Finally, when the timing is right, the victims are often persuaded into transferring money based on various fabricated scenarios, leading to significant financial losses. In fact, the FBI reported over $650 million lost to romance scams like these.

How ‘Yahoo Boys’ use real-time face-swapping to carry out elaborate romance scams

Man on his cellphone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: DON’T FALL FOR THESE SNEAKY TAX SCAMS THAT ARE OUT TO STEAL YOUR IDENTITY AND MONEY

How does it actually work?

In the case of the “Yahoo Boys” scam, the scammers do their dirty work by:

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Step 1: The scammer will use two smartphones or a combination of a smartphone and a laptop. One device is used to conduct the video call with the victim, while the other runs face-swapping software.

Step 2: On a secondary device, the scammer activates face-swapping software. This device’s camera films the scammer’s face, and the software adds a digital mask over it. This mask is a realistic replica of another person’s facial features, which the scammer has chosen to impersonate. The software is sophisticated enough to track and mimic the scammer’s facial movements and expressions in real time, altering everything from skin tone and facial structure to hair and gender to match the chosen identity.

Step 3: For the video call, the scammer uses a primary device with its rear camera aimed at the secondary device’s screen. This screen shows the deepfake – the digitally altered face. The rear camera captures this and sends it to the victim, who sees the deepfake as if it’s the scammer’s actual face. To make the illusion more convincing, the devices are stabilized on stands, and ring lights provide even, flattering lighting. This setup ensures that the deepfake appears clear and stable, tricking the victim into believing they’re seeing a real person.

Step 4: Throughout the call, the scammer speaks using their own voice, although in some setups, voice-altering technology might also be used to match the voice to the deep-faked face. This comprehensive disguise allows the scammer to interact naturally with the victim, reinforcing the illusion.

Though each deepfake scam is different, having a basic level of understanding in terms of how scams like these work can help you recognize them.

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How ‘Yahoo Boys’ use real-time face-swapping to carry out elaborate romance scams

Scammer typing on a keyboard (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How to stay safe from deepfake scams

To protect yourself from deepfake scams like the “Yahoo Boys” scam, here’s what you can do:

Verify identities: Always confirm the identity of individuals you meet online through video calls by asking them to perform unpredictable actions in real time, like writing a specific word on paper and showing it on camera.

Be skeptical of unusual requests: Be cautious if someone you’ve only met online requests money, personal information or any other sensitive details.

Enhance privacy settings: Adjust privacy settings on social media and other platforms to limit the amount of personal information available publicly, which can be used to create deepfake content.

Use secure communication channels: Prefer secure, encrypted platforms for communications and avoid sharing sensitive content over less secure channels.

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Educate yourself about deepfakes: Stay informed about the latest developments in deepfake technology to better recognize potentially manipulated content.

Report suspicious activity: If you encounter a potential scam or deepfake attempt, report it to the relevant authorities or platforms to help prevent further incidents.

By following these guidelines, you can reduce your risk of falling victim to sophisticated digital scams and protect your personal and financial information from falling into the hands of these scammers.

How ‘Yahoo Boys’ use real-time face-swapping to carry out elaborate romance scams

Woman talking on her cellphone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Protecting your identity in the age of deepfakes

As deepfake technology becomes more accessible and convincing, the risk of identity theft increases. Scammers can use stolen personal information to create more believable deepfakes, making it harder for you to detect fraud. Furthermore, the sophistication of deepfakes may allow criminals to bypass biometric security measures, potentially granting them unauthorized access to your personal accounts and sensitive financial information. This is where identity theft protection services become invaluable.

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Identity Theft companies can monitor personal information like your Social Security Number, phone number and email address and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or being used to open an account. They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals.

One of the best parts of using some services is that they might include identity theft insurance of up to $1 million to cover losses and legal fees and a white-glove fraud resolution team where a U.S.-based case manager helps you recover any losses. See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft.

By subscribing to a reputable identity theft protection service, you can add an extra layer of security, ensuring that your digital presence is monitored and protected against the ever-evolving tactics of cybercriminals like the “Yahoo Boys.”

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Kurt’s key takeaways

The main targets of the “Yahoo Boys” scam are individuals who establish online romantic relationships with the scammers. Because these victims are often emotionally invested and therefore more susceptible to manipulation, there’s not necessarily a specific age or demographic that can become a victim. And because we know the root of all these scams is the deepfake technology, truly anyone can become a target. So, we hope this helps, but also, be sure to spread the word to friends and family.

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Have you heard of any other types of deepfake scams? Or do you know anyone who has been a victim of scams like this? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips & 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.

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

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Fujifilm’s new X-T50 has a film simulation dial — and a questionable price

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Fujifilm’s new X-T50 has a film simulation dial — and a questionable price

Fujifilm has just announced a pair of new cameras at the company’s X Summit Sydney event. There’s the medium format GFX100S II, which frankly falls outside my scope of interest (and budget). The more mainstream of the two is the X-T50, which is a followup to — but not a replacement for — the X-T30 II, which will remain in Fujifilm’s lineup moving forward.

The X-T50 is a hodgepodge of the camera maker’s new and old tech. Let’s start with the new. The body has a fresh, more rounded shape that’s unlike anything else in the X-Series lineup, and there’s a film simulation dial right on the top, a first for any Fujifilm camera. You get several preset film sims to circle between and can choose your own for the three customizable slots — though you can’t set these to custom film recipes. Still, the dial goes to show what a vital part of Fujifilm’s appeal that these simulations have become over the years.

The X-T50 has a dial for switching between the company’s signature film simulations.
Image: Fujifilm

The X-T50 includes the same 40-megapixel sensor as the X-T5 and X-H2, plus the accompanying fifth-gen processor, so this camera offers a substantial increase in both resolution and autofocus performance compared to the X-T30 II. And it also gains a 7-stop in-body image stabilization system; the far less expensive X-T30 II lacks IBIS altogether. Continuous shooting is limited to 8fps with the mechanical shutter, whereas the X-T5 and X-H2 can both hit 15fps. For storage, there’s a single UHS-II SD card slot. Video performance has also been dialed up significantly:

The X-T50 is a far more capable video camera than the X-T30 II.
Image: Fujifilm
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But there are still some older hardware elements to this camera. For one, you’re stuck with the last-generation battery that isn’t nearly as long-lasting. And disappointingly, the electronic viewfinder is also unchanged from the X-T30 II. You do at least get the same 3-inch, 1.84-million dot rear LCD with two-way tilt as on the X-T5.

The X-T50 slots into a curious spot when it comes to pricing. If you’re buying the body alone, it’s $1,399.99, which is $500 more than the X-T30 II. But again, Fujifilm doesn’t consider this a replacement for that camera. It gets its own unique place in the lineup, which now looks like this:

The X-T50 uses Fujifilm’s last-gen battery with far less stamina than the newer design.
Image: Fujifilm

Some of the upgrades that come with stepping up to the X-T5 include water resistance, a nicer EVF, dual SD slots, better continuous shooting performance, and the newer battery with superior endurance.

Fujifilm’s kit lens is also getting a notable revamp. The company’s well-regarded 18-55mm glass is being replaced by a new, lighter 16-50mm f/2.8 – 4.8 lens that now features water resistance. (The X-T50 itself doesn’t have any official water resistance.) Fujifilm believes this lens does a better job resolving that 40MP sensor compared to the ancient 18-55mm. It’s also a constant length, so all the zooming now happens internally without the lens having to extend. Sold on its own, the new 16-50mm lens costs $699. The combined X-T50 kit runs $1,799.99, so you’re only paying $400 for the lens in that scenario.

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Freak robot made in China can learn, think, work like humans

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Freak robot made in China can learn, think, work like humans

Sometimes, you have to see it to believe it.

And in rare cases, like this one, it freaks out observers watching. In the ever-expanding world of humanoid robots, a new star is rising, and its name is Astribot. 

The Chinese company’s latest creation, the S1 model, is turning heads with its astonishing speed and precision.

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S1 AI-powered robot (Astribot)

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Astribot S1: How it’s breaking speed records

Imagine a robot that can move at a blistering pace of approximately 32.8 feet per second and handle a payload of 22 pounds per arm. That’s Astribot’s S1 for you. It’s like watching a superhero in action. Only this one is made of wires and metal.

The S1’s capabilities are not just impressive; they’re record-setting. The robot’s dexterity is showcased in a video where it performs tasks with such finesse that it can delicately shave a cucumber.

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S1 AI-powered robot (Astribot)

It can even engage in the art of calligraphy.

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S1 AI-powered robot (Astribot)

That’s not all. It can also open and pour wine and flip a sandwich in a frying pan.

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S1 AI-powered robot (Astribot)

And for those who hate ironing and folding laundry, the S1 does that, too.

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S1 AI-powered robot (Astribot)

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What sets the Astribot S1 apart from other robots?

The S1’s ability to mimic human movements sets it apart from other robots. This robot is a learner, an imitator and a potential pioneer in robotics. The questions it raises are as intriguing as its abilities. Does it have a lower half? Can it walk, or is it destined to remain stationary? These are the mysteries that have yet to be answered.

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S1 AI-powered robot (Astribot)

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The backstory of the Astribot S1 robot

Founded in 2022 in Shenzhen, the Astribot maker Stardust Intelligence has roots that trace back to the Tencent Robotics Laboratory, Baidu, and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, with its founder, Lai Jie.

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The S1 took a year to evolve and is expected to hit the market later in 2024. The robot’s name, inspired by the Latin proverb “Ad astra per aspera,” reflects its journey and commitment to AI robot technology.

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S1 AI-powered robot (Astribot)

MORE: HOW AI IS PAVING THE WAY TO SMOOTHER STREETS USING AUTONOMOUS ROBOTS

Kurt’s key takeaways

As Astribot prepares to launch the S1 robot, the world watches with bated breath. Will it revolutionize the way we think about humanoid robots? Will it outshine its competitors and set a new standard in the industry? Can the U.S. keep us with this Chinese technology? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the robot wars have begun and Astribot’s S1 is leading the charge.

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As humanoid robots become more adept at tasks traditionally performed by humans, how do you feel about the potential impact on employment and job security? 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.

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

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Samsung mocks Apple’s crushing iPad Pro ad with its own ‘UnCrush’ pitch

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Samsung mocks Apple’s crushing iPad Pro ad with its own ‘UnCrush’ pitch

On one side, responses included creatives like Hugh Grant and anyone who spotted a slightly-too-on-the-nose representation of Big Tech’s steamroller approach to art, copyright, and the past, powered by the might of generative AI tools. On the other there were the people ticked off by the knowledge that there was any backlash at all.

In response, the Samsung Mobile account on X posted this video with the hashtag “UnCrush,” which Ad Age reports was created by BBH USA and directed by Zen Pace. It shows a woman stepping over debris and spilled paint reminiscent of the end of Apple’s big hydraulic press incident and taking a seat to hum and play notes on a guitar assisted somehow by notes displayed on her Galaxy Tab S9 and the power of Galaxy AI.

A still from Samsung’s 2017 Galaxy S8 ad mocking the notch on the iPhone X.
Image: Samsung

No matter which side you’re on when it comes to the great iPad ad political divide, it’s a little fun to see Samsung trying to find a weak point in Apple’s armor again. Samsung’s marketing department used to practically specialize in this stuff, which the company’s lawyers’ argued: “drove Apple crazy,” but it seemed to run out of gas after deleting ads about iPhones dropping the in-box charging adapted. More recent attempts, like a browser-based Galaxy test drive for iPhone owners, just haven’t had the same punch as mocking that distinctive notch.

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