Technology
Scammers are using fake news, malicious links to target you in an emotional Facebook phishing trap
Beware of a new scam that preys on your emotions on Facebook.
Scammers are hacking into people’s Facebook accounts, posting sad messages like “I can’t believe he’s gone,” and tagging you or other people to get your attention.
You might think they are mourning a loved one and want to offer your condolences, but don’t fall for it.
It’s a trick to make you click on harmful links that could compromise your security or privacy.
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Fake news articles and links (Georgetown Police Department)
How scammers use fake news and fake emotions to steal your Facebook password
The scam starts with a post from someone you know that says, “I can’t believe he is gone. I’m gonna miss him so much.” The post has a link to a supposed news article or video, but it is actually a trap. If you click the link, you are taken to a fake web page that asks you to log in to Facebook. If you do, you are giving away your Facebook password to the scammers. There is no news article or video, only a clever way to steal your identity.
THIS FACEBOOK MESSENGER PHISHING SCAM IS STEALING MILLIONS OF PASSWORDS
The scammers use hacked Facebook accounts to spread these “I can’t believe he is gone” phishing links. The posts look like they are from your friends and relatives, which makes them hard to resist. If you fall victim to this scam, the scammers can use your Facebook account to post the same message to your contacts and lure more people into their scam.
Fake news article with video posted on Facebook (Reddit)
MORE: DON’T FALL FOR THAT “LOOK WHO DIED” FACEBOOK MESSAGE TRAP
How the ‘I can’t believe he’s gone’ scam works to trick you
The “I can’t believe he’s gone” Facebook scam is a clever scheme to trick you into clicking. Let’s analyze the mental and social techniques that make it so effective.
Pretends to be a friend
The scam post looks like it comes from one of your Facebook friends. But in reality, your friend’s account has been taken over or copied by a scammer. The familiar name and photo make it seem like a personal message. You are more likely to pay attention to shocking news from a friend than from a stranger.
Exploits your emotions with a sad story
The post starts with, “I can’t believe he’s gone, I’m gonna miss him so much.” This makes you think that the person has lost someone close to them. The emotional tone appeals to your sympathy, making you want to watch the video to find out what happened.
Uses a fake news headline to convince you
The fake headline from a reputable news source like CNN or BBC News gives the impression of authenticity. You are used to trusting major media outlets, so a headline from them seems reliable. This makes you believe that the tragedy is real.
Makes you curious to see more
The shocking post and article headline create a strong curiosity. Who died? How did it happen? You feel the need to watch the video for answers. This is exactly what the scammers want you to do.
Shows a video thumbnail to confirm your fears
The video thumbnail shows a car accident or another disaster that supposedly caused the death. You tend to trust what you see with your own eyes. This image makes the accident seem real and tangible.
Lowers your guard with a friend’s name
Seeing a friend share such sad news makes you less suspicious. Your first reaction is to offer support, not to doubt if it’s true. This trust in friends helps the scam avoid Facebook’s spam detection.
Takes you away from Facebook to steal your password
By sending you to an external site, the scam avoids any warnings you might get on Facebook. On Facebook, you can see where the links go before you open them. But these redirects hide the destination.
Woman on Facebook (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
MORE: HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM SOCIAL MEDIA SCAMMERS
5 ways to protect yourself against phishing scams on Facebook
1) Don’t click the link: Make sure to hover your cursor above the link to see what it reads; usually, legitimate news sources have their names in the URL. It is best to go directly to the news source and search for the specific story you are looking to read.
2) Remember that people on Facebook get their accounts hacked all the time: Even if you are tagged, make sure you only open links from people you actually know well. And even before you do, look for changes in activity or behavior from the profile you are looking at.
3) Confirm with the friend: If you have doubts, contact the friend who posted the message to verify it. They probably didn’t know their account was used for a scam.
4) Look at the Comments: Often, other users will expose scams in the comments. Check if anyone is saying it’s a hoax or a breach.
5) Have good antivirus software on all your devices: Having antivirus software on your devices will make sure you are stopped from clicking on any potential malicious links that may install malware on your devices, allowing hackers to gain access to your personal information. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices.
MORE: GHOST-HACKING: HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM SCAMS FROM BEYOND THE GRAVE OF THOSE YOU KNEW
What to do if you click on the ‘I can’t believe he’s gone’ link?
Exit the fraudulent page or video immediately: Do not stay on the website or video that the link opened. The longer you are there, the more danger you face. Leave the page as soon as possible without entering any information or downloading anything.
Perform a malware scan with your antivirus software: Some redirects may secretly download or install malware such as viruses, Trojans, spyware and other harmful programs on your device. Use your antivirus software to scan for any malware and remove it before it causes any damage or steals any data.
Reset your Facebook password: Your Facebook account may have been hacked. To prevent further access by hackers on another device, go to Facebook’s security settings and change your password. Make sure it is different from your other passwords and hard to guess. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.
Turn on two-factor authentication for Facebook: Two-factor authentication makes your Facebook account more secure. After resetting your password on another device, go to the two-factor settings on that other device and enable it. This means that you will need your password and another verification method, such as a code or biometrics, to log in.
Monitor your accounts for any unusual activity: Keep an eye on your social, financial and email accounts for any changes that you did not make. Hackers may use your Facebook account to break into other accounts linked to it.
Review your credit reports and freeze your credit: If you shared any personal information, you may be at risk of identity theft. Get your credit reports from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion and look for any accounts that you did not open. You may want to freeze your credit with each bureau to prevent criminals from opening new accounts in your name.
Use identity theft protection: Given the sneaky rise of Facebook phishing scams that use fake news and dodgy links to play on our emotions, it’s important to up our game in staying safe. That’s where identity theft protection comes into play. Identity theft protection companies can monitor personal information like your home title, Social Security Number, phone number and email address and alert you if it is 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. See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft.
Be careful of related scams via phone and email: Watch out for suspicious calls or emails that may be related to the scam as a result of you inadvertently revealing your personal information, such as an email or your phone number. Scammers often use various tactics to deceive you into divulging sensitive information. Once scammers have this information, they can use it to perpetrate further scams, such as phishing attempts or identity theft. Do not answer or click on any links or attachments. They may try to trick you into giving more information or money.
The word scam over a Facebook account (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Kurt’s key takeaways
With life moving at the speed of life, it is hard to recognize a scam on Facebook, especially when you’ve been tagged on an emotional post by someone you know. But it pays to slow down before you respond to or click on Facebook posts pulling at your heartstrings.
Have you ever encountered a scam post like the one described in the article? How did you react? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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Copyright 2024 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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Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
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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