Your Money

Personal computers and smartphones have transitioned from "nice-to-haves" to modern-day necessities. However, they also expose us to the risk of cyber fraud, a multibillion-dollar industry.

Cyber fraud encompasses various crimes committed by cyber attackers via the internet or social apps. These crimes aim to illegally acquire and exploit sensitive information from individuals or businesses for financial gain.

Having worked in the financial industry for decades, I've undergone extensive training on identifying red flags, including annual money laundering courses to stay updated on the latest schemes. One crucial lesson I've learned is to always be wary of unsolicited online friendships and opportunities. Cybercriminals follow a proven playbook, and recognizing their patterns can help you avoid falling victim. Here’s a typical grooming process:

Day 1: The attacker gathers as much information as possible about the victim, including details about their family, job, and location, assessing their worth and vulnerability.

Day 2: The attacker inquires about the victim's hobbies and pretends to share similar interests, suggesting they would enjoy these activities together.

Day 3: The attacker engages in conversations about past relationships and, later, confesses their feelings for the victim after claiming to have had a few drinks.

Day 4: By now, the victim is usually ready to discuss business matters.

We learn these tactics from listening to victims and from the criminals themselves when they escape the crime ring. The story below details one IT professional who was kidnapped and tortured until he assumed false identities to scam victims online. This may seem like small-scale crime, but the sophistication, organization, and ruthlessness of these cyber gangs are at a professional level. The headlines have left the trade and compliance journals going to mainstream media, with several articles in the Wall Street Journal this month alone covering relationship scams.

Everyone with an email address and a cell phone receives solicitations for get-rich-quick schemes, work-from-home opportunities, and low-to-no-cost drug scams. Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it is.

Posing as ‘Alicia,’ This Man Scammed Hundreds Online.
by Lauren DeCicca

Your Life

When it comes to fitting in daily movement, there's not much that can beat walking. It's an accessible, adaptable, and equipment-free activity that can be squeezed into even the busiest schedules. While getting outdoors in the fresh air and sunlight offers unmatched benefits, sometimes hopping on a treadmill or walking pad is more manageable, especially in bad weather.

Walking outdoors provides variety, fresh air, and sunlight, which are all beneficial for your physical and mental health, and it’s generally cost-free. However, outdoor walking can be limited by weather, environmental factors, crime, wildlife, and other safety concerns.

Using a treadmill offers convenience and accessibility, control over your workout, and is gentle on your joints. The drawbacks include potential boredom and missing out on the benefits of fresh air and vitamin D from sunlight. Despite these downsides, treadmills are a safe and effective option for increasing activity levels, and they can boost blood flow, focus, and energy during breaks from sitting.

When the sun is shining and fresh air beckons, outdoor activity is hard to beat. Combining the positive effects of natural environments with physical activity amplifies nearly all the health benefits of walking. While each method has its perks and downsides, there's no reason to stick to just one. Mix things up and choose what keeps you motivated and feeling good.

How Does a Walk on a Treadmill Compare to a Walk Outdoors?
by Rachel MacPherson

Complexity Simplified

Are you a fidgeter? Nervous habits are your body’s way of combating the desire to flee from something threatening or to ease discomfort. As our level of anxiety increases, so does our reliance on coping mechanisms that manifest as nervous habits. While most hand-related nervous habits are harmless, they can indicate deeper issues like anxiety or OCD. Here are 10 common nervous habits involving your hands, what they mean, and what you can do about them.

Anxiety & OCD Signs: 10 Nervous Habits With Your Hands
by Dr. Ori Shinar

Trivia