Latest news with #FederalTradeCommission
New York Times
5 hours ago
- Business
- New York Times
Trump Moves to Silence a New Target
The Trump Administration has been open about using its power to quash political opposition. So perhaps it shouldn't be surprising that the administration is trying to stop advertisers and brands from boycotting right-leaning businesses. The latest maneuver comes from the Federal Trade Commission. Last month, it announced that it would approve the merger of two of the biggest ad agencies in the world only if the parties agree to an unusual condition: The merged company cannot refuse to place ads on websites for political reasons. The move was a sharp break from its traditional practice. The F.T.C. is usually focused on such concerns as consumer protection and monopoly power; now it's trying to dictate where businesses advertise their products. While the move would theoretically affect platforms of any political persuasion, there's little doubt that it is a thinly veiled attempt to prop up X. Formerly known as Twitter, the platform suffered an advertiser exodus after Elon Musk took it over and began using it to promote right-wing talking points, including antisemitism and conspiracy theories. In 2023, dozens of advertisers suspended their spending after two media watchdog groups, the Center for Countering Digital Hate and Media Matters, revealed how X was profiting from accounts that spread hate and misinformation and that major brands' ads were appearing near pro-Nazi content. X responded by suing both the watchdog groups, as well as an advertising trade group and several leading advertisers it accused of illegally boycotting its business. Then in May, the F.T.C. began investigating roughly a dozen advertising and advocacy groups including Media Matters to determine if they were engaged in a conspiracy or collusion by encouraging advertisers to boycott X and other websites. Media Matters has since sued the F.T.C., but in the meantime, the organization has dialed back its criticism and is considering closing in the face of steep legal fees. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Daily Mail
20 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Urgent warning over QR code scam draining Americans' bank accounts
A dangerous new scam is quietly sweeping across the United States, and all it takes is a quick scan of a QR code to potentially empty your bank account. Cybersecurity experts are warning of a sharp rise in 'quishing,' a form of phishing that uses malicious QR codes to trick users into handing over personal information, credit card details, and banking credentials. According to a recent report, more than 26 million Americans have already been duped by the scam, and the number is rising rapidly. QR codes, or 'quick response' codes, are commonly used by businesses to allow customers to access websites, menus, or payment portals simply by scanning the code with a smartphone. But criminals are now exploiting this convenience by placing counterfeit QR codes over real ones in high-traffic areas, such as parking meters, public transportation signs, restaurant tables, and even on delivery packages. Dustin Brewer, senior director of proactive cybersecurity at BlueVoyant, said: 'The most dangerous part is they are hiding in plain sight. Attackers can just print their own QR code and paste it over a real one, and you'll never know the difference.' Once scanned, the fraudulent QR codes often lead to lookalike websites designed to steal login credentials or financial data. Others may install malicious software onto the user's phone without them realizing it. Experts said many fake codes are printed on low-quality stickers or appear slightly misaligned when pasted over legitimate ones. If the design seems inconsistent with a brand's usual look or appears to be hastily added, it could be a red flag. 'These scams are low-effort but have a very high return,' Brewer said. 'Because QR codes are now everywhere, from gas pumps to flyers, people do not question them. That's exactly what scammers are counting on,' he warned. In Miami, city officials uncovered fake QR codes at seven different locations and removed more than 7,000 fraudulent stickers earlier this year. The city's Parking Authority reported that scammers had been placing counterfeit QR codes on parking meters, tricking drivers into entering their credit card information on fake payment websites that closely mimicked official portals. The scam extends beyond public infrastructure. In one case reported by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), victims received mysterious packages containing fake 'gifts' and a QR code labeled with a message prompting them to scan to find out who sent it. Instead, the code redirected users to phishing websites disguised as delivery return forms, which then requested login credentials or credit card information. Experts have also raised concerns that some of these fake QR codes can install malware onto users' phones, granting attackers full remote access without the victim's knowledge. These malicious programs can silently collect sensitive data, track activity, or even hijack device functions. A recent report from cybersecurity firm Malwarebytes found that 70 percent of iPhone users have scanned QR codes to make or complete a purchase, compared to 63 percent of Android users. Cybersecurity specialists also warn that attackers are embedding malicious QR codes into PDF attachments in phishing emails. Some of these emails impersonate trusted companies such as Microsoft or Adobe, further increasing the likelihood that unsuspecting recipients will scan the code and fall victim to the scam. In one of the ongoing scam, reported by Cisco , fraudsters are emailing QR codes disguised as a two-factor authentication reset requests to thousands of employees, tricking them into handing over internal access. To protect yourself, experts suggested to never scan QR codes from unknown sources, especially in emails, texts, or physical mail. Since most smartphones now display a preview of the website before opening it, cybersecurity experts recommend always checking that the link begins with ' and appears to be a legitimate web address. If the URL is misspelled, unfamiliar, or suspicious, officials warn: do not click. Users should also be wary of QR codes found on public surfaces or signage, especially if they appear tampered with, are printed on stickers, or do not match the branding around them. According to cybersecurity officials, a genuine QR code from a business will often include the company's logo, colors, or a short description of what to expect when scanning. For example, museums and educational institutions increasingly label QR codes with preview information to help guide visitors. If scanning a QR code prompts a login reset, a request for two-factor authentication details, or an offer that seems unusually generous, experts say it's likely a scam. One rising tactic involves phishing pages disguised as Microsoft login portals or fake multifactor authentication resets, which can trick users into handing over sensitive credentials. With global QR code payments expected to surpass $3 trillion in 2025, cybersecurity analysts warn that these scams will only continue to rise unless public awareness catches up. Officials are urging Americans to stay vigilant and double-check any QR code, even those that appear official, before scanning. 'QR codes weren't built with security in mind,' said Rob Lee, chief researcher at the SANS Institute. 'They were built to make life easier, which also makes them perfect for scammers.'
The Hill
20 hours ago
- Health
- The Hill
FTC eyes trans youth care providers, seeking input on alleged deceptive practices investigation
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on Monday launched a public inquiry into whether providers of gender-affirming health care are violating federal consumer protection laws. In a news release, the FTC said it opened the inquiry 'to better understand how consumers may have been exposed to false or unsupported claims about 'gender-affirming care', especially as it relates to minors, and to gauge the harms consumers may be experiencing.' The agency said it is investigating whether medical professionals who provide transition-related care are violating federal law against deceptive business practices and false advertising by failing to disclose risks associated with treatment or making unsubstantiated claims about its benefits or effectiveness. The request for information issued by the FTC asks for the public's response to four questions about their experience with gender-affirming care and the doctors who administer it. The request, which opens a 60-day comment window, does not specify an exact age range but says the agency is interested in information related to care for minors in particular. Major medical organizations, including the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics, say gender-affirming care for transgender adults and minors is medically necessary and can be lifesaving, claims disputed by the Trump administration. In January, President Trump signed an executive order aimed broadly at ending federal support for transition-related care for adolescents under the age of 19, which he called 'a stain on our Nation's history.' He has also pressed Congress to send legislation ' permanently banning and criminalizing' gender-affirming care for minors to his desk. The FTC's announcement follows an earlier memo from the Department of Justice (DOJ) this month that it sent more than 20 subpoenas to doctors and clinics 'involved in performing transgender medical procedures on children' in investigations of 'healthcare fraud, false statements, and more.' Chad Mizelle, the DOJ's chief of staff, said during a July 9 FTC event in Washington that the department also issued subpoenas to major manufacturers of 'the drugs used in trans-related medical interventions' in investigations related to companies' marketing of prescription drugs and the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The event, a workshop titled 'The Dangers of 'Gender-Affirming Care' for Minors,' featured testimony from doctors, advocates and de-transitioners, individuals who once identified as transgender but have since 'de-transitioned' to live according to their birth sex, who oppose gender-affirming care. 'That testimony indicated that practitioners of 'gender-affirming care' may be actively deceiving consumers,' the FTC said Monday. The agency's workshop did not include testimony from anyone who supports care or said they had benefited from it. Roughly half the nation has banned gender-affirming care for minors since 2021, according to the Movement Advancement Project, a nonprofit tracking LGBTQ laws. In June, the Supreme Court upheld Tennessee's ban, which a group of transgender children and their families had challenged as unconstitutional. In 14 states and Washington, D.C., 'shield laws' protect access to gender-affirming care for youth, though some hospital systems in those states have still suspended or discontinued care because of Trump's order and threats from the administration to their federal funding.
Daily Mail
21 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Urgent warning over QR code scam draining Americans' bank accounts... here's how to spot a fake
A dangerous new scam is quietly sweeping across the United States, and all it takes is a quick scan of a QR code to potentially empty your bank account. Cybersecurity experts are warning of a sharp rise in 'quishing,' a form of phishing that uses malicious QR codes to trick users into handing over personal information, credit card details, and banking credentials. According to a recent report, more than 26 million Americans have already been duped by the scam, and the number is rising rapidly. QR codes, or 'quick response' codes, are commonly used by businesses to allow customers to access websites, menus, or payment portals simply by scanning the code with a smartphone. But criminals are now exploiting this convenience by placing counterfeit QR codes over real ones in high-traffic areas, such as parking meters, public transportation signs, restaurant tables, and even on delivery packages. Dustin Brewer, senior director of proactive cybersecurity at BlueVoyant, said: 'The most dangerous part is they are hiding in plain sight. Attackers can just print their own QR code and paste it over a real one, and you'll never know the difference.' Once scanned, the fraudulent QR codes often lead to lookalike websites designed to steal login credentials or financial data. Others may install malicious software onto the user's phone without them realizing it. Experts said many fake codes are printed on low-quality stickers or appear slightly misaligned when pasted over legitimate ones. If the design seems inconsistent with a brand's usual look or appears to be hastily added, it could be a red flag. 'These scams are low-effort but have a very high return,' Brewer said. 'Because QR codes are now everywhere, from gas pumps to flyers, people do not question them. That's exactly what scammers are counting on,' he warned. In Miami, city officials uncovered fake QR codes at seven different locations and removed more than 7,000 fraudulent stickers earlier this year. The city's Parking Authority reported that scammers had been placing counterfeit QR codes on parking meters, tricking drivers into entering their credit card information on fake payment websites that closely mimicked official portals. The scam extends beyond public infrastructure. In one case reported by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), victims received mysterious packages containing fake 'gifts' and a QR code labeled with a message prompting them to scan to find out who sent it. Instead, the code redirected users to phishing websites disguised as delivery return forms, which then requested login credentials or credit card information. Experts have also raised concerns that some of these fake QR codes can install malware onto users' phones, granting attackers full remote access without the victim's knowledge. These malicious programs can silently collect sensitive data, track activity, or even hijack device functions. A recent report from cybersecurity firm Malwarebytes found that 70 percent of iPhone users have scanned QR codes to make or complete a purchase, compared to 63 percent of Android users. Cybersecurity specialists also warn that attackers are embedding malicious QR codes into PDF attachments in phishing emails. Some of these emails impersonate trusted companies such as Microsoft or Adobe, further increasing the likelihood that unsuspecting recipients will scan the code and fall victim to the scam. In one of the ongoing scam, reported by Cisco, fraudsters are emailing QR codes disguised as a two-factor authentication reset requests to thousands of employees, tricking them into handing over internal access. To protect yourself, experts suggested to never scan QR codes from unknown sources, especially in emails, texts, or physical mail. Since most smartphones now display a preview of the website before opening it, cybersecurity experts recommend always checking that the link begins with ' and appears to be a legitimate web address. If the URL is misspelled, unfamiliar, or suspicious, officials warn: do not click. Users should also be wary of QR codes found on public surfaces or signage, especially if they appear tampered with, are printed on stickers, or do not match the branding around them. According to cybersecurity officials, a genuine QR code from a business will often include the company's logo, colors, or a short description of what to expect when scanning. For example, museums and educational institutions increasingly label QR codes with preview information to help guide visitors. If scanning a QR code prompts a login reset, a request for two-factor authentication details, or an offer that seems unusually generous, experts say it's likely a scam. One rising tactic involves phishing pages disguised as Microsoft login portals or fake multifactor authentication resets, which can trick users into handing over sensitive credentials. With global QR code payments expected to surpass $3 trillion in 2025, cybersecurity analysts warn that these scams will only continue to rise unless public awareness catches up. Officials are urging Americans to stay vigilant and double-check any QR code, even those that appear official, before scanning.
CBS News
2 days ago
- CBS News
Text phishing scheme bilks Long Island woman out of $15,000. Here's how you can avoid becoming a victim.
The Suffolk County Police Financial Crimes Unit is investigating what it calls a growing trend of scammers targeting senior citizens with text messages. One Long Island woman says she was bilked out of $15,000. Lucille Daileader received a text that said, "You have been charged $126 via Apple Pay." The 78-year-old retired art teacher immediately deleted the message, but then her nightmare began. She said she received multiple calls from people claiming to be from Apple and her bank. She said she was told, "Because my bank account was compromised, I should take $15,000 out of my savings account." She said the alleged fraudsters then told her they'd open a new account with the money. "So I got in the car and went to the bank. I said, 'Oh, I need this money for the movers,'" Daileader said. She had recently moved into a new condo in Port Jefferson Station, and with the money in hand she returned home and placed the cash into a box and then waited next to her gated community to pass it off. "The man gave me the password, so I figured it was legit, and he took the money and ran," she said. According to the Federal Trade Commission, texting schemes skyrocketed five-fold last year, with victims losing a combined $470 million, but added most frauds go unreported. Police say do not click or respond to these types of texts because most are phishing schemes. Litigation attorney Andrew Leib says if you find yourself in a situation similar to Daileader's, call the police immediately. "A civil litigator can't do much to get it back. I can't get blood from a stone, and these people are probably in some foreign country," Leib said. "The police have a report of all the names and phone numbers," Daileader said. "I did go to a seminar with the district attorney's office, geared to scamming senior citizens. I feel embarrassed that I fell for it, but I feel I need to get word out to my friends so that it doesn't happen to anyone else, and I feel sad."
