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USA Today
10 hours ago
- Business
- USA Today
Data breach causes dating app to take down messaging system
Tea, a popular dating app that allows women to review and conduct background checks on men, experienced a massive data breach that exposed sensitive information about its users. The app announced on Monday, July 28 that some direct messages were accessed in the cyber-attack, along with tens of thousands of photos and other personal information. In a post on social media, Tea said it 'recently learned that some direct messages (DMs) were accessed as part of the initial incident.' 'Out of an abundance of caution, we have taken the affected system offline,' the statement said. 'At this time, we have found no evidence of access to other parts of our environment.' Tea Dating Advice allows women users to vet their dates, using crowdsourced information and public records to evaluate men, including their online dating profiles. The intention, according to the app's website, is to make dating safer for women. When did the initial security breach occur? On July 25, the company announced that a security breach compromised "a legacy data storage system" of about 72,000 images, including photos of users and images from posts, comments and direct messages in the app. The breach has raised concerns among its users and reignited conversations online about digital safety and privacy. It has also resurfaced some controversies over the premise of the application, particularly among men. Here's what to know about the app and the recent data breach. What is the Tea app? Tea Dating Advice was unveiled in 2023 but only recently gained popularity after receiving increased attention online. Its name comes from the phrase "spilling tea," or sharing secrets or gossip. The app provides users with a way to check the personal history of men, including a "Reverse Image Search" feature that helps catch men catfishing − pretending to be someone else online to attract potential romantic partners. Women on the app can also post anonymous dating reviews, share experiences with men they've dated (good and bad, giving them corresponding "green" or "red" flags) and share other information. "Tea ensures that women have the information they need before meeting someone new," the company says on its website. How many people use the site? More than 1.7 million women have used the app, according to the company. If you joined the app before February 2024 and are concerned about your driver's license information or other personal information being misused, you can find tips on the Federal Trade Commission's Identity Theft website. In a statement on their website, Tea wrote, "we are currently working to determine the full nature and scope of information involved in the incident." The statement added, "If you have questions or concerns, please contact our support team at support@ Contributing: Mike Snider, USA TODAY
USA Today
15 hours ago
- USA Today
Scammers play into confusion over tariffs, immigration, drug trafficking
More than likely, you've never been to Mexico. And you never expected to receive a shipment of drugs from there or anywhere else. No matter, a crook is bound to try to convince you otherwise. Scammers who claim to be an agent from U.S. Customs and Border Protection are dialing for data and dollars. The caller often asks if you're expecting a package from Mexico — and then will claim that U.S. Customs has intercepted your drug-filled package at the border. Best bet: Hang up. As might be expected, all sorts of scams that impersonate government officials continue to be making the rounds. The crooks know we're hearing plenty about immigration, drug trafficking, tariffs, Medicare and more. And they've never been at a loss for ways to push our buttons. U.S. Customs and Border Protection warns that crooks who claim to be employees of the agency tell potential victims that a warrant is out for their arrest or that "a box of drugs and money being shipped has your name on it and has been intercepted." If you stay on the line about that so-called package delay, according to an alert from the Federal Trade Commission, the odds are high that the caller impersonating Customs and Border Protection is going to demand that you pay using cryptocurrency, gift cards, or wire transfers, or tell you to give them your banking account or Social Security number. Don't trust caller ID. Remember, the crooks can make their phone numbers look real even if they're not. Scammers impersonate Social Security, FTC officials From January through April, the Federal Trade Commission received more than 75,000 reports of government imposter scams. The scammers most frequently reached out to potential victims by phone and asked for payment on gift cards. But scammers also text and ask for cryptocurrency and cash, too. The median loss for all government impersonation scams was $650, according to FTC data. In all, nearly $204 million was reported lost from January through April. Among those reports, according to the FTC, Customs and Board Protection impostors ranked as the fourth most common with 3,466 reports in the first four months of 2025. The median loss to Customs and Border Protection imposters, according to the FTC, was $1,000. Consumers reported losing $1.62 million to customs scams from January through April. The most common government impersonation scam so far this year involves scammers who pretend to be toll road operators, according to the FTC. The FTC received 26,811 reports about toll road scams this year through April. The median loss reported involving toll road scams was $7 but, in many cases, the con artists who get their hands on your credit card number later will use your account for future purchases. Scammers impersonating Social Security rank No. 2 on the list; scammers impersonating the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, as well as Medicare, rank No. 3. And ranking No. 5: the Federal Trade Commission. The median loss involving fraud that starts out with someone impersonating the FTC was $12,000. It's absolutely horrifying to lose that kind of cash — and sometimes crooks convince you that you need to act now to "protect" your savings. They say they need you to transfer the money to protect it Many times, fraudsters impersonating government officials tell consumers that they need to protect their money in their bank accounts from hackers by transferring it to a cryptocurrency account, which unfortunately ends up in the hands of scammers. Or they will tell the victim to buy gold, and a driver will pick it up from their homes. The FTC notes online that the agency "will never threaten you, say you must transfer your money to 'protect it,' or tell you to withdraw cash or buy gold and give it to someone. That's a scam." Typically, scammers who pose as government officials will try to use high pressure tactics to frighten you into quickly doing something you'll later regret. Do not send money, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or hand over gold or financial information to callers who say they are with the government, according to an FTC warning. Never take your money out of a savings account and move it somewhere to "protect it." Some big red flags: Crooks will ask you to provide banking information, your Social Security number and your date of birth. Never give into demands to withdraw money in your accounts and take cash to a local crypto ATM. How tariff news fuels some scams The Better Business Bureau warned earlier this summer that some scammers are using fake excuses involving delays caused by tariffs to cover up fraudulent online orders. Consumers are being told that they've not received their item yet because the package is "stuck in customs" due to tariffs. "In some cases," according to the BBB alert, "the company says you now owe additional money to release the package. Other times, they provide a tracking number showing the item was delivered — but to a completely different state." Yep, they want you to pay more after placing an order. It's a scam. You can report an incident to your local police department and the Federal Trade Commission at If you would still like to talk to someone from Customs and Border Protection, call the information center at 877-227-5511. Crooks threaten deportation or offer immigration help The AARP Fraud Watch Network has heard plenty of complaints about government impersonation scams this summer, including crooks impersonating the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. One woman received an unexpected call, supposedly from the Federal Trade Commission, to tell her that a package was stopped at the border and she'd need to pay money to receive it, according to AARP's Amy Nofziger. In another case, Nofziger said, an online shopper ordered decorations made of walnut shells but kept being told the box was rejected at customs. The woman's debit card was charged $31.72 and then $141.31, and then $89.95 for this order. She realized it had to be a scam from the start. Another caller reported an extortion scam where impersonators are threatening her with deportation because she is not a documented citizen, Nofziger said. The con artists aren't even in the United States. But they are threatening that if she doesn't pay the $5,000 that she supposedly owes that they will go after her nephew who is a soldier and other family members until she pays. Not surprisingly, the woman being targeted by the scams was extremely frightened. Another consumer was sent a package that included a $385 cost for renewing her green card, known as a permanent resident card. She gave her credit card and a copy of the front and back of her green card. She then found out it was a scam. Another caller, a case worker, was assisting two separate individuals who were defrauded by con artists impersonating immigration attorneys via Facebook and WhatsApp. The individuals paid $13,400 and $36,000 to the scammers for their immigration cases. "Turns out the scammers were not attorneys," Nofziger said, "and they lost their money." The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services warns online that some businesses and websites pretend to be immigration experts or say they have special connections to the government. "They might also 'guarantee' that you can get a visa, Green Card, or work permit faster if you pay a fee," according to the agency. But it's a scam. Elaborate immigration scams, according to an alert from the Federal Trade Commission, can start with someone impersonating attorneys and law firms, offering immigration services through posts on Facebook and other platforms. The service reportedly offers to help you with immigration paperwork. The consumer is often then asked to send money using Western Union or Zelle. In return, the con artists claim they'll supposedly get you an appointment with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services or USCIS. "People who paid report having virtual appointments on Zoom or WhatsApp with a 'USCIS officer' in uniform — all part of the scam," according to an FTC alert issued in December 2024. "The truth? Some immigration proceedings are now virtual, but applicants get their appointments by mail or through their 'myUSCIS' account, never on messenger apps," according to the FTC. Nofziger, who is director of victim support for the AARP Fraud Watch Network, said government impersonation scams have been ongoing for years. Often, the scammers will frighten someone into thinking that they must act quickly or suffer some serious consequences. The AARP network's phone number is 877-908-3360 to get help spotting a scam. In some of these scams involving a package stopped at customs, Nofziger said, the con artists will claim that the package contained drugs, guns or pornography. The message is that you'd have to pay immediately to avoid being arrested. "There's fear around being stopped at the border at U.S. Customs," Nofziger said. News headlines are filled with stories associated with the federal government crackdown on immigration, as well as efforts by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to seize cocaine and ketamine shipments. Con artists re-activate their scams based on what's trending in the news or what's creating confusion for consumers. Why else would seniors receive endless recorded phone calls on Medicare? Nofziger said it's important for consumers to do more research on some of these complex areas, including going to websites like to learn about U.S. residency and citizenship requirements and other issues. also offers warnings about scams, too. "No legitimate lawyer or notary is going to be asking for payment in cryptocurrency via a bitcoin machine. They're not going to be asking for payment via a peer-to-peer app. They're not going to be using scary language," Nofziger said. "I would not seek an attorney off social media." Wise words — the scammers, unfortunately, know how to exploit us. Contact personal finance columnist Susan Tompor: stompor@ Follow her on X @tompor.
New York Times
a day 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
2 days 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
2 days 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.
