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Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Florida woman sent a scammer she thought was Keanu Reeves $160,000 before realizing she'd been duped with AI
Dianne Ringstaff was playing Words with Friends on her cell phone when she received a message from the one and only Keanu Reeves — or, as she would later discover, a scammer pretending to be the Hollywood superstar. Ringstaff was initially skeptical and refused to believe the John Wick star would reach out to a random woman and start a conversation, but after a video chat with the alleged Reeves — as well as multiple phone calls with a voice that sounded just like him — her skepticism began to fade. Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) "It can't be," Ringstaff initially said to herself, according to Fox 13 News. "Until he videoed me, and I was like, oh my God, that's him!" Ringstaff wound up staying in touch with the alleged Reeves for two and a half years, but the seemingly innocent chats turned out to be a costly error. Before realizing she was being duped, Ringstaff unfortunately sent $160,000 to someone she later discovered was using artificial intelligence to impersonate the actor. Here's how it all happened, along with some tips on how to avoid falling victim to a similar scam. According to Ringstaff, she talked with the scammer who was pretending to be Reeves for a long time before the requests for money began. The alleged Reeves also seemed to have good reasons for needing the money, telling Ringstaff that not only was he being sued by a former manager, but the FBI had also planted drugs in his home and the courts froze his assets during the investigation. The scammer told Ringstaff she needed to send him tens of thousands of dollars in Bitcoin and cryptocurrency in order to get out of this mess. "I said, 'but why don't you have a bank account?'" said Ringstaff, who lives in Tampa Bay, Florida. But since she believed the faux-Keanu's story and wanted to help, Ringstaff took out a home equity loan and sold her car in order to send the scammer $160,000. She also provided the scammer with personal information, which — according to the Marion County Sheriff's Office — had enabled the scammer to funnel money from other victims into her accounts. The entire ordeal left Ringstaff feeling embarrassed and gullible. "I just hope that nobody is as stupid and naive as I was," said Ringstaff. Read more: You're probably already overpaying for this 1 'must-have' expense — and thanks to Trump's tariffs, your monthly bill could soar even higher. Here's how 2 minutes can protect your wallet right now Ringstaff may feel awful for falling for such tricks, but the unfortunate truth is she's not the first and likely won't be the last person to be victimized by this type of scam. According to the Federal Trade Commission, more than 64,000 romance scams were reported in the U.S. in 2023, with the financial losses totaling $1.14 billion. With the rise of AI, online scams such as this are becoming more prevalent. Research from McAfee, the virus protection software, indicates that 26% of people have either been approached by an AI chatbot acting as a real person on a dating or social media app, or they know someone who has. Thanks to AI images and voice generation, celebrity imposter scams are much easier to fall for these days. In fact, 21% of people have reportedly been contacted by someone pretending to be a famous celebrity, while 33% of those who fell for it sent money — with an average reported loss of $1,985. One of the factors that can explain why romance scams are so successful is that they prey on a target's loneliness and vulnerability. This is precisely what happened with Ringstaff. "I was vulnerable, I just lost my boyfriend," Ringstaff explained. "And then later that summer in 2022, my dog died." Now, Ringstaff has some advice for others who may be targeted by an AI romance scam. "Knowing what I know now and all the technology that's out there, can fake voices and everything else. It will never happen again," Ringstaff said. "But I just want to let people know not to be naive and stupid and do your research and don't give anybody your personal information unless you already know them." Beyond Ringstaff's advice, there are other ways to avoid becoming the target of a successful AI romance scam. 1. Be realistic: If someone or something seems too good to be true, it probably is. In this instance, it's very unlikely that a celebrity such as Keanu Reeves would contact a random woman out of the blue to start a relationship. 2. Look for the AI red flags: There are a few things to look for that can help you figure out whether a video is produced by AI. Body language: AI doesn't always capture the appropriate body language exhibited by humans, like blinking. If the person you're speaking with doesn't blink, that could be a red flag. Lighting: Keep an eye out for strange blurs, shadows or flickers of light where such a thing shouldn't exist. Irregular audio: Listen carefully to the person you're speaking with and if you notice any flat or unnatural tones, strange background noises or statements that sound choppy, that could also be a red flag. 3. Take the chat offline: Don't talk with an online friend or love interest for longer than a few weeks without arranging to meet in person and confirm they are who they claim to be. You should be skeptical of anyone you've met online who seems to have one excuse after the other in order to avoid meeting in person. 4. Never send money: Don't ever, under any circumstances, send money to anyone you've met online, particularly in an untraceable or irrevocable form like cryptocurrency. Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Hindustan Times
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
New Pope Robert Francis Prevost saw Ralph Fiennes film Conclave before election, reveals his brother
Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the new pope after cardinals in the Vatican concluded voting at the papal conclave on Thursday. He takes the name Leo XIV, becoming the first American pontiff in history. Now his brother John Prevost has revealed in a conversation with NBC Chicago that before the conclave, Robert played the online game Wordle and watched the 2024 film Conclave. (Also read: 'Better marketing than Barbenheimer': Internet reacts to Cardinals watching Conclave film for 'guidance' before election) During the interaction, John revealed, 'First we do Wordle 'cause this is a regular thing, then we do Words with Friends. It's something to keep his mind off life in the real world. And then we talk about what's going on and I said, 'Well, do you have your red socks?' That doesn't go over well all the time. And then just that kind of stuff.' He added, 'And I said, 'Well are you ready for this?' I said, 'Did you watch the movie Conclave so you know how to behave? And he had just finished watching the movie Conclave. So he knew how to behave. So it's that kind of stuff because I wanted to take his mind off of it. You know, laugh about something because this is now an awesome responsibility.' Conclave follows Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes), who is tasked to head one of the world's most secretive and ancient events -- selecting the new Pope. After the sudden passing of the Pope, Cardinal Lawrence takes the reins of a high-stakes, covert process – but soon finds himself entangled in a web of secrets and conspiracies that could shake the very foundations of the centuries-old institution. It won the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay.
The Journal
09-05-2025
- General
- The Journal
Big day in the Windy City: Chicago celebrates one of their own becoming Pope
THE CITY OF Chicago is celebrating the election of Robert Francis Prevost, a Chicagoan himself, as the new head of the Catholic Church. The former cardinal was announced as the new Pope yesterday evening, taking on the pontifical name of Pope Leo XIV. The new Pope was born in Chicago in the US state of Illinois. He attended school in the Chicago suburbs and a studied for a Master of Divinity from the Catholic Technological Union graduate school in Chicago, during which time he also worked as a physics and maths teacher at a high school in the city. He spent the following decades split between Chicago and Peru, where he became a citizen in 2015 and where locals have also been celebrating his appointment. Bells rang out at the Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago after Robert Francis Prevost was announced as Pope Leo XIV Alamy Alamy The new pope's older brother, John Prevost, has said that he is 'tremendously proud' of his brother. Advertisement 'Did he want this? Not at all. The responsibility, it's heavy. It's heavy on your shoulders,' John said in an interview with WGN , a Chicago television station. 'I think being the first one from North America, being the first American, people are going to be watching … I don't think he wants that horrible responsibility. It's a great honor, but look what he has to uphold,' John said. He told WGN that they had discussed papal names on Tuesday while they were playing online games together (Words with Friends and Wordle). 'He mentioned Leo. I said, 'Well, don't be Leo, because you wouldn't you be Leo the 13th, and that would be unlucky.' So he did his research, and it was Leo the 14th, and that's what it came,' Robert said. He said his brother will be guided by his years working in Peru: 'He got to see the other side of the world, the poor and impoverished… I think as Christians, isn't that what we're supposed to do is look out for that group of people that are forgotten?' In an interview with ABC News, Robert said that when the brothers were young children, a neighbour said she believed Robert would become the first Pope from the US. When Robert Prevost was in the first grade, his neighbor told him he would be the first American pope, his brother told ABC News' Alex Perez. On Thursday, that prophecy came true, when Prevost was elected to be the 267th pontiff, the first from the U.S. — ABC News (@ABC) May 9, 2025 The governor of Illinois JB Pritzker called Pope Leo XIV's appointment 'historic'. Related Reads Pope Leo to hold a first mass as pontiff that will be scrutinised by Catholics and world leaders 'Did he just say Prevost?': St Peter's Square stunned by first American Pope, Leo XIV 'Pope Leo XIV ushers in a new chapter that I join those in our state welcoming in at a time when we need compassion, unity, and peace,' he said. Former classmate Nadia Weer told ABC News that the new Pope was so devout and studious in school that his nickname was 'Father Robert', adding that they 'always assumed he would be a priest'. 'I'm really proud of him. You like people to be successful when they deserve it. And Robert does deserve it.' Wrigley Field baseball park, the home turf of the Chicago Cubs, has displayed the message: 'Hey Chicago. He's a Cubs fan!' (John Prevost has poured cold water on that, though; apparently the new Pope is a White Sox supporter.) Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson wrote on social media: 'Congratulations to the first American Pope Leo XIV! We hope to welcome you back home soon.' 'Everything dope, including the Pope, comes from Chicago!' Johnson said. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
New York Post
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Pope Leo XIV watched ‘Conclave' ahead of papal summit — and plays Wordle and Words With Friends, brother reveals
Pope Leo XIV's brother has lifted the lid on what the new pontiff gets up to in his downtime — and it often involves playing games like Words With Friends or Wordle with his pals. On Thursday, white smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel chimney — signaling that the College of Cardinals had chosen a successor to Pope Francis. After Pope Leo XIV — born Robert Francis Prevost — greeted crowds at St. Peter's Square in the Vatican, his brother John Prevost offered a glimpse into the new Catholic leader's simple pleasures. 5 Pope Leo XIV's simple pleasures, including playing games like Wordle or Words With Friends, have been revealed by his brother. AFP via Getty Images 'I haven't had a moment to think about it. But it's totally unreal, totally surreal, and it's a tremendous, tremendous thing to take in, but it's something to be very proud of,' Prevost told NBC Chicago. He revealed that he had spoken to the new pontiff right before the conclave, and said the pair often play Wordle and Words with Friends together. 'It's something to keep his mind off of life in the real world,' he said. 'And then we talk about what's going on.' Prevost said that he had asked if his brother had watched the Hollywood blockbuster 'Conclave' before the start of the papal summit to 'know how to behave.' 'I said, 'Well, are you ready for this?'' Prevost said, revealing that his brother had 'just finished' watching the film. 5 Pope Leo's brother, John Prevost, revealed that the new pontiff had recently watched the movie 'Conclave.' AP 'So it's that kind of stuff, because I wanted to take his mind off of it, laugh about something, because this is now an awesome responsibility,' he added. The Ralph Fiennes-led movie was released just months before Pope Francis died in April at age 88. About 80% of cardinals who had participated in this year's vote were appointed by Pope Francis, meaning a majority had never experienced a conclave before. The 2024 film – directed by Edward Berger and based on a 2016 Robert Harris novel – was thoroughly researched, and some cardinals who previously experienced a conclave described the movie as an extremely accurate portrayal of the real ritual. 5 The Ralph Fiennes-led movie was released just months before Pope Francis died in April at age 88. í©Focus Features/Courtesy Everett Collection The Cardinals were forced to surrender their electronic devices before they were sequestered in the Sistine Chapel for two days of voting. Elsewhere, Prevost revealed that he had a 'slight feeling' his brother would become the first American pope — though Leo himself was doubtful. 'He didn't think so,' Prevost said. 'I kind of did, because what I was reading and what I was hearing that there were three outstanding candidates that were in first, second and third place. The Cardinal from the Philippines, the Secretary of State and him.' 5 Pope Leo XIV — born Robert Francis Prevost — greeted crowds at St. Peter's Square in the Vatican Thursday. REUTERS After hearing that his brother had good odds of being the next pope, Prevost's optimism grew, though he remained a tad skeptical. 'I don't know how true it is, but one of the priests at Providence over there in New Lenox said to me, 'the odds in Las Vegas are 18-to-1 that it's going to your brother,'' Prevost said. 'I didn't believe it, and Rob didn't believe it. I should say, Pope Leo didn't believe it at all, because there's not going to be an American pope was the attitude.' The new pontiff's Chicago roots sparked a friendly rivalry Thursday, as the city's two major baseball teams — the Cubs and the White Sox — playfully competed over which side could claim him as a fan. Start your day with all you need to know Morning Report delivers the latest news, videos, photos and more. Thanks for signing up! Enter your email address Please provide a valid email address. By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Never miss a story. Check out more newsletters After the official social media account for the Cubs claimed that Pope Leo was a fan, his brother was forced to set the record straight. 'They had it wrong. He's Sox,' he told the outlet. 'The radio announced Cubs, and that's not true.' The White Sox quickly embraced the news, writing on X, 'Well, would you look at that… Congratulations to Chicago's own Pope Leo XIV.' 5 Pope Leo XIV pictured with his older brothers Louis and John. Courtesy of John Prevost via Daily Herald 'Family always knows best, and it sounds like Pope Leo XIV's lifelong fandom falls a little closer to 35th and Shields,' the team said in a follow-up statement. 'Some things are bigger than baseball, and in this case, we're glad to have a White Sox fan represented at the Vatican.' 'A pinstripes White Sox jersey with his name on it and a hat already are on the way to Rome, and of course, the Pontiff always is welcome at his ballpark,' they added.
Boston Globe
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
Broadway star Carolee Carmello on playing Wordle, Connections . . . and a teenager
I have never been to Greece and since I performed in 'Mamma Mia!' on Broadway for four years, I think I need to see those Greek islands in real life. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Do you prefer booking trips through a travel agent or on your own? Advertisement I usually book on my own, but it's stressful, so maybe I should try a travel agent. Thoughts on an 'unplugged' vacation? I think an unplugged vacation sounds amazing. As long as I don't have to give up my Words with Friends ... and my Wordle ... and my Connections ... and my Swipe Four. ... Maybe I'm not quite ready. Advertisement What has been your worst vacation experience? When my kids were young, I splurged on a trip to Florida on spring break for some sunshine and outdoor fun and it was cold and rainy every day. We could have stayed in New Jersey for that. What is your favorite childhood travel memory? We didn't have money for fancy vacations when I was a kid, but my parents always tried to make our trips fun with mini golf and games and silliness. Those are my favorite memories of those times. Do you vacation to relax, to learn, or for the adventure of it all? When my children were growing up, we would vacation to spend fun time together without worrying about work or schedules. Nowadays, my favorite vacations involve biking or hiking mixed with cultural experiences and good food. What book do you plan to bring on your next vacation? I can't wait for the next book in the Cormoran Strike series [by Robert Galbraith]. It comes out this September and I will definitely be asking for that for my birthday. If you could travel with one famous person/celebrity, who would it be? I think laughing is the best stress relief, so I'd take someone really funny, like Melissa McCarthy or Amy Schumer. What is the best gift to give a traveler? Time. So many of us don't have the time to actually travel because of work or family obligations. So, if someone could insert an extra week or two into the year, that would help a lot. Advertisement What's your go-to snack for a flight or road trip? Anything that includes peanut butter. What's the coolest souvenir you've picked up on vacation? Venetian glass from the island of Murano. What's your favorite app or website for travel? I use Kayak quite a bit. What has travel taught you? Whenever I travel to Europe, I am struck by how young our country is. ... We are really just trying to get through our awkward teen years. What's your best travel tip? Be nice to people. Americans abroad have a bad enough reputation. Don't make it worse. Juliet Pennington can be reached at
