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☆ A small bakery is out thousands of dollars after a check for a 1,000-cupcake order turned out to be a scam
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-05 | by ( Joshua Nelken-Zitser | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Read previewA Los Angeles bakery was caught up in a counterfeit-check scam after receiving an order for 1,000 cupcakes. Stern told KABC the "odd" order did raise suspicion, largely because her bakery primarily specializes in occasion cakes and cookies with edible flowers, not cupcakes. Stern told the outlet the bank informed her that if the funds cleared, which they later did, the check was probably legitimate. "They said, 'Oh, it's been cited as a counterfeit check,'" Stern told the outlet. Stern told KABC the experience left her feeling "disheartened about humanity."

Persons: —, Loria Stern, Stern, We've, it's, she'd Organizations: Service, KABC, Business, US Department of, Treasury, US Justice Department, Public Safety Canada Locations: Angeles

☆ Chase Bank says it is aware of viral 'glitch' inviting people to commit check fraud
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-03 | by ( Angela Yang | Kalhan Rosenblatt | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Chase Bank is urging its customers not to commit check fraud. This is not a "glitch" — it's a check fraud scheme and those who participate will be on the hook for all the money they withdrew once the check bounces. Although some on TikTok called the scheme a "glitch," Chase reminded its customers that this "glitch" is actually an invitation to commit fraud. "Regardless of what you see online, depositing a fraudulent check and withdrawing the funds from your account is fraud, plain and simple." "Chase Bank glitch?

Persons: TikTok, Chase, that's, That's Organizations: Chase Bank, NBC News, NBC, Chase Locations: TikTok, New York

☆ Designer 'dupes' go mainstream as shoppers choose affordability over luxury. 'It just makes more financial sense,' expert says
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-14 | by ( Jessica Dickler Ana Teresa Solá | Jessica Dickler | Ana Teresa Solá | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

From leggings to lip gloss, there's a dupe for almost any brand-name product. Buying a knockoff used to be a consumer's dirty little secret, largely because a "fake" was considered inferior to the real thing, not to mention the economic cost and intellectual property rights infringement. But brand imitators, also known as dupes — short for duplicates — have elbowed their way into the mainstream and are now even cool. "It's not a direct knockoff, it's kind of revising something that's very chic from a designer world into a more accessible product," Walker said. Even when consumers can get the real thing, nearly 33% of adults intentionally purchased a dupe of a premium product at some point, according to a report by Morning Consult.

Persons: Sara Walker, Walker, Ellyn Briggs Organizations: Finance, Morning Locations: Los Angeles

☆ Iraqi teen arrested in Vienna after Taylor Swift terror attack plot thwarted
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-09 | by ( Mia Alberti | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Austrian authorities have arrested an 18-year-old Iraqi national in connection with an inquiry into an alleged ISIS-inspired plot to attack a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna, the country’s interior minister said Friday. Organizers took the extraordinary decision on Thursday to cancel three Swift concerts in Austria after authorities said they foiled a terror attack planned for the Vienna leg of her blockbuster Eras tour. “A planned attack on a concert event was successfully thwarted thanks to the timely intervention of the authorities. Austrian authorities said they expected around 65,000 audience members at each of Swift’s Vienna shows, with up to 20,000 fans outside the stadium. It would have been her first Swift concert since she first became a fan in 2018, and she’d been excitedly waiting since buying the ticket last summer.

Persons: Taylor, “, Franz Ruf, ’, Tiffany Kidd, ” Kidd, Vanessa Szombathelyi, she’d, ” Organizations: CNN, Austrian, Vienna, ISIS, Wembley, Swift’s, Hungary – Locations: Vienna, Austria, Iraqi, Macedonian, ’ Vienna, Canada, Swift’s Vienna, Arizona, United States, Ireland, Hungary, Austrian, London

☆ Nearly half of online pharmacies selling weight loss drugs are operating illegally, study finds
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-02 | by ( Liz Szabo | Liz Szabo Is An Independent Health | Science Journalist. Her Work Has Won Multiple National Awards. One Of Her Investigations Led To A New State Law In Virginia. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +8 min

Consumers who try to buy popular weight loss drugs online without a prescription risk being scammed or receiving unsafe products, a new study shows. Shortages of the popular weight loss medication, which belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1s, have led to “a black market of illegal knockoffs,” said Dr. Christopher McGowan, the founder, medical director and research director of True You Weight Loss, a weight loss clinic in Cary, North Carolina. Medicare doesn’t cover the drugs when prescribed for weight loss, and many state Medicaid plans heavily restrict coverage. Online scamsSome websites purporting to be online pharmacies take consumers’ money but never deliver the medications, according to the study. Consumers won’t get that sort of care if they buy drugs online without seeing a health care provider.

Persons: ”, Tim Mackey, Christopher McGowan, McGowan, semaglutide, won’t, Mackey, ” McGowan, “, Shabbir Safdar, Scott Brunner, Safdar, Brunner, Consumers won’t, it’s Organizations: Nordisk’s, University of California, Global Health, Data Institute, University of Pecs, FDA, Manufacturers can’t, Medicare, JAMA, Food and Drug Administration, semaglutide, Novo Nordisk, telltale, Partnership, Safe Medicines, Alliance, Pharmacy, Consumers Locations: San Diego, Hungary, Cary , North Carolina, U.S

☆ Federal regulator says Amazon can be held responsible for faulty goods sold on its marketplace
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-30 | by ( Annie Palmer | In Annierpalmer | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Federal regulators have determined that Amazon can be held responsible for defective goods sold by third-party merchants on its online marketplace, rejecting the company's position that it's merely an intermediary between consumers and sellers. Amazon's marketplace, which hosts millions of third-party sellers, now accounts for approximately 60% of the company's e-commerce sales. The company has previously said it invests hundreds of millions of dollars per year to ensure products sold are safe and compliant. At issue were 418,818 goods sold through Amazon, including faulty carbon monoxide detectors, hairdryers without electrocution protection and children's sleepwear that posed a burn risk. This program gives Amazon "far-reaching control" over the products sold on its platform, the judge said.

Persons: it's, It's, they're Organizations: U.S . Consumer Product Safety Commission, Amazon, Consumer Locations: Robbinsville , New Jersey, U.S, Tennessee

Cashier's check requirementsTo get a cashier's check, you'll need to provide the personal information of your check recipient. Here's an overview of how much a cashier's check costs at some of the biggest banks:What to do if your cashier's check is lost or stolenIf your cashier's check is lost or stolen, call your bank as soon as possible to let them know. According to the Office of the Comptroller of Currency, you could ask the person who gave you the cashier's check to buy you another cashier's check. How to avoid cashier's check scamsReal cashier's checks are one of the safest forms of payment, but cashier's check scams do exist. Cashier's Check FAQsHow does a cashier's check work?

Persons: they've, you've, Chase, Wells Organizations: Chevron, Currency, Navy Federal Credit Union Locations: Chevron

Where to purchase a money orderPost officesYou can get a money order through your local post office. If you're on the receiving end of a money order, you'll want to make sure the money order isn't counterfeit. If a stranger or a company you haven't heard of or worked with before is asking for a money order, make sure that they're legit before sending them a money order. Hand deliveryIf you're giving the money order to someone you know, you can always hand-deliver the money order. Unlike with cash, you can use your receipt to get a new money order if your first money order is lost or stolen, so there's less risk when carrying it to the recipient.

Persons: We've, Maggie Gomez, Maggie, you'll, it's, Banks, You'll, you've, refunding, Gomez, haven't Organizations: CFP, Walmart, Western Union

☆ The luxury handbags most likely to be faked, according to an expert from The RealReal
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-21 | by ( Madeline Berg | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

The secondhand market has become an increasingly important part of the luxury market, rising to $50 billion last year, according to Bain & Company. But there are dangers to buying on the secondhand market: counterfeit products, which the rise in "dupe culture" has only helped to escalate. Business Insider spoke to Hunter Thompson, the director of authentication and brand compliance at secondhand luxury retailer The RealReal, about the proliferation of increasingly convincing fakes. Advertisement"In 2024, if it can be faked, it's faked," Thompson said. Here are the bags that Thompson said are most commonly faked —and some tell-tale red flags to look out for.

Persons: —, Hunter Thompson, it's, Thompson, Birkin, zippers Organizations: Service, Bain & Company, Business

Definition and types of credit card fraudCredit card fraud is a type of fraud that involves the unauthorized use of your credit card information. Credit card fraud can majorly impact your credit score and finances. Preventing credit card fraudCredit card fraud is still a problem for one simple reason: It continues to work. Frequently asked questions about credit card fraudWhat are the signs of credit card fraud? If you lose your credit card, report it immediately to your credit card issuer to prevent unauthorized use.

Persons: —, It's, Jeff Bezos, you'll, Wells Fargo, Banks Organizations: Service, Electronic, American Express, Citi

☆ Ferrari program aims to stop counterfeit cars.
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-18 | by ( Peter Valdes-Dapena | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Ferrari is so determined to maintain the authenticity of its cars, then, that it’s crushing potential fakes into cubes. Potential tattle-tales can share tips on possible faux Ferrari goods on a web page Ferrari created just for the purpose. How to fake a carWhile creating fake merchandise can be a simple matter of placing an unlicensed Ferrari prancing horse logo on a product, producing a believable fake Ferrari car can be much more involved. “Generally, the Ferrari collector tends to have a considerable knowledge over the brand as a whole and its cars, especially the most valuable ones,” said the spokesperson. As an example of the fate that awaits any fake Ferrari automobiles the company can find, Ferrari published a photo of a red car squished into a crinkled metal cube.

Persons: Ferrari, – Ferraristi, ”, ” Ferrari, Brian Rabold, “, ” Rabold, they’ll, Enzo, Michael Mann, “ Ferrari Organizations: CNN —, counterfeits, CNN, Ferrari Locations: Italy, Italian

☆ I was a female Secret Service agent. Women can do the job just as well as men.
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-18 | by ( Jen Glantz | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Read previewThis as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Mary Beth Wilkas Janke, a 59-year-old former Secret Service Agent. I applied to the DEA and the United States Secret Service (USSS). The Secret Service offered me a job after many interviews, an exam, a review of my documents, and a polygraph. I worked for the Secret Service from May 1991 to June 1992. When I was doing a protection advance in 1992 at a hotel, the general manager said to me, "I didn't know there were women Secret Service Agents!"

Persons: —, Mary Beth Wilkas Janke, George H.W, it's, that's, It's Organizations: Service, FBI, Business, United States Secret Service, Washington Field Office, Air Force Base, Secret, Department of Homeland Security Locations: Spain

☆ Counterfeit Ozempic Is on the Rise
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-12 | by ( Dani Blum | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Experts have grown increasingly concerned about fake versions of Ozempic and popular weight loss drugs. These copycats can look deceptively real, and may contain dangerous substances or entirely different drugs altogether. In June, the World Health Organization warned that fake batches of Ozempic were found in the United States, the United Kingdom and Brazil. Also in June, Eli Lilly issued a letter expressing concern that counterfeit versions of its own drugs, Mounjaro and Zepbound, were being sold online, through social media and at medical spas. Those who study the counterfeit drug market say these findings are alarming, but not all that surprising.

Persons: Eli Lilly, ”, George Karavetsos Organizations: World Health Organization, Food, Drug, Criminal Investigations Locations: United States, United Kingdom, Brazil

☆ Japan is bracing for rage against the vending machine
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-05 | by ( Hasan Chowdhury | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Hole-in-the-wall izakayas (traditional bars), ryokan (traditional inns), and Shinto shrines often accept cash only. STR/Getty ImagesTake Japan's millions of vending machines. The Japan Vending Machine Manufacturers Association recently said that almost 80% of the country's machines would need upgrades to accept the new notes, per comments reported by Reuters. Vending machines are a common sight in Japan. If they're stopping by a vending machine there anytime soon, they may want to check first if their bills will work.

Persons: —, Omotesando, Bank of Japan — Organizations: Service, Business, Kansai region's, Japan Vending Machine Manufacturers Association, Reuters, Bank of Japan Locations: Japan, Ginza, Tokyo, Kansai, Kansai region's Osaka

☆ Shoplifters love Lego. The colorful plastic toy bricks are a gold mine for criminals
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-29 | by ( Parija Bhatnagar | Parija Kavilanz | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

I went straight to the cameras and saw we were being robbed,” Zuniga told CNN. Hayes told CNN his team works with a majority of retailers that carry Lego products as well as Legoland theme parks. “Demand is always there.”As a result, there’s not only a market for stolen Lego products but also a burgeoning counterfeit market, especially online. When reached for comment, Lego directed CNN to online resources on its website to educate consumers how to spot fake online Lego stores and fake Lego products. He bought Lego sets that were on sale at the local Target to fill up empty shelves.

Persons: New York CNN —, Miguel Zuniga, “, ” Zuniga, Miguel Zuniga’s, Noble, Olay, ”, Read Hayes, Hayes, there’s, Michael Blackshire, Casey Slaughter, ” Slaughter, Indiana Jones, Lego, Calvin Mah, Zuniga Organizations: New, New York CNN, CNN, Southern, KABC, LAPD, Barnes, Noble, Target, University of Florida, Prevention Research Council, Walmart, Los Angeles Times, “, Wichita Police, Star Wars, Los Locations: New York, Lumita, Los Angeles County, Lomita , California, California, Southern California, Philadelphia, Richmond , British Columbia, Pasadena , CA, Wichita , Kansas, “

☆ The 2 Koreas are poised for a summer of weird warfare, with poop balloons, blaring K-Pop songs, and floating $1 bills
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-25 | by ( Matthew Loh | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

According to South Korean news agency Yonhap, an estimated 2,000 garbage balloons have been sent over so far. The responding deluge of balloons from North Korea, some carrying manure and used toilet paper, seems to have emboldened the activists. AdvertisementWith the activists appearing to ignore that condition, North Korea's balloon launches resumed. Seoul's military chiefs told South Korean news agency Yonhap that the contents of the latest balloon-lifted bags weren't toxic. North Korea, for its part, has threatened in the past to destroy the speakers with military strikes.

Persons: —, They've, Kim Kang, ED JONES, Park, Kim Jong, Mickey Mouse, Kitty, Pooh, KIM HONG Organizations: Service, South, Business, North, South Korean, Free North Korea Movement, Seoul Shimbun, North Korean, Getty Images, Korean Herald, Korean Unification Ministry South Korean, Police, Samsung, Reuters, JI, Getty, KBS, Associated Press, Inter, Korean Locations: Korea, Seoul, Pyongyang, South Korean, North Korean, South Korea, North Korea, Ganghwa, Kitty, Korean, Kaesong, Paju

☆ The Chef Is Human. The Reviewer Isn’t.
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-24 | by ( Pete Wells | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The crust, kissed by the intense heat of the coal-fired oven, achieves a perfect balance of crispness and chew. Topped with freshly shucked clams, garlic, oregano and a dusting of grated cheese, it is a testament to the magic that simple, high-quality ingredients can conjure. I would never pronounce any food a revelation, or describe heat as a kiss. But these lazy descriptors are so common in food writing that I imagine many readers barely notice them. But as much as it pains me to admit, I’d guess that many people would say it’s a four-star fake.

Persons: Frank Pepe, Pete Wells, Pete Locations: New Haven, Conn

☆ Americans are still paying more for shoes, luggage and hats after Biden left Trump’s tariffs in place
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-16 | by ( Katie Lobosco | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +12 min

Courtesy Abby ChowningThe tariffs Biden left in place – which are paid by US importers and not China – hit roughly $300 billion of goods. After Trump’s tariffs hit, some US companies sought new manufacturers in other countries. The Covid-19 pandemic upended the global economy roughly two years after Trump’s trade war began. Several studies show that Trump’s tariffs only marginally contributed to the rise in US inflation experienced after the pandemic and the following supply chain crisis. Trump’s tariffs were meant to get China to address those issues.

Persons: Donald Trump, Trump, Tiffany Zarfas Williams, ”, Zarfas Williams, Joe Biden, –, “ Trump, ” Biden, “, Biden, ’, Abby, China –, Rick Muskat, Jake Muskat, Alena Margolis, Muskat, ” Muskat, Phil Page, Page, Bryan Finch, ” Page, Morgan, Nate Herman, Matt Priest, Priest, Steve Madden, ” Jared Bernstein, we’ve, ” Bernstein, Justin Sullivan, ” Herman, Xi Jinping, Biden “ Organizations: Washington CNN —, China, Trump, Biden, Deer Stags, JCPenney, America, Cap America, American Apparel & Footwear Association, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Footwear Distributors, Retailers of America, Adidas, Columbia, Nike, White House Council, Economic Advisers, China Business, Trade, National Council of Textile Organizations, Port Locations: Lubbock, Texas, China, Ukraine, Missouri, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Port of Oakland, Oakland , California

☆ Counterfeit titanium was found in Boeing and Airbus jets. The FAA is investigating how it got there
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-14 | by ( Chris Isidore | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

New York CNN —Titanium that was distributed with fake documentation has been found in commercial Boeing and Airbus jets. Now the Federal Aviation Administration, the aircraft manufacturers and supplier Spirit AeroSystems are investigating whether those components pose a safety hazard to the public. The FAA and Boeing confirmed that they are investigating the matter. Boeing said the questionable parts come from a limited set of suppliers, and tests performed to date have indicated that the correct titanium alloy was used. Airbus has also had problems with some of the engines that have grounded some of its planes owned by different airlines.

Persons: ”, Joe Buccino, “ Organizations: New, New York CNN, Boeing, Airbus, Federal Aviation Administration, New York Times, Times, FAA, Spirit, Max, “ Boeing, Alaska Airlines Locations: New York

☆ F.A.A. Investigating How Counterfeit Titanium Got Into Boeing and Airbus Jets
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-14 | by ( Mark Walker | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Some recently manufactured Boeing and Airbus jets have components made from titanium that was sold using fake documentation verifying the material’s authenticity, according to a supplier for the plane makers, raising concerns about the structural integrity of those airliners. The falsified documents are being investigated by Spirit AeroSystems, which supplies fuselages for Boeing and wings for Airbus, as well as the Federal Aviation Administration. The investigation comes after a parts supplier found small holes in the material from corrosion. regarding procurement of material through a distributor who may have falsified or provided incorrect records,” the statement said. “Boeing issued a bulletin outlining ways suppliers should remain alert to the potential of falsified records.”

Persons: Spirit AeroSystems, “, ” Organizations: Boeing, Airbus, Federal Aviation Administration, “ Boeing

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Organizations: New York Times

☆ Stocks making the biggest moves midday: Adobe, RH, Hasbro and more
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-14 | by ( Samantha Subin | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Check out the companies making headlines in midday trading: Adobe — The software stock surged 14% on stronger-than-expected quarterly results. Adobe posted adjusted earnings of $4.48 per share on $5.31 billion in revenue and boosted its full-year guidance. JPMorgan also upgraded shares to overweight from neutral. Hasbro — The toymaker's shares jumped 4.8% on the back of an upgrade from Bank of America to buy from neutral. Dell Technologies — The PC maker fell more than 1% after CEO Michael Dell disclosed the sale of 5.7 million shares.

Persons: RH, LSEG, Zscaler, Keith Gill, Stellantis, Michael Dell, —, Alex Harring, Michelle Fox, Pia Singh Organizations: Adobe, JPMorgan, Wall, Hasbro, Bank of America, Zero Trust Network Security, Boeing — Boeing, Federal Aviation Administration, Airbus, New York Times, GameStop, Dell Technologies Locations: Bank, U.S

☆ Stocks making the biggest moves premarket: Adobe, Hasbro, GameStop and more
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-14 | by ( Pia Singh | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

GameStop — The meme stock dipped 1.1% after Keith Gill, known as "Roaring Kitty," seemingly increased his ownership in GameStop. He appears to be holding 9.001 million GameStop shares and over $6 million in cash, according to a screenshot he posted to Reddit. JPMorgan upgraded shares to overweight from neutral on Friday, saying Adobe is poised for "smoother sailing ahead" after its strong quarterly print. Hasbro — Bank of America upgraded the toymaker to buy from neutral, sending shares 1.7% higher. On the other hand, the company saw $727 million in revenue, topping the $725 million estimate from analysts.

Persons: Keith Gill, Adobe, RH, LSEG, ZScaler, Alex Harring, Michelle Fox Theobald Organizations: GameStop, Adobe, JPMorgan, Hasbro — Bank of America, Wall, Boeing, New York Times, Federal Aviation Administration, Zero Trust Network Security

☆ Roche alleges counterfeit diabetes devices sold on Amazon
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-10 | by ( Kate Rooney | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailRoche alleges counterfeit diabetes devices sold on AmazonCNBC's Kate Rooney joins 'Power Lunch' to discuss the lawsuit filed by Roche for fake medical devices being sold on Amazon.

Persons: Email Roche, Kate Rooney, Roche Organizations: Amazon

☆ Roche alleges counterfeit diabetes medical devices were sold on Amazon
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-10 | by ( Scott Zamost | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Roche Diabetes Care Inc. Accu-Chek brand glucose test strips are arranged for a photograph in the Brooklyn borough of New York, U.S., on Thursday, April 4, 2019. Roche , one of the world's largest biotech companies, said "dangerous counterfeits" of its diabetes medical devices ended up for sale on Amazon to be bought by patients throughout the United States. "Patients know that Roche's Accu-Chek medical devices are safe, sterile and accurate," the complaint said. After the suit was filed, a judge granted Roche's request for a temporary restraining order to stop the defendants from selling the counterfeit products. The complaint was filed on behalf of Roche Diabetes Care Inc., Roche Diabetes Care GmbH and Hoffmann-La Roche Inc, by attorneys with the New York-based law firm Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler.

Persons: Roche, Patterson Belknap Webb, Tyler, Dileep Kumar Yadav, Abhishek Jain, Ratnakar Sharma, Atikur Rahman Organizations: Roche Diabetes Care Inc, Amazon, CNBC, Roche Diabetes Care GmbH, Hoffmann, Roche Inc, New, JMD Enterprises, JMD, JMD International Locations: Brooklyn, New York, U.S, United States, India, New York City

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