Week 16 Notifications and more

What are the dangers behind using fake ChatGPT sites

Summary (AI generated)

ChatGPT is a tool developed by OpenAI that allows users to interact with artificial intelligence for various tasks. However, as its popularity has grown, so have the number of fake websites pretending to be ChatGPT. These fraudulent sites often mimic the appearance of the official ChatGPT site to deceive users.

Why Are Fake ChatGPT Sites Dangerous?

These counterfeit websites can pose several risks:

Personal Information Theft: They may prompt you to enter sensitive information, which can then be stolen.

Malware Installation: Some sites might trick you into downloading harmful software that can damage your device or compromise your personal data.

Financial Scams: By appearing legitimate, they can lure you into financial traps, such as fake subscription fees or services.

Many people, who are not familiar with these deceptive practices, are particularly vulnerable to such scams.

To protect yourself:

Check the Web Address: The official ChatGPT website is chat.openai.com. Be cautious of sites with unusual or lengthy web addresses.

Look for Secure Connections: Ensure the website uses "https://" at the beginning of the URL, indicating a secure connection.

Beware of Unusual Requests: Be skeptical if the site asks for unnecessary personal information or prompts unexpected downloads.

Avoid Pop-up Ads: Excessive pop-up advertisements can be a sign of a malicious site.

Tips to Stay Safe While Using ChatGPT

Use Official Sources: Always access ChatGPT through its official website or trusted platforms.

Install Antivirus Software: Protect your devices with reliable antivirus programs that can detect and block malicious sites.

Stay Informed: Regularly update yourself on common online scams and how to avoid them.

Trump's Meme Coin Dinner

Key facts:

• As the meme coin dinner with President Trump approaches, it appears as if most of the attendees will be people from other countries.

• Many wallets for the top holders are tied to international exchanges like Binance that don’t service U.S. customers.

• The nature of the anonymous wallets raises questions about the true identities and motivations of the token’s largest holders.

Summary (AI generated)

In January 2025, President Donald Trump introduced a cryptocurrency called the $TRUMP coin. This digital currency, often referred to as a "meme coin," was launched on the Solana blockchain. A significant portion (80%) of these coins is held by two companies associated with Trump's business ventures: CIC Digital LLC and Fight Fight Fight LLC .

To promote the $TRUMP coin, an event was announced:

• The top 220 holders of the $TRUMP coin would be invited to a private dinner with Donald Trump at his golf club in Virginia.

• The top 25 holders would receive additional perks, including a VIP reception and possibly a tour of the White House .

This announcement led to a surge in the coin's value, as many investors aimed to increase their holdings to qualify for the event.

Investigations revealed that many of the top $TRUMP coin holders are non-Americans, including individuals from Asia and the Middle East. Notably, Justin Sun, a Chinese entrepreneur facing legal issues in the U.S., claimed to be the largest holder of the coin and announced his intention to attend the dinner .

This raised concerns among ethics experts and lawmakers about the potential for foreign entities to gain undue influence over U.S. policies by financially supporting ventures linked to the President.

Critics argue that:

• Offering exclusive access to the President in exchange for purchasing a cryptocurrency resembles a "pay-to-play" scheme, where money is exchanged for political favors.

• Such actions might violate the Emoluments Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits federal officials from receiving gifts or payments from foreign states without Congressional approval .

The Trump administration has defended the event, stating it's a private affair and that the President's assets are managed by a trust, distancing him from direct involvement.

Since its launch, the $TRUMP coin has generated substantial revenue:

• Over $320 million in trading fees.

• A significant increase in the President's net worth, with reports suggesting that nearly 40% of his wealth is now tied to cryptocurrency holdings .

These developments have led to increased scrutiny of the intertwining of political positions and personal financial ventures.

Background:

• Meme coins like $TRUMP are digital currencies often created for fun or to capitalize on a trend. Their value can be highly volatile and is influenced by public interest and media coverage.

• Blockchain is the technology underpinning cryptocurrencies, ensuring secure and transparent transactions.
  
  

This situation underscores the importance of understanding the ethical boundaries between public service and personal financial interests, especially in emerging sectors like cryptocurrency.

The 'Hawk Tuah' Cryptocurrency Scandal

Summary (AI generated)

Haliey Welch, known as the "Hawk Tuah Girl" from a viral 2024 video, became involved in a cryptocurrency project called $HAWK. The coin's value skyrocketed to $500 million shortly after launch but then plummeted, leading to significant financial losses for investors. Welch claimed she lacked understanding of cryptocurrency and was misled into promoting the coin. She cooperated with authorities and was not found legally responsible. The incident highlights the risks of investing in celebrity-endorsed cryptocurrencies.

Understanding the Situation

• Who is Haliey Welch? A young woman who gained internet fame in 2024 from a viral video.

• What Happened? She promoted a new digital currency, $HAWK, which quickly lost value after launch.

• Why is This Important? Many people invested money based on her promotion and suffered losses.

• What Did Welch Do? She stated she didn't understand cryptocurrency and was misled. She cooperated with investigations and was cleared of wrongdoing.

Key Takeaways for New Investors

• Be Cautious with Celebrity Promotions: Fame doesn't guarantee financial expertise

• Understand Before Investing: Ensure you comprehend how an investment works.

• Seek Reliable Advice: Consult trusted financial advisors before making investment decisions.

Benefits

• Prevents Fraud and Bots: Only real people can register, which helps stop scams and fake accounts.

• Universal Digital Identity: People worldwide, including those without government-issued ID, can get a secure digital identity.

• Privacy Focus: The Orb does not keep your iris images, only the encrypted code, and does not require your name or address.

• Easy Access: Once verified, you can use your World ID for various online services and receive cryptocurrency rewards.

Criticisms and Concerns

• Privacy and Data Security: Some worry about giving their biometric data (iris scan), even though the project claims images are deleted and only the code is kept.

• Regulatory Scrutiny: Authorities in several countries have questioned whether the system truly protects user privacy and whether people fully understand what they are consenting to.

• Trust in Technology: Older adults and those less familiar with technology may feel uneasy about using a device that scans their eyes, especially given past data breaches in tech.

• Accessibility: Not everyone may have easy access to an Orb, though the project is expanding locations and offering mobile versions.

Summary

World Network’s Iris Scan Orb is a device that scans your iris to give you a unique, anonymous digital identity, which is then managed using blockchain technology. This helps ensure that only real people can participate in the network and receive its cryptocurrency. The main benefits are fraud prevention and privacy, but there are concerns about data security and user understanding. For older adults, the key takeaway is that the Orb is designed to be simple, fast, and privacy-focused, but it’s important to be aware of ongoing debates about biometric data and digital trust.