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Elon Musk’s Twitter Is a Scammer’s Paradise
At the end of August, Sean Murphy was trying to book a flight between Nairobi, Kenya, and Entebbe, Uganda, with Kenya Airways. “The information on the booking page was ambiguous,” says Murphy, the cofounder of Web3 company ImpactScope. So he fired off a quick direct message to the verified Kenya Airways account on Twitter, asking it to confirm baggage allowances for the flight. A day later, when the account didn’t reply, he sent the company a public tweet reminding it about the question. Then the replies started.
Within minutes, multiple Twitter accounts claiming to be Kenya Airways tweeted him. All of them offered help, but none of them appeared official. The accounts used Kenya Airways’ logo and slogan, but clicking on their profiles raised red flags. “Most of their messages were well crafted,” Murphy says. “However, the low number of followers coupled with the spelling errors or odd choice of characters in their actual Twitter handles was the main giveaway.” The accounts included “@_1KenyaAirways” and “@kenyaairways23.”
It’s now easier for Twitter accounts to appear official. In the chaotic days since Elon Musk completed his $44 billion takeover of Twitter and subsequently fired thousands of staff, the social network has revamped how its account verification works. The new Twitter Blue subscription, which has started rolling out to some users, allows anyone to pay $8 per month and get a blue check mark showing they are “verified.” The tick appears almost instantly once someone stumps up the cash, and no questions are asked—people do not have to prove their identity.
The verification symbol is a stark difference from Twitter’s previous approach to verification when only accounts belonging to brands, public figures, and governments were provided with blue ticks next to their name. In all those instances, verification was approved by Twitter staff. The new verification process—or lack of it—is likely to make it easier for scammers, cybercriminals, and peddlers of disinformation to hone their craft and appear legitimate.
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“Cybercriminals very easily use social media as the perfect vehicle to target unbeknown victims, but when there is no clear and genuine way to check identities, you open up a path to impersonated accounts, which will no doubt be abused by threat actors in the search of a con,” says Jake Moore, global cybersecurity advisor at security firm ESET.
Things are already messy. Straight after Twitter Blue’s verification started rolling out, accounts impersonating people and brands appeared. Some people appeared to be testing the system; others were causing trouble. In some cases, new accounts were used, and in others, years-old Twitter accounts had been converted to blue-tick status. One account called Nintendo of America (handle: @nIntendoofus) tweeted a picture of Mario giving people the finger. Apple TV+ was impersonated along with gaming firm Valve, Donald Trump, and basketball star LeBron James. A post from an account pretending to be an ESPN analyst gained more than 10,000 engagements before it was deleted, fact-checking organization Snopes reported. The account had “NOT” in its handle, and its bio described it as a parody. As of yesterday, amid a surge of impersonation accounts, Twitter had paused allowing new accounts to purchase verification.
Twitter’s new approach to verified accounts is focused on the Twitter Blue subscription. Once a user pays, the blue tick appears next to an account’s name. If someone clicks on the tick, a message explains it is there because it has been purchased. In Twitter’s timeline, a user’s blue tick is shown prominently next to the name they give their account (which can easily be changed), rather than their username handle.
3 Ways to Save Money on Meal Kits
Image source: Getty Images
There’s a reason so many people like meal kits. Not only do they make it easy to whip up dinner quickly, but they can also be cheaper and healthier than takeout or delivery.
That said, meal kits tend to be more expensive than buying food at the supermarket. So if you’re on a budget or are trying to reduce your credit card bills, they may not be the best solution.
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But there are also steps you can take to save yourself money in the course of using meal kits. Here are a few worth trying.
RELATED: Best Budgeting Apps
1. Try new services
You may have a specific meal kit service you’re happy with. But it pays to branch out to new ones not just for variety, but also to snag savings.
A number of meal kit services offer sign-up bonuses, so to speak, for new customers. You may, for example, be eligible for a certain amount of money off of your first two or three orders if you try a new service out, making it a less expensive prospect than your current go-to meal kit service.
2. Refer new customers
It’s common for meal kit services to offer bonuses for referring new customers. Often, all you’ll need to do is email some people you know a specific referral link. If they sign up through that link, you’ll generally get a credit added to your account that can offset the cost of your next meal kit shipment. Best of all, you can often snag multiple referral bonuses at a time if enough people from your network sign up.
3. Buy more meal servings at a time
Meal kit services tend to charge on a per-meal or per-serving basis. Let’s say you have the option to get a shipment with six meals, 10 meals, or 14 meals. The cost per meal for a bundle of six might be $10.99. But that might shrink to $9.99 for a shipment of 10 meals, and it might drop again to $8.99 for a shipment of 14. And so the more meals or services you order at once, the less each one is likely to cost.
That said, you’ll need to make sure you have the ability to store those extra meals. Let’s say you use a meal kit service that sends frozen meals for you to reheat. You’ll want to make sure you have plenty of freezer space to accommodate a larger delivery. And if your meal kit service sends you fresh food, make sure you can actually consume those extra servings by their expiration date — or otherwise freeze them so they don’t go bad.
Meal kit services can be extremely convenient for people who don’t have a lot of time to cook or don’t enjoy spending time in the kitchen. And if you’re a self-proclaimed failure in that department, they’re a good option to fall back on. But given the cost involved, it pays to look at ways to reduce the expense of meal kits so you can continue using them to make your life easier.
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10 Affordable Gift Ideas That Won’t Break the Bank
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It’s hard to believe, but we’re already approaching the busy holiday season. For many, it’s time to shop for gifts for family and friends.
If you’re working on your financial goals, you may have minimal funds to spend on gifts — and that’s okay! But if you’re worried that your budget will keep you from buying great gifts, think again.
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There are plenty of affordable gift ideas, and you don’t have to spend a fortune to show you care. The most important part is that you’re thinking about your loved ones and want to do something nice for them. Here are some gift ideas that won’t put you in credit card debt.
1. A notebook and pens
There’s no such thing as having too many notebooks. Journals and notebooks make great gifts for people who like to jot down their thoughts, make lists, and doodle. You can add a nice set of pens or markers to make the gift feel more complete.
2. Disposable camera
Taking physical photographs is an excellent way to capture memories. But there are other options beyond expensive Polaroid cameras. You can still get your hands on disposable cameras, which can make a unique stocking stuffer for a friend or family member who likes to take pictures.
3. Drink tumbler
If you have someone in your life who regularly drinks coffee or always needs water on hand (so, just about anyone), then a drink tumbler is the perfect gift idea. You can find high-quality tumblers, travel mugs, and water bottles in various sizes, styles, colors, and prices. You’ll be helping your loved one keep their drink cool or hot all day.
4. Books
A book is another affordable gift. Consider what interests your loved one has and buy a book that fits your budget. It doesn’t have to be a novel, either. A cookbook, historical book, photo book, or travel book are other unique options that make for great buys.
5. Alcohol
If you’re looking for a gift for someone in your life who drinks alcohol, a bottle of liquor, wine, or a four or six-pack of beer is an affordable way to show appreciation. You can score a great gift at a low price by paying attention to what’s on sale when you go shopping.
6. Socks
Is there such a thing as having too many socks? I think not. Socks are a great gift because your friends and family probably have a lot of misplaced individual socks and could always use more complete sets. With so many patterns and color options, you can have fun and get creative with this gift idea.
7. Board game
Another fantastic gift idea that won’t break the bank is a board game. You can choose a classic like Monopoly or Clue, or pick up a new, modern board game. Your loved one will be glad they can add to their game collection for easy, fun nights at home with friends.
8. Phone charger
Many of us lose our cellphone chargers more frequently than we admit. This could make for a great gift idea if you know someone who is always misplacing their charging cord. If they spend a lot of time in the car, buying a car charger is another option to consider.
9. Portable Bluetooth speaker
A portable Bluetooth speaker can make a great gift if you have a loved one who is always listening to music and podcasts. While some speakers are costly, you can find plenty of affordable options. They even make low-cost speakers that are safe to use in the shower.
10. Gift cards
Looking for a stress-free and lower cost gift idea? A gift card gives the gift recipient control over what gift they get, and they may prefer it to you choosing a gift for them. You can get a $10, $15, or $20 gift card, and your loved one will surely appreciate the thought.
Don’t be tempted to ignore your personal finance goals this holiday season. Instead, find ways to be thoughtful without breaking your budget.
These gift ideas may offer affordable inspiration as you begin making your holiday shopping list. Homemade gifts are another way to go if you have a limited amount of extra money.
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We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
Pound drops to 37-year low against dollar amid fears of recession in Britain
It is worth mentioning that several major currencies have been struggling against the dollar in recent months.
Honda to Introduce 10 New Electric Motorcycles and Scooters to Ease Air Pollution in Asia’s Megacities
– Released
Honda, who created the most-produced motor vehicle in history with the Super Cub scooter, is offering 10 new fully-electric motorbikes to ease air pollution in Asia’s megacities.
Scarcely understood by Americans, the ubiquity of Honda Motor Company’s scooters and motorcycles across Asia is absolute—as entrenched a phenomenon as the monsoon rains.
Through their guiding principle that ‘the purpose of technology is to help people,’ they’ve motorized three generations of working poor, which they now aim to electrify.
Between the end of 2022 and 2025, Honda plans to release 10 new electric bikes to fit all the activities their bikes nearly monopolize across Asia, where millions of people commute daily through some of the most polluted urban air in on Earth.
For electric mopeds and bikes capable of going up to 35 miles an hour, Honda plans to release 5 models for the Chinese, Japanese, European, and greater Asia markets between the end of this year and 2024.
SIMILAR: Largest Purchase of Electric Vehicles in History: Amazon Orders 100,000 EV Delivery Vans
Another two specialty-commuter electric bikes (classified as a bit slower than mopeds) are going to be released outside of China with a variety of factory-changeable features to suit market conditions, and another 4 electric “vehicles,” which look more like highway-speed bikes, will be released by 2025.
– Honda
Covering all the bases
In 2019 Honda passed an incredible milestone of 400 million bikes sold. For perspective, you could go to Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand, and put every man, woman, and child you found in the saddle of a Honda bike, and have a few million left over when the job was done.
Honda boasts 37% of the world’s motorbike market share, and 34% of the company’s sales are derived from bikes. And it’s not all quantity; their 2020 profit margins on bikes were the second highest for a fiscal year, and their sales were around 4-5 times that of two-wheeled competition like Suzuki or Yamaha.
This kind of market dominance doesn’t come by chance, it comes by good business models, and Honda have a few tricks up their sleeve with this huge rollout.
READ ALSO: Trading Old Cars for Electric Bikes: France Proposes Handsome Financial Incentives
“Electric motorcycles, which promise to contribute to CO2 reduction, have their own issues such as heavier vehicle weight and higher prices,” Honda explains in a press release. “Demand for electric models depends largely on government regulations and incentives such as subsidies and tax credits and the availability of charging infrastructure in each respective country.”
– Honda
To get around the issue of charging infrastructure in less rich countries, the bike series will come with interchangeable battery packs, and Honda are even investigating the possibility of roping their competitors into harmonizing battery and charging modules across their bikes.
Honda has also introduced the Honda e: Business Bike series, models which are already in use by Japan Post, and which the Vietnam Post have now begun using them for its mail delivery service.
Expecting businesses to continue becoming more conscious of the environment, Honda is introducing its business-use EVs globally, and Honda is also conducting joint trials with Thailand Post, with plans to begin production and sales of the Benly e: in Thailand this September.
SHOW These Awesome New Bikes To Your Friends On Social Media…
Karnataka: Startup challenge ‘Venturise’ to offer $100,000 to winners
The officer said the announcement will be made at the conclusion ceremony of the investors conclave.
Apollo Tyres Q2 net up 11% at ₹194 crore
Apollo Tyres on Monday reported a consolidated net profit of ₹194 crore for the second quarter ended September 30, up 11 per cent year-on-year (y-o-y) compared with ₹174 crore in corresponding period last year.
The consolidated revenue from operations rose 17 per cent y-o-y to ₹5,956 crore (₹.5,077 crore).
Operating profit was up 12 per cent at ₹712 crore (₹638 crore). Both Indian and European operations witnessed healthy revenue growth in the second quarter, with Indian operations growing upwards of 16 per cent while European operations growing more than 30 per cent (in local currency terms), the company said in a statement.
Cost control
“We continued with our resolve towards profitable growth, despite the headwinds. Our cost control measures, and timely pricing actions, have helped maintain our profitability in a quarter where the raw material prices were at their peak,” Onkar Kanwar, Chairman, Apollo Tyres, said.
“While the demand situation in India remained subdued, in Europe our growth was better than the market. With raw material prices tapering off, there is some respite going forward,” he added.
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Is My Money Safe in the Bank in a Recession?
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For many of us, recessions are synonymous with hard times and losing money. That can be super stressful, especially for those who are already struggling to get by. Recessions can make people wary of investing their money for fear of loss. But is keeping your money in the bank really that much better?
Fortunately, yes, assuming you’ve chosen a reputable institution. Below, we’ll take a look at how banks protect your money and when you may not want to keep your savings here.
Save: Click here to uncover a best-in-class savings account that can earn you 15x your bank
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How banks keep your money safe
Money you put in a bank account is always yours, and often you can withdraw those funds whenever you want. Checking accounts are the best place for everyday spending. But savings accounts are a better home for your emergency fund and money you plan to spend in the next few years.
There’s no real risk of losing money with a bank account unless you rack up a bunch of overdraft fees or an identity thief gains access to your account. And even in the latter case, you may be able to get your funds back if you notify the bank immediately.
In theory, you could also lose money if your bank were to go out of business, but even in this scenario, most people don’t lose a dime. That’s because most bank accounts are covered by Federal Deposit Insurance Company (FDIC) insurance. This pays you up to $250,000 per person per account type per bank in the event of a bank failure. So as long as you don’t exceed these limits, you won’t lose any money even if your bank completely mismanages all its funds.
There’s a much greater chance that you make money by keeping your extra cash in a bank account, especially if you opt for a savings account. These accounts enable you to earn interest on your money in the form of an annual percentage yield (APY). Many of the top savings accounts today have APYs in excess of 2.50%. You don’t have to do anything to claim this. Just leave your money alone and you’ll receive regular interest payments into your account.
When you shouldn’t keep money in a bank account
Bank accounts are great for keeping cash to pay your monthly bills or for short- to medium-term savings goals. But most people are better off investing longer-term savings, even if a recession is on the horizon.
Investing offers much greater earning potential, and while it does carry a risk of loss, those who buy and hold their investments for at least five to seven years generally earn a decent profit. If you have a hard time looking past short-term losses, try to avoid checking your portfolio more than a few times a year. This can help you avoid emotional decision-making.
Ultimately, the best home for your money depends on how you plan to use it. But regardless of where you keep your cash, you need to take steps on your end to ensure that money doesn’t wind up in someone else’s hands. Never access your financial accounts on a public wifi network, and avoid writing your passwords down or sharing them with others. If you do this, you shouldn’t have to worry about losing any of your savings.
These savings accounts are FDIC insured and could earn you up to 18x your bank
Many people are missing out on guaranteed returns as their money languishes in a big bank savings account earning next to no interest. Our picks of the best online savings accounts can earn you more than 18x the national average savings account rate. Click here to uncover the best-in-class picks that landed a spot on our shortlist of the best savings accounts for 2022.
We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
OMCs may not immediately cut fuel prices: Fitch Ratings
Fitch Ratings on Monday said that it does not expect oil marketing companies (OMCs) to immediately cut retail prices of diesel and petrol as the focus would be on first recouping losses.
“Fitch expects crude oil prices to fall to an average of $96 per barrel in FY23 and believes that OMCs may not immediately cut fuel prices, allowing marketing margins to normalise and recoup some of the current losses,” it said in a statement.
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Union Minister for Environment Bhupender Yadav said the document had been prepared after extensive consultations within the government and with the State governments
Retail losses
However, retail losses would still outweigh the strength in demand and refining margins in FY23, weakening OMCs’ credit metrics to beyond their standalone credit profiles’ (SCPs) negative triggers, it added.
The ratings agency observed that worst may be over for OMCs after a significant debt increase in Q2 FY23 on weak EBITDA from marketing losses, a depreciating rupee and high working-capital needs.
“We expect the marketing segment to turn profitable from FY24,” it noted.
Profitability under pressure
Retail losses from auto fuel prices that have been frozen for around six months amid elevated crude oil prices kept the OMCs’ profitability under pressure in Q2 FY23. This was driven by losses on diesel sales, while losses on petrol sales moderated, despite a fall in average crude oil prices to $98 a barrel in Q2 FY23 from $112 in Q1 FY23, it explained.
“We expect marketing margins and overall profitability to continue improving in FY24 as crude oil prices fall to Fitch’s assumption of $80 a barrel. This, along with lower working-capital needs and average mid-cycle refining margins, should drive an improvement in the OMCs’ credit metrics to levels closer to or better than the SCPs’ negative triggers,” Fitch said.
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Auto fuel demand to remain buoyant in November, December
Rising industrial and farm activity to boost consumption in the seasonally strong October-December quarter.
However, a scenario of crude oil prices remaining high for longer than Fitch expects may lead to mounting losses and escalating debt at OMCs, pressuring their operations and SCPs. This could lead to a rethink in the government’s current approach to fuel price hikes, excise duties, and/or the need to provide relief to OMCs, notwithstanding the competing priorities between OMCs’ financial health and government’s fiscal and inflationary pressures, it added.
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