Chip Giant’s Shares Slip! But Analysts Remain Optimistic
New figures have revealed people were scammed out of £612m through investment fraud last year, with criminals now using famous faces to gain trust. Ann Jensen, from Salisbury in Wiltshire, fell victim to a fake investment opportunity she thought was being promoted by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Once the fraudsters had persuaded Ms Jensen to take out a £20,000 loan to prove her financial fluidity, she never heard from them again. She described the realisation she had been scammed as having a "physical reaction" as though her "body had gone to liquid". Investment scammers trick people into thinking they are putting their money into a financial scheme that will grow, such as cryptocurrency, when they are just taking off with their cash. Ms Jensen told BBC Morning Live how she got hooked on one of these fraudulent schemes after scammers used deepfake technology to mimic the Prime Minister. “It was Keir Starmer talking about the benefit of this wonderful investment opportunity," she said. "That if you put in £200 you could start to make money on crypto trading. I clicked on it.” The fraudsters convinced Ms Jensen her initial investment had grown to more than £2,500 and persuaded her to take out a loan to prove she had enough funds to make more cryptocurrency, assuring her she would get this money back. But once the cooling-off period for the loan had passed Ms Jensen could no longer get in contact with the fraudsters. “[The shock] was a physical sensation," she said. "It felt as though my whole body had gone to liquid or air." Ms Jensen's bank said that she is liable for the loans and she owes them £23,000. She has agreed to pay it back in instalments for the next 27 years. “I never actually admitted to feeling stupid, because I don’t believe I am," she said. "But I do believe I was a victim of a crime, and I hadn’t actually processed that until afterwards. It’s tainted me for life.” Dr Jan Collie, an expert in cybersecurity at The Open University, explained how the criminals are hooking people in with artificial intelligence (AI). "When it’s someone as well-known as Keir Starmer, there’s lots of video that exists of him," she said. "They throw it into the AI engine and it learns his mannerisms, facial expressions and then it can clone the voice. "People are more inclined to believe personalities, it feels more comfortable and seems more real.” Dr Collie advised there are certain things to look for when spotting one of these cons, such as pixelation and unrealistic or mismatched movements. Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook , X and Instagram . Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630 .
Donald Trump’s social media company is considering developing a cryptocurrency payment service, according to a trademark application filed this week, the latest sign of the president-elect’s embrace of the crypto industry. Trump Media & Technology Group filed an application Monday for a service called TruthFi, which it described as a platform for crypto payments, financial custody services and trading in digital assets.
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tickets have long been synonymous with sky-high prices, consistently ranking . Earlier this year, a study by Gaming Today confirmed their dominance, reporting an average ticket price of $399.50- For marquee games, such as their annual Thanksgiving matchup, premium seats near the field historically , while upper-level tickets hovered around $250. As Brett Collson of Gaming Today noted, " ." But this season has . Ahead of their Thanksgiving game against the struggling , prices have plummeted. Tickets near the 50-yard line are now By comparison, tickets for the rivalry game-taking place the following day-are , further highlighting the Cowboys' dramatic fall from premium status. Cowboys' disappointing season results in slashed ticket prices Fans on social media . One user wrote, " ." Another joked, " ." The Cowboys' disappointing 3-7 record and the Giants' abysmal 2-8 season have drained excitement Even within , fan fatigue is impossible to ignore. During the Cowboys' recent Monday Night Football loss to the , large sections of empty seats and a noticeable influx of Texans fans underscored the growing dissatisfaction. Cowboys owner tried to spin it positively, saying, " ." However, the declining attendance and cheap resale prices paint a different picture. For a team that has built its brand on being , this season's struggles have clearly shaken its once-loyal fanbase. With Thanksgiving game tickets now cheaper than the cost of a turkey, the Cowboys are facing a stark reality: . If things don't turn around soon, this season may go down as one of the most forgettable in recent memory.Ellington Credit Prepares for Special Meeting and Issues Mirror Preferred StockPure Storage Announces Third Quarter Fiscal 2025 Financial Results
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LISBON, Portugal (AP) — Arsenal defender Gabriel kept Viktor Gyokeres quiet — then had the audacity to steal the in-demand Sporting Lisbon striker's trademark goal celebration. After heading in Arsenal's third first-half goal in the Champions League on Tuesday, Gabriel linked the fingers of his hands and placed them over his eyes, before laughing with his teammates. It was most likely a dig at Gyokeres, the Sweden striker who has quickly become one of European soccer's hottest properties . That is how Gyokeres celebrates his goals — and he has scored plenty of those this season. Gyokeres has scored 24 goals for Sporting in all competitions and was coming off netting four for Sweden in a Nations League match against Azerbaijan. Earlier in the first half, Gabriel had enjoyed tackling and dispossessing Gyokeres near the Arsenal area — waving both his arms in a gesture to the crowd. Gabriel's goal made it 3-0 to Arsenal at halftime and the English team went on to win 5-1, with Gyokeres failing to score. He did hit the post with a shot late in the game, however — after Gabriel had gone off with an injury. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccerMazel Tov Bar/Bat Mitzvah Featured Stories Headlines Israel Local Community Miriam's Advice Well Arts Performance Lifestyle Philacatessen Judaism Ritual Life Society The hit Netflix series “Fauda” drew widespread acclaim when it debuted nearly a decade ago. The action-packed show, which has aired four thrill-filled seasons thus far, chronicles the adventures of an elite Israeli counterterrorism unit that conducts covert missions that often keep viewers at the edge of their seats. Fauda’s leading star, Lior Raz, not only plays the main character, Doron Kabilio, he also co-wrote and co-produced the popular series. Raz was one of the headliners at a Nov. 21 event in Philadelphia to benefit American Friends of Magen Adom, the American arm of Israel’s national emergency services organization. A crowd of approximately 225 came to pay tribute to several well-deserved honorees — Hilary Sennett, Jim Showers and Gershon Trimpol — and support an organization whose sole mission is saving lives. The event was emceed by Emily Austin, a TV personality who has extensive experience interviewing athletes and stars in the entertainment industry. With a social media following of over two million, Austin has become a well-known influencer who often speaks about her strong support for Israel and the importance of combatting antisemitism. In an interview with the Philadelphia Jewish Exponent, Austin, who became an Israeli citizen the week before Oct. 7, 2023, talked about why she feels it’s so important to be outspoken in support of the Jewish state. “I consider myself an advocate for the truth and for what’s right ... I always take the moral high ground,” Austin said. “And I find it really unfortunate that everyone’s on the same page, except when it comes to the Jews. Christians can have a country. Muslims can have a country ... But when it comes to the Jewish people, after enduring a massacre, the world turns a blind eye, or even worse, sides with evil. So, I’m just trying to open people’s eyes. “I go by a saying — don’t tell people they’re wrong but show them why you’re right. And I believe Israel has so many ‘rights’ to show the world that we have, and if I can be the one to show them the truth, then what an honor,” she added. As for her huge social media following, Austin doesn’t shy away from using her platform to voice her pro-Israel views. “I’m very blessed to have a platform that’s not preaching to the echo chamber of Jewish people who already support Israel. I work in sports. I work in entertainment. And I would even argue that my audience is mostly non-Jews. And ... I don’t want to be proselytizing. I don’t want to shove Israel down your throat to the point that it’s nauseating, like the pro-Palestinians do. They shut down bridges and tunnels and they make you almost nauseated by the cause. I try to show a positive light and the truth without completely overwhelming my [social media] feed with it — like I know you follow me for sports, and you’re still going to get it. But I also love Israel, and I’m going to show you why I love Israel. And I think I try to balance the two.” American Friends of Magen David Adom CEO Catherine Reed introduced one of the evening’s honorees, Gershon Trimpol, noting that Trimpol, who serves as chairman of the International Magen David Adom Committee and vice president of American Friends of Magen David Adom, has 26 years of experience working with the organization. As he addressed the crowd, Trimpol, a resident of Southampton, quoted the famous Talmudic passage “Kol Yisrael arevim zeh bazeh” (All Jews are responsible for each other), noting that “few organizations embody that principle more than Magen David Adom.” In addition to Magen David Adom’s efforts to supply blood to the Israel Defense Forces and Israeli hospitals, Trimpol underscored the Herculean efforts of the organization’s first responders. “The heart and soul of Magen David Adom are its paramedics,” he said. “On Oct. 7, while others were running from the danger, the brave paramedics of Magen David Adom ran into the danger to help others.” Attendees watched an emotional video that spotlighted the bravery of Magen David Adom paramedics as they responded to various terrorist attacks, including Oct. 7 and in July 2024, when a rocket hit a soccer field in Majdal Shams, a city in northern Israel, which left 12 children dead. During the event, Sue and Bruce Epstein of Margate City, New Jersey, stood up and pledged to make a sizable donation that Magen David Adom could use to buy a new ambulance for its fleet in Israel, drawing applause from the crowd. The evening’s keynote speaker was Ambassador Gilad Erdan, who assumed the role of global president of Magen David Adom in September 2024. Prior to his new role, Erdan served for four years as Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, where he vigorously defended Israel on the world stage. Erdan also served as a member of Knesset for 17 years and had a tenure as Israel’s ambassador to the United States. In an interview with the Philadelphia Jewish Exponent, Erdan spoke about the challenges currently facing Israel and the heightened role that Magen David Adom plays post-Oct. 7. “Our enemies know that they cannot defeat the IDF. You see what’s happening in Gaza and Lebanon — we are destroying them. So, what’s their strategy? It’s a twofold strategy. They are focused on attacking our civilians ... They want to terrorize our kids, frighten them, make sure that they maybe drive us out of our homeland in fear for the long term,” Erdan said. “And then the other part, how do they plan to survive? They are trying to exploit my last battlefield, the U.N., to pressure us to a cease-fire, to tie our hands, to portray us as baby killers. So, this is why it’s twofold. Now focusing on the civilian side, they’re attacking the home front. As [there are] many more people that they will be able to kill there, it most likely will succeed to terrorize our citizens.” Erdan cited those challenges to make the case that Magen David Adom is indispensable. “The Israeli resilience, it is dependent on us [Magen David Adom]. So yes, I believe that the Jewish world came to the understanding that of course the IDF is the most important organization, but other than the IDF, when it comes to the first responders like Magen David Adom ... we cannot afford for Magen David Adom not to be the No. 1 emergency medical service in the world. I feel that the Jewish communities really came to this understanding, and they’re behind us. “There’s only one national organization in Israel, which is Magen David Adom — this is the emergency national organization that is obligated to supply services everywhere, be it rural areas, Judea and Samaria, the Golan Heights. We are the ones that the resilience of Israel is dependent upon,” Erdan added. Erdan had much to say about what sort of strategies could be employed to try and counter the anti-Israel animus that is prevalent at international bodies such as the United Nations and the International Criminal Court, which recently issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of “crimes against humanity” relating to the war in Gaza. “Always be on the offensive. That’s what I did at the U.N. — never be apologetic. I knew I represented the most moral military and country in the world, so I exposed their lies, their hypocrisy,” Erdan said. “I need to preserve our allies’ support for us, and that’s what we’re doing by always being there on the offensive, fighting and exposing the lies.” In his remarks to the audience, Erdan focused on the threat posed by the U.N. to Israel, opening with a line that drew laughs from the Philly crowd. “It’s really great for me to be here in Philadelphia, a city that cherishes so much both liberty and loyalty, though I must confess that being here during Eagles’ season without being an Eagles fan feels almost as lonely as defending Israel at the U.N.,” he said. “Today, dear friends, the U.N. is not just biased, it’s a weapon in the terrorist arsenal to help them survive,” Erdan said. “What would the U.N.’s founders say if they saw their creation today, an institution founded after the Holocaust to prevent genocide has been hijacked by those who plot it?” Erdan noted that although Israel represents less than one-tenth of 1% of the world’s population, it receives 70% of the U.N.’s condemnations every year. “We receive more condemnations than Syria, Russia, North Korea and Iran combined,” he said. After declaring that the “U.N. has become a stain on humanity,” citing the U.N.’s $75 billion annual budget and noting that the United States, as the biggest funder of the U.N., is “literally financing an institution controlled by dictators that works against our values,” Erdan emphatically declared that “the time has come for us to understand that the U.N. is lost” and stated that, “The U.N. must be defunded. Completely defunded,” which drew rousing applause from the crowd. Referring to Magen David Adom, Erdan painted a far more positive and promising picture than he did when speaking about the U.N. “We are in the life-saving business. It’s sometimes very hard, very sad, very challenging, but the future is bright, I promise you ... Our sages, as you know, teach us that whoever saves even one life, it is as if they saved an entire world. So many lives have been saved, thanks to you. So many worlds have been saved, thanks to you ... I thank you from the bottom of my heart,” Erdan said, asserting that “a stronger Magen David Adom means a stronger Israel.” The crowd watched excitedly as Raz and Austin engaged in an armchair conversation, in which Austin interviewed the “Fauda” star about his upbringing and the hit series. Noting that his father was born in Iraq and his mother was born in Algeria, Raz said that Arabic was frequently spoken in his home. Raz’s father served in Shin Bet, Israel’s security agency, and Raz’s military service consisted of service in Duvdevan, an elite counterterrorism unit. “What you’ve seen in ‘Fauda’ is what I used to do,” Raz said, referring to his time in the IDF. After his army service, Raz said he went to the United States, where he served as a bodyguard to Arnold Schwarzenegger and actress Nastassja Kinski. He then returned to Israel and began pursuing an acting career. Raz, who was experiencing posttraumatic stress disorder following his IDF service, eventually met journalist Avi Issacharoff. Together, Raz and Issacharoff began writing the script that ultimately became ‘Fauda.’ “So many things that you see in ‘Fauda’ are from our real lives,” Raz said, referring to Issacharoff and himself. Event organizers said it was a successful evening for Magen David Adom, which Erdan proudly referred to as “the backbone of Israel’s resilience.” [email protected] TAGS American Friends of Magen David Adom Catherine Reed Emily Austin Fauda Gershon Trimpol Hilary Sennett Israel Israel Defense Forces Jim Showers Lior Raz United Nations
French political turmoil a boost for London as government in Paris teeters on brink
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CEO killing and rage over insurance plunges UnitedHealth into crisisShare Tweet Share Share Email In today’s financial landscape, technology is a fundamental pillar of growth. The rapid advancement of financial technologies has opened up new pathways to wealth and opportunity. By harnessing the power of innovative platforms and tools, individuals and businesses can optimize their financial strategies like never before. From automated investing solutions to blockchain technologies that enhance transparency and security, the potential is vast. Business and finance professional, Joseph Heimann of NJ explores these financial advancements, highlighting their impact and how they can be leveraged to drive your financial growth. Understanding Financial Technology (FinTech) In the ever-evolving financial sector, FinTech stands as a beacon of innovation. It merges technology with financial services, redefining how we manage and relate to money. FinTech encompasses several key components that have reshaped the financial services industry. Digital payments like mobile wallets and contactless transactions are making cash seem like a relic of the past. Robo-advisors offer automated, algorithm-driven financial planning with minimal human supervision, allowing users to invest with ease and precision. Blockchain technology provides secure, transparent transactions and is set to revolutionize everything from banking to voting systems. Peer-to-peer lending platforms bypass traditional banks, directly connecting borrowers with lenders, often offering better interest rates. The impact of FinTech on traditional banking cannot be overstated. Banks have been forced to adapt or risk obsolescence. They’re enhancing customer experiences by offering digital solutions like online banking and mobile apps. FinTech enables 24/7 access to financial services, making geographical boundaries and time constraints almost irrelevant. “Traditional banks are also integrating FinTech solutions to offer personalized services, leveraging customer data with consent to tailor financial products,” says Joseph Heimann NJ . “The collaboration between old and new is reshaping the banking sector, making it more agile and adaptive.” Innovative Tools for Financial Management The financial sector is rapidly adopting new technologies, revolutionizing how we manage money. These innovations are making financial management, including managing budgets, more efficient and insightful. Tools like QuickBooks and Mint simplify managing budgets and account management. QuickBooks offers small businesses powerful features, from invoicing to payroll, while Mint centralizes personal finances, helping users track spending, set budgets, and get alerts on risky financial habits. These tools provide clarity and guide businesses and individuals toward financial stability and growth. Investing has become more accessible with platforms like Robinhood and Betterment. Robinhood removes commission fees and offers an easy-to-use app for stock investing, while Betterment uses algorithms to create personalized investment strategies. These platforms open the door to wealth-building opportunities once reserved for the affluent. Expense tracking is crucial for financial health, and Expensify makes it easy. This app scans receipts, tracks mileage, and generates reports, reducing errors for businesses and providing clarity for individuals on their spending. These financial tools simplify complexities, turning data into actionable insights for smarter financial decisions. The Role of Data Analytics in Financial Growth Data analytics is a crucial driver of financial growth, turning vast amounts of data into actionable insights. By interpreting this data, businesses can identify patterns, predict outcomes, and optimize strategies to gain economic advantages. Predictive analytics is key in shaping investment strategies. It uses historical data and algorithms to forecast future trends, providing investors with insights into market movements, stock performance, and economic shifts. This allows them to capitalize on opportunities and reduce risks. Data analytics also supports asset allocation and risk management. Notes Heimann, “By recognizing patterns, investors can adjust portfolios to maximize returns while minimizing exposure to volatility.” Machine learning algorithms help assess investment opportunities, ensuring dollars are placed strategically for growth. Customer behavior analysis is essential for financial growth. Data offers insights into consumer preferences, purchasing habits, and feedback, enabling businesses to refine their offerings. This leads to personalized products and services that boost customer satisfaction and loyalty. Retailers track shopping trends to target promotions effectively, while financial institutions use data to create tailored banking solutions. Through customer insights, businesses can refine strategies, improve experiences, and drive success. Cybersecurity in Financial Technology Protecting sensitive data and securing transactions is a vital responsibility as financial services move to digital platforms. With the rise of cyber threats, implementing strong security measures is critical. The financial technology sector faces a range of evolving threats. Phishing is a major risk, where cybercriminals use deceptive emails and websites to trick users into revealing personal information, such as passwords and credit card numbers. Malware, including ransomware, can infiltrate systems through seemingly harmless downloads or email attachments, causing damage or stealing data. Ransomware locks users out of their systems until a ransom is paid, often crippling businesses. Data breaches are another significant threat, with unauthorized access to confidential information leading to financial loss and reputational damage. For FinTech businesses, a breach can result in losing customer trust overnight. To mitigate these risks, FinTech companies need comprehensive security strategies. Strong authentication protocols, such as multifactor authentication, add layers of security by requiring more than just a password. Regular software updates are essential to patch vulnerabilities and prevent unauthorized access. Employee training is also critical. One click on a malicious link can compromise a system. Regular training and simulated attacks can help staff recognize phishing and other scams, strengthening the overall defense. Finally, a response plan is crucial. Despite the best security measures, breaches can occur. A well-defined plan allows for quick, effective action to contain and mitigate damage. Preparing in advance is key to handling incidents when they arise. Future Trends in Financial Technology Financial technology is evolving rapidly, reshaping the entire finance sector. Beyond new apps and software, innovations are transforming financial services on a deeper level. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are at the forefront of this change. AI enhances personalization in banking, predicts consumer behavior, and improves decision-making. Machine Learning, a subset of AI, refines predictions and identifies patterns by continuously analyzing data. It automates complex tasks like fraud detection and risk management, identifying threats before they materialize. Cryptocurrency and blockchain are driving a significant shift in financial transactions. Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum operate on decentralized networks, offering transparency and security. “These cryptocurrencies provide an alternative to traditional banking, bypassing intermediaries in investment and currency exchange,” says Heimann. Blockchain, the technology behind cryptocurrencies, is revolutionizing data storage and sharing. Its ability to create secure, unalterable records has wide-ranging applications. In financial transactions, blockchain guarantees that every step is visible and verifiable, minimizing trust issues and reducing reliance on third-party verifications. As blockchain matures, smart contracts will further streamline processes. These self-executing agreements, embedded with conditions in code, automatically enforce transactions, eliminating the need for intermediaries. Advancements like AI, ML, cryptocurrency, and blockchain are shaping the future, creating smarter, more secure, and accessible financial systems. Financial technology is not just improving efficiency but democratizing wealth-building opportunities for individuals and businesses alike. Related Items: financial management , fintech , Joseph Heimann NJ Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you Why Customer Data Security is a Non-Negotiable in Fintech Invoice and Expense Management: Tech-Driven Approaches to Efficiency The Rise of Fintech Unicorns: Investing in the Future of Financial Technology