Phishmael & FriendsScams aren't just emails anymore. In this episode of Phishmael & Friends, every resident of the Reef gets a different trick on the same day, and every one of them is based on scams real families see.
1. Free game coins. A stranger in game chat promises thousands of free coins, if you log in on their website. The website steals the password instead.
2. The fake influencer giveaway. A famous-looking account says you've won a free phone. All you need to do is send your home address and a photo. Real giveaways don't need either, and the famous picture may have been made by AI.
3. The voice-clone call. Scammers can now copy someone's voice from a short clip. Nana Coral gets a call from her 'grandson' asking for money, and beats it with one question: what's our family code word?
4. The QR code sticker. A poster promises free coffee. Scammers can stick fake QR codes over real ones, sending you to a fake website that asks for your bank details.
5. The scary pop-up. '47 viruses! Call this number now!' Real warnings don't ask you to phone a number from a pop-up. Close the browser, and ask for help.
6. The robot helper. Scammers now use AI to write messages with perfect spelling, so typos are no longer a reliable clue.
Every trick wants you to rush, and every trick asks for something: a password, an address, money or a secret. That's why the whole family can use the same three words: Stop. Look. Ask. Stop before you click. Look at who is really asking. Ask someone you trust.