⚠️ Meta Removes 63,000 Instagram Accounts in Nigeria for Financial Sextortion Scams

Today’s Menu ☕️

⚠️ Meta Removes 63,000 Instagram Accounts in Nigeria for Financial Sextortion Scams
🏦 Risevest to Acquire Fintech Startup Hisa as It Hopes to Expand into Kenya
🎭 How to Promote and Sell Event Tickets Directly on TikTok with the New Eventbrite Integration
🗺️ Apple Maps Now Available on the Web: A New Competitor for Google Maps
📱Google unveils new AI-driven features for Play Store

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⚠️ SOCIAL MEDIA

Meta Removes 63,000 Instagram Accounts in Nigeria for Financial Sextortion Scams

Meta Platforms Inc., has announced the removal of 63,000 accounts linked to the infamous “Yahoo Boys” scam group. This crackdown, detailed in a Meta's Q1 2024 Adversarial Threat Report titled "Combating Financial Sextortion Scams From Nigeria", targets accounts involved in financial sextortion scams and the dissemination of blackmail scripts. Over the past few weeks, these fraudulent accounts were systematically eliminated to curb the group's malicious activities.

The “Yahoo Boys” are a well-known cybercrime group primarily operating out of Nigeria, notorious for their involvement in various online fraud schemes. These schemes often include romance scams, phishing, and identity theft. Their recent focus has been on financial sextortion, where victims are coerced into making payments to avoid the release of compromising information. This type of scam has proven lucrative for the criminals, prompting Meta's rigorous action.

In addition to the 63,000 accounts, Meta identified and removed a smaller network of 2,500 accounts connected to approximately 20 individuals. This group mainly targeted adult men in the United States, using fake identities to deceive and exploit their victims. By posing as attractive women or potential romantic partners, these scammers lured their targets into sharing explicit content, which was then used for blackmail...…....continue reading

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🏦 ACQUISITIONS

Risevest to Acquire Fintech Startup Hisa as It Hopes to Expand into Kenya

Risevest, a prominent Nigerian wealth management platform, is reportedly planning to acquire Hisa, a Kenyan fintech startup that allows users to invest in US stocks. This strategic move is aimed at expanding Risevest’s operations into the Kenyan market, marking its second acquisition after purchasing Chaka, a digital trading startup, in September 2023.

The acquisition of Hisa aligns with Risevest’s broader strategy to enhance its presence in Africa and offer more diverse investment opportunities to its users. By integrating Hisa’s platform, Risevest will not only gain a foothold in Kenya but also strengthen its ability to provide international investment options, particularly in US stocks. This development is part of a growing trend of Nigerian fintech companies expanding their operations across the continent to tap into new markets and diversify their user base.....…....continue reading

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🎭 EVENTS

How to Promote and Sell Event Tickets Directly on TikTok with the New Eventbrite Integration

TikTok has introduced an exciting new feature that integrates Eventbrite, a top event management and ticketing platform, into its app. This new partnership allows content creators to promote and sell event tickets directly through TikTok, transforming digital event marketing and ticket sales.

Starting today, TikTok users can add Eventbrite links to their videos. This integration makes it easier for viewers to discover and buy tickets for live events without leaving the app. By embedding an Eventbrite link in a TikTok video, creators can direct their audience to a dedicated event page where they can view details and purchase tickets seamlessly....…....continue reading

🗺️ MAPS

Apple Maps Now Available on the Web: A New Competitor for Google Maps

In a significant development, Apple has launched a public beta of Apple Maps on the web, making it accessible directly from your browser. This launch puts Apple Maps in direct competition with Google Maps, which has been available on the web since 2005.

Currently available in English, the web version of Apple Maps can be accessed using Safari and Chrome on Mac and iPad, as well as Chrome and Edge on Windows PCs. Apple plans to extend support to additional languages, browsers, and platforms in the future.

Apple Maps on the web offers functionalities similar to its mobile app, including driving and walking directions, ordering food from Maps place cards, browsing curated guides and reviews, and more. Apple has also announced plans to bring additional features, such as the 360-degree panoramic “Look Around” view, to the web version in the coming months..…....continue reading

📱 APPS

Google unveils new AI-driven features for Play Store

Tech giant, Google continues to find ways to put AI into everything it does as it launched a series of advanced features for its Play Store, aimed at encouraging users to explore and engage with content beyond just downloading apps.

The company stated that this is an approach to enhancing user experience on the Play Store through advanced AI technology. By offering more personalized, engaging, and efficient ways to discover and interact with content, Google aims to set a new standard in app store user engagement.......continue reading

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