Category: ESTA News

Fraud cases targeting seniors over the age of 60 have soared.

According to the FBI’s annual report, there will be 92,000 senior fraud victims in 2021, with damages of $1.7 billion. The average damage per person was $18,000, a 74% increase from the previous year.

By age group, 92,000 people were over 60 years old, followed by 89,000 people in their 40s, 88,000 people in their 30s, 74,000 people in their 50s, and 69,000 people in their 20s.

By region, California has the highest number of deaths with 12,951 ($427.26 million in damage), Florida with 9,645 ($224.2 million), New York with 6,223 ($188.05 million), and Texas with 6,788 ($159.61 million), etc. In the Washington area, 2,956 people in Virginia ($ 60.83 million), 2,096 people in Maryland ($ 37.81 million), and 349 people in Washington DC ($ 7.7 million) were victims.

Since the pandemic, as online and electronic payments have increased, fraud cases targeting technologically vulnerable seniors have surged, with identity theft, romance scams, and personal information leaks accounting for more than half of all cases.

Impersonating a well-known IT company and approaching it to solve technical problems, charging for software updates, stealing financial information such as banks and credit cards, creating a ghost account to withdraw money, etc. Until bills arrive There were a lot of cases where I didn’t even know I was.

In terms of the scale of damage, romance scams that appeal to emotions were the largest. A sad story was also told of the victims taking their own lives as crimes that inflict financial and psychological harm in the name of love by approaching lonely elderly people with fake identities were rampant. Damages nearly double from $230 million in 2019 to $430 million in 2021.

In addition, scams using illegal investments and virtual currencies have increased, as well as fraudulently claiming to have won a lottery or sweepstakes, impersonating the government (National Tax Service, Social Security Administration). Even in the Korean community, there was a case of fraud in which people lost money by investing in fake virtual currency after hearing only vaguely that they could make money.

Through this report, the FBI warned against senior fraud and called for extra caution to avoid falling prey to increasingly sophisticated fraudulent schemes.

A U.S. intelligence official raised concerns that AI ChatGPT, which can converse or write like a human through messenger, could be abused for phishing attacks that steal personal information through e-mail.

Rob Joyce, head of the National Security Agency’s (NSA) cybersecurity department, responded to the moderator’s comment that there were concerns that people would be more susceptible to phishing messages written by ChatGPT at a talk at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) on the 11th, saying, “I totally think so too.”.

“ChatGPT technology is impressive and sophisticated,” said Joyce. While you can’t automate hacking attacks with ChatGPT or tell it to find all vulnerabilities in a particular piece of software, “it will optimize the flow of that work.”

He said that foreign malicious actors will use ChatGPT to write very reliable native English sentences and use them for phishing attacks or contacting the target. “That will be a problem,” he said.

He went on to warn that “Chat GPT will not become a ‘super AI hacker’ replacing hackers in the near term, but hackers who use AI will be more effective than those who do not.”

When asked if he was concerned about the possibility of China and others hacking AI companies such as OpenAI, which created ChatGPT, he replied that he could not mention specific examples, but said, “All technological advances that have been game changers in our industry have been targeted.”.

Regarding the point that there is no evidence that the Chinese video platform TikTok is acting maliciously, he compared TikTok to a “Trojan Horse” and asked, “Is there a need to stand in front of an enemy with a loaded gun?” did.

He said the U.S. had overestimated Russia’s conventional capabilities and underestimated its cyber capabilities.

For example, he explained that Russia is hacking web and security cameras to monitor roads, cars, and trains in Ukraine.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin announced on the 11th that he was taking the scandal over the alleged leak of classified US government documents very seriously and that he was continuing close cooperation with allies and partners.

He also disclosed that the leaked documents dated February 28 and March 1.

“We take this issue very seriously,” Austin said at a joint conference after the “2+2” meeting between the foreign and defense ministers of the United States and the Philippines.

“Nothing can stop us from keeping America safe,” he said.

It is the first time that the head of the US Department of Defense, who is directly involved in the leaked documents, has publicly stated his position regarding this situation.

“I first received a report on the unauthorized leak of sensitive and classified data on the morning of the 6th,” said Minister Austin. down,” he explained.

He also said, “I commissioned this case (investigation) to the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Justice opened a criminal investigation.”

In response to the question, “Why did the intelligence agency does not know that the related documents were floating online before receiving the report on the 6th,” he said, “The dates of the documents we know are February 28 and March 1.” I don’t know if there were other documents on the table.”

“As we continue our investigation, we’ll know, but the documents we’re focusing on right now are the February 28th and March 1st documents,” he said. “At the moment, we’re not sure exactly who had access at that time, but until we find the source and extent of it, we’ll see.” He said he would continue the investigation.

The US government is in an embarrassing situation due to allegations of leaking military secrets related to its allies and partners, but it is showing its position that some of them have been fabricated.

The leaked documents also included suspected eavesdropping and wiretapping of high-ranking officials in the National Security Office of Korea, and Defense Minister Lee Jong-seop discussed the suspicion in a phone call at the request of Minister Austin on the 11th, Korea time.

Kim Tae-hyo, first deputy director of the National Security Office, said on his visit to the United States that day that the ROK-U.S. assessment was consistent that many of the documents related to Korea were forged. revealed

White House National Security Council Strategic Communications Coordinator John Kirby said in a briefing that day, “The Department of Defense acted very quickly to address any issues that could have a more dangerous impact on national security with these leaks.” One of the first steps taken was to refer it to the Ministry of Justice for a criminal investigation.”

“As I said yesterday, we are reaching out and communicating with relevant allies and partners at a very high level,” Kirby’s coordinator said when asked if the leak would harm relations with allies and partners.

Previously, Kirby Coordinator said in a briefing the day before that some of the leaked documents were fabricated, but he would not say whether all documents, including those that do not appear to have been manipulated, are valid.

But Chris Meager, assistant secretary to the Secretary of Defense, told reporters the previous day that the document appeared to be like the format used to give high-ranking officials.

Meanwhile, Coordinator Kirby “saw no indication that Egypt was providing lethal weapons capabilities to Russia,” in response to US media reports that leaked classified documents contained information that Egypt was secretly planning to supply shells and ammunition to Russia. denied it.

On the 2nd, the day before former President Donald Trump, who was the first incumbent former U.S. president to be charged with a criminal offense, was scheduled to go to New York, the Manhattan Criminal Court and the vicinity of Trump Tower were quieter than expected.

There were no protests by supporters of former President Trump, and there was no ‘anti-Trump’ picket protest.

However, if it were not for the reporters, including the cameras of broadcasting companies camped out in front of the courthouse and Trump Tower, the scenery would be no different from usual.

Before the appearance of former President Trump, scheduled for the 4th, at the Criminal Court building in Lower Manhattan, there was a strange silence like the night before a storm.

However, the cameras of the broadcasting companies and the tent booths of the media companies lined up in front of the park across the street from the government building represented the intense competition of media outlets trying to convey former President Trump’s court appearance and the world’s keen interest in the case.

Passers-by said, “Donald Trump is coming here on Tuesday,” and showed a little interest, but did not stop walking.

Since it was a Sunday, there was not much time for the news, so there seemed to be less than 10 filming reporters on the scene. A Spanish-speaking broadcast reporter was busy preparing a report.

Trump Tower, where former President Trump’s New York home is located, had a slightly different atmosphere.

There were no demonstrators and only two or three police officers, just like the courthouse, but since it was in the middle of Midtown Fifth Avenue, which had a lot of floating population, there were quite a few tourists passing by and stopping to take selfies and other photos.

Broadcast reporters reporting through iron barricades and social media influencers who seemed to be broadcasting live on mobile phones were also witnessed.

During the past week, a few anti-Trump protesters calling for former President Trump’s prison sentence and one or two pro-Trump “alone protesters” against them were captured, but it seemed to show a temporary lull over the weekend.

“There are no protesters right now, but tomorrow may come,” said a police officer stationed opposite Trump Tower. “We are thoroughly prepared.”

Former President Trump arrived in New York on the 3rd, the day before his appearance, and was told that he would spend the night at Trump Tower, but this officer only replied, “I don’t know” about the specific schedule.

In New York, where the Democratic Party is strongly inclined, the possibility of a riot by Trump supporters is not high, but as it is difficult to predict what will happen on the day of the court appearance, which will attract national attention, the police and other security authorities are not loosening the reins.

The New York Police Department (NYPD) mobilized all 35,000 police personnel from the 31st of last month, the day after the Manhattan grand jury’s indictment decision, and was fully prepared.

According to Bloomberg News, New York City authorities are said to be planning to block the road near the courthouse on the 4th, the day of former President Trump’s appearance, and temporarily block the surrounding roads as well.

Police say there is no credible threat information yet, but as former President Trump warned of “death and destruction” through social media, they are not ruling out the possibility of sudden action by some ardent supporters.

Former President Trump, who is going to New York in disgrace, is known to be planning to return to his current residence in Florida immediately after his court appearance after spending one night at Trump Tower to give a speech.

Accordingly, it seems likely that former President Trump will not have a press conference or public remarks during his stay in New York.

Powerful tornadoes swept across the South and Midwest, killing 21 people and damaging homes and lives and property.

According to Reuters and Associated Press on the 1st, tornadoes occurred in at least eight states, including Tennessee, Arkansas, Illinois, and Indiana late in the afternoon the previous day.

The National Weather Service (NWS) said the tornado’s top wind speed reached 265 km/h.

In McNairy County, located in western Tennessee, seven people have been killed by a storm accompanied by a tornado.

“We are asking people to stay away from affected areas for safety,” the county said. “Numerous homes have been damaged and many injuries have been reported.”

In southern Arkansas, five people, including four, died in the small town of Wynn.

Ceilings and walls of several buildings collapsed in the area, and cars were overturned. Also, trees and power lines were uprooted.

Wynn police said dozens of residents were trapped in the rubble and were unable to escape.

Mayor Jennifer Hobbs described the damage as “half of this town has been cut out”.

Three deaths were confirmed in Indiana, and one person was killed and injured in Alabama and Mississippi, respectively.

Local media reported that 21 people were killed in this tornado, but there is a possibility that more damage will be confirmed in the future.

Local police authorities said the collapse occurred as a “strong storm raged through the area”.

Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders mobilized more than 100 members of the National Guard to respond urgently and directed the state disaster response and recovery fund to inject $250,000.

In addition, several tornadoes were confirmed in Iowa, and a large fire broke out in Oklahoma.

The National Weather Service warned that over the weekend Arkansas, southern Missouri, western Kentucky, and western Tennessee are likely to be exposed to thunderstorms that cause strong tornadoes, hail and high winds.

On the 24th, a tornado struck Mississippi, killing 26 people, and damaging more than 400 homes.

Hawaii’s first artificial surfing site, Wai Kai, opened at Keku Point on Ewa Beach on the 25th.

The $112 million Waikai surf spot includes three restaurants, a coffee shop and pub, two lawns, walking trails, a terrace with fire pit, the Nalo Kai Club lounge, a clothing store, a sandy beach, a pier, it will be operated as a comprehensive amusement park for surfing and leisure, including equipment rentals.

Haseko, a real estate developer, oversaw the construction.

Larry Caster, director of Haseko Corporation, said in a statement that he hopes that the Waikai Surfing Area will become a place where the local community can communicate through surfing, dining and events, and will provide a unique experience for residents and visitors alike.

Nicole Fuertes, Director of Waikai Surfing, opens with a new gathering place on Oahu, including Women’s Day (Wahine) on Wednesday, surf, paddle, yoga, restaurants, and sustainability with local nonprofits every Sunday. He explained that various activities such as events and Camp Kai events for children will be prepared.

In particular, he added that the surf school developed by Shane Baschen, an X-Games champion and former world number 2 surfer, will provide high-quality surfing education.
For more information about surf schools, visit atthelineup.com.

Skip Taylor, director of surf park management, a surf advisory firm, explained that the waves at Waikai surf are like the Waimea River, which is famous for river surfing.
The waves at Waikai Surfing Area are the widest in the world at 100 feet.

Taylor added that the wave height can be adjusted from 2 to 6 feet and is deep enough for a standard surfboard.

Shane Vesten said that the Waikai surf spot is not a means to replace waves, but a valuable experience for people who love water.

In other words, the main goal is to become a driving range for players and a surf school for residents.

Meanwhile, it is known that the Waikai artificial surf rink uses water, not sea water, to fill the water tank.

Regarding this, State Senator Kurt Pevela cited the Red Hill fuel tank leak as an example, and showed a position that it was difficult to understand that a project that consumes a lot of waterworks during the worst drinking water crisis was carried out.

According to Taylor, director of Surf Park Management, the Waikai surf requires about 1.7 million gallons of water, which is two and a half times the size of an Olympic-size swimming pool.

Haseko, which oversees development, explained how the decision to use tap water was made after considering various environmental factors, such as maintenance and management of the tank, health, and lagoon biology.

In addition to water supply, Senator Febbella expressed concerns about the increase in traffic and tourism that the Waikai surf could cause.

Director Haseko Sa Caster said that more than 65% of the users of Waikai Surfing Resort are expected to be Hawaii residents and emphasized that additional development planned in the future will be possible only when the support of residents is supported.

Maryland hospital emergency room wait times are among the longest in the United States, a study found. SysAid, an IT services company, recently released data from 2020-2021 on how long it takes to wait in the emergency room by state at Medicare and Medicaid service centers.

According to the report, Maryland had the longest average wait time at an emergency room (3 hours and 48 minutes). This was followed by Delaware, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New York all around 1 and a half hours. Virginia was in the middle at 154 minutes (2 hours and 34 minutes), and North Dakota was the shortest at 104 minutes (1 hour and 44 minutes). DC was not included in this survey.

“Long emergency room wait times are a result of a shortage of medical staff and a shortage of primary care clinics,” said Bob Atlas, president of the Maryland Hospital Association. We are choosing a way to do it,” he said. He continued, “Many patients who visit the emergency room are not life-threatening. If possible, please use a primary clinic or urgent care.”

A bill to strengthen gun control has been introduced in the state legislature.

House Bill 984 prohibits the possession of firearms in certain places and requires disclosure of licenses to carry firearms.

In addition, it is prohibited to leave a firearm in the vehicle while the driver is not there, and it is prohibited to drink alcohol or take drugs while carrying a firearm.

House Bill 426 authorizes the State Department of Justice and county prosecutor’s offices to bring civil action if the gun industry violates firearms laws.

Assemblyman David Tanas, chairman of the House Judiciary and Hawaii Affairs Committee, described both bills as a solid body of work, suggesting that the House is working very hard on them.

On March 8, pro-gun residents gathered in front of the state government building to speak out in support of the legislature’s regulatory efforts.

At a press conference held at the State Capitol, Senator Carl Rose, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, criticized the federal court’s decision last year that New York’s gun laws were unconstitutional, calling it a “horrible case” and stressed that legislation would be considered to minimize the damage caused. did.

State Assemblyman Scott Matayoshi said he is committed to reducing gun violence as a single father.

Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke shared her concerns, referring to her son, who is attending the University of Memphis, and that she worries every day about being exposed to gun violence.

The number of gun violence incidents at universities has quadrupled in the past 10 years, she said, adding that Hawaii’s universities need to be safe places where students can grow up free from gun concerns.

In addition, while Hawaii ranks third in the nation in gun-related safety index, it points out that 55 people die from gun violence each year, which is an unacceptable number.

As the aftermath of the Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) bankruptcy shows signs of spreading, the US government is responding.

It is reported that regulators are considering paying a certain portion of the deposit protection limit early to minimize damage and raising funds in preparation for the spread to other banks.

President Joe Biden also discussed measures related to SVB bankruptcy with California Governor Gavin Newsom, and the possibility that the Federal Reserve System (Fed · Fed) will reduce the rate increase is also predicted.

According to Bloomberg News on the 11th (local time), US regulators are discussing ways to enable early payment of some of the amounts that are not protected by SVB.

US regulators are moving quickly to sell SVB’s assets so customers can withdraw some of their uninsured deposits as early as the 13th, sources said.

The current US deposit protection limit is $250,000, which allows early payment of a certain portion of the amount exceeding this limit.

Sources who requested anonymity explained that claims for early payments ranged from 30% to 50% or more of the excess amount.

They added that this is to minimize management difficulties caused by tying up their funds since SVB’s main trading targets are Silicon Valley startups and venture investors.

Aside from the $250,000, the excess amount that can be withdrawn on the 13th has yet to be determined.

As of the end of last year, SVB’s total deposits stood at $175.4 billion. Among them, deposits that exceed the FDIC insurance limit amount to $151.5 billion or 90% of the total.

U.S. regulators are also known to be reviewing plans to create a new fund to support deposits in preparation for SVB Bank’s bankruptcy spreading to other banks.

As of the end of last year, as of the end of last year, the SVB collapsed with total assets of $209 billion and total deposits of $175.4 billion, raising distrust in other small and medium-sized banks, raising the possibility of a bank run (large-scale withdrawal).

The regulator is said to have discussed the plan with bank executives. The move is meant to reassure depositors and help contain panic, sources said.

“The new fund is part of a contingency plan amid growing fears about the health of banks focused on the venture capital and startup ecosystem,” Bloomberg reported.
President Joe Biden discussed countermeasures related to the SVB bankruptcy with California Governor Gavin Newsom that day.

The White House explained in a statement that “the president and governor have spoken with Silicon Valley Bank about their efforts to address this situation.”
On the 10th, Governor Newsom declared a state of emergency to secure full federal support in California’s winter storm damage and SVB crisis.

During this, there are also observations that the SVB bankruptcy may affect the rate hike by the Fed this month.

The Fed plans to hold a Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting for two days from the 21st to decide the level of interest rate hike.

Due to the unprecedented heavy rain, potholes where asphalt roads are dented all over the streets of San Francisco have increased significantly, requiring special attention.

San Francisco Public Works said it repaired 1,585 potholes in the month of February. This is an increase of 500 cases from January and three times more than the dry season average. SF pothole reports can be made at sf311.org or by calling 311.

“A pothole is a phenomenon that occurs when rainwater seeps through a paved road gap and puts pressure on the weakened ground, and a sinkhole is a collapse of the weakened ground,” said Rachel Gordon, spokesperson for the SF Public Works Department. The road collapses into a large puddle or hole that forms.” He said that during the dry season, there are 600 repair requests per month, which jumped to 793 in December and 1,056 in January. As of the 6th, 233 potholes had been repaired in March.

Caltrans said that since last January, when heavy rains were severe in the winter, more than 7,300 potholes have been repaired in the Bay Area. As a result, recently, vehicles with damaged tires due to potholes are flocking to car repair shops in the Bay Area.

According to a study by the American Automobile Association (AAA), 1 in 10 drivers in 2021 suffered car damage requiring repair due to a pothole, with an average repair cost of about $600. AAA reported that there were not a few cases where it cost more than $1,000. To prevent pothole damage, AAA advised maintaining proper tire air pressure, maintaining sufficient distance from the vehicle in front while driving, and driving slowly.

Compensation for pothole or sinkhole damage can be claimed through an insurance company after checking your vehicle insurance or against a public institution.

An official from Caltrans said that it is possible to apply for compensation in case of vehicle loss due to a pothole, and that 363 people in 2021 and 581 people in 2022 claimed compensation. This year, 280 claims were received in two months of unprecedented heavy rain. Claims may be made on the website https://dot.ca.gov/online-services/submit-damage-claim. It covers property damage of less than $10,000 and must be completed and filed with your local claims office on Form LD-0274.