The FBI says cryptocurrency-related fraud was responsible for half of reported...

The FBI says cryptocurrency-related fraud was responsible for half of reported financial scams in 2023. Credit: NurPhoto via Getty Images / Beata Zawrzel

Cybercriminals have their eyes on the prize — and the biggest prize is cryptocurrency. In a new report, the FBI says that more than $5.6 billion in cryptocurrency-related fraud losses was reported to the agency in 2023, accounting for half of all losses from financial scams. While crypto frauds were responsible for 50% of the losses, they were only 10% of all reported financial frauds, underscoring how lucrative a successful crypto scam can be.

The most common crypto fraud centered on investment scams where the FBI said criminals “offer individuals large returns with the promise of minimal risk.” The FBI said typical victims of crypto fraud are people “who seek to profit from investing but are unfamiliar with the technology and the attendant risks.”

Bad medicine

Thinking of using ChatGPT as a medical diagnostic tool? You may want a second opinion. Researchers at Western University in Canada inputted 150 medical case challenges into the artificial intelligence tool and found it answered only 49% correctly. ChatGPT had trouble interpreting lab and imaging results and ignored key information necessary for an accurate diagnosis, researchers said, concluding that “ChatGPT in its current form is not accurate as a diagnostic tool.”

See spot ride

Lyft now allows car rides with one pet for an extra $4 fee.

Lyft now allows car rides with one pet for an extra $4 fee. Credit: Getty Images / urbazon

Lyft will allow you to take your pet along for the ride, whether it’s for a trip to the vet, a romp in the park or any other reason. The “pet rides” option allows riders to book a car that will take their pet with them for an extra $4 fee. You can bring one dog or cat, which must be in a carrier or on your lap with a blanket.

Starlink, United sign Wi-Fi deal

United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer free satellite-based Starlink Wi-Fi service on flights within the next several years. The announcement comes as airlines look for ways to stand out when passengers pick a carrier. The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where cell signals may be weak or missing. — AP

Hempstead tax hike ... Columbus, Indigenous Peoples Day ... Hamas hostage marks 23rd birthday Credit: Newsday

Newsday Investigation into school bus driver hiring ... Hempstead tax hike ... Mets lose Game 1 ... Yankees prep for Cleveland

Hempstead tax hike ... Columbus, Indigenous Peoples Day ... Hamas hostage marks 23rd birthday Credit: Newsday

Newsday Investigation into school bus driver hiring ... Hempstead tax hike ... Mets lose Game 1 ... Yankees prep for Cleveland

SUBSCRIBE

Unlimited Digital AccessOnly 25¢for 6 months

ACT NOWSALE ENDS SOON | CANCEL ANYTIME