This Scary Facebook Scam Clones Your Profile + Steals from Your Friends

Halloween is just around the corner, and although you’re probably busy preparing your costume, your party or your snacks, there’s a much spookier issue lurking under our noses. (Bum bum bum…) There’s a new scam circulating around Facebook that uses your profile picture to steal $$$ from your friends and fam. Not cool!

Basically, the scammer steals your profile pic, name and any identifying features that are up on Facebook to create an entirely new profile that looks like you. Then they’ll send friend requests to your friends. Once your friend accepts, the scammer will hit them up on Messenger and talk cute for a while (as you) and then hit them up and ask for money.

Eeek, nothing scarier, right? But there’s a super simple way to keep yourself protected from this Facebook identity theft. Head over to your settings and do a “privacy checkup” just to see who is able to view what you’re posting. As always, be super careful about what you’re posting online. Keep your posts’ audience limited to friends and you should be in the clear.

And if one of your friends suddenly makes a new account, requests you and asks for money, you know what to do. Keep your Halloween zero tricks and all treats.

Have you seen the scam in action? Let us know @BritandCo!

(h/t Popsugar; photos via Getty)

Apple unveiled their latest and greatest today, most notably introducing the iPhone 15 suite, improved iCloud storage plan options, and the Apple Watch Series 9. The new products bring forth some reasonably big changes to Apple’s existing technology – the company saying ‘goodbye’ to the Lightning port is just one example. Read on for everything, new and improved, that was just announced at the Apple Event.

The iPhone 15

New iPhone

The latest iteration of iPhone is the iPhone 15, and it will also be available as the iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max. They’ll come in 5 colors: white, black, pink (rejoice!), green, and yellow. The Pro models are fitted with a strong, lightweight titanium casing, and have a 6.1-inch screen, while the Plus models boast a 6.7-inch screen.

No More Lightning Cables

And yes, you read it right – the Lighting charging ports are no more for new Apple products, including the iPhone 15. From now on, users will only be able to use a USB-C cord (that, according to Apple, ushers in potentially faster charging times) for charging their devices. The change makes things fairly easy for cross-functional purposes, as USB-C cords are also compatible with non-Apple products.

Action Button

The Lightning port isn’t the only thing that Apple said they’re retiring. The new iPhone no longer has a ring silencer slider on the side. Instead, it’s now called an “action button.” The action button will still silence alerts, texts, and calls by default, but will also be capable of other handy commands you tell it to complete.

Sharper-Than-Ever Camera

As expected, the iPhone 15 variations boast an updated camera system. The company’s stepped it up so that the smartphones have a 48-megapixel main camera with a larger sensor than ever before. The back camera also has a new “nanoscale coating” for handling lens flares and lowlight with expert skill. The camera system reportedly has more enhanced color, better image stabilization, and a 4K cinematic video mode.

Improved Connection

The new iPhones also feature an ultra wideband chip, which expands the device’s connection strength. This chip allows iPhones to connect to other devices from up to three times farther away. It’s incorporated into the “Find My’ technology that you may already use to find your friends, devices, and more.

Apple made sure to address pricing for the new iPhone, as well as existing models:

  • iPhone SE will start at $429.
  • iPhone 13 will start at $599.
  • iPhone 14 will start at $699.
  • iPhone 15 will start at $799.
  • iPhone 15 Plus will start at $899.
  • iPhone 15 Pro will start at $999.

The new iPhones start shipping and hitting stores on September 22.

Store More With New iCloud+ Plans

Apple also announced that starting September 18, iCloud+ will offer 6TB ($29.99/mo) and 12 TB ($59.99/mo) storage plans, which expands their previous largest offering of 2TB ($9.99/mo). The new plans are ideal for large photo and video libraries, or users of Apple’s Family Sharing.

Apple Watch Series 9

Shout Out To Sustainability

The company introduced the Apple Watch Series 9, which is reportedly Apple’s first-ever carbon-neutral product. They’ll also be making another sustainability effort by eliminating leather materials from the Apple Watch. The wristbands will no longer be made of leather, but instead, a material called “fine woven,” which is made from 68% post-consumer recycled content.

With The Tap Of A Finger

The most notable news surrounding the new Apple Watch is the introduction of hand gesture controls. With the watch on, users can tap their index finger and thumb together twice to answer (or end) phone calls, play and pause music, or snooze alarms. Siri can also take commands via the watch now.

Apple Watch Tune-Up

The Series 9 watch is now made with a custom S9 chip for faster processing, according to Apple. The screen features a new edge-to-edge display that doubles the brightness levels, plus the model is available in a new pink color!

Apple noted these updated prices for the Apple Watch:

  • Apple Watch SE starts at $249.
  • Apple Watch S9 starts at $399.
  • Apple Watch Ultra 2 is priced at $799.

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Images via Apple.

The Handmaid's Tale is one of the best, yet eerily specific dystopian shows we've watched which is why we couldn't wait to see Offred get her sweet revenge. It's without a doubt Margaret Atwood's most memorable books so we're excited The Testaments, the sequel to the exhilarating series, is in the works! Adaptations can be a hit or miss, but we have high hopes for this one based on how its predecessors had us glued to TV screens.

Learn everything we know about the highly-anticipated The Testaments series!

What is 'The Testaments' about?

Euan Cherry/Getty Images

The Testaments is set to follow the book's plot (via Variety) and will feature three central characters — Aunty Lydia, Agnes, and Daisy. As the Republic of Gilead continues its rampage, the intersection of their lives changes the course of history.

Is casting information available?

Joe Maher/Getty Images

Yesterday Variety announced Lucy Halliday (Blue Jean) will be playing Daisy! Aside from her, Ann Dowd will be reprising her role as Aunt Lydia while Chase Infiniti will portray Agnes. It'll be interesting to see if viewers will see Yvonne Strahovski as Serena Joy again.

Who's the showrunner for 'The Testaments?' 

Variety confirmed Bruce Miller will bring his insightful eye from The Handmaid's Tale to The Testaments. He will also be an executive producer with Warren Littlefield (War Game) and Steve Stark (Fargo).

When will 'The Testaments' premiere? 

A premiere date is still TBD! We know you hate waiting, but we have a good feeling it'll be worth it!

Read 'The Testaments' Before You Watch The Show

Amazon

The Testaments by Margaret Atwood

Reread this fantastic novel before the final season of The Handmaid's Tale premieres April 8, 2025 (via PEOPLE).

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Amid dire concerns that TikTok threatens U.S. national security, bans against the app have spread like wildfire. Beyond just government devices, some universities initiated bans, with the latest policy talks going as far as to include personal devices as well. Though it’s unlikely that the platform will be completely banned (there are other proposed solutions, like selling the app or amending its data policies) due to free speech, the possibility of a ban raises another concern: the livelihood of small businesses.

TikTok is a central avenue for small businesses to promote their products and services, with special thanks to its algorithm, says Johannes Larsson, Founder and CEO at Financer.com.

“The platform's unique algorithm, which prioritizes content discovery and virality, has enabled many small businesses to reach and connect with potential customers in a way that wasn't possible through traditional social media platforms,” says Larsson. “Since its growth has been exponential throughout the years as a key marketing channel, the ban triggered the markets for sure.”

TikTok also masters the art of connection. Your For You Page knows exactly what you like to see. This gives small businesses the ability to get closer to their audience and reach more success that way, says saysLynzee Krohne, Founder of branding agency LEO + LAINE.

"On TikTok, brands have the freedom and space to be more casual and less branded," Krohne said. "Because of the nature of TikTok, it allows brands to let their guard down a bit and create content that may be a little more rough around the edges—which helps them appear to be much more authentic to their audience."

Jessica Tran, founder of @jtmobiledetailing, says 60% of customers choose her car detailing shop because they saw it on TikTok. Jaz and Sam Sears, owners and operators of@aztaco.king, grew their business from a food cart in a parking lot to two restaurants in less than 6 months, due to their success on the app. Megan Gersch, a web designer and brand identity creator, says around half of her client base comes from TikTok, which often turn into 4 to 5-figure contracts.

This positive growth for small biz is commonly attributed to the app’s distinctive features that connect creators with consumers, such as live video streaming, a virality-driven algorithm, and the ability for users to personalize their daily feeds.

“TikTok has been a great tool for allowing me to connect with my audience on a deeper level,” says Gersch. “There's a special magic that happens with video marketing that you can't achieve with a text or static image post. Your audience gets to know your quirks, your mannerisms, and they start to feel like they know you, even though you've never met. Every time you see a new video from one of your favorite creators, it's like a FaceTime call from a trusted friend.”

In its absence, small business TikTokers would have no choice but to adapt and pivot their marketing strategies, which is not always easy when they’re doing it DIY-style, says Larsson.

“While small businesses may be able to find success on other social media channels, the competition for visibility and engagement is often more intense [than on TikTok], making it harder for them to stand out. The time and effort required to establish a new presence and create content tailored to the specific characteristics of other platforms could be a significant burden on small business owners.”

Small businesses pivoting to other platforms might face different struggles for exposure, due to consumers being very platform-specific, according to Krohne.

"If [TikTok] brands begin to focus their content efforts on Instagram, they’re up against multiple types of content, and competing in a more content-saturated world," Krohne told us. "TikTok mostly has one content offering, and that’s why it’s insanely popular. There’s a difference between platforms. Brands must diversify their content and show up in other places to keep a steady stream of touchpoints to remain top of mind and memorable."

Though Gersch is no stranger to restrategizing, a potential TikTok ban would still impact her business as a web designer and brand creator.

“I've been a marketer for 16+ years, and one thing that I have learned along the way is that you need to constantly test, look at your analytics, and create where the attention is,” says Gersch. “If TikTok goes away, there will be a huge gap in the market that will need to be filled.”

TikTok recognizes the work that small business owners take on in order to find success, which is why the platform has committed $1 million each to the Hispanic Heritage Foundation to elevate entrepreneurship in the Latin community, and Black Girl Ventures to support Black and Brown women entrepreneurs.

“Five million US businesses turn to TikTok to take us inside their world in a fun, authentic way, and as a result, they are reaching new customers, hiring more employees and growing their business,” says Becca Sawyer, Global Head of SMB for TikTok. “By partnering with HHF and BGV and launching virtual workshops, we're strengthening our commitment to build an inclusive and supportive platform where small business owners and entrepreneurs can share their story, find their audience and drive real business results."

We can’t make a solid prediction for the destiny of the beloved app for now, but we do know that it’ll be dearly missed by small businesses and consumers alike if bans (at any capacity) go through.

“I don't want Tiktok to be banned - not only is it an integral part of my business, but I have also been able to connect with so many incredible people that I wouldn't have met otherwise,” says Gersch. “It's my go-to source for inspiration, learning, and even a good laugh.”

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Illustration by Claire Shadomy

Ready to take a peak at your weekly tarot reading? Grab your favorite cozy blanket, light that candle, and let's dive into what the universe has in store. We've pulled some cards that are bursting with energy, from celebrations and breakthroughs to a little bit of relationship real talk. This week, it's all about embracing your authentic self, listening to your intuition, and knowing that you've totally got this. So, let's break it down, card by card, and see how you can make the most of the next seven days.

Scroll to see your weekly tarot reading for March 4, 2025!

Frances Naudé

Nine of Cups: Joy Ride Incoming!

Get ready for some serious feel-good moments! The Nine of Cups is all about celebrating wins, big and small. Expect breakthroughs, belly laughs, and a general sense of yay! But, if you're feeling those heavier vibes, don't push them down. This is your week to process, heal, and move on. Think of it like finally breaking through that tough shell—so satisfying!

Frances Naudé

Nine of Pentacles & Seven of Swords: Slow Down & Shine!

Abundance is your word this week, but it’s all about playing the long game. The Nine of Pentacles encourages you to slow down, connect with your intuition, and make intentional moves. Think tortoise, not hare! And the Seven of Swords? That’s your permission slip to do things your way. Trust your gut, set those boundaries, and prioritize self-care. Remember, abundance comes in all forms, including energy and peace of mind.

Frances Naudé

The Lovers & Five of Wands: Relationship Real Talk!

Love is in the air, but so is a little bit of friction! If you're coupled up, be prepared for some honest conversations. Venus retrograde might be stirring things up, so lean into vulnerability and communicate clearly. And for everyone, watch out for that inner critic! The Five of Wands reminds us to acknowledge our anxieties and let go of what’s holding us back. It’s okay to not have it all together. Let those feelings out, and watch the stress melt away.

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

Your Action Plan: Sparkle & Shine!

  • Celebrate Everything: Big wins, small wins, even just making it through Monday—celebrate it all!
  • Embrace Your Feelings: Whether you're feeling joyful or a little overwhelmed, give yourself permission to feel it all.
  • Trust Your Intuition: You know what’s best for you. Don’t be afraid to march to the beat of your own drum.
  • Prioritize Self-Care: Schedule that bubble bath, take that walk, or just curl up with a good book. You deserve it!
  • Communicate Honestly: In relationships and with yourself, honesty is key.

This week is all about breakthroughs, abundance, and embracing your authentic self. You got this, girl! ✨

Looking for more tarot & astrological advice? Be sure to sign up for our newsletter so you never miss a thing!

I've been telling everyone I know that the Paradiseending will prompt two emotions: anxiety and impatience for Season 2. Knowing we won't see Agent Xavier Collins and company back in action until 2026 (via Deadline), I've been frantically searching for political thriller books to read. I shouldn't want to raise my blood pressure about such an explosive first season, but I apparently can't get enough of plots that make me clutch my invisible pearls. I have an idea though!

I'll share the best picks you should read while you set up a group chat for us to trade theories in. Ready, set, go!

Add these political thriller books to your growing March TBR pile

Amazon

The First Lady by James Patterson & Brendan Dubois

Similar to Agent Xavier Collins in Paradise, Sally Grissom leads the Presidential Protection team and is at the top of her game. It's precisely the reason she's on high alert when the head of state requests a private meeting with her. What she learns shocks her because there's not a rule book for what to do when the First Lady vanishes. Plus, she's charged with keeping things under wraps in light of misconduct that's affecting the White House.
Those who are aware of the situation aren't immediately alarmed when it looks like the First Lady needs time to heal and reset from what's taken place. But their relief is short-lived when someone demands payment with a piece of her body attached to it...

Amazon

In Sheep's Clothing by L.D. Beyer

Sometimes the head of state has to make difficult decisions that will disappoint people no matter what he chooses. It's something President Cal from Paradise was all too familiar with. However, In Sheep's Clothing reveals a terrible decision that has disastrous affects. This puts Vice President David Kendall in the president's shoes, but he's not ready for how difficult the job is.
Then there's Secret Service Agent Matthew Richter and his trauma. He still hasn't made peace with the former president's untimely death when he's plunged into the same situation again.

Amazon

Deep State by Chris Hauty

President Richard Monroe's known for his outrageous views that are contributing to the tension in Washington, DC. Matters are complicated even further when the chief of staff is discovered without a pulse and someone's unconvinced it was "his time to go." This thrusts politics under a spotlight and reveals how far some people are willing to go in order for things to go their way in the Deep State.

Amazon

Beyond Reasonable Doubtby Keera Duggan

Jenna Berstein used to be a celebrated CEO of a popular biotech company, but her image is sullied when she's accused of a terrible crime. Turning to Keera Duggan, she places her utmost trust in the attorney who has a tendency to solve even the toughest cases. But Jenna isn't just a client, she's also Keera's friend and the latter knows Jenna's not incapable of doing questionable things. Keera remembers how her father cleared Jenna's name in a murder case involving her biotech company's lead scientist so she's hesitant to help someone she knows isn't trustworthy.
However, the catch is Keera's convinced Jenna is being honest about what took place. With nothing other than a clouded intuitive hunch, Keera's about to find out what happens when you're in danger of getting things wrong.

Amazon

Wolf Trap by Connor Sullivan

Where else could CIA agents train to become flawless at their jobs other than the Special Activities Center? They know how to navigate the murkiest territories and routinely train to sharpen their ruthless skills. It's unsurprising the U.S. government pretends they don't know this unit exists. However, like Batman, agents receive orders to protect Americans. But it's former Ground Branch paramilitary officer who will face his greatest test.

Amazon

When Justice Sleeps by Stacey Abrams

Law clerk Avery Keene is on her way to the top as she assists Justice Howard Wynn, but is horrified when his health is put in jeopardy. Not only is she weighed down by family drama, she now has to deal with more responsibilities given to her by her supervisor. With him out the office, Avery starts discovering what he was up to prior to being rushed to the hospital. Not only was Justice Wynn looking into a biotech medical merger, he was also seeking answers related to conspiracy. Only Avery's able to finish what he started, but the truth comes with a hefty price.

Amazon

The Terminal List by Jack Carr

When Lieutenant Commander James Reese loses his team in a botched assignment, he thinks he'll still look forward to his family's presence. But forces take their lives before he has a chance to reunite with them and it sends Reece down a conspiracy hole he's unprepared for. Only his rigorous training and experience will help him seek the constant revenge he seeks.

Amazon

Code Red by Vince Flynn

Mitch Rapp is indebted to crime lord Damian Losa and has no choice but to respond when he's beckoned. According to Losa, there's fierce competition that will wipe out his illegal business and he'd rather not see that happen.
Rapp is assigned to infiltrate Syria to find out their secret, but is taken aback when he sees the hand the Russians are playing in this potential shakeup. Understanding how much this will affect more than Losa, Rapp makes the choice to stop them before they can start distributing their manufactured product. But this could start a bloody war that would devastate more than the United States with zero implications Rapp and his team will have a successful mission.

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