This past Monday, Mark shared some enlightening news regarding Artificial Intelligence. I hope you listened to that show because it showcased a host of scams that are at play with this technology…scams that could wipe out your or your parents bank accounts simply because you or they didn’t know any better.

Whether you like it or not, AI is here to stay.

It should be noted from Marks show on the topic of AI, is that few CEO’s of AI companies are focused on “AI Guard Rails” to protect the public.

Which leaves us…the users of technology…to fend for ourselves.

Several of the clips Mark shared in episode 260 on AI showcased how the technology is being used to create video messages that appear to be your son or daughter in a tough spot, or held captive in a dark and scary room…telling you in their own voice…that they are in trouble and they need you to send money straight away. The video looks like your son or daughter and their voice certainly sounds like them, but it’s fake. So how can you discern whether the message is real or not?

Here’s our first TIP from a loyal and fellow listener of One Day Closer. He suggested creating a SAFE word and a DANGER word. This could be established with your kids as well as your parents or grandparents. The idea is a simple one but can be very effective. We’ve all seen an FBI show or a movie where someone goes under cover to infiltrate a mob Gand or a smuggling operation. The person undercover is usually wearing a wire and their colleagues in the van outside are listening closely for either the SAFE word or the DANGER (my covers been blown) word, which serves to deploy the calvery, breach the building and “get me out of here!”

Most of us normal folks don’t have these occupations and hence don’t need to think like this right? Think again.

Let’s say you get a video message. Your daughter is leaving you a desperate video message for help or money, but in her message she DOES NOT use the DANGER word or phrase. You’ll know right away that that is a scam, especially if you make it very clear from the start with your loved ones…why having this discussion about CODED Safe and Danger words is important. If they don’t use them…you will NOT be taking any action on their behalf.

Here’s a Universal Hand Signal for someone needing help. 5-4-0

It was developed several years ago but not everyone may know what it is. It was designed to help someone communicate without speaking, that they are in trouble, being abducted and need help. Most recently, I’ve seen commercials showing how this hand signal can be used by an abductee. The commercial shows a guy walking down a busy street holding the gals arm (obviously to keep her from running away). This leaves her other arm free to touch or slightly bump others as they walk by in the opposite direct. Once the abducted gal bumps you to get your attention to look back at her, she displays the following hand signal behind the abductors back. 5 = A full open Hand; followed by the number 4 = four fingers; followed by a closed fist. 5-4-0. This is the universal hand signal for someone asking for help. Teach this to your kids. If they do this enough when being abducted or they loose their voice, this simple hand signal could save their life.

Today’s show has been a Public Service Announcement intended to give you some ideas and tactics to protect yourself and love ones, young and old. I hope you share this show with your friends, family members and co-workers…basically anyone you know that you care about.

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