October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is sounding the alarm on digital ghouls and cyber predators that could haunt the corners of our everyday digital lives. Recent data from the BBB Scam Tracker reveals concerning statistics, emphasizing the urgency for consumers to be vigilant and take proactive steps to protect themselves.

One of the most alarming threats is the rise of social media scams, where scammers exploit consumer trust, with a staggering 91% engagement rate and 53% resulting in financial loss. “Social media platforms are full of suspicious characters,” warns Lori Wilson, President and CEO of BBB serving the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern Coastal California. “Be especially careful if you spot offers in your social media channels that look too good to be true – scammers often lure victims that way.”

Another menacing threat is the proliferation of hacked “smart” devices, exposing households to potential intrusions by cybercriminals. The “Internet of Things” has expanded to include an array of devices, ranging from cars to refrigerators, becoming potential security and privacy vulnerabilities. Intruders can exploit these devices, turning them into conduits for unauthorized access.

Phishing attacks also pose a danger, where individuals and organizations fall victim to disguised evildoers posing as trusted contacts, resulting in data breaches and financial losses. Additionally, the rapidly growing cryptocurrency markets have become a playground for tricksters, making it vital for consumers to exercise caution and conduct thorough research before considering any investments.

The BBB offers several essential cybersecurity tips to protect against these ominous threats:

• Be cautious with social media ads that seem too good to be true and research companies before making purchases.
• Safeguard smart devices by using anti-malware, encrypting WiFi, and regularly updating software.
• Verify the identity of online contacts to mitigate the risk of phishing attacks.
• Educate yourself about cryptocurrency and verify information before investing to avoid scams.

For more cybersecurity tips and resources, visit BBB.org/cybersecurity.

ABOUT BBB: Better Business Bureau is a non-profit organization striving to advance marketplace trust. For over a century, BBB has been fostering an ethical marketplace where buyers and sellers can trust each other. BBB sets standards for ethical business behavior and monitors compliance. BBB helps consumers identify trustworthy businesses and those that aren’t and encourages its Accredited Businesses to uphold these standards.

Assembly Bill 39 will establish a licensing process for crypto exchanges and provide consumers with needed protections. Senate Bill 401 will establish safeguards for crypto kiosks. 

(SACRAMENTO, CA) – On Friday, Oct. 13, 2023, Assembly Bill 39, authored by Assembly Banking and Finance Chair Timothy Grayson (D-Concord) and co-authored by Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego), Senate Banking and Financial Institutions Chair Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara), and Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine), was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom. AB 39 will establish a licensing program for crypto assets within the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) to protect Californians from bad actors and foster responsible innovation. The bill represents a major victory for responsible innovators and California consumers.

AB 39’s lead author, Assemblymember Grayson, released the following statement:

“Today California is taking the necessary step to regulate a market that is volatile, risky, and, in some cases, deliberately rigged against everyday consumers. Because of today’s action, Californians can be confident that crypto businesses, like any other company in financial services, must follow reasonable rules that will protect consumers and their money. Thank you to Governor Newsom for helping ensure that our state leads in fostering responsible innovation.”

Assembly Bill 39 is a companion bill to Senate Bill 401 (Limón and Atkins), which will set a regulatory framework for crypto kiosks, a part of the crypto industry rife with fraud and abuse. Crypto kiosks are ATM-like machines that allow consumers to purchase cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. However, these machines charge exorbitant fees and are hubs of criminal activity, scams, and consumer fraud.

“With the important frameworks established by AB 39 and SB 401, California will begin the challenging task ahead of us to regulate cryptocurrency and ensure that no Californian falls prey to scams, investment related fraud, or high-fee asset withdrawal schemes,” said California Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins. “Failures in crypto markets in recent years have emphasized the need for regulatory frameworks that have the backs of consumers, and Assemblymember Grayson and Senator Limón have led the way in doing just that.”

“California is taking a step in the right direction to protect California consumers from fraud, unnecessary risk, and potentially criminal activity with the signing of SB 401 and AB 39,” said Senator Monique Limón. “I am grateful that Governor Newsom sees the benefits to establishing a clear framework that allows for innovation without harming California consumers.”

Senate Bill 401 was signed into law, along with Assembly Bill 39. 

“The Consumer Federation of California thanks Governor Newsom for signing these two important bills protecting consumers in the crypto marketplace,” said Robert Herrell, Executive Director of Consumer Confederation of California. “California now retakes its rightful position near the top of states protecting consumers in the crypto market. We also profoundly thank Assemblymember Grayson and Senators Limón and Atkins for their perseverance on these issues. Consumers will be better protected in crypto thanks to these new laws.” 

With the Governor’s signature of these measures, crypto companies and crypto kiosk operators must obtain or apply for a license by July 1, 2025, to continue doing business in California. Additional information and the text of both bills can be found here. 

The new eVTOL goes on sale in 2024

By Contra Costa County District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis

George Jetson would feel right at home if he visited Byron Airport.

That’s because in recent years, companies like Pivotal have been testing their innovative personal flying electric vehicle prototypes at Byron. (See video) Last week, Pivotal unveiled the Helix, a new eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) vehicle in development since 2011. The Helix will be priced at $190,000 when it goes on sale in 2024.

Testing innovative technologies at Byron was our goal when I worked with the Contra Costa County Airports Division to partner with the University of Alaska Fairbanks, the Federal Aviation Administration and other agencies to make our Contra Costa County airports official unmanned aerial system test sites. Byron Airport and Buchanan Field are in perfect locations to test drones because of the open testing areas and their proximity to the various aviation companies headquartered in the Bay Area (Pivotal is based in Palo Alto). Learn more about our Bay Area Test Site, a.k.a. “Drone Town USA” on the Contra Costa County Airports website or by watching the video.

Having groundbreaking testing facilities in Contra Costa County is just the first step. In the medium and long term, we’re working to have the vehicles of the future developed and even manufactured locally. In the meantime, I’m proud to have products tested in District III ready for sale to aviators everywhere.

CEO of the Organization for Social Media Safety says Hamas has put your kids at great risk online, parents should lock down or take away kids’ devices  

By Bridget Sharkey, Prime Media Management via prnewswire.com

Social media has long been used as a weapon by terrorist groups like Al Qaeda. Now Hamas is using the power of the Internet to terrify, confuse, and demean its victims.  

“Hamas is planting videos on sites like X that show gory and horrific acts of violence, including mass murders and defiled corpses,” said social media safety expert Marc Berkman, CEO of theOrganization for Social Media Safety (OFSMS).   

According to their website, the organization “is a nonprofit, consumer protection organization focused exclusively on social media. We protect against all social media-related dangers through a comprehensive approach that includes education, advocacy, and technology development. We are available to provide expertise for your story on social media-related dangers.”

Berkman says that these videos have millions of views, despite only being recently uploaded.  

“Terrorist groups often use social media platforms to disseminate hate and extreme violence,” he continued. “Parents around the country are receiving alerts from schools and elected officials over concerns that terrorists plan to disseminate distressing videos, including of hostages, through social media. These officials urge parents to delete TikTok and Instagram from their children’s devices as a protective measure.”

Berkman and the OFSMS concur, saying now is a good time to make your kids log off. He also agrees that major social media platforms, including X, Facebook, YouTube, Reddit, and Discord, may be used as weapons of war, spreading graphic violence and hateful messaging.  

“This is not a concern limited to TikTok and Instagram,” said the social media expert. “Many platforms already contain graphic, violent videos produced by terrorists. In the past, we have also seen videos of extreme violence shared through social media messaging-based platforms like Snapchat.”  

The Organization for Social Media Safety urges all social media platforms to block or immediately remove any content disseminated directly by a terrorist organization. Berkman and the OFSMS share the following tips for parents:  

• Consider pausing children’s social media access to protect their mental health and well-being. 
• Talk with your children about what to do if they come across violent content (We strongly recommend teaching your child about blocking and reporting.) 
• Consider third-party safety software, like our endorsed choice, Bark, that can alert you if dangerous content, like extreme violence, is shared on your child’s social media account. 

“We all have a responsibility to protect our community from the dangers of social media,” Berkman concludes. “Report and block! Don’t keep scrolling.”

Presented by TreVista Antioch Senior Living & Memory Care and City of Antioch

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By California Office of Traffic Safety

In the smartphone age, people are more connected than ever before, but also attempting to stay connected when they shouldn’t: behind the wheel. And it is not just cell phones. Distracted driving is anything that takes your eyes or mind off the road or hands off the steering wheel – especially when texting or using your phone.

Using your cell phone while driving is not only dangerous, but also illegal. In California, you cannot use a cell phone or similar electronic communication device while holding it in your hand. You can only use it in a hands-free manner, such as speaker phone or voice commands, but never while holding it. Any driver under the age of 18 is prohibited from using a cell phone for any reason.

Because engaging in distracting behaviors with a phone like dialing, talking, or texting is so dangerous (it increases the risk of getting into a crash by three times), The California Office of Traffic Safety started the “Put Your Phone Down. Just Drive” public awareness and education campaign. Like the “Silence the Distraction” campaign that started in 2015, it is intended to appeal to the smartphone culture and younger audiences – specifically those between the ages of 16 to 24. The youngest and most inexperienced drivers are most at risk when driving distracted. The campaign emphasizes that all functions of a phone can be distracting: using an app, shuffling through music or playing videos, looking at social media, maps or photos. They are all dangerous and illegal when you are driving, and the safest thing drivers can do is put down the phone and just drive.

And remember. Other serious driver distractions such as eating, grooming, reading, reaching for objects on the floor, changing clothes or talking with passengers are just as dangerous and can result in a “reckless driving” or “speed unsafe for conditions” ticket.

The “Put Your Phone Down. Just Drive.” PSA, along with tips, facts and other information about distracted driving laws and prevention, can be found at gosafelyca.org.

Additional information, programs and resources on distracted driving:

• OTS Distracted Driving Fact Sheet:For additional statistics and facts.
• National Safety Council:Studies and helpful reminders.
• Impact Teen Drivers:Helpful information for parents and teen drivers on distracted driving.

California’s Cell Phone Laws

Focus on the road, not your status. That phone call, text or email can wait. Put down the phone and just drive. Our roads are safer when they are distraction-free.

• California has a hands-free cell phone law, which prohibits drivers from holding a phone or other electronic device while behind the wheel.
• Drivers under the age of 18 may not use any mobile communications device at all, whether hands-free or hand-held.
• Starting July 1, 2021, violations that occur within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same electronic device violation is subject to a point against a driver’s record.
• If you need to make a call or send a text, pull over and park at a safe location.
• Avoid the temptation of using the phone while driving altogether! Put the phone in the glove box, trunk, or back seat; anywhere you cannot reach.
• Other distractions: deep conversations with passengers or fussy children in the back seat. If you find yourself in any of these situations, find a quiet, safe place to park and address the distraction!

#justdriveCA

The ‘EAGLE’ Act would revise portions of the Immigration Act of 1990 allowing more foreign workers to fill U.S. tech jobs

Co-sponsored by three Congressmen currently representing or will represent Contra Costa County – Thompson, Swalwell and Garamendi

By Joe Guzzardi, Progressives for Immigration Reform

Like the proverbial bad penny that keeps reappearing, lousy immigration bills are hard to kill off. Consider the EAGLE Act of 2022, also known as Equal Access to Green Cards for Legal Employment, or formally recognized as H.R. 3648. The newest proposed legislation is another iteration of the Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act. Although it passed the House by a 365-65 vote, eventually it stalled in Congress.

Introduced by immigration lawyer, amnesty advocate, enforcement foe and expansionist champion Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), the new and the old versions of her proposed legislation both share the same ruinous-to-U.S. tech workers’ feature: the legislation would rob thousands of U.S. tech workers of access to well-paid, white-collar, high-skilled jobs in the science, technology, engineering and math fields, STEM jobs for which they are fully qualified.

Along with her like-minded congressional allies that include Rep. Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), who was just elected as House Majority Whip for the 118th Congress and thus became the third highest ranking Republican in the House, Lofgren has scheduled a vote on the EAGLE Act, which has bipartisan support, when Congress returns from its Thanksgiving recess.

Briefly explained, the EAGLE Act would dramatically revise portions of the Immigration Act of 1990. Almost any alien who has been on the visa waiting list for at least two years with an approved petition for an employment-based green card could apply for adjustment of his status which then wouldn’t count against existing numerical caps. Stated another way, employers can sponsor a temporary foreign-born worker for an H-1B nonimmigrant visa and convert that worker to permanent by merely sponsoring him for a green card. Aliens go from temporarily present to permanent residents. With the stroke of a pen, job searches become more challenging for U.S. tech workers – Congress’ twisted idea of sound legislation.

The bill also eliminates the per-country caps for employment-based visas, which means that within about a decade Indian and Chinese nationals will receive virtually all such visas, especially the H-1B; other countries’ nationals would have an uphill climb to obtain a visa. Under current law, no countries’ nationals can comprise more than 7 percent of any visa category. This provision ensures that skilled workers from around the globe have an opportunity to come to America. The EAGLE Act, however, seeks to entirely remove all caps from employment-based visas and more than double the existing family-preference visa from 7 percent to 15 percent, a hike that would, because of family reunification, ensure significant population surges. The proposed visa cap elimination is ironic because Lofgren and the EAGLE Act’s cosponsors claim to embrace diversity, but the bill heavily favors Chinese and Indian citizens to the exclusion of most others.

Moreover, dependent children of the aliens granted the new status would be allowed to retain their legal standing, a form of amnesty, as dependents of their parents for the duration of the green card application process; they would be protected from aging out while their parents move up in the backlog. An estimated 190,000 minors would be protected.

Time was when Democrats purported to care about America’s minority workers. But their empathy toward U.S. workers is long gone, and is now redirected to foreign nationals, particularly Chinese and Indians. Blacks, Hispanics and other minorities aspire to IT jobs, too. But they’ve had little luck in obtaining those coveted STEM jobs. Pew Research found that Black workers make up 9 percent of the STEM workforce, while Hispanics also comprise about 9 percent. The low STEM representation among Blacks and Hispanics is largely unchanged from 2016.

For rational thinkers, few and far between in Congress, a push for liberalized immigration laws and amnesty in light of the border surge and its 2 million-plus encounters in 2022 is beyond the pale. But those sound-of-mind types don’t understand the congressional mindset; nothing stops its amnesty drive. And if the EAGLE Act doesn’t get Senate approval, Lofgren always has the option to attach it to a must-pass Omnibus bill. With the 118th House about to transfer into GOP hands, EAGLE Act supporters view December as their last chance to subvert U.S. tech workers.

Joe Guzzardi is a nationally syndicated newspaper columnist who writes about immigration and related social issues. Joe joined Progressives for Immigration Reform in 2018 as an analyst after a ten-year career directing media relations for Californians for Population Stabilization, where he also was a Senior Writing Fellow. A native Californian, Joe now lives in Pennsylvania. Contact him at jguzzardi@pfirdc.org.