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warnings of 3 rising cyber threats

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Brett Johnson made millions committing identity theft for a living before joining the Secret Service as a consultant. There are three rising cyber threats that alarm him most: deepfakes, scam farms, and synthetic IDs. He offers six ways to protect against fraud, including freezing your credit and setting up alerts. Brett Johnson spent over a decade breaking into systems, stealing identities, and selling stolen credit cards on the dark web. He stole millions of dollars, often making over $100,000 a month through tax-return identity theft. He's worked with the Secret Service and private companies as a consultant to help stop the kinds of crimes he once perpetrated. He told Business Insider's Carter Thallon in a recent interview that the crime world he helped invent is mutating into something harder to see — and almost impossible to stop. Cybercrime is becoming increasingly organized, and that's a problem, he said. The next wave of cybercrime will come from entire operation...

9 RARE COINS

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If you’ve ever gotten into coin collecting, you likely have looked up values of rare ones that could still be in circulation. There’s a marketplace for coin enthusiasts to buy and sell rare coins, where you could make some decent money if you find one that’s in demand. 1967 Kennedy Half Dollar Auction record: $6,995 This rare coin is notable because it doesn’t contain a mint mark; the U.S. Mint deliberately didn’t include mint marks on coins produced from 1965 to 1967, to limit coin hoarding. The Mint began making these half-dollars in 1964 to honor assassinated President John F. Kennedy. 1925-S Lincoln Penny Auction record: $54,625 This San Francisco wheat cent is popular among coin collectors because the 1925-S pennies are a valuable date and mint in the series. Find Out: Do You Have a $2K Quarter? Look Closely Before You Spend This 2004 Coin 1932-D Washington Quarter Auction record: $143,750 The U.S. Mint introduced this commemorative quarter that was designed to mark t...

most expensive coins ever discovered

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Among the most valuable coins in history, certain pieces stand out not only for their rarity but also for their historical significance. These coins, ranging from ancient to modern, have fetched millions at auctions, with some even exceeding $1 million. The allure of these coins lies in their ability to tell the story of human civilization through their intricate designs and the historical events they represent. From ancient coins that laid the foundation for modern currency to rare American coins still in circulation, the world of numismatics offers a fascinating glimpse into the past and present of monetary history. Ancient Coins and Their Enduring Legacy The origins of coinage can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as Lydia and Greece, where early coins set the foundation for modern currency systems. These ancient coins, often made from gold or electrum, are celebrated for their metallurgical innovation and scarcity. According to historical accounts, these coins not only...

US pennies could fetch up to $5 million

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The final US pennies struck this week might be worth a fortune. Coin experts estimate the last pennies minted Wednesday could sell for as much as $5 million each when they hit the auction block in December, USA Today reported. US Treasurer Brandon Beach pressed the button at the Philadelphia Mint on Wednesday to stamp out the final pennies after 232 years of production. The US government first started to mint pennies in 1793, when Philadelphia served as the nation’s capital. The last five pennies ever minted bear a special omega symbol marking their special status — which will surely get bidders’ tongues wagging when they eventually go up for auction later this year. “Collectors would go nuts for a modern rarity of business-strike Lincoln cents,” John Feigenbaum, publisher of rare coin price guide Greysheet, told USA Today. “The demand would be incredible because the item would be a required element of a truly ‘complete set.'” Feigenbaum, who runs the Professional Numismati...

5 rare coins worth thousands

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Many coin collectors may not realize that their everyday collections could contain hidden treasures worth thousands of dollars. Among these are five specific coins minted in the 1960s, which have seen their values skyrocket in recent years. Additionally, unexpected rare Australian coins are currently fetching high prices in the market. Looking to the future, experts predict that certain rare coins will continue to appreciate significantly over the next decade. This article explores five rare coins that could be worth thousands, offering insights into their historical significance, identification tips, and current market values. 1. The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny holds a special place in numismatic history as the first year of the Lincoln cent series. Its rarity stems from a low mintage of only 484,000 pieces, making it a sought-after item among collectors. This coin can often be overlooked in personal collections, as highlighted in the Top 10 Rare Coins ...

THERE'S MONEY IN THAT CHANGE $

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I've spent a lot of time digging through my change jar, and I've realized just how easy it is to overlook old quarters that might actually have some value. Many of us toss coins into jars or pockets without a second thought, but some quarters can be worth more than their face value, especially if they're older or have unique features. If you take a moment to check your change, you could find quarters that collectors are interested in or that contain precious metals. Knowing what to look for can turn a simple coin hunt into a small treasure discovery right at home. 1941 Mercury Dime I always keep an eye out for the 1941 Mercury dime because it's quite common but still special. These dimes were made in large numbers, so finding one isn't too hard. What makes mine a bit more interesting is the condition and where it was minted. Proof versions from 1941 can be worth a bit more, often $100 or more if kept well. I make sure to store mine carefully to keep its value. ...

SSI 2026 COLA Is Set

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Key Points Social Security benefits will rise 2.8% next year. Annual COLAs are meant to help offset the impacts of inflation for retirees. The purchasing power of benefits has eroded significantly in recent years. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook The rules that dictate federal programs are rarely set in stone. Rather, the regulations governing these programs are, more often than not, quite fluid -- constantly adapting to changes in the broader economy. One program that millions of Americans monitor closely is Social Security. Perhaps the biggest reason is that each year, beneficiaries receive a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). While the recent government shutdown delayed the official COLA announcement, Social Security recipients now know they will be receiving a 2.8% increase to their benefit checks. Let's break down how this figure is calculated and examine what it reveals about the current economic picture. How are annual COLA figures ...