Category: Business

BRICS 2026 aims to enhance its economic potential by conducting comprehensive audits of member nations’ entrepreneurial capabilities and mobilizing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for global competitiveness.

As BRICS prepares for its 2026 agenda, the focus is shifting toward a deeper understanding of the entrepreneurial landscape within its member nations. The initiative seeks to assess the true potential of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and their readiness for global markets.

The first step in this national mobilization of entrepreneurialism is to stop merely hunting for startups and instead discover the existing entrepreneurial ecosystem. Many entrepreneurs have been operating for decades, weathering various economic challenges. This accumulated entrepreneurial capital is invaluable and should be recognized as the foundation for future growth rather than overlooked in favor of new startups.

BRICS has the scale necessary for significant economic impact, but it must also develop the competence of its SMEs. The Global SME Index from Expothon reveals a startling reality: simply counting SMEs is not enough. The bloc needs to identify which enterprises are genuinely exportable, scalable, and digitally prepared to compete on a global stage.

To achieve this, a national entrepreneurial census is essential. This census should go beyond mere numbers to uncover the identity of SMEs, their products, markets, longevity, export capabilities, and potential for growth. The Global SME Index serves as a critical tool for this audit, providing insights that can guide national strategies.

Moreover, it is vital to measure the mindset of the institutions involved in this mobilization. A job-seeker mentality differs significantly from an entrepreneurial job creator mindset, leading to divergent policies and outcomes. Institutions must evaluate their own operating mindsets to effectively support entrepreneurial growth.

Measuring competence is another crucial aspect. SME registration alone does not reflect the strength of an enterprise. Instead, it is important to assess factors such as management competence, product competitiveness, market knowledge, export readiness, digital capability, financial discipline, innovation capacity, and growth potential. This comprehensive evaluation will reveal the hidden capabilities within national statistics.

Recognizing the value of experienced entrepreneurs is also essential. Long-standing enterprises possess tacit knowledge that can be a tremendous asset. Rather than viewing these entrepreneurs as relics of the past, BRICS should engage them as valuable resources for knowledge and insight.

Additionally, the audit process must extend to the institutions designed to support entrepreneurs. It is crucial to determine whether these institutions are focused on fostering entrepreneurial performance or merely adhering to administrative processes. A job-seeker mindset cannot effectively mobilize the vast potential of existing entrepreneurs.

Global expansion is another priority. BRICS must identify enterprises capable of exporting and scaling internationally, integrating them into global value chains. If national SME strategies do not systematically identify future global enterprises, they will struggle to prepare for international competition.

To facilitate this, BRICS should focus on identifying the strongest enterprises within specific categories—5,000, 50,000, 100,000, or even 500,000—based on national capacity. This approach prioritizes productive potential over trendy startups, ensuring that the most capable enterprises are selected for support.

In the modern economy, digital management is essential. SMEs must operate digitally across markets, supply chains, finance, and customer interactions. As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes integral to global commerce, it is imperative that SMEs are not left behind, relying on outdated management systems.

Furthermore, the audit process must encompass the intangible qualities that contribute to entrepreneurial success. This includes assessing an entrepreneur’s tacit knowledge, ambition, market instinct, and ability to recognize opportunities. Entrepreneurs are not merely numbers on a balance sheet; they embody an invisible operating system that drives their enterprises.

Connecting existing entrepreneurial ecosystems to global markets and AI is vital. Proven enterprises must be supported in their efforts to export, digitize management, and access global knowledge. AI should not remain confined to elite technologies but should be deployed at scale to benefit the majority of the national economy.

The National Mobilization of Entrepreneurialism (NAME) initiative aims to streamline this process, transforming audits into actionable strategies. This includes identifying, measuring, segmenting, digitizing, upskilling, reskilling, and ultimately globalizing SMEs. The goal is to replace fragmented programs with a cohesive strategy that fosters continuous entrepreneurial development.

BRICS faces a critical test: it must move beyond announcing startup funds or incubators and instead focus on mobilizing existing entrepreneurs. The challenge lies in understanding and respecting the capabilities of a million existing entrepreneurs, removing barriers to their success, and connecting them to AI and global markets.

Ultimately, BRICS has the opportunity to redefine economic mobilization. A superpower economy cannot rely solely on large corporations; it requires a robust SME sector integrated with advanced technologies. The question remains: will BRICS merely support SMEs, or will it become the first major economic bloc to actively mobilize its entrepreneurial resources as engines of national power?

According to Expothon Worldwide, a Canadian think tank initiative, the national mobilization of entrepreneurialism protocols have been successfully implemented over the past decade, reaching numerous cabinet-level officials across various economies. This initiative emphasizes that risk-taking, rather than theoretical knowledge, is the key to fostering superpower economies.

AI-powered smart grocery carts have been linked to a 32% increase in spending, raising questions about their impact on consumer behavior as they expand across U.S. stores.

Artificial intelligence is increasingly making its presence felt in grocery shopping, and recent research suggests it may lead to higher spending. Imagine pushing a grocery cart equipped with a screen that offers directions, coupons, and product suggestions. This technology not only keeps a running total of your purchases but also allows you to bypass the traditional checkout line. While this may seem convenient, it also provides retailers with a new avenue to influence your buying decisions.

A study conducted by Bayes Business School at City St George’s, University of London, found that shoppers using smart shopping carts spent an average of 32% more than those using regular carts. The research indicated that these shoppers not only bought more items but also spent more time in the store. This raises an important question: Are smart carts enhancing your shopping experience, or are they simply making it easier to overspend?

The study, published in the Journal of Business Research, examined the behavior of shoppers at a well-known German supermarket chain in March 2025. Researchers analyzed 12,418 shopping sessions, of which 9,422 involved the use of smart-cart technology. These carts, equipped with tablet-style screens, allowed shoppers to create digital shopping lists, receive personalized recommendations, and navigate the store more efficiently. They also supported checkout-free payment options.

Results showed that smart-cart users spent 32% more on average than non-users, purchased 25% more items, and spent 23% more time in the store. Interestingly, the spending gap was more pronounced during afternoons and weekends, with shoppers spending the most time in stores during the evening hours.

Dr. Sabrina Gottschalk, a lecturer in marketing at Bayes Business School and the study’s lead author, noted that these findings suggest significant revenue potential for retailers. The screens on smart carts create additional opportunities for advertising, allowing stores to present special offers and product recommendations while shoppers are actively deciding what to buy. This dual function of smart carts—serving as both a shopping tool and an advertising platform—could reshape consumer behavior.

However, it is essential to note that the study identified an association between smart-cart use and increased spending without definitively proving that the technology itself caused the rise. Shoppers opting for smart carts may have already planned larger grocery runs or may be more inclined to use technology to facilitate their shopping experience.

Further analysis revealed a subset of shoppers, dubbed “superusers,” who interacted with the smart-cart screen more than 20 times during a single trip. While these superusers bought significantly more items and spent longer in the store, they did not necessarily spend more money overall. This suggests that some shoppers may engage with the technology for the experience rather than to increase their purchases.

Smart carts are already making their way into grocery stores across the United States. Instacart has deployed thousands of its AI-powered Caper Carts in over 100 cities, with availability across 15 states and numerous retail banners, including Kroger and ShopRite. These carts utilize cameras, built-in scales, and sensors to track what shoppers add to or remove from their baskets, while also providing recommendations as customers navigate the aisles.

Amazon has introduced a competing product known as the Dash Cart, which displays prices, keeps a running total, and offers personalized deals. This technology is set to expand to additional Whole Foods Market locations across the U.S. by the end of 2026, making smart carts a more familiar feature in grocery shopping.

What makes smart carts particularly intriguing is their ability to deliver promotions directly to shoppers as they move through the store. For example, if a shopper turns down an aisle, the cart may display a promotion for a nearby product. This capability can enhance the shopping experience by reminding customers of forgotten items or suggesting complementary products. However, it also raises the risk of impulse purchases that may not align with the shopper’s original list.

Data privacy is another important consideration. Instacart’s Caper Carts utilize various sensors and tracking systems to monitor shopper behavior, which can enhance the cart’s functionality but also raises questions about data collection and personalized advertising. Shoppers should be mindful of the privacy settings associated with their grocery-store accounts and understand what information retailers collect.

Using an AI shopping cart doesn’t mean you have to forgo your budget. To maximize the benefits of this technology, shoppers should establish a clear list of what they need before entering the store. When the cart suggests additional items, it’s wise to compare those suggestions with your original list to avoid overspending.

Monitoring your total as you shop can also be beneficial, allowing you to make informed decisions before reaching the checkout line. While some recommendations may offer genuine savings, it’s crucial to remain vigilant and not assume that every promoted product is the best deal. Comparing prices and unit costs can help ensure that you stay within your budget.

For those curious about the impact of smart carts on their grocery bills, a simple experiment can provide insight. Track your spending during a few trips using a smart cart compared to regular grocery runs. This may reveal whether the technology helps you stay organized or contributes to unexpected increases in your total.

As smart carts become more prevalent in grocery stores, it’s essential to consider how they influence shopping behavior. While they offer convenience and potential savings, the 32% increase in spending highlighted by the study warrants attention. Shoppers should enjoy the benefits of technology while remaining mindful of their budgets and shopping lists.

Would you consider using an AI-powered shopping cart if it allowed you to skip the checkout line, or would the knowledge that smart-cart users tend to spend 32% more lead you to stick with a traditional cart? Share your thoughts with us at CyberGuy.com.

For more tips on managing grocery costs, check out our article on eight apps that can help reduce your food bill.

Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

PayPal is set to lay off 251 employees at its San Jose headquarters as part of a larger initiative to reduce its global workforce by 20%.

PayPal is preparing to implement significant job cuts at its San Jose headquarters, with 251 employees facing layoffs as the company continues its broader effort to reduce costs. This latest round of layoffs will impact senior employees, managers, and engineers, marking a substantial shift in the company’s workforce strategy.

According to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) filing submitted to California’s Employment Development Department, the affected employees are expected to lose their jobs on October 30, 2026. The WARN filing indicates that the layoffs will encompass a variety of roles, including more than 100 engineering positions, over 50 senior software engineers, nearly 50 directors, and more than 40 senior managers.

This move is part of PayPal’s larger restructuring plan, which aims to eliminate approximately 20% of its global workforce. Bloomberg has reported that this initiative could potentially affect around 4,760 employees out of a total workforce of about 23,800 worldwide.

PayPal has characterized the restructuring as a necessary step to enhance efficiency and redirect resources toward areas deemed critical for future growth, particularly in artificial intelligence. The company anticipates that these cost-cutting measures will yield approximately $1.5 billion in savings over the next two to three years, with around $400 million expected by the end of the first year.

The pressure for these cuts comes as PayPal navigates an increasingly competitive payments market. Traditional technology giants like Apple and Google have expanded their foothold in digital payments, while emerging companies such as Stripe and Klarna have solidified their positions within the industry.

The WARN filing also highlights the seniority of some of the employees affected by the layoffs. Reports from SFGate indicate that senior director positions at PayPal could command annual salaries exceeding $300,000, underscoring the significance of the cuts.

The layoffs in San Jose follow previous job reductions and restructuring efforts at PayPal as CEO Enrique Lores seeks to reshape the company. Lores, who took over as president and CEO in March, has been tasked with simplifying the organization and enhancing its financial performance.

The urgency of the restructuring plans became more pronounced after the company’s disappointing first-quarter results, which led to increased pressure to improve growth while managing expenses and competing effectively in the rapidly evolving payments landscape.

Under federal law, companies covered by the WARN Act are generally required to provide advance notice of certain mass layoffs and plant closures. California’s Employment Development Department maintains WARN filings that detail the affected workers and the timing of job reductions.

For the employees impacted in San Jose, the WARN filing specifies the date for the latest wave of layoffs. However, for PayPal, these job cuts are part of a broader strategy to reduce its workforce, lower expenses, and reposition the company for its next phase of growth, according to Bloomberg.

Disney’s $50 million antitrust settlement allows eligible YouTube TV and DirecTV Stream subscribers to file claims for cash payments, addressing concerns over inflated streaming prices.

The Walt Disney Company has reached a $50 million partial settlement in a class action lawsuit concerning the pricing of live TV streaming services. This settlement provides an opportunity for some YouTube TV and DirecTV Stream subscribers to file a claim for potential cash payments.

The lawsuit, titled Heather Biddle, et al. v. The Walt Disney Company, alleges that Disney leveraged its control over ESPN and other channels to pressure streaming services like YouTube TV and DirecTV Stream into offering more expensive packages. While Disney denies any wrongdoing, the settlement allows eligible customers to seek compensation.

Customers who subscribed to YouTube TV between April 1, 2019, and March 31, 2026, or to DirecTV Stream during the same period may qualify for the settlement. This includes subscriptions branded as DirecTV Now and AT&T TV Now. However, it is important to note that the settlement only applies to YouTube TV and DirecTV Stream users; claims from FuboTV subscribers remain unresolved.

Eligibility for the settlement is determined by the subscriber’s location. Some customers fall under what the settlement terms as “repealer jurisdictions,” which include states such as Alabama, California, Florida, and New York. Others are categorized as “non-repealer jurisdictions.” The geographical classification may impact how the settlement funds are distributed.

While there is no predetermined amount for each claimant, the settlement specifies that cash payments will be proportional to the duration of the subscription. Thus, individuals who have maintained their subscriptions for longer periods may receive larger payouts than those who subscribed briefly. The total payout will also depend on the number of valid claims submitted.

To file a claim, eligible customers can visit the official online settlement website at onlinetvsettlement.com/Login. It is crucial to have the unique ID and PIN provided in the notice received via mail or email. If a notice was not received or has been misplaced, claimants can contact the settlement administrator at info@OnlineTVSettlement.com for assistance.

For those who held both YouTube TV and DirecTV Stream subscriptions during the class period, both subscriptions can be included in a single claim form. Alternatively, claimants can print, complete, and mail a claim form to the designated address:

Biddle v. Disney Settlement Administrator
P.O. Box 4720
Portland, OR 97208-4720

The deadline for submitting claims is September 8, 2026. It is essential to file a claim or opt out by this date to avoid forfeiting any potential benefits. If a claimant chooses not to participate in the settlement, they can request exclusion, which allows them to retain the right to sue Disney independently regarding the claims released in this case. Exclusion requests must be postmarked by September 8, 2026, and cannot be made via phone or email.

Additionally, claimants have the option to object to the settlement if they disagree with its terms. The deadline for filing an objection is December 1, 2026. A final approval hearing is scheduled for January 14, 2027, at 9 a.m. If the court approves the settlement, payments will be distributed once all administrative processes are complete.

The lawsuit highlights the significant influence of ESPN and other Disney-owned channels on the pricing of streaming packages. Plaintiffs argue that Disney’s control over these channels has hindered streaming providers from offering more affordable, sports-free packages. As part of the settlement, Disney has agreed to consider proposals from streaming distributors seeking packages with fewer Disney-owned networks, which could lead to more flexible pricing options in the future.

As with any settlement involving financial compensation, potential claimants should be vigilant against scams. Fraudsters may attempt to exploit the situation by sending emails, texts, or social media messages that appear to require urgent action, such as verifying claims or paying fees. It is advisable to visit the official settlement website directly rather than clicking on links from unsolicited messages.

Claimants should also be cautious of any requests for payment to file a legitimate class action settlement claim. Strong antivirus software can help protect against malicious links and phishing attempts associated with settlement scams. Keeping devices updated and using personal data removal services can further safeguard against identity theft and fraud.

This settlement presents an opportunity for eligible subscribers who have been affected by rising streaming costs. While the payout may not be substantial, it is worth checking eligibility, especially for those who have paid for YouTube TV or DirecTV Stream during the specified period. The deadline for filing claims is September 8, 2026, and customers are encouraged to act promptly.

As the landscape of streaming services continues to evolve, the outcome of this settlement may influence future pricing structures and package offerings. For those interested in exploring ways to reduce streaming costs, resources are available to help navigate potential savings.

For further information on the settlement, including eligibility and filing instructions, visit the official settlement website or consult legal resources. According to Fox News, this case underscores the ongoing debate over pricing practices in the streaming industry.

Mobilizing high-potential small and medium enterprises (SMEs) could provide nations with a pathway to overcome economic stagnation and debt challenges.

The concept of economic intellectualism has evolved significantly since the establishment of the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences by the Bank of Sweden in 1968. Although economics was not part of Alfred Nobel’s original will, the prize has since generated a wealth of mathematical theories and academic literature. However, one must ponder how different our world might be had the focus been on practical fields such as dentistry or banking instead.

Hard sciences have historically led to tangible advancements. Physics enabled the Moon landing, chemistry produced advanced plastics, and medicine has transformed healthcare. In contrast, numerous Nobel Prizes in Economics have resulted in complex financial theories while the world grapples with over $300 trillion in debt, pushing many nations to the brink of collapse. This discrepancy warrants serious examination, as economic dystopia is already a reality—silent, gradual, and systemic.

Throughout history, human advancement has relied on a biological mechanism characterized by the emergence of specialized individuals. Grassroots prosperity is an inherent human trait, not merely a mathematical equation. Just as nature produces a diverse range of professionals—from archaeologists to ballet dancers—humanity possesses an innate ability to innovate and self-organize. Geniuses exist on nearly every street corner, yet many remain untapped and overlooked.

Within this collective, there exists a subgroup of individuals naturally inclined to embrace lifelong risks, tackle complex challenges, and pursue unexplainable solutions. This “Entrepreneurial Mysticism” has been a driving force behind enduring prosperity, tracing back to our hunter-gatherer ancestors who tracked mammoths and organized camps. These innate behavioral forces form the foundation of global financial stability.

The gradual progression of Homo sapiens toward grassroots prosperity hinges on translating human productivity into real-world value. While mathematical models can analyze the consequences of these activities, they lack the power to mobilize them. True value creation stems from human behavior, culminating in productivity, performance, and profitability. Any artificial manipulation of data by centralized entities only exacerbates the chaos we currently observe. Financialization has supplanted genuine enterprise creation, diminishing the power of political leadership.

We are currently witnessing a significant divide in mindsets within global trade and commerce. Job-seekers are often placed in charge of job-creation policies—a critical mismatch. Individuals who have never founded a business are dictating job creation, regulatory frameworks, and economic policies worldwide. This disconnect is a primary reason why over 100 struggling economies fail to achieve meaningful growth.

Modern universities have also fallen short, failing to recognize this divide and hiding behind institutional blindness regarding explicit and tacit knowledge. Entrepreneurs cannot be manufactured through theories or classroom instruction. While universities excel in teaching explicit knowledge—numbers, formulas, and historical data—they cannot impart the lifelong risks and intuitive skills required to build a business from the ground up. Acknowledging this divide would render the theoretical foundations of these institutions largely irrelevant.

The current economic landscape is characterized by overwhelming debt, weakened domestic industries, and systemic fragility. Western policymakers have made a critical error by abandoning the production-based model that fueled America’s growth a century ago. This same model has driven China’s rapid ascent over the past four decades, and it is now being leveraged by India and its neighboring Asian countries, positioning small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as their primary engines of growth. The experiences of America, China, and India illustrate that SMEs are indeed the true engines of economic growth.

The recently unveiled National SME Mobilization Global Index ranks 100 nations based on their volume of high-potential SMEs. The index reveals a startling truth about economic development: out of 431 million SMEs worldwide, approximately 86 million are classified as “high-potential” enterprises—established manufacturing and exporting companies with existing factories, teams, and revenue streams.

Expothon, a Canadian think tank, has dedicated the past decade to developing “National Mobilization of Entrepreneurialism Protocols.” Insights from this initiative are shared weekly with 2,000 selected VIP recipients and cabinet-level officials across 100 free economies, proposing the deployment of 30% to 50% of high-potential national SMEs for aggressive upskilling and reskilling to revitalize struggling economies. This approach aims to build trust and establish a track record, drawing on the successes of China and India, while recognizing the USA as the original pioneer.

The Global Hub Vision is designed to provide large-scale, senior-level guidance to 100 free economies and major blocs such as the GCC, OIC, EU, African Union, ASEAN, Commonwealth, and BRICS. The focus is on the customized deployment of “National Mobilization of Entrepreneurialism,” delivering nation-specific solutions to harness high-potential SMEs. Equipped with over 1,000 experts with global digital access expertise, the Hub aims to guide 50 to 100 countries in managing their national SME bases, upskilling exporters, and reskilling manufacturers.

To meet the demands outlined in the Index, Expothon is exploring partnerships with global enterprise technology software developers to create the Index 100 Support System. This initiative aims to facilitate the customized initiation of SME mobilization at the desired scale. Many of these developers offer secure infrastructure and local presence, while Expothon provides the economic execution layer to eliminate bureaucratic friction, fostering a significant global alliance.

The proposed 1,000-day mobilization could add a distinct contribution to national GDP. By identifying and mobilizing just 4% of a nation’s high-potential SMEs through intensive, AI-supported capability building, the global economy could unlock an astonishing $6.3 trillion in potential new GDP. This initiative is not merely a theoretical exercise; it represents a grassroots revolution for prosperity, offering a more viable alternative to economic dystopia.

Under this framework, each upgraded SME could generate an additional $1,000 in daily revenue, contributing $365,000 annually to the grassroots economy. This transformation does not rely on printing money, quantitative easing, or foreign direct investment; rather, it activates a nation’s existing, hidden resources—its youth, talented women, and untapped entrepreneurial potential.

In conclusion, the silence from the economic establishment is no longer acceptable. Their theoretical frameworks have reached their limits. It is time for global leaders to demand a fundamental protocol override. The pressing question must be posed to national leadership: How has economic development been managed over the past decades if our largest growth sector has been neglected? What role will artificial intelligence play in circumventing bureaucratic bottlenecks to deliver real-time global knowledge directly to frontline entrepreneurs?

We stand at a pivotal moment where technology, AI, and our collective experiences present a historic opportunity. By understanding humanity’s natural talent for grassroots prosperity, we can forge a path forward. Nations that successfully mobilize cabinet-level initiatives to coordinate, protect, and empower this 4% SME elite will lead the forthcoming global expansion of AI-driven commerce, while others risk remaining trapped in their own economic dystopia.

As we move forward, the focus must shift to execution and the practical application of these insights.

According to Naseem Javed.

Starbucks is set to lay off 224 employees as part of a restructuring effort, with a significant number declining relocation to its new Nashville office.

Starbucks has announced the layoff of 224 workers, including 120 employees who opted not to relocate from Seattle to the company’s new office in Nashville. Additionally, 104 positions were eliminated from the team responsible for store design and construction.

The company plans to initiate these separations on October 19, with all layoffs expected to be finalized by November 1. This round of layoffs is part of a broader global restructuring effort that Starbucks first announced in May, which involved the elimination of 252 corporate positions.

According to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification filed with Washington state regulators, the layoffs come after a leadership reorganization within the store design and construction team. The 120 employees who chose not to relocate were offered retention packages starting at $15,000, contingent on their continued employment with the company through at least 2027.

Early efforts to encourage relocation faced resistance, as some employees were offered stock grants worth tens of thousands of dollars but were also informed that their salaries would be reduced by at least 5% due to the lower cost of living in Nashville. Starbucks is planning to open its new corporate office in Nashville by 2027.

Despite the layoffs, the number of affected employees represents a small fraction of Starbucks’ global workforce, which stood at 381,000 as of September 2025, according to the company’s fiscal 2025 annual report. This latest round of layoffs marks the eighth instance of job cuts in Washington state over the past two years, during which a total of 2,538 employees have been laid off.

The announcement of these layoffs follows a series of job cuts initiated by current CEO Brian Niccol shortly after he took over the company. In his first month, Starbucks laid off 974 non-retail employees as part of a strategy to reduce non-retail headcount and expenses, as outlined in a statement from September 2025.

In May, Starbucks revealed plans to cut an additional 300 corporate jobs in the United States while also reviewing its international corporate workforce. Earlier, in February 2025, the company announced the elimination of 1,100 jobs and the decision to leave several hundred positions unfilled. This was followed by another 900 job cuts for non-retail employees as part of a comprehensive $1 billion restructuring plan.

CEO Niccol has been focused on cutting $2 billion in costs over a two-year period, which includes closing underperforming locations and divesting a stake in its China business.

According to Bloomberg, these layoffs are part of Starbucks’ ongoing efforts to streamline operations and adapt to changing market conditions.

Scammers are targeting individuals with fake Amazon job offers, promising high pay for minimal work, raising concerns about job security and personal information safety.

A recent wave of fraudulent text messages claiming to offer remote job opportunities at Amazon has emerged, enticing recipients with promises of up to $600 for just 90 minutes of work each day. These messages often appear to come from a supposed recruiter, raising red flags for potential victims.

One such message, which was received by a recipient, claims to be from “Lauren Whitmore from the Amazon Remote Recruitment Team.” It suggests that Amazon merchants require assistance with “quick product refreshes.” However, the offer is riddled with signs of a scam.

The text message states that the recipient’s background makes them a suitable candidate for a “stress-free, task-based remote position.” Yet, it fails to clarify how the sender obtained the recipient’s information or why they were contacted. There are no job postings or official Amazon communications associated with the offer, which should immediately raise suspicions.

One of the most concerning aspects of this scam is the unusually high compensation for minimal work. The message claims that applicants must be at least 23 years old and instructs them to text “More Info” to a different phone number. This tactic is a common feature of many scams, designed to lure individuals into providing personal information.

According to a July 2026 report from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Scam Tracker, similar messages have been reported, featuring offers of 60 to 90 minutes of work per day for pay ranging from $100 to $600. These messages often include a base pay figure of $5,300 and create a sense of urgency by stating that only a limited number of positions are available.

While the names and phone numbers may vary, the core elements of the scam remain consistent. The pattern indicates that scammers frequently adapt their tactics to continue targeting unsuspecting individuals. An Amazon spokesperson confirmed that the company is aware of these impersonation attempts and encourages consumers to report any suspicious messages.

“Scammers that attempt to impersonate Amazon put consumers at risk,” the spokesperson stated. “We will continue to invest in protecting consumers and educating the public on scam avoidance. We encourage consumers to report suspected scams to us so that we can protect their accounts and refer bad actors to law enforcement to help keep consumers safe.”

Amazon’s guidance emphasizes the importance of not engaging with suspicious recruitment messages. Instead, individuals should independently verify any job offers and report impersonations through Amazon’s official channels. Scammers often keep their schemes alive by making small adjustments to their tactics, such as changing the recruiter’s name or contact information.

Several warning signs can help individuals identify these scams. For instance, the message received by one recipient originated from an email address ending in @hotmail.com, which is not a legitimate Amazon domain. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) advises verifying a recruiter’s email address to ensure it belongs to the company they claim to represent.

Additionally, the vague description of the job duties raises further concerns. The message does not provide any details about what “helping Amazon merchants perform quick product refreshes” entails. Instead, it focuses on the potential earnings, which should trigger caution among recipients.

Another tactic used by scammers is creating a false sense of urgency. The message claims that only 18 positions remain, a figure that has appeared in other reported versions of the scam. This scarcity can pressure individuals into responding quickly without verifying the legitimacy of the opportunity.

Moreover, the text instructs recipients to send “More Info” to a different phone number, bypassing any official Amazon hiring portal. This redirection is a significant warning sign, as legitimate job offers typically involve official application processes.

While the message may appear to be sent via a secure platform like iMessage, this does not guarantee the legitimacy of the sender. Scammers can easily use encrypted messaging services to disguise their identities.

Individuals are advised not to respond to suspicious messages or provide any personal information, such as Social Security numbers or banking details. Legitimate employers should have a formal hiring process that does not require sensitive information upfront.

To protect against potential scams, individuals should conduct thorough research before engaging with any unsolicited job offers. Visiting Amazon’s official jobs website can help verify whether a position exists. If the job cannot be found through official channels, it is best to disregard the message and report it.

In conclusion, the recent surge in fake Amazon job offers highlights the need for vigilance when it comes to unsolicited recruitment messages. By recognizing the warning signs and taking proactive measures, individuals can better protect themselves from falling victim to these scams. Amazon encourages consumers to report any suspicious communications through their official help pages, reinforcing the importance of awareness in combating these fraudulent schemes.

For more information on identifying and reporting scams, visit Amazon’s official resources or the FTC’s fraud reporting site. Stay informed and cautious to safeguard your personal information and financial security.

According to CyberGuy.

Vishal Garg, the founder of Better Home & Finance, is seeking to reclaim his position as CEO after being ousted earlier this month, following his controversial mass layoffs during a Zoom call in 2021.

Vishal Garg, the founder and former CEO of Better Home & Finance, is making headlines once again as he attempts to regain control of the mortgage company he established. This move comes after he was removed from his position on August 3, shortly after Daniel Lewis joined Better’s board and took over as CEO.

Garg gained notoriety in December 2021 when he dismissed approximately 900 employees during a Zoom call, a decision that drew widespread criticism and led to a leave of absence. Now, he claims that the board made a mistake in ousting him and accuses Lewis of lacking transparency regarding his intentions while they worked together.

“He hoodwinked me,” Garg said, referring to Lewis. “He said he liked the company’s strategy. He praised us on X and used that to get on our board and win our confidences.”

Garg’s departure comes at a challenging time for Better, which has seen a significant decline since the pandemic-era mortgage boom. The company was once valued at around $8 billion when mortgage rates fell below 3%, leading to a surge in refinancing demand. However, as rates increased, the refinancing business collapsed, resulting in a dramatic downturn for Better.

The company’s annual sales plummeted from $1.5 billion in 2021 to just $70 million in 2023. Garg contends that under his leadership, Better was beginning to recover, with revenue projected to reach approximately $200 million this year. He attributes this turnaround in part to the company’s use of artificial intelligence to expedite mortgage processing, claiming that the technology can perform tasks that would typically require numerous employees over several days.

Additionally, Better has partnered with Neo Home Loans, which Garg asserts has helped double productivity while reducing loan origination costs by 50%. The company has also formed alliances with notable firms such as Intuit, Coinbase, and OpenAI this year to enhance its mortgage-related services and expand its home equity line of credit business.

Despite Garg’s claims of a comeback, his tenure has been marred by controversies. The 2021 layoffs sparked significant backlash, and Better faced a whistleblower lawsuit that was later dropped, as well as an investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission that did not result in any action against the company. Following its 2023 SPAC merger, Better’s stock price experienced a steep decline, and the company continued to report losses.

Garg has acknowledged that his management style has been challenging and that the mass layoffs severely impacted his reputation. However, he now believes that the criticism has been redirected towards him unfairly.

According to Garg, Lewis approached him about six months ago with suggestions for cost-cutting and improving profitability. While he found some of Lewis’ ideas beneficial, he disagreed with his approach to innovation. “(Lewis’) thoughts about cost savings were good. His ideas about innovation were not,” Garg stated. “It’s so much easier when we’re this close for someone to come in and say that they could have done better.”

Lewis joined Better’s board on July 27, and within a week, he had replaced Garg as CEO. Following his appointment, Lewis took to X to express his respect for Garg, stating, “There was never a $BETR without @vishal_better. That demands respect.”

Initially, Garg accepted the decision to step aside, emphasizing that his focus has always been on building the company rather than clinging to the title of CEO. “It’s not about me,” he remarked. “I care about delivering savings to people and helping them live the American Dream. So when shareholders said, ‘You need to take a back seat,’ I complied.”

However, Garg is now seeking to reverse that decision. He claims that investors have reached out to him following his removal, urging him to return to the company. Garg asserts that he possesses enough Class B shares with special voting rights, including shares held by early investors who support him, to regain control.

To bolster his case, Garg has enlisted the services of high-profile attorney Alex Spiro from Quinn Emanuel and has sent a letter to Better’s board demanding his reinstatement. He has even offered to work for $1 a year until the company becomes profitable, after which he would transition out of the CEO role.

The company’s stock performance since Garg’s removal has also become a focal point in his argument. Shares have dropped 45% since Lewis took over, and the stock was already down more than 16% this year prior to Garg’s departure announcement.

For Garg, this latest battle is less about reclaiming a title and more about demonstrating that the company was on the path to recovery. “It’s an acknowledgment that I’ve been doing this for 10 years, but execution hasn’t been perfect,” he said, as reported by CNN. “I hope it gets resolved. I think the future still remains very bright for Better.”

As the situation unfolds, the outcome of Garg’s efforts to reclaim his position remains to be seen, but it underscores the ongoing challenges facing Better Home & Finance in a rapidly changing mortgage landscape.

According to The American Bazaar.