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Online scammers stole more than $10 billion in 2022 thanks to … – Mashable

Internet scammers are raking in more cash than ever before...and cryptocurrencies provided them with a major assist.

According to the FBI's recently released annual internet crime report(Opens in a new tab), $10.6 billion was lost due to online scams and frauds in 2022. This is up 46 percent from the $6.9 billion in losses in 2021. Furthermore, even though losses are way up, the number of complaints from scam victims made to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) were actually down from the previous year.

So, what accounted for the more than $3.5 billion jump from 2021 to 2022? The rise of cryptocurrency.

The report found that investment fraud overall was the "costliest scheme." Based on complaints to the IC3, losses from investment fraud grew from $1.45 billion in 2021 to $3.31 billion last year.

However, within those complaints, the report found that fraud involving cryptocurrency specifically had the biggest growth with an increase of 183 percent from the year prior. Losses from crypto scams went from $907 million in 2021 to a whopping $2.57 billion in 2022.

"Crypto-investment scams saw unprecedented increases in the number of victims and the dollar losses to these investors," reads the report. "Many victims have assumed massive debt to cover losses from these fraudulent investments and the most targeted age group reporting this type of scam are victims ages 30 to 49."

Some common crypto-related scams according to the report include crypto stolen through hacked social media accounts, celebrity impersonations, real estate fraud, and liquidity mining, which are schemes that persuade targets to connect their crypto wallets to an application with the promise to make profit and then instead just drain the user's account of its funds.

Though crypto scammers often go after younger targets, according to the report, the largest pool of victims is in the less tech-savvy 60-and-older demographic. They accounted for $3.1 billion of the 2022 losses.

And while investment fraud accounted for the most losses, there were many other types of internet scams pulling its weight too. Call center fraud was the biggest threat to that previously mentioned older demographic, accounting for more than $1 billion in total losses. Of that, $724 million was drained specifically from targets aged 60 and older.

Business email compromise was another scam that proved fruitful for bad actors in 2022. This scam involves targeting users' business emails and then attempting to use social engineering techniques to trick the victim into transferring funds. These scams accounted for $2.7 billion in losses last year. And, even though ransomware attacks were down in 2022, they still made up $34.3 million in losses.

It's important to note that the data here comes from more than 800,000 complaints filed with the IC3 in 2022. The numbers are likely even higher as there are scam victims who don't report.

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Online scammers stole more than $10 billion in 2022 thanks to ... - Mashable

3 Tech Stocks With More Potential Than Any Cryptocurrency – The Motley Fool Canada

The collapse of cryptocurrency exchange FTX in early November 2022 harmed cryptos. However, Bitcoin is up 46.4% year to date, and some investors say the largest crypto trades like a tech stock.

Meanwhile, the technology sector suffered a severe selloff last year but is doing better thus far in 2023 with a +13.55% positive gain. But if I were to choose between tech stocks and any other crypto, I wouldnt touch the latter with a 10-foot pole.

Tech firms like Descartes Systems Group (TSX:DSG), Kinaxis (TSX:KXS), and Docebo (TSX:DCBO) are safer and certainly have more potential. They have financials and business projections to show.

Descartes provides on-demand, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions to logistics-intensive businesses to help them improve productivity, performance, and security. The $8.76 billion company reported impressive top- and bottom-line growth in fiscal 2023.

In the 12 months that ended January 31, 2023, revenue and net income increased 14.4% and 18.4% to US$486 million and US$102.2 million versus fiscal 2022. Edward J. Ryan, Descartess chief executive officer (CEO), said the company invests in its Global Logistics Network. He added, We invest both organically and through acquisitions consistent with customer feedback on how we can deliver more value to them.

For fiscal 2024, management anticipates adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) to be 40-45% of revenues. Its chief financial officer Allan Brett said Descartes has a solid platform for continued growth and acquisitions. Moreover, it has the experience and capital capacity to add more solutions for the growing community of shippers, carriers, and logistics services providers. At $102.95 per share, current investors enjoy a 9.07% year-to-date gain.

Kinaxis had an incredible turnaround in 2022, exceeding total revenue and adjusted EBITDA targets. Also, besides growing its customer base by 40%, profit reached US$20.08 million compared to the US$1.16 loss in 2021.

This $4.59 billion supply chain management company will continue to invest for the long term and cement its leadership position. Management also expects faster SaaS growth and increased profitability in the coming years.

Performance-wise, the tech stock is up 10.24% year to date. Market analysts covering KXS recommend a buy rating. The 12-month average price target is $218 a potential 30% appreciation from its current share price of $167.46.

This $4.59 billion supply chain management company will continue to invest for the long term and cement its leadership position. Management also expects faster SaaS growth and increased profitability in the coming years.

Docebo endured the macroeconomic headwinds in 2022 and delivered a strong performance. The $1.68 billion company boasts a leading artificial intelligence (AI)-powered learning platform. In the 12 months that ended December 31, 2022, total revenue (subscription and professional services) climbed 37% year over year to US$142.91 million.

The net income topped US$7 million compared to the US$13.6 million net loss in fiscal 2021. Claudio Erba, Docebos founder and CEO, said, Our focus remains on driving long-term growth and profitability across economic cycles, supported by continued innovation. If you invest today, the share price is $51.08 (+14.2% year to date).

While Bitcoin and other cryptos are tradable assets like tech stocks, they still lack regulation. More importantly, theres no predictable path for the foreseeable future, unlike Descartes, Kinaxis, or Docebo.

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3 Tech Stocks With More Potential Than Any Cryptocurrency - The Motley Fool Canada

PancakeSwap Unveils Upgraded Version On Binance Smart Chain – Blockzeit

PancakeSwap, the decentralized exchange platform, is launching a new version of Binance Smart Chain, featuring more competitive fees, improved liquidity, and a reward campaign.

PancakeSwap, the decentralized exchange platform, has recently announced that it is rolling out a new version of its application on the Binance Smart Chain (BSC). The upgrade includes more competitive trading fees, improved liquidity provisioning, and other new features. The move is part of PancakeSwaps continuous efforts to improve its features and make it easier for users to access its platform.

As part of the launch campaign, PancakeSwap also offers users $135k of its CAKE token. The campaign will last until April 3rd, 2023 at 12:00 UTC. Additionally, those providing liquidity to the exchange will receive a special NFT as a symbol of loyalty. The NFT, however, cannot be sold, which incentivizes users to continue providing liquidity to the platform.

You can learn more about the details by visiting their press release.

The PancakeSwap V3 upgrade comes when decentralized exchanges are growing in popularity despite still reeling from the effects of major crypto collapses like the FTX and Terra debacle.

PancakeSwap V2 is currently the fourth most popular choice among decentralized exchanges, with around $84 million in trading volume. Decentralized exchanges are a type of cryptocurrency exchange that operates on a decentralized network, meaning there is no central authority or intermediary involved in the exchange process.

One of the main benefits of decentralized exchanges is that they offer greater privacy and security for users. Unlike centralized exchanges, where users need to deposit funds and trust a third party to hold their assets, decentralized exchanges allow users to retain full control of their private keys and keep their funds in their own wallets. This is particularly important for users who are concerned about the security of their assets and who want to maintain control of their funds.

Decentralized exchanges also offer greater accessibility, as they can be used by anyone with an internet connection and a compatible wallet. This is particularly important for users in countries with limited access to traditional banking services, who may not have access to centralized exchanges.

The growth of decentralized exchanges has been fueled by the increasing demand for decentralized finance (DeFi) applications. DeFi applications are designed to provide traditional financial services using blockchain technology, which eliminates the need for intermediaries and allows users to have greater control over their financial assets.

The launch of PancakeSwap V3 on Binance Smart Chain is an exciting development for the decentralized exchange ecosystem. It offers users more choices and improved features and is likely to attract more users to the platform. As more users discover the benefits of decentralized exchanges, it will be interesting to see how this sector continues to evolve and grow.

PancakeSwaps new version is a positive development for the decentralized exchange ecosystem. It is expected to provide more options and opportunities for users to trade and participate in the DeFi ecosystem.

Along with the added improvements in the platforms features, we can expect further growth and innovation in the decentralized exchange space in the coming months and years.

Edmond is a passionate writer for Video games, GameFi and Web3. He has worked for top GameFi companies and video game/crypto news websites.

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PancakeSwap Unveils Upgraded Version On Binance Smart Chain - Blockzeit

How to Create javascript WebSockets Subscriptions to Ethereum and Binance Smart Chain through ethers.js? – Benzinga

Creating a WebSockets subscription to Ethereum and Binance Smart Chain using ethers.js can be useful for developers for several reasons, including scalability and easier integration.

Using NOWNodes to create WebSockets subscriptions to blockchain networks is a common practice. Javascript libraries such as ether.js have been a popular framework for WebSockets development.

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WebSockets subscription is similar to an Event Listener in Javascript. There are several reasons why an Event Listener is essential. This article illustrates creating simple BSC WebSocket and Ethereum websocket subscriptions to popular Blockchain networks like Ethereum and Binance Smart Chain.

Why create a Javascript WebSockets subscription

Javascript WebSockets subscription is either the Ethereum blockchain or the Binance Smart Chain is important for several reasons. Below are some of the reasons to develop a WebSockets subscription.

WebSockets are communication protocols that enable real-time, two-way communication between a client (such as a web browser) and a server. It provides a persistent connection between the client and server, sending and receiving real-time data.

Constant communication is often established through Websockets API. The WebSockets API provides methods for opening and closing connections, sending and receiving data, and handling errors and events. WebSockets offer a powerful and flexible way to enable real-time communication between client-side and server-side applications. They have become essential for building modern web applications crucial for blockchain and web 3 development.

Platforms like NOWNodes provide more straightforward ways to establish such connections, making it much easier to alleviate the need for a technical developer team. Below is a step-by-step guide on importing the ethers.js library and developing WebSockets subscription to the Ethereum blockchain network and Binance Smart Chain.

How to import ethers.js library and create WebSockets subscription

To use the Ethers.js library, first of all, you need to learn how to install ethers. npm install ethers Then you can import it using the code below.

const { ethers } = require("ethers");

After importing, you create a provider instance directly connecting to the preferred blockchain network. In this case, either the Ethereum blockchain or the Binance Smart Chain. Below is the line of code to create the required connection using NOWnodes.

const provider = new ethers.providers.WebSocketProvider("'wss://bsc.nownodes.io/wss/YOUR_API_KEY');

It is important to note that you'll be required to replace YOUR_API_KEY with your actual NOWNodes API key in development.

Subsequently, create a contract instance using the below line of code.

const contractAddress = "0x..."; // The contract address you want to interact with

const abi = [...] // The ABI of the contract

const contract = new ethers.Contract(contractAddress, abi, provider);

Next, you should create a subscription to an event emitted by the contract. To do so, you'll need to implement the code line below.

contract.on("EventName", (arg1, arg2, event) => {

console.log("Event received:", arg1, arg2);

});

Important Notes:

Below is the code for WebSockets that connect to the Binance Smart Chain blockchain network using the NOWNodes node provider.

const { ethers } = require('ethers')

const url = 'wss://bsc.nownodes.io/wss/YOUR_API_KEY'

const EXPECTED_PONG_BACK = 15000

const KEEP_ALIVE_CHECK_INTERVAL = 7500

const startConnection = async () => {

const provider = new ethers.providers.WebSocketProvider(url, {

name: 'binance',

chainId: 56,

})

let pingTimeout = null

let keepAliveInterval = null

provider._websocket.on('open', () => {

console.log('Connect')

keepAliveInterval = setInterval(() => {

console.log('Checking if the connection is alive, sending a ping')

provider._websocket.ping()

// Use WebSocket#terminate(), which immediately destroys the connection,

// instead of WebSocket#close(), which waits for the close timer.

// Delay should be equal to the interval at which your server

// sends out pings plus a conservative assumption of the latency.

pingTimeout = setTimeout(() => {

provider._websocket.terminate()

}, EXPECTED_PONG_BACK)

}, KEEP_ALIVE_CHECK_INTERVAL)

})

provider._websocket.on('close', () => {

console.error('The websocket connection was closed')

clearInterval(keepAliveInterval)

clearTimeout(pingTimeout)

startConnection()

})

provider._websocket.on('pong', () => {

console.log('Received pong, so connection is alive, clearing the timeout')

clearInterval(pingTimeout)

})

provider.on('block',(block)=>{

console.log('New block!', block)

})

}

startConnection()

Some advanced features of ethers.js for creating Ethereum/BSC WebSockets

Ethers.js provides a variety of advanced features for creating Ethereum WebSocket and BSC websocket subscriptions. Here are a few examples:

You can filter events based on specific parameters using the `ethers.utils` library. For example, to filter for a specific token transfer event, you could use the following code:

const filter = {

address: contractAddress,

topics: [ethers.utils.id('Transfer(address,address,uint256)')],

fromBlock: 'latest'

};

const logs = await provider.getLogs(filter);

If the WebSockets connection is lost, Ethers.js will automatically attempt to reconnect to the Ethereum node. You can also configure the number of reconnection attempts and the delay between attempts using the WebSocketProvider options.

For instance, to configure the WebSockets provider to retry every 5 seconds for up to 10 times, you could use the code below:

const options = {

reconnect: {

maxAttempts: 10,

delay: 5000

}

};

const provider = new ethers.providers.WebSocketProvider('wss://bsc.nownodes.io/wss/YOUR_API_KEY');

This code creates a reconnect object in the provider options that specifies the maximum number of attempts and the delay between attempts.

Using the provider, you can send multiple requests to an Ethereum node in a single batch.send() method. This can help reduce latency and improve performance. For instance, to retrieve the balances of multiple accounts in a single batch, you could use the following block of code:

const requests = [

{ method: 'eth_getBalance', params: ['0x123...', 'latest'] },

{ method: 'eth_getBalance', params: ['0x456...', 'latest'] },

{ method: 'eth_getBalance', params: ['0x789...', 'latest'] }

];

const results = await provider.send('eth_batch', requests);

What you get with NOWNodes service:

NOWNodes offers three paid plans, pro, business, and enterprise. It also provides a FREE plan suitable for small projects.

Start: FREE/ 100,000 requests per month + 1 API key and access to 5 nodes.

Pro: 20 / 1,000,000 requests per month + up to 3 API keys and access to all nodes Business: 200 / 30,000,000 requests per month + up to 25 API keys and access to all nodes.

Enterprise: 500 / 100,000,000 requests per month + up to 100 API keys and access to all nodes.

Conclusion

For several reasons, creating WebSockets with platforms such as NOWNodes can be important for maintaining high-security levels, constant uptime, and interoperability. Using the code snippet above, you can establish BSC WebSocket and Ethereum WebSocket using Ethers.js. The resulting WebSockets subscription would ensure Real-time communication, enhanced security, and scalability to ensure the growth of Web 3 projects.

Media Contact Company Name: NOWNodesEmail: Send EmailCountry: EstoniaWebsite: https://nownodes.io/

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How to Create javascript WebSockets Subscriptions to Ethereum and Binance Smart Chain through ethers.js? - Benzinga

The Importance of Staying Up-to-Date with the Latest BSC News for … – BSC NEWS

From identifying new investment opportunities to gaining a deeper understanding of the crypto ecosystem, there are many perks that come with sticking with BSC News.

BNB Chain is quickly becoming one of the most popular blockchain networks for decentralized finance (DeFi) applications, and as such, investors need to stay informed about the latest news and trends related to this network.

Here are a few reasons why staying up-to-date with BSC news is so important:

As more and more projects launch on BSC, investors need to know which ones are worth their time and money. By following BSC news sources, you can stay up-to-date on new project launches and token listings, allowing you to make informed investment decisions.

As with any blockchain network, BSC is constantly evolving and changing. By staying informed about updates to the network, you can ensure that you're taking advantage of new features and optimizations that could benefit your investments.

By keeping an eye on BSC news sources, you can also stay informed about potential risks to your investments. For example, if a new project on BSC is found to be a scam or a security risk, you can take steps to protect your funds before it's too late.

BSC is home to a rapidly growing ecosystem of DeFi applications and projects. For example, you might learn about a new yield farming protocol or a promising new decentralized exchange like biticodes that you can invest in early.

Finally, staying up-to-date with BSC news can help you gain a deeper understanding of the BSC ecosystem as a whole. By following news and analysis from reputable sources, you can learn more about how BSC works, what its strengths and weaknesses are, and how it fits into the broader crypto landscape.

One great source is Bsc.news, a website dedicated to providing up-to-date news and analysis on everything related to BSC. The site covers everything from new project launches and token listings to network updates and market trends, making it a one-stop shop for all your BSC news needs.

In addition to Bsc.news, you can also follow BSC-related social media accounts, such as those run by the Binance team, to stay informed about the latest news and developments. By staying up-to-date with BSC news, you'll be better equipped to make informed investment decisions and stay ahead of the curve in the fast-paced world of cryptocurrency.

Therefore, staying informed about the latest BSC news is essential for any crypto investor looking to stay ahead of the curve. By following reliable news sources like Bsc.news, you can stay up-to-date on new projects, network updates, market trends, and more. This can help you make more informed investment decisions, identify potential risks, and discover new opportunities for growth and profit in the exciting world of crypto.

Now that we've established why it's important to stay informed about BSC news, let's talk about how you can do it. Here are a few tips to help you stay on top of the latest developments:

As mentioned earlier, Bsc.news is a great source of BSC news and analysis. Follow BSC-related social media accounts: In addition to Bsc.news, you can also follow BSC-related accounts on social media platforms like Twitter and Telegram. These accounts can be a great source of real-time updates and news, as well as community-driven insights and analysis.

By joining BSC-related communities on platforms like Reddit or Discord, you can stay informed about the latest news and developments while also connecting with like-minded individuals. Due to the global pandemic, many BSC-related events have gone virtual. Attending these events can be a great way to learn about new projects and network updates directly from the source. Keep an eye out for virtual events hosted by the Binance team or other reputable organizations.

By using these strategies, you can stay informed about the latest BSC news and trends, allowing you to make more informed investment decisions and stay ahead of the curve in the fast-paced world of crypto.

It is important for crypto investors to remember to do their own research before making any investment decisions. While staying informed about the latest news and trends can be helpful, it's also important to take the time to thoroughly investigate any project or token you're considering investing in. This includes researching the team behind the project, analyzing the project's whitepaper, and checking for any red flags or warning signs. By combining your own research with the latest BSC news and trends, you can make more informed investment decisions and minimize your risk in the volatile world of cryptocurrency.

Subscribing to Bsc.news can provide numerous benefits for BNB Chain investors. By subscribing to their newsletter, investors can receive regular updates on new project launches, token listings, network updates, and market trends. This information can help investors make informed decisions about their investments, identify potential risks, and discover new opportunities for growth and profit in the fast-paced world of crypto.

Additionally, Bsc.news provides in-depth analysis and expert insights on the BSC ecosystem, giving investors a deeper understanding of how it works, its strengths and weaknesses, and how it fits into the broader crypto landscape.

Overall, subscribing to Bsc.news can be an excellent way for investors to stay up-to-date with the latest BSC news and trends, allowing them to make more informed investment decisions and stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving world of cryptocurrency.

In conclusion, staying informed about the latest Binance Smart Chain (BSC) news is essential for any cryptocurrency investor who wants to stay ahead of the curve. From identifying new investment opportunities and potential risks to gaining a deeper understanding of the BSC ecosystem, keeping up with the latest news and trends is vital for making informed decisions.

Fortunately, there are several ways to stay up-to-date with BSC news, such as bookmarking Bsc.news, following BSC-related social media accounts, joining BSC-related communities, and attending virtual events.

It's also about staying engaged with the vibrant and growing community of investors, developers, and enthusiasts who are driving innovation on this exciting blockchain network. So don't hesitate to get involved and stay informed about the latest BSC news and trends.

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The Importance of Staying Up-to-Date with the Latest BSC News for ... - BSC NEWS