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Trend Micro launches AI-powered app to help combat Singapore’s growing scam problem

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New mobile app for consumers addresses rising concerns as more than 4 in 5 Singaporeans worry about family members falling victim to scams

SINGAPORE, Oct. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Trend Micro Incorporated (TYO: 4704; TSE: 4704), a global leader in cybersecurity, today announced the launch of Trend Micro Check, a multi-featured mobile app uniquely designed to help consumers identify potential scams and growing AI threats such as deepfakes. Trend Micro’s one-of-a-kind AI-powered solution allows consumers to submit content such as messages, ads, or social media posts to help them quickly determine if it can be trusted or not, and will also help them verify if a live video call is a deepfake.

Tim Falinski, VP Consumer Business, AMEA at Trend: “Scams are at the top of the list of online threats to consumers, and AI has made it easy for cybercriminals to scam innocent people. While they take advantage of new technology to cause harm, we do the opposite. We are leading the race against these threats and working tirelessly to stay ahead of them with our own AI capabilities.”

Scams have been a growing problem in Singapore, with victims losing S$651.8 million last year. A recent Trend Micro study of 1,020 Singaporean consumers revealed that 68% of respondents believed the volume and risk of online scams have gotten worse over the last year, and 85% stated they were worried a family member might become a victim of an online scam. In addition, 97% of consumers said they would take action if it would help protect themselves, their families, and others from the work of scammers. 

While 69% of respondents said they were somewhat or very confident they could identify online scams, 74% said they would still use an app that could help them quickly verify if an email, social media post, online ad, text message, or phone number was a scam.

“With more than $1 trillion lost by consumers worldwide to scams last year, more must be done to protect them” said Jorij Abraham, Managing Director of the Global Anti-Scam Alliance. “As our first Foundation Partner, Trend Micro is clearly committed to stopping this problem by delivering tools like the AI-powered capabilities in Trend Micro Check, and by supporting and participating in the important work we do. We applaud Trend’s dedication to this cause and their technical leadership in using AI against the misuse of AI.”

Online scammers have been successful in part because AI tools allow them to create deceptive content that in turn elicits an emotional response from consumers. With a tool like Trend Micro Check, consumers can proactively block scams before seeing them, receive real-time alerts about scams before they can do harm, and most importantly, easily and instantly verify if something is a scam before they can be deceived by it. The app offers a powerful and unique set of features including:

•  Scam Check: AI-powered tool providing real-time assessment of the likelihood that content (e.g. social ad, text or email message, website URL or more) is a scam. The tool returns an easy-to-understand summary of the potential security concerns, along with recommended actions.
•  Deepfake Scan: Identifies potential AI “face-swapping” scam attempts during live video calls.
•  SMS Filter: Automatically filters out spam and scam text messages before it hits the inbox.
•  Web Guard: Blocks risky websites and filters out suspicious ads.

Trend Micro Check is now available to download for iOS and Android devices in select countries. For additional details about Trend Micro Check, including device requirements and feature and language availability, visit https://www.trendmicro.com/tmcheck.

As part of its mission to fight back against online scams, Trend Micro will also be Chairing the Cybersecurity Scam Prevention and Investigations track at the Global Anti-scam Alliance Summits in Singapore on October 21-22, and in Washington D.C. on November 12-13, 2024. For more information or to register for the summits, visit: https://www.gasa.org/all-events.

About Trend Micro 
Trend Micro, a global cybersecurity leader, helps make the world safe for exchanging digital information. Fueled by decades of security expertise, global threat research, and continuous innovation, Trend Micro’s AI-powered cybersecurity platform protects hundreds of thousands of organisations and millions of individuals across clouds, networks, devices, and endpoints. As a leader in cloud and enterprise cybersecurity, Trend’s platform delivers a powerful range of advanced threat defense techniques optimised for environments like AWS, Microsoft, and Google, and central visibility for better, faster detection and response. With 7,000 employees across 70 countries, Trend Micro enables organisations to simplify and secure their connected world. www.TrendMicro.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/trend-micro-launches-ai-powered-app-to-help-combat-singapores-growing-scam-problem-302263824.html

SOURCE Trend Micro

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STEPHEN A. SMITH ADDRESSES WHITE HOUSE DINNER ATTENDANCE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HBCUs AND PROTECTING CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN BLACK EDUCATION

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NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stephen A. Smith, media mogul, New York Times bestselling author, and proud 1991 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, is addressing the public discussion surrounding his decision to attend a White House dinner with President Donald Trump, emphasizing his commitment to the long-term financial stability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

For Smith, the decision was rooted in a commitment to institutions that have educated generations of Black leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

“I will always advocate for HBCUs and the students whose futures depend on them,” Smith said. “My reason for attending the White House dinner was to discuss the challenges these institutions face in securing long-term funding and to make the case that corporate America must continue to invest in them.”

Smith acknowledged federal support through the FUTURE Act while expressing concern that political tensions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) could discourage private companies from supporting HBCUs. He maintains that these institutions deserve sustained corporate partnerships, philanthropic contributions, and public investment.

“If we truly believe in free-market capitalism, businesses should be able to support educational institutions and charitable causes without fear of criticism or repercussions,” Smith said. “HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to this country. They deserve sustained public and private investment.”

Ashley Christopher, Esq., Founder and CEO of the HBCU Week Foundation, recognized Smith’s advocacy and decision to engage with the administration.

“Stephen A. Smith has been a powerful advocate for HBCUs, using his platform and influence to shine a national spotlight on our institutions,” expressed Christopher, “His continued support of HBCU Week helps advance our mission of connecting students with life-changing educational opportunities, and we are proud to have him as our ambassador.”

Since Smith became an HBCU Week Ambassador in 2019, the initiative has facilitated more than 15,000 on-the-spot college acceptances and raised and awarded more than $150 million in scholarships, according to the HBCU Week Foundation.

As public discussion continues, Smith is emphasizing the importance of ensuring HBCUs have the resources and partnerships needed to educate future generations and expand opportunities for students.

CLICK HERE to watch Smith’s full response to his White House visit.

MEDIA CONTACT:

media@mrsasinc.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stephen-a-smith-addresses-white-house-dinner-attendance-reaffirms-commitment-to-hbcus-and-protecting-corporate-investment-in-black-education-302918547.html

SOURCE Straight Shooter Media

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Advantex Announces Completion of Financing and Extension of Maturity Date of Previously Issued Debentures

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TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2026 /CNW/ — Advantex Marketing International Inc. (CSE: ADX) (“Advantex”), a leader in the merchant cash advance and loyalty marketing products for merchants, today announced the completion of a $250,000 secured debt financing. Advantex issued a $250,000 non-convertible debenture which bears an interest rate at 12% per annum and matures December 15, 2027. The proceeds raised from this issuance of the Debenture will be used for working capital purposes.

Advantex has also extended the maturity of its existing $700,000 in 12% secured debentures from October 10, 2026 to December 15, 2027.

About Advantex Marketing International Inc.

Advantex provides working capital to merchants. Advantex also provides specialized marketing programs that enable members of Aeroplan to earn Aeroplan points at participating merchants.

Advantex shares trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol ADX. For more information go to Advantex’s profile on www.sedar.com

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the future business and operations of Advantex. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The business and operations of Advantex described herein is dependent on a number of factors and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ material include, but are not limited to, changes in Advantex’s economic and competitive conditions including but not limited to the industry sectors in which Advantex operates.

The statements in this news release are made of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made and Advantex undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Advantex Marketing International Inc.

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Club Offers for Travel Enthusiasts in Canada

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TORONTO, Oct 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Travelzoo® (NASDAQ: TZOO), the club for travel enthusiasts, announces three of many new Club Offers for Club Members in Canada.

Rigorously vetted and negotiated for us travel enthusiasts:

$799—COSTA RICA WEEK WITH FLIGHTS & CAR
We think fall is an ideal time to visit Costa Rica; the scenery is lush and the crowds are gone. Drive between volcanic Arenal and the idyllic beaches of Tamarindo on this seven-night trip. Since it’s not as busy, we were able to negotiate a price that saves members up to $648 on departures through mid-December.

$899—BARCELONA: 5 NIGHTS WITH FLIGHTS
Explore Barcelona’s world-class museums and architectural masterpieces in the quieter winter months to pack more into your trip. You won’t waste hours in lines and can access top restaurants that are fully booked in summer. We save $300 on travel this January and February, when temperatures are still spring-like. Roundtrip flights from Toronto, hotel and daily breakfast are included.

$999—ST. KITTS GETAWAY FOR 2, REG. $2083
Most visitors to St. Kitts book months in advance, but when we pointed out that travel enthusiasts are more spontaneous, this resort gave us a terrific rate for stays this November and December. Spend four nights in Frigate Bay and get an upgraded Oceanview room, too.

Are you a travel enthusiast? Join the club today: https://travelzoo.com

Who are we?
We, Travelzoo®, are the club for travel enthusiasts. We reach 30 million travellers. Club Members receive Club Offers negotiated and rigorously vetted by our deal experts around the globe. Our relationships with thousands of top travel companies give us access to irresistible deals. Our club and its benefits are built around the lifestyle of a modern travel enthusiast.

Media Contact: 
Amanda Ieraci – Toronto
+1 437 866 8540
aieraci@travelzoo.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/club-offers-for-travel-enthusiasts-in-canada-302918543.html

SOURCE Travelzoo

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