Showing posts with label YinkaDixon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label YinkaDixon. Show all posts

Fake Online Ads Target Micheál Martin and Other Irish Leaders in Deepfake Investment Scam Again

Image Credit: [Michael Martin-AI curated public image]

Beware: Scam Ads Using Micheál Martin's Image to Promote Fake Investments

Yinka Dixon ~ 15 July 2025


A concerning trend is resurfacing online!! Scam advertisements falsely claiming that the Irish Prime Minister, Micheál Martin is endorsing a so-called "lucrative" investment scheme.

This is entirely false.

In recent days, I came across one of these ads on social media. It was hosted on an obscure website with an image-heavy layout. 

It featured headlines like “Martin’s latest move shocks the banks!” or “Ireland's Prime Minister urges citizens to invest now!”

This is a common scam tactic aimed at luring people into parting with their money. DON'T FALL FOR IT.

The ad linked to a page that mimicked legitimate news sites but pushed users to deposit funds into what appeared to be a crypto-based platform.

‼️ What is Really Happening?

These ads are part of a growing wave of deepfake and impersonation scams that exploit the names and images of high-profile figures.

They’re not endorsed by any government, politician, or legitimate financial institution. 

Similar scams have misused other Irish leaders like Leo Varadkar, and even international public figures, to promote fake investment platforms.

🔎 The Facts

  • Micheál Martin has publicly disavowed any connection to these scams.
  • In 2023, he took legal action against Google to uncover those responsible for the fraudulent ads.
  • These scam ads have been viewed millions of times according to The Irish Times and Independent.ie.
  • The Garda National Economic Crime Bureau continues to warn the public about AI-generated scams.

🛡 How to Protect Yourself

  • Never trust investment ads with sensational headlines using celebrity or political endorsements.
  • If an ad urges urgency or guaranteed profits... it is a red flag.!!
  • Always check the domain name. Example: floridatwirling.com is not a credible news source.
  • Report scams to platforms like Facebook or via FraudSmart.ie.

💬 Final Thoughts

In our fast-moving digital age, scammers have learned to weaponize trust. But we can fight back with awareness, critical thinking, and community vigilance.

Let’s stay alert, share this information, and protect one another, especially our seniors, newcomers, and digital beginners.

🙌 And on a Final Note...

Micheál Martin is the current Irish Taoiseach (Prime Minister) since January 2025. He is a Fianna Fáil party politician who previously served as Taoiseach from 2020 to 2022, then as Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Minister for Defence from 2022 to 2025. He has led the Fianna Fáil party since 2011 and was Opposition Leader from 2011 to 2020. (Wikipedia).


Written by

Dr. Yinka Dixon, PhD (hc), CIPM, MPM, PME

Member – National Union of Journalists (UK and Ireland)

Public Interest Journalist | Digital Educator | Publisher.

BookPreneur | Seniors Transitions Coach | Migration & Scholarship Advocate

Designated Safeguarding Lead | Mental Health & Suicide Prevention 1st Responder.

Higher Diploma – Women in Leadership & Politics

Vocational Education Management

Founder – New Beginnings Impact Journal

Publisher – New Beginnings Publications Ltd


📩 Contact: https://t.me/NBPCSTelegram

📌 Join the FB Network: @NBImpactNetwork


🔖 #ScamAlert #FakeNews #AIScams #MicheálMartin #InvestmentScam #DigitalSafety #Deepfake #OnlineFraud #NewBeginningsJournal #IrelandNews #PublicAwareness



Children’s Day Reflection for Us All: The Magic of Bubbles

 

Children’s Day Reflection for Us All: The Magic of Bubbles


The Magic of Bubbles: A Children’s Day Reflection for Us All

 

The Magic of Bubbles: A Children’s Day Reflection for Us All

By Dr. Yinka Dixon | May 27, 2025

This Children’s Day, I watched a magician do something unexpectedly profound. 

He took nothing but soap, rope, and pure intention and he created the kind of joy that stopped time.

The children screamed in delight as enormous bubbles floated through the air, bursting with colour and wonder. 

They ran. They laughed. They danced. And I stood quietly, thinking…

When did we stop being amazed by simple things?

As adults, especially those of us over 50, it is easy to get caught in routine. 

We chase outcomes, solve problems, and hold everything together. 

But in doing so, have we forgotten how to feel wonder?

This soap-and-rope magic show held a few powerful lessons for us all:


1. Simplicity Still Works
The magician had no gadgets, no tricks, just basic ingredients and intentional creativity. 

It reminded me that impact doesn’t always require complexity

A lot of what we’re looking for might already be in our hands.

 

2. Joy Is Contagious
The children did not analyze or hesitate. They participated. They let go

Sometimes, all we need to revive joy in our own lives is to join the moment rather than observe from the sidelines.

 

3. Wonder Is Not Just for Kids
As seniors, professionals, parents, and grandparents, we have so much knowledge.

But let us not forget the value of curiosity. 

Wonder is a skill. It is not just a feeling. And it can still be cultivated.


So this Children’s Day, I have one simple invitation:
 

Let the magic of bubbles remind you to pause, to breathe, and to believe again

Not everything meaningful needs to be massive. 

Sometimes, it’s just about being present… and catching the bubble before it pops.

 

Wishing you joy, curiosity, and a return to wonder.
Happy Children’s Day.