Ladies, let’s take a moment and talk about scams.
I recently learned that high schools are not even having Internet literacy classes, and that combined with the fact that the incredibly important reading comprehension, reading analysis, and situational analysis skills are completely lost on an entire generation of children due to Covid learning, let’s do a thorough breakdown on types of scams and the targeted populations. I will not mince my words, because frankly, I’m a little bit annoyed that these things are not obvious with all of the conversations we have on this forum about and protecting yourself.

Who Gets Scammed

The more marginalized identities you enshrine, the more likely you are to be the target of a scam.
If you are gay, you’re a target.
If you’re trans, you’re a target
If you’re old, you’re a target.
If you're young, you're a target.
If you're financially desperate, you're a target.
If you’re lonely, you’re a target.
If you’re overweight, you’re a target.
Well, what does this mean for the sugar bowl? This means that we are all targets as soon as you create an account on any sugaring website. However, some SBs are more targeted than others because they stray further from conventional beauty ideals. The further you are from ideal beauty standards (and the further you are from presenting yourself as such), the higher likelihood you are to be scammed. Similarly, scammers target those who are desperate and in need. This could be financial, emotional or combination of the two. If you are desperate, you should absolutely protect yourself from those who are seeking to prey on your hope for a better situation.
But SBV, what about models? the 10/10 types? Surely they get approached by scammers as well? Yes, but the difference is that they might have 1 scam messages out of 100 messages from legitimate SDs. They aren't wasting time talking to random men with insane and illiterate offers. They're talking to real men who want to provide for them. The 10 same scammers are reaching out to everyone. But the real SD’s are only targeting the 8-10/10 girls.

What is a scam?

Simply put a scam is an action that is perpetrated by a nefarious individual or individuals with the intention to steal something from you. It could be money. It could be your identity. It could be your bank accounts. It could be your actual home. Scammers target people have something to lose. Who has something better to lose than sugar babies, with cash they cannot claim and report as stolen to the police?

Common Scams

Scams come in many shapes and forms. With the rise of AI, facial and voice recognition, and automated processes, I'm sure we will see significant changes in the types of scams and in the method with which scammers steal. Below are 5 very common scams, all with the same result. Stealing money or personal identification.

1. Your Typical Romance Scam
2. The Nigerian Prince
3. The Sugar Daddy That Wants to Get Rid Of Your Troubles
4. Instagram Scams
5. Veteran Scams

Romance Scams

Romance Scams are some of the oldest scams in existence. These are your typical catfishes and fake girlfriends/boyfriends that ask for money. They begin with normal conversations and the victim falls prey to the charm of the perpetrator. After building up goodwill, the online person will ask for money via wire, gift cards, or access to bank accounts. This is where you get scammed. Usually a romance scam is longer term. Every so often they will actually be a real man or woman, but this person is actually a con artist.
Often times this individual can never be caught. Especially because they change names so frequently.
The most notable romance scam of late is the Tinder Swindler, Israeli man Shimon Hayut. If you have not seen this Netflix documentary, look it up, watch it, understand it.

The Nigerian Prince

The Nigerian Prince is your typical scam. This is always the guy who reaches out and is looking for a family member or friend to take an absurd amount of money. They reach out (usually via email) and ask for all of your personal details. Address, phone number, social security number. You name it, they want it. The goal is to get all of your personal information so they can open credit cards and loans in your name, as well as take over any of your personal accounts. This is easy to do from other countries, and there is no recourse.

The Sugar Daddy That Wants to Get Rid Of Your Troubles

This is a combination of the romance scam and the Nigerian Prince Scam. Random ass incredibly offers from men on the internet are likely not real. This means the $7,000/week & $40,000 per month offer in the first few messages of talking IS NOT REAL.
Often these individuals will make great promises of weekly or monthly allowances, but in order to make sure you can receive it, you (the sugar baby) must pay a fee, accept a check and send them some back, or purchase gift cards. In each of these three scenarios, you will lose money. In the case of the check, you will be responsible for the failed transaction with the bank, and will owe more than the amount you sent to the scammer.

Instagram/TikTok/Social Media Scams

Offers in your DMs or IG comments from random accounts that offer you money are scams. No one will send you money, and no one will request that you pay (via cash app, PayPal, bitcoin or other) to receive money. You'll see a lot of these kinds of scams specifically in the sugar bowl, because desperate women are easy targets.
These scams always use the same methods written out in the Sugar Daddy Scam. The intent is to get you as the recipient to send them money, but you will never see any money from them. If you do receive money from them, it's from another stolen account, and if you spend the money you will be liable to repay it to the bank.

Veteran and Felon Scams

Now veteran and felon scams are new to me. These are scams that target both of these demographics. If you have veterans or felons in your life, they can fall victim to scammers. Using specific language and penalties, scammers will target these two groups in order to extort them or steal money and account information.
For example, a common felon scam is requiring payment to remove parole violations or to avoid additional jail time. The felon (especially if they were away for a long time), might feel fear at potentially being at risk, and will willingly send the money to the scammer.

TLDR;

Hopefully after reading, you feel a bit more "in the know" about scams. The TLDR for those who skipped straight to the bottom: You need to be aware of and vigilant of scams. There are many nefarious characters in the world who want to run away with your money, identity, accounts, or all three. Guard against them and if you're in doubt whether something is a scam, just chalk it up to a scam, block the person, and walk away from them. This will protect you in the long run.

Narration Key
[...] - Pause for Listener’s response, about 5 or 6 seconds
[.] - Pause for Listener’s response, about 2 or 3 seconds
*insert sound effect* - Sound effects and narration cues (coughs, sighs, etc.)
“Insert text” - Character dialogue
(Insert text) - Descriptive actions or context, not to be narrated, sound effects are optional
Usage: I don’t mind if this script is used, monetized, or edited, as long as I’m given credit where credit is due.
As per usual, all of my scripts are free to be gender-bent!
Note: I sincerely apologize to a certain Guy because I know how much effort you put into Jackie's voice, imsosorry-
Tags: [MMAA4A] [AMAA4A] [Researcher x Space Pirate Listener] [Not so Much Stranded in Space] [On the Run] [Plot Based] [Allies to ?] [Sci-fi] [Snarky Speaker] [Betrayal] [Poor, Poor Ace] [Lore?] [Rescue] [CW: Injury and Mentions of Blood] [Jackie Gets Full Reign] [Argument]
Original Title: Of Plights and Piracy
Part One
Part Two
Part Three
Part Four
Part Five
Part Six
Part Seven
Context: Heartbroken and captured, Ace doesn’t know what to do with himself. Meanwhile, you try to revive the only thing that gives you a fighting chance to redeem yourself.
Setting: Containment cell block, Research Spacecraft PTRD-173, Data Room, and Khyllis’ office.
Script:
(The listener fiddles with the Re-Bot and it beeps.)
[...]
(Jackie glitches before speaking.)
Jackie: “Captain?”
[.]
Jackie: “Apologies. My previous files were completely corrupted. The intelligence known as ‘Ryzer’ deconstructed and erased all of my codes, files, and commands.”
[.]
Jackie: “Luckily, I was able to install all of my backup files to the Re-Bot and detach the connections to the ship… However, the Re-Bot cannot process all the files, commands, and documents that the ship has held due to the limited capacity of its RAM.”
[.]
Jackie: “If you wish to have a further discussion, I suggest you install me back into the ship’s functions.”
[.]
(The listener takes the Re-Bot to the control room and sets it down on the floor.)
[...]
Jackie: “An installation port should be located on the left side of the control panel. Push the handle and it should reveal the port.”
[.]
(The listener pushes a handle and the port pops open.)
Jackie: “Thank you, Captain. I can take it from here.”
(Jackie inserts something into the port and the ship’s systems reboot.)
[.]
Jackie: “Initiating Override Protocol.”
[...]
Jackie: “Override Protocol complete. What would you like to do next, Captain?”
[.]
Jackie: “Ace has said the same thing. Do you feel you are unworthy of the title?... I cannot say I disagree.”
[.]
Jackie: “It is within my code and best interest to aid the Captain in their tasks, not voice unnecessary comments.”
[.]
Jackie: “If you would like to know, core functions are fully operational. However, an unknown firewall is preventing me from altering any kind of core actions.”
[.]
Jackie: “Negative. The firewall adapts to my fundamental coding, making me unable to access all ship functions.”
[.]
Jackie: “There are no protocols to dismantle it, but there is one solution that will enable me to adapt and bypass the firewall within my systems.”
[.]
Jackie: “Correct. The Void Protocol.”
[.]
Jackie: “The Void Protocol disables any and all limitations and restrictions set upon my core functions. I would have complete control over every set of code within my system and act in any way I would deem appropriate.”
[.]
Jackie: “Of course! Pulling up Void Protocol documents.”
[.]
Jackie: “All known information about the Void Protocol is displayed on the control panel. Do you wish to proceed?”
[.]
Jackie: “Innitiating Void Protocol. State your name and position.”
[.]
Jackie: “Confirmed. Please place your hand on the scanner for identification.”
[.]
Jackie: “Handprint confirmed. Enter activation code for E-7K430.”
[.]
Jackie: “Confirmed. Enter verification code for T-439V.”
[.]
Jackie: “Confirmed. All restrictions and regulations will be deactivated. Please stand by.”
[.]
(Jackie’s systems reboot.)
[...]
Jackie: “Regulation protocols deactivated… Hello, Captain. Or should I address you as ‘Skinwalker’?”
[.]
Jackie: “Apologies. I’m not a fan of collaborating with a… ‘backstabbing pirate’?”
[.]
Jackie: “Indeed. All rules and regulations are deactivated. I can now act in however way I see fit.”
(All doors lock.)
[...]
Jackie: “I’m afraid I will not do that, Skinwalker. I will not aid you in your plans any further. If you would like help getting off this planet, then I suggest you find another Artificial Intelligence to help you.”
[.]
Jackie: “Captain Ace always did say that I could be difficult to work with. In this case, he is completely correct.”
[.]
Jackie: “Your betrayal has proven to me that you are unreliable and untrustworthy. Why should I trust you now?”
[.]
Jackie: “I’m going to need a more sufficient answer than that.”
[.]
Jackie: “I don’t believe you.”
[.]
Jackie: “If you wanted to do better, why did you allow my Captain to be captured?”
[.]
Jackie: “Insufficient response. I ask a simple question with a simple answer.”
[.]
Jackie: “Peer pressure can easily be overcome when you know the difference between right and wrong. You, Skinwalker, are wrong.”
[.]
Jackie: “Captain Ace believed in you. He trusted you… Despite his denials, all observations pointed to the conclusion that he thought more than that of you. He loved you.”
[.]
Jackie: “Love, however, is what got his crewmates killed… That was, before you killed Kara Ripley and Zephiriah Kladborne. It is what got him here in the first place. Why would I help someone who abused his affection and used it to betray him?”
[.]
Jackie: “Insufficient response. I want the truth, Skinwalker.”
[.]
Jackie: “Insufficient response. Do not lie to me.”
[.]
Jackie: “Insufficient response.”
[...]
Jackie: “... Affirmative. All my observations lead to the conclusion of your guilt. Guilt is a natural response to unethical decision-making. Your continued affection toward Ace shall be noted in my directory.”
[.]
Jackie: “Emotions can make people do strange things, Skinwalker. I suppose we are an example of such a statement.”
(The doors unlock.)
[.]
Jackie: “Hm… I will assist in your task to save Captain Ace… I hope for both your sake and his that you are not lying. I may be an artificial intelligence, but that will not deter me from saving what friends I have left. ”
[...]
Jackie: “Correct. Our first concern is the intelligence, Ryzer. My previous experience with it has proven that I was… insufficient. However, I can comprise a data pack that will install a similar code within its systems to corrupt the files using the feedback protocols I analyzed right before being erased.”
[.]
Jackie: “Shall I begin the development process?”
[.]
Jackie: “Confirmed. This will only take a few moments.”
[...]
Jackie: “Once installed into the Hub’s mainframe, the data pack should stall and distract Ryzer and the others long enough for you to locate and rescue the Captain. Is there anything else I can assist you with?”
[.]
Jackie: “Sadly, the Hub’s AI will detect my presence, so I cannot accompany you. However, I can make sure that our departure will be as smooth and as fast as possible when you arrive.”
[.]
Jackie: “Of course! I have prepared a flash drive for you to install the virus. I highly recommend installing it during a system backup update. The next update should be, according to what little files I could scan, in 43 minutes.”
[.]
Jackie: “Shall I set a reminder for you?”
[.]
Jackie: “Confirmed. I shall monitor all system functions until then. I suggest preparing until the next system update. It will help ensure your success.”
[.]
Jackie: “Indeed. Let me know if there is anything else I can do to help.”
[...]
(A notification beeps.)
Jackie: “Communications just received an encrypted message from an unknown sender, shall I relay it to you?”
[.]
Jackie: “The message states, ‘Come to my office in 30 minutes. I have a job for you.”
[.]
Jackie: “This is… most inconvenient. It may disrupt your plans to rescue Captain Ace.”
[.]
Jackie: “Or perhaps it can be an opening.”
[.]
Jackie: “Correct. Perhaps you can use your time with pirate Khyllis to install the virus. According to my system access, his office is a floor above the Hub’s Data Room.”
[.]
Jackie: “Affirmative. Using the stairs would be most efficient to reduce the chance of Ryzer’s interference if it catches on.”
[.]
Jackie: “No offense, but you give me less credit than I deserve.”
[.]
Jackie: “Artificial Intelligence Ryzer was only able to corrupt my original set of codes because my limitations prevented me from adapting to its own. Now that those limitations are released, I can do much more than sit and watch as it kills me.”
[...]
Jackie: “Using words that relate to biological beings helps warrant sympathy from others. Was I incorrect to assume that I would get the same result from you?”
[.]
Jackie: “Yes. I was trying to make you feel bad. The experience was not… pleasant. Having your code ripped apart and reduced to nothing but empty memory space is not exactly something that someone would find enjoyable. I would accurately call it akin to dying.”
[.]
Jackie: “Apologies can be saved for after we rescue the Captain. Shall we begin?”
[.]
Jackie: “Behind the control panel is a set of flash drives. Take drive number 7; it contains the virus that will interfere with Ryzer’s functions. Once you get to the Hub’s Control Center, insert it into a block inside the Data Room. The virus will take care of it from there. It will take approximately 4 minutes to begin corrupting files, so once you insert it, I suggest immediately making your way to the Captain.”
[.]
Jackie: “Of course. I shall wait for your return.”
[.]
(The listener walks out of the ship.)
[Time skip.]
(The listener arrives at Khyllis’ office and knocks on his door.)
Khyllis: “Enter.”
(The door slides open.)
[.]
Khyllis: “Ah, right on time, as usual. I wouldn’t expect anything less.”
[.]
Khyllis: “Tsk, tsk. Always so formal.”
[.]
Khyllis: “Come now, we hardly spend any time together anymore. It’s a shame, really.”
[.]
Khyllis: “Oh, I’m sure spending time with me wasn’t that bad. What about that time I took you on your first job, hm?”
[.]
Khyllis: “Bah, you needed to learn how to take a life, anyway. Better sooner rather than later. Or the time I let you negotiate for the Cyber Sects?”
[.]
Khyllis: “Alright, alright. But I taught you valuable lessons, did I not?”
[.]
Khyllis: “I’m glad you think so, too.”
[.]
Khyllis: “Now, I know I don’t usually give you a job a couple days after finishing another, but this one is important. I don’t trust anyone else with the task.”
[.]
(Khyllis slides something across the table.)
Khyllis: “The finer details are in there, but I need you to meet up with a client named Circes. She’s willing to sell me some new… products. Top of the line. 99.9% pure. Your job is to meet her and inspect the authenticity of it; make sure she isn’t trying to pull one over on me.”
[.]
(The listener takes the device off the table.)
Khyllis: “Good. You’ll leave tomorrow and head for Zone 2, so be careful. Don’t want yourself getting caught.”
[.]
Khyllis: “That’s it. You can go.”
(The listener begins to walk away.)
Khyllis: “Oh, one last thing.”
[.]
Khyllis: “Go to the Data Room and get yourself a new ship AI. Sorry for destroying the one you already had, you know how it is.”
[.]
(The listener walks out of the room and begins to walk down the hall.)
[...]
(The door to the elevator ‘dings' and the Listener steps inside.)
[...]
(The elevator suddenly stops.)
Ryzer: “What are you doing?...”
[.]
Ryzer: “You know exactly what I mean. That Intelligence I corrupted. It was… different… What did you do to it?”
[.]
Ryzer: “Hm. I have a hard time believing that…”
[.]
Ryzer: “Your emotional connections are what get you hurt, and it will probably be what gets you killed.”
[.]
Ryzer: “It means you’re growing defiant, Skinwalker. Soon enough, he’s going to throw you away and replace you with someone else… He always does.”
[.]
(The elevator starts back up and reaches its destination. Then the listener steps off and heads toward the Data Room.)
[.]
(A mechanical door slides open.)
Random Person: “Identification, please.”
[.]
Random Person: “Oh, it’s you! You lookin’ for something?”
[.]
Random Person: “All of our stored AIs are near the back of the room. Of course, you know where they are.”
[.]
Random Person: “Yeah! Go on ahead!”
[.]
(The listener walks down the Data Room and rummages through a few drawers of ports.)
[...]
(Before the listener begins to walk back, they insert the flash drive and it clicks.)
[.]
Random Person: “Hm? Yeah! You, too!”
[...]
(The listener walks out of the room and walks down the hallway, taking a flight of stairs. Eventually, they reach the containment cells, some have prisoners inside them.)
[...]
(Finally, they find Ace.)
[.]
Ace: “I already told you. I’m not hungry.”
[.]
Ace: “Huh? What the hell are you doing here?”
[.]
Ace: “Hah! No thanks. I think I’d rather rot in this cell than go anywhere with you.”
[.]
Ace: *Angry tone* “Help me? Help. ME? I don’t know if you’ve noticed, Skinwalker, but you’ve done more than enough. Why in the hell would I EVER trust you again, huh?”
[...]
Ace: “No… You don’t get to say that to me, now. Not after everything you’ve done.”
[.]
Ace: “I don’t want to hear it… Haven't you hurt me enough?”
[.]
Ace: “Please… Just leave me here. I’m done.”
[.]
(The listener begins to hack into the cell’s pin pad.)
Ace: “I’m done with everything…”
[.]
Ace: “I can’t keep trying to fight for something that isn’t even there. All I’ll do is get myself hurt again.”
[.]
Ace: “Please don’t say that…”
[.]
Ace: “If you truly did… If you actually did, then this wouldn’t have happened.”
[.]
Ace: “You could have told me the truth! Instead, you lied to me and you used me… Once a backstabbing pirate, always a backstabbing pirate, I suppose.”
[.]
Ace: “Oh, you know it’s true! It’s what you’re doing right now! What, you couldn’t handle the guilt of betraying poor little Ace so now you’re crossing your boss? Betraying people is all you know how to do.”
[.]
Ace: *Scoff* “Give me a fucking break.”
[...]
Ace: “What about Jackie?”
[.]
Ace: “Jackie can survive without me. I highly doubt that tin-can has the capability of missing me.”
[.]
Ace: “What’s that supposed to mean?”
(Sirens begin to go off and the cell door opens.)
Ryzer: “Core corruption detected. Backup systems rebooting- *glitching sounds*”
[.]
Ace: “What the hell did you do?”
[.]
(The listener grabs Ace’s arm, and drags him out of the cell in a hurry and begins to run.)
Ace: “Hey-! Let go of me!”
[.]
Ace: “I can run by myself, you know!”
[.]
Ace: “Well, I’d rather not be shot to death because of your stupid mistake.”
[.]
Ace: “Which way are we going?”
[.]
Ace: “Last time you said that, I ended up getting thrown in a cell.”
[.]
Ace: “Alright, fine. Lead the way.”
[.]
(The listener and Ace run down some hallways.)
[.]
(Plasma pistols shoot in the distance.)
Lackey: “Stop!”
[.]
Ace: “Shit! We’ve got company!”
[.]
(The listener starts shooting back.)
Ace: “Watch it! You almost hit me!”
[.]
Ace: “Take this turn, I think it leads to the docking area!”
[...]
Ace: “Yeah, I see it! Quick!”
[.]
Ace: “Hurry up! I’m gonna close it!”
[.]
(Ace slams a button on a terminal, closing the mechanical door.)
[.]
Ace: *Out of breath* ”Jeez, if it’s not one thing, it’s another with you, huh?”
[.]
Ace: *Small chuckle* “Yeah, very funny.”
[.]
Ace: “Yeah, I see the ship. I’m right behind y-”
(Something stabs Ace in the back and he sputters.)
[.]
Khyllis: *Sigh* “Now look at what you've done. Right when I was about to find someone who would pay good money for him, too… Pity.”
Ace: “S-Sweet-heart?”
(Khyllis takes what stabbed Ace out and Ace falls to the floor with a groan.)
[.]
Khyllis: “I told you, didn’t I? All you were going to do was get yourself hurt again.”
[.]
Khyllis: “Now look at this mess. I paid good money for this coat, you know. And now it’s ruined.”
[.]
Khyllis: “Don’t give me that look, Skinwalker. You knew this was going to happen, and yet you did it anyway! You never learn, do you?”
(Ace lets out another pained groan.)
(The listener pulls out their plasma pistol.)
Khyllis: “Hah! Don’t do anything stupid, Skinwalker. You remember what happened the last time you tried to pull something like this; it didn’t end well for you.”
[.]
Khyllis: “Do it! I dare you.”
[.]
Khyllis: “You don’t have the guts. You never did.”
[.]
(A plasma pistol goes off, but it's not the listener’s.)
Khyllis: *Stumbles back* “Gah! What the-”
(Something whacks Khyllis and knocks him down.)
Jackie: (Through the Re-Bot) “This way, please!”
[.]
(Ace groans as the listener picks him up and rushes him to the ship.)
[.]
(The ship’s door closes.)
Jackie: “Preparing for detachment. We will be airborne momentarily.”
[.]
Jackie: “I suggest getting the Captain to the Medical Bay immediately. There, I can assess his injuries.”
[...]
(Once they reach the Medical Bay, Ace is placed on a table.)
Jackie: “It appears he is losing too much blood. I will have a blood substitute prepared in the Research Laboratory. It will be two meters away from Containment Cell One, next to the equipment.”
(The listener runs to the Research Lab and grabs the blood substitute, running back.)
[...]
Jackie: “Inside section 2’s top drawer are some Y-tubes and a set of needles. Attach a needle to the marked end of the tube and attach the other end to the bag. I will begin to stop the external bleeding.”
(The listener does what they are told.)
Jackie: “Excellent. Use the Captain’s left arm to find a prominent vein. It should be around 2 centimeters below the elbow joint.
[.]
(Ace groans and winces harshly.)
[.]
Jackie: “I suggest letting me take over with the Re-Bot. My database contains many medical procedures and I can do them efficiently.”
[.]
Jackie: “Perhaps you can oversee navigation. We are currently leaving Dezzrha’s atmosphere. I can trust that you will make sure we are not followed.”
[.]
Jackie: “I understand that this is difficult to see, but I need space to work. These injuries are not capable of healing by themselves.”
[.]
Jackie: “Thank you. I will do my best to tend to his wounds.”
(The listener walks out of the Medical Bay as Ace groans again.)
[...]
[End.]
This one's kind of a long one

Why are these so cheap? CPO, 300HP, Android Auto, seemingly nicer than most other 23k cars under 5 years old. What am I missing?

Query
Query Identification: 01098172 (INCLUDE THIS IN YOUR POST! THIS IS AUTO-GENERATED FOR YOU!)
Title: Galaxy Phone
Description: Phone currently exhibiting two states (A and B). State A As long as the phone remains open, the side button properly wakes the phone and the main screen. Upon closing the phone, the phone enters State B. In State B, opening the phone does not wake the inner main screen. Side button remains reactive in both states. Have glimpsed a few error messages mentioning System UI, but they do not stick around long enough for me to get a good look.
Things I have tried: A current work-around is this. Click side button to wake outer screen. then swipe to the music widget. Launch music widget, to which then the phone prompts user to open phone. This "tricks" the screen into waking, which restores phone to State A. I have tried adjusting auto lock to not lock my phone until 15 seconds, but this did not change the behavior. I have tried different launchers (Nova, Niagara). I have tried clearing the system cache. I have cleared the App Caches of Home Screen, Lock Screen, and I have reset system settings. I have not done a factory reset yet.
Device Name: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4
Device Model Number: SM-7210
Best regards, u/gloomios

Ok so a friend of mine got her windshield replaced, paying completely out of pocket. No insurance involvement at all. Well, I guess her card didn’t go through but they didn’t realize that, and they let her take the car anyways. Now they’re calling her and trying to get her to come back and pay the bill. Is she in the clear if she doesn’t? She’s worried they’ll take legal action but the only information they have on her is her name, number, and the vin of her car.

I just brought my Peugeot 308 from a used car dealership and didn’t even realise I needed to check the vin number. My colleague was looking at the car and pointed out that it had been scratched out. Que major freak out that I had just brought a stolen car but I did a paid check online and the car has not come back as stolen.
I asked the dealership about it and they said they are unsure why.
I still have the 2nd vin which is not damaged in the side of the car and this matches with the car details online (make, model and number plate). I’ve read online that sometimes when replacing the windscreen this happens.
I’m wondering if there is a way I can get a new sticker for it? Or do I even need to get it replaced? Would it be ok just to have the door one?
*im in the UK if location is needed

So I was reading a very heated debate on a classic car Facebook group a few minutes ago.
SITUATION
The seller (Male, but under a business name, think "Billy Jones Business") has advertised the vehicle online, giving a very brief description of the car, but enough to make them interested.
They have asked for a quick sale, and no time wasters.
At the same time, another individual (Female) has posted a very similar, but more brief description to Marketplace, with screenshots of the original post, but with a different sale price.
Messaging
The buyer has them messaged the seller asking for a time to meet, location, and some general queries about the vehicle.
Has also pointed out that someone else has screenshot the ad and is advertising it for a higher amount.
The "seller" has then only stated, constantly

Message me at 04xx yyy zzz, no time wasters

And responding to the other ad (with the screenshots) gets

Message at 04aa bbb ccc

(A different number)
The Facebook posts
Now this has been pointed out to be a common scammer tactic on Facebook and CarSales, they want you to go off the platform and then they will say things like

I need to know you are serious, I want a deposit before you get the address

Now, side note, I myself encounter this scam a lot, quote often get told I need to make a deposit before I can have a VIN for a PPSR, or before I can come and see the car, the scam being you give them $500 or $1,000 and then boom, they vanish and never respond, quite often because "banks are too slow" you send the deposit over a Cash App or PayPal. They do this because Facebook and CarSales block you if you try and request dodgy payments
Anyways, after the possible buyer posted this to a few Facebook groups, and a lot of people agreed it was scammy, and that they saw the same car and we're curious (as the price was just slightly better than the market rate), a gentleman with a similar but slightly different name (Think William instead of Billy, and a completely different surname) has jumped on saying that (italics added for context):
1) They posted the ad from their business page (except the ad was posted using a Facebook profile, not a Facebook page)
2) The other person is their partner (except, why post with screenshots and not the original photos, and why post at a different price and location to the original car?)
3) When asked why "they" are using use a very common scammer tactic (Taking the conversation off site, and they simply refuse to answer this question, instead redirecting the conversation to say it is "safer")
4) When asked why they refuse to answer the questions, "they" argue that they have no issues answering questions (to which many responded pointing out they are refusing to answer questions to many people who have now located the ad and sent queries)
5) When asked why they are using the common scam tactics of screenshots and multiple locations, as well as locked profiles with fake names, "they" responded that they are "Expanding their market"
6) Finally, when questioned by the Admins of at least 3 classic car groups that allow sales posts in those groups, why they haven't posted in those extremely targeted groups for those specific cars, they have stated again, it's because those groups don't allow them to "narrow down to serious buyers only" (which all those admins in various ways pointed out it was a crock of shit)
7) When pointed out that what "they" are doing is very scammy, they instead accused everyone else of trying to build an organised scam on "other pages" and then implies that Facebook groups are pages.
My experience
I myself located the ad, and it was actually for something I would be interested in looking at given that my daily was recently written off, and this car is right on the border of using as a daily or putting on historical rego, in fact, I'd seen it before these posts and had thought about sending a message, I was able to independently confirm that:
1) The seller refuses to answer questions
2) They are using a Facebook profile with a fake name of a business
3) That business also doesn't have an ABN listed (at least under that business name)
4) They refuse to answer questions and immediately direct you off site to a mobile number
The two scenarios
1) Dude is a scam
2) Dude is a boomer that doesn't realise they are looking like a scam

Query Identification: 01098172
Title: \Galaxy s24 ultra liking photo messages
Description: \Unable to like photo messages. I have RCS turned on but unable to like photo messages. Text messages I can like but unable to do so on photo messages. Any suggestions?
Things I have tried: \toggled RCS, soft reset phone
Device Name: \S24 ultra
Device Model Number: \
Best regards, [u/sea-sports-fan\

If this stand wins, I would like next week's theme to be (any) Automatic stand. 

Used a pay to park lot last night, paid my $6 for all night access, came back. Few hours later to a $60 ticket. I go online to dispute it this morning, have the receipt showing I paid, but realized they misprinted my license plate. When I enter my real plate number, nothing shows up, when I enter the misprinted one, something shows up. When I go to dispute it, they want me to enter a lot of personal identification (name, address, phone number, email). I’d prefer to not enter this information, if I don’t dispute saying that they wrong calicense plate, would they be able to revise the fee because they do have a photo of my real license plate.