Singaporean, 22, jailed for marriage of convenience to 35-year-old foreigner who paid him S,000

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A 22-year-old person coerced his friend into a marriage that he had met at a club that arranged ease marriages before making the decision to wed a foreigner to pay off his gambling debts.

In marrying 35-year-old Vietnamese national Bui Thi Huong so she could stay in Singapore for work, he received S$ 8, 000 ( US$ 6, 200 ).

Noel Teo Junwei received a nine-month, 10-week prison sentence on Thursday ( Sep 19 ), along with a S$$ 12, 000 fine.

He pleaded guilty to two immigration-related offenses under the Immigration Act, with three additional offenses being considered.

THE Event

The prosecutor was informed that Teo and Ang Kun Teng Javier, 26, made friends at a team called ICON2.

He learned that Ang arranged for another ‘ convenience relationships and that the Singaporean people who engaged in fake relationships were compensated for it.

Teo gave another colleague, Lim Meng Yang Ryan, the idea of a marriage of convenience, saying he could make money off of it and giving him Ang’s range.

Teo intended to receive a portion of Lim’s fake wedding because he wanted to get paid.

Teo and Ang made a deal on how much money they would receive on January 27, 2023, and when Lim was unsure about going through with it, Teo assured Ang that he would” settle” the situation.

Teo, who was Lim’s relationship witness, took photos of Lim and his new woman to take them to Ang the moment Lim’s sham wedding was solemnized on February 20, 2023.

After the meeting, Ang gave Teo S$ 3, 000 to S$ 4, 000 in money, when Lim was not around.

Teo kept an eye on Lim after the wedding because he was aware that Lim’s woman may receive additional payments once her long-term explore pass software was approved.

Teo was to get S$ 200 from the transaction.

TEO’S OWN Wedding

Teo started considering entering into a marriage of convenience in the second quarter of 2023 because he needed money to pay off his playing debt.

He was aware that he would have to wed a Taiwanese woman, serve as her native sponsor, and apply for visitor visas to allow her to work in Singapore.

In return, he would be paid: S$ 5, 000 on the day of the solemnisation, S$ 5, 000 on the day she successfully obtained a long-term visit pass under his sponsorship, and S$ 1, 000 per month until her pass expired.

After deciding to deal with the sham wedding, Teo received data from Ang about his wife-to-be, 35-year-old Asian Bui Thi Huong.

In situation the officials questioned their marriage, he flew to Vietnam to join her for the first time in January of this year. They spent a few days getting to know one another.

With Huong sponsoring the journey and jewels, they purchased their wedding bands in Vietnam.

On Ang’s request, the pair traveled up to Singapore up on January 21.

Teo filled out the Huong arrival card from Singapore, adding that despite the fact that she had previously resided there, he had her own address.

On February 1, the couple solemnized their union in a hotel room at the Hard Rock Hotel in Singapore. Ang was Teo’s wedding see.

After the meeting, Huong gave Teo S$ 5, 000 in funds as part of the planned reward, and the trio went their separate ways.

While Huong stayed in an Orchard Plaza apartment, Teo and his relatives lived in Sengkang. Yet though she did not reside there, her fresh “husband” recognized her as a resident of the Sengkang apartment.

Teo requested a loan later that month from Huong, claiming that this amount may be taken from any future obligations he would owe him. Huong agreed.

She was able to obtain a long-term visitor go in March thanks to Teo’s support.

In total, Teo received S$ 8, 000 from Huong for the wedding, comprising the S$ 5, 000 first payment and three monthly payments of S$ 1, 000 from March 2024.

After conducting background checks on the marriage of convenience, Immigration and Checkpoints Authority ( ICA ) officers detained Teo in his Sengkang flat in June.

Teo is one of six Asian women and seven Malaysian men who were taken to court by ICA in June for allegedly relating to sham marriages.

Ang is facing a number of fees, with the prosecution still pending. Lim’s situation is at the pre-trial meeting stage.

In a speech to CNA on Thursday, ICA stated that it is concerned about “individuals trying to avoid our system by engaging in or arranging/assisting to arrange relationships of ease in order to get immigration infrastructure in Singapore.”

” We will continue to vigorously enforce our laws against accidental people and middlemen,” said ICA.

The penalties for couples of pleasure is a prison term of up to 10 times, a fine of up to S$ 10, 000, or both.

For making false statements to get immigration services, an offender may remain jailed for up to a year, fined up to S$ 4, 000, or both.

ICA encouraged the people to report any suspected situations or immigration-related crimes to the expert.

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CNA documentary The Exiles nominated for an International Emmy

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The Exiles, a 2023 video by Singapore-based news network CNA, has been nominated for an International Emmy Award.

The two-part collection, which was directed by American director Tom St John Gray, examines the required deportation of Eastern men from the post-war United Kingdom and Australia and its effects on their ancestors.

Peter Foo, a British resident, was one of the respondents who discovered that his parents had been deported after growing up believing that he was his father had left their community.

The Exiles is nominated in the best video type, alongside Brazil’s Transo, France’s The Billionaire, The Butler And The Boyfriend, and the UK’s Otto Baxter: No A F**king Horror Story.

Sharkdog Season 3 by Malaysian studio One Animation is another Taiwanese production that has received an Emmy nomination for 2024.

The International Academy’s president and CEO, Bruce L. Paisner, stated in a statement that:” Every year the global television community competes to be recognized on the much-coveted international stage.

We congratulate the contenders for their excellent programs and performances, which once again demonstrate the general appeal of great story across all styles, cultures, and nations. ”

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South Korean gaming powerhouse Nexon aims to extend lifespan of games with blockchain technology

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LEVERAGE BLOCKCHAIN TECH

It is” a huge experiment” that the studio is embarking with blockchain technology, said Nexon Universe’s head of strategy Keith Kim on Wednesday ( Sep 18 ).

We think it will be natural, and it will help us stay sustainable for at least 20 years.

He was speaking to CNA on the day of Token2049, the biggest crypto function of the year in Singapore, where the business presented its concept for utilizing blockchain technology.

Nexon, the creator of MapleStory, has ingeniously merged the famous online online activity with blockchain technology. More than 20 years after its release, the sport has a significantly longer shelf life and is still being played by a dedicated group.

The blockchain project MapleStory Universe creates a dynamic virtual ecosystem where various MapleStory-created games and applications interact with non-fungible tokens ( NFTs ).

Nexon has created its own sign to encourage players to create in-game information, a task that is typically handled by game developers.

Users are given the option to trade property within the game’s habitat and acquire electronic rights as a result.

” ( By ) utilising web3 technology tokens, we are actually allowing this process to be driven by the market”, said Mr Kim.

” That means this gift will have a cost, and this particular value, in turn, may work as a cost of release. Therefore, issuance will no longer be governed by a centralized object and been driven by market dynamics.

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Hiring at Citigroup Singapore to pick up, says global firm’s head of wealth

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Hiring DBS ‘ Yeo Wenxian, who did begin her position as Citi’s mind of wealth for South Asia on Nov 1, is a” sign that we’re out in the business, looking for solid talent”, Mr Sieg said.

” We can engage in progress with tremendous confidence, because we’re seeing a level of productivity across our team, which is the output that you need to encourage investment”, he said. &nbsp,

Pointing to the selecting of Ms Wen, he said Citi Singapore has been a “magnet” for unusual skills.

She “represents what we hope and anticipate seeing a lot more of,” he said,” which is directly grown ability playing functions that are accessible here.”

“EPICENTRE” OF GLOBAL WEALTH CREATION

Mr. Sieg’s optimistic outlook on the Singaporean money business is influenced by its rapid growth.

The city-state is the “epicentre” of global wealth creation alongside Hong Kong, said Mr Sieg, who is in the state for F1 customer events and internal organization sessions.

One of the pillars of Citi CEO Jane Fraser’s ambitious change strategy, which was made public last year, is money control.

Mr Sieg noted that Singapore’s main responsibility largely comes from its position as a site of home offices, which he called a “major contribution” to the firm’s business.

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Amazon back-to-office policy ‘a bummer’ for Singapore employees, but more tech firms could follow suit

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He added that Amazon wants to “operate like the largest startup in the world,” which includes being” joined at the hip with your friends when inventing and solving difficult issues.”

Other businesses that are known for their “hustle culture,” quite as Bytedance, the parent company of TikTok, now require employees to work daily from the office, according to Mr. Ethan Ang, co-founder of Nodeflair, a tech talent platform.

Nevertheless, not all researchers agree.

Amazon’s shift is “quite unexpected” as it goes against the trend of hybrid work becoming normalised, said Mr Sachet Sethi, senior director of technology and change at recruitment firm Robert Walters Singapore.

A complete return to the office may make it challenging to find and retain talent. Some employees may have to commute long distances and work long hours, he said, which can also affect how many successful hours they work.

People may think that management mistreats and mistreats them. According to Mr. Sethi, they might even feel worn out or burned out due to having to work every day.

One of the world’s foremost experts on work institution, health, and well-being called “dinosaurs of our age” in an appointment with the Guardian.

” If you value and trust people to get on with their job, and give them autonomy – and flexible work is one of those – they’ll work better, you’ll retain them and they will be less likely to have a stress-related illness” ,&nbsp, said Professor Cary Cooper, &nbsp, who is known for coining the term “presenteeism”.

” If you micromanage, you wo n’t get productivity gains, and you wo n’t attract the next generation”.

One of the Amazon workers CNA spoke with claimed that the hybrid work environment, which some had joined the company during the pandemic, was what they were taught, and that the adaptation may take some getting used to.

But she also pointed out that&nbsp, it is a “privilege” to have the option of working from home.

” I did n’t sign up for the job because it was hybrid”, she said. &nbsp,

” I’ll just consider it and tackle it along the way,” I said,” of course, the change may disturb my lifestyle, it would upset some of the points I used to do.” If it really becomes quite a discomfort point, I’ll merely find another job that offers versatility”.

IMPACT ON EMPLOYEES AND Loyalty

The new legislation would begin on January 2 of next year, according to Mr. Jassy, in order to provide the required lifestyle changes.

Given that many people have built a life around cross work, the individual who CNA spoke to claimed the lead time to make changes is “quite small.”

This could be “very, very disruptive”, in special for those whose schedules use specific pledges, he said.

Nodeflair’s Mr Ang said that while income and job opportunity are still the most important elements when choosing an company, the product’s data suggests that about 70 per cent of people treat hybrid work plans as “non-negotiable”.

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Commentary: Singapore Paralympians’ gold medals shine, but radical inclusion will be the real prize

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THE Trouble

A mischaracterization of illness is a part of the issue. There’s a tendency to correlate disability with obvious signs of physical damage, overlooking the difficulties faced by those with visible disabilities.

A common member will likely offer assistance to someone who is in a wheelchair, without a limb, or with a light cane. Persons with visible disabilities, however, may encounter the same routine difficulties, but without the recognition of others.

Visible disabilities include severe pain disorders, mental dysfunction or psychological illnesses that effect on a woman’s well-being in ways that require cautious, individualised accommodation.

Singapore’s laws have begun to address the needs of this group, but more work is needed.

The LTA’s Helping Hand Scheme, which was launched in 2019, now includes bracelets that people with visible disabilities can use on public transportation to letting people know they need the chair. However, commuters may not always be as flexible as one might expect, when CNA writer Grace Yeoh discovered when she tested it in 2023 and was standing.

How we approach those who have disability is a major obstacle to participation.

Arthur Frank, in his 1995 publication The Crippled Storyteller, writes about the various tales of disease. He describes what is known as” the restitution narrative,” which in many ways reflects how disability is perceived today.

In this narrative, illness ( or disability ) is seen as something to treat and overcome, which does n’t reflect the reality for many living with visible or hidden disabilities. This confluence of illness and disease may cause people in the community to feel sorry. But sympathy is far from encouraging. In reality, pity may be paralysing. &nbsp,

Think of the MRT riders admiring CNA’s Ms. Yeoh. They may include understood that the lanyard indicated a hidden illness and may have felt sympathy for her state. However, compassion cannot be used to influence activity. They did n’t know what response would be appropriate.

This is not unexpected. As publisher Susan Sontag describes in her guide, Regarding the Pain of People, kindness and compassion are fragile feelings, and if they are not translated into actions, they wither into apathy. It’s simple to do nothing when we are n’t sure how to deal with other people’s suffering.

Permit us return now to the Games. One notable instance is when world accepts those who, despite their impairments, have vowed to overcome the odds and accomplish something amazing.

But these we also need to be cautious.

There is a chance that when we oversaturate attention on those who have overcome their disabilities in some remarkable way, the tacit message being transmitted is that someone with disabilities should strive to perform the same tasks and accomplish the same goals as someone with disabilities.

When their lives do n’t coincide with socially accepted success criteria, this makes people with invisible disability extra visible.

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China sees hike in ‘climbing buddy’ services during Mid-Autumn and National Day holidays

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SINGAPORE:” I’ve climbed Mount Tai several days, so I’m not afraid of any conditions situation”! claims one of many related messages on Xiaohongshu, a Chinese social media platform.

First coming across as bragging, these users are really marketing their services: To been climbing buddies- for a price- for people who want to climb up one of China’s most prominent mountains, Mount Tai.

Commonly known as “pei pa”, meaning “accompany (you to ) climb” ), it’s been an emerging trend in the country over the Mid-Autumn crack and upcoming National Day trip in October, according to local media reports. &nbsp,

It’s even drawn attention to the growing” companion economy”, or “peiban jingji” in Mandarin, in China as more people keep one amid rising costs of living and a fiercely competitive job market.

Trekking WITH COMPANY- FOR A PRICE

Experienced climbers do offer” climbing friend” service on online websites, including Xiaohongshu, to travelers who want to go climbing over the holidays, including prominent mountains such as Mount Tai in Shandong province and Mount Emei in Sichuan province. &nbsp,

CNA on Xiaohongshu searches revealed that some people, mostly young, athletic guys, were offering to accompany aspiring rock climbing. Natural measurements, such as their height, weight, and time, were frequently included in the posts. &nbsp,

One customer, Xitian from Shandong, posted solutions for climbers who wanted to go up Mount Tai. Xitian, a university student, offered a rate of 399 yuan ( US$ 56.49 ) a day with a 100 yuan deposit. &nbsp,

Xitian introduced himself as a previous man who has “many days” hiked up Mount Tai in his blog. If you’re engaged, he also provides additional services, such as a walking stick, a one-use blanket, or free photography.

Xitian added that those interested in visiting Mount Tai would not need to purchase tickets to enter the place because he also has a” special pass.” But, curious climbers would have to pay for his transportation, lodging, and other essential costs, aside from food.

According to a report released by the state-run Guangming Daily on Tuesday ( Sep 17 ), many of these climbers have seen an increase in bookings as a result of recent and upcoming holidays, such as the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day.

The National Day tear is scheduled for October 1 through October 7, while the Mid-Autumn Festival vacation ran from September 15 to September 17. Some climbing claimed to be completely booked between mid-September and mid-october. &nbsp,

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CNA Explains: What does a Fed rate cut mean for you in Singapore?

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For the first time in four decades, the Federal Reserve has lowered interest rates significantly.

The key lending rate was reduced by 50 basis points to between 4.75 and 5 % on Wednesday ( Sep 18 ). While a price cut was generally anticipated, the size of it came as a surprise for some.

” Generally, 50-basis-point cuts have been used during crises so this violent walk by the Federal Reserve is indeed a surprise”, said Mr Koh Siong Qun, head of investment advice at Wrise Private Singapore.

The most recent action by one of the world’s most powerful central banks is expected to have far-reaching effects beyond America, ranging from influencing economic policies, financial markets, customer mortgages, and saving prices around the world.

Researchers explain to CNA how this will impact you in Singapore.

Why is the Fed cutting costs?

The Fed’s rate-setting commission is generally focused on two things: Prices and the employment market.

Between March 2022 and July 2023, the Fed went on a tightening binge, increasing levels from nearly zero to a five-decade large collection of 5.25 to 5.5 %, mainly due to the COVID-19 crisis.

The US central banks then remained stagnant for more than a year as it attempted to reduce inflation to its target of 2 %.

The central bank has since increased its assurance that its battle against inflation is almost over as a result of the decline in the US consumer price index, which was over 2.5 % in August, its lowest reading since 2021. Fed policymakers anticipate a lower-than-expected 2.3 % annual headline inflation price based on updated estimates released on Wednesday.

Concerns about the labor market have however decreased as inflation has subsided as unemployment rates have increased to 4.2 % from 3.7 % at the start of the year.

Fed officials now anticipate that the unemployment rate will end this year at 4.4 %, which is higher than the current 4.2 %, and will remain that low through 2025.

The price cut on Wednesday, according to Mr. Kerry Craig, a global market strategist at JP Morgan Asset Management, suggests a significant change in the Fed’s interests from regulating prices to” a jobs-first technique.”

Researchers from BMI, a system of Fitch Solutions, echoed that.

A report from BMI states that” the higher unemployment rate and lower inflation forecasts are regular with a more aggressive stop to the easing period than we had anticipated.”

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Driver in Nicoll Highway crash that killed cyclist was driving against traffic: Coroner’s court

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SINGAPORE: A driver who allegedly collided with a cyclist along Nicoll Highway, killing him, was driving against traffic and believed to be drunk, a coroner’s court heard on Wednesday ( Sep 19 ).

On Wednesday, an investigating officer released his observations regarding Mr. Basra Rajan Singh’s dying.

Mr Singh, a 45-year-old person from the United Kingdom, was cycling along Nicoll Highway in the first hours of Dec 19, 2023.

A car was captured on a video from a Land Transport Authority camera traveling in opposition to the flow of traffic along Nicoll Highway, heading Rochor.

The incident took place close to a stretch. Mr. Singh was walking when images emerged of him attempting to avoid colliding with the vehicle but failing.

In a head-on motion, Mr Singh was flung upward before getting on the road surface.

He was taken to medical but died that same night, the court heard.

The investigating official said the pilot, a Mr Tan, had said he had “dozed off temporarily” before the incident.

Mr. Tan is slated to face a charge of dangerous moving.

Claim FROM THE VALET Vehicle

The court was informed that Mr. Tan was actually supposed to be driven by a Mr. Ong valet.

Ong began his duties on December 18, 2023. According to the investigating agent, Mr Ong described waiting for Mr Tan and his partner.

Around 5 a.m., Mr. Ong opened the website by taking the keys from Mr. Tan’s girl. Since they were patrons, he was aware of which vehicle they drove.

Mr. Ong claimed that Mr. Tan yelled at him and yelled at him when he inquired about the place.

Mr. Ong said he needed to release his colleagues after realizing that Mr. Tan appeared to be intoxicated.

He claimed that Mr. Tan refused to listen and kept yelling at Mr. Ong, telling him that if Mr. Ong could n’t drive, he may “drive himself.”

Mr. Ong departed from the car after assessing the situation and made the decision to stop providing his servant service.

A part-time Grab driver who was about to enter the Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway (KPE ) when he saw a motorcyclist waving at him also gave narrated accounts from other witnesses who were present at the scene.

The pilot, a Mr Han, stopped his car and asked the motorcyclist what happened. The motorist claimed to have noticed a light car, which he thought was Mr. Tan, moving in opposition to the flow of traffic.

The light car, according to the motorcyclist, may include collided with a biker before leaving.

Mr Han saw Mr Singh lying on the middle wall of Nicoll Highway, also breathing.

He called an ambulance right away, waiting for it, along with the officers, and waiting for it.

A taxi drivers looking for consumers was traveling on Nicoll Highway towards the KPE on December 19, 2023, according to the investigating official in Mr. Singh’s situation.

He was following the intersection of Beach Road on Lane 2 of the three-lane street when he saw a car’s headlights from a distance.

The cabby repeatedly applied his large frame to the opposing driver to signal the other driver.

The cabby drove past the vehicle, believed to be Mr Tan’s, but could not see the vehicle.

He noticed that the car’s entry car had been damaged and lacked a registration number.

The taxi driver continued as he saw a man standing next to the KPE gate, and he also saw some bits on the road surface and an unidentified object at the center divider.

Checks of Mr Tan’s vehicles revealed no defects. Due to the damage to Mr. Singh’s bike, which was most likely caused by the accident, administrative tests were inaccessible.

Mr. Singh passed away from numerous accidents that matched those in a road traffic accident.

There was no evidence to support foul play, according to the authorities.

The coroner asked the investigating officer if there was any analysis done on the speed of Mr Tan’s vehicle, but the officer said the police were waiting on the Attorney-General’s Chambers ( AGC ) for this.

The coroner may release his results at a later time. The reading was attended by Mr Singh’s woman and Mr Singh’s companions, who declined comment when approached by CNA.

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CNA Explains: What is an ETA and why are more countries like Thailand implementing it?

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Was Singapore also introduce its own ETA? &nbsp,

Mr Herison said that Singapore’s existing SG Arrival Card, which was implemented during the COVID-19 epidemic to display incoming travellers ‘ health position,” strongly resembles an ETA” in how it collects information for immigration certification. &nbsp,

But, it differs from an ETA as it is for every adventurer at air and sea gates, including Singapore people. &nbsp,

Mr. Wong claimed that an ETA is improbable to be implemented in Singapore.

Given that the free movement of goods and people is essential to our overall market, he said, “it’s a little more challenging for a nation like Singapore to have this requirement.” &nbsp,

Does implementing an ETA hurt a country’s hospitality business? &nbsp,

Assistant Professor in Human Geography Zhang Jiajie said that in common, a “borderless universe” philosophy is extremely obsolete. &nbsp,

According to Dr. Zhang, who is from the Nanyang Technological University’s National Institute of Education,” seamless travel is bound to get a seat to the focus being given to the securitization of the frontier in the name of national safety.” &nbsp,

States are becoming more selective about the types of guests they want to draw, according to Mr. Wong, aside from safety concerns.

For instance, young backpackers who may spend a lot of time in the country but do n’t spend much money might be turned off by an ETA fee, in contrast to wealthy tourists. &nbsp,

” There’s a general move towards higher-value tourism”, he said. &nbsp,

He added that larger nations have a local tourism industry and may not rely heavily on immigrants to increase commerce income. &nbsp,

Nevertheless, locations are then making a cost-benefit research on how they approach hospitality, and some are choosing the more careful approach. &nbsp,

” States that have decided to introduce the ETA may have determined that the advantages of erecting a more restrictive e-border outweigh the possibility costs,” said Dr. Zhang. &nbsp,

What does travelers be aware of? &nbsp,

Less unexpected trips are what this means for travelers, according to the industry experts. &nbsp,

” Although the approval process is generally fast, usually within 24 hours, visitors may ensure they have important documents, such as evidence of hospitality and a return ticket, ready”, said Mr Herison. &nbsp,

” This shift encourages earlier itinerary planning and may reduce last-minute flexibility” .&nbsp,

Before making a reservation, Mr. Wong argued that travelers can search travel websites like joinsherpa.com to find out what documents are needed based on their nationality and travel location. &nbsp,

He also urged people to stay away from a growing number of scam websites that defraud visitors of the ETA application fee. &nbsp,

The onus is on the individual to make sure they are visiting the official website, he said.” Scams like this invariably lead to scams and impersonation websites,” he said. &nbsp,

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