
Country Garden to Be Cut From Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index
Country Garden Holdings Co. will be removed from Hong Kong’s benchmark Hang Seng Index, while Sinopharm Group Co.
2023-08-18 20:52

What is money muling and why is it vital parents warn their children about the dangers?
Teenagers often like to have the latest gadgets and trainers, but if a young person suddenly has the ability to splash cash around, with no obvious explanation for their wealth, it could be a warning sign of money muling. Money muling happens when people are persuaded to let cash flow through their bank account in exchange for money or gifts – and young people in particular may be targeted. According to figures released by UK Finance and the fraud prevention body Cifas, young people under the age of 21 account for around one in five cases where money muling activity is suspected. While money muling may be seen as an opportunity to make some easy cash, it’s actually a criminal offence. The cash flowing through bank accounts is often the proceeds from crime. UK Finance and Cifas run a campaign called Don’t Be Fooled, which has developed free PSHE (personal, social, health and economic education) resources for schools, to help young people learn about the dangers and consequences of becoming a money mule. The new schools programme is aimed at youngsters aged 10 to 14. To find out more about the dangers of money muling – and the warning signs for parents to look out for – I asked Paul Maskall, manager of fraud and cybercrime prevention at UK Finance, for his expert insights: How can parents talk to children and teenagers about money mule activity and explain what it is? Paul says: “Even at the best of times, we aren’t always good at valuing and protecting our data, personal information or private details which we store digitally.” He says it’s important for parents to explain what money mules are, “to ensure that the newer generation have a better understanding of how to protect themselves.” He continues: “By doing so, it gives them more of an intuitive defence and understanding of the risk of people wanting to exploit them and gain access to their account, for the purposes of laundering money.” How can young people themselves avoid getting involved in money muling? Maskall stresses the importance of keeping accounts and personal information private. He says: “Criminals seek to manipulate you with a promise of gifts, rewards or a percentage of the funds sent through your account.” People should avoid opening a bank account in their name for someone else, allowing their bank account to be used to send and receive funds for other people, or sharing PINs and passcodes, he says. While criminals will often seek out younger people to become money mules, it’s also important to remember that anyone can be targeted, he adds. What are the warning signs that your child could be involved? “Tell-tale signs that your child might be involved in money muling could be them suddenly having extra cash, buying expensive new clothes or top-of-the-range mobile phones and gadgets with very little explanation as to how they got the money,” Maskall explains. “They may also become more secretive, withdrawn or appear stressed sometimes, becoming more fixated on communication and phone usage.” What are the consequences of money mule activity? Some people may see requests to pass money through their account as harmless – but they could be making a big mistake. “Criminals need money mules to launder the profits of their crimes and frequently target young people, who are often unaware of the consequences of them agreeing to do so,” says Maskall. “Allowing a bank account to be used in this way is a crime and can result in a criminal record and the account being closed. “You could go to prison for up to 14 years and it can also lead to the individual finding it difficult to obtain mobile phone contracts or access financial products and credit, including student loans.” What should parents do if they think their child or someone else they know might be involved in money muling? “It’s important for parents and guardians to remind their children of the potential approaches that they may receive from criminals,” says Maskall. He says if any parents or guardians are worried that someone they are close to might be caught up in money muling, they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Where can parents go to get support or seek further information and how can communities stay safe? Maskall says: “We encourage everyone to visit the Don’t Be Fooled website for more information on the risk of money muling and how to stop the signs. www.moneymules.co.uk. “It is important to remember that anyone can be at risk and speaking openly and educating one another about the harm and risks involved will benefit others.” Read More From tofu chicken wings to chickpea bacon – how and why you should be making plant-based meat at home Holly Willoughby channels Gwyneth Paltrow with ‘orgasm anxiety’ blog post Do it for the Gram: Speedy but spectacular goat’s cheese linguine Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live
2023-08-18 20:23

Estée Lauder’s Outlook Misses as Asia Travel Woes Continue
Estée Lauder Cos. beat an already-slashed forecast for the current quarter but its profit outlook for the fiscal
2023-08-18 20:21

Ethiopia's Tigray crisis: Deaths from starvation after aid halted - official
The region estimates at least 1,400 have died since a food corruption scam was uncovered in April.
2023-08-18 19:29

Signs Of A Possible Thaw Between The US And Iran: Big Take Podcast
Listen to The Big Take podcast on iHeart, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Terminal. The US and Iran recently announced
2023-08-18 18:24

What is Bethenny Frankel's 'reality reckoning?' Former Bravo star promotes unionization for reality stars
The Hollywood powers that be are under siege. There's the writers' strike. And the actors'
2023-08-18 17:53

Qatari Royal Mulls Sale of Luxury London Homes for £370 Million
A Qatari sheikh, whose son is fronting a bid for Manchester United Football Club, is mulling the sale
2023-08-18 15:54

Tempted to try barefoot running? Here’s what you need to know
Barefoot running seems to be rising in popularity, with fans hailing its many benefits – and some even tackling entire marathons without shoes. The thought of bare soles beating the pavement may leave many people wincing, and there are certainly things to consider before giving it a go. But the idea of exploring the most natural way to move – with our primitive bare feet on the ground – could be tempting too. So, what is the deal with barefoot running, and is it worth it? Are there any benefits to barefoot running? “Barefoot running really helps us reconnect with nature,” says Sammy Margo, a physiotherapist working with muscle and joint care specialists Deep Freeze and Deep Heat. For many, this is a big part of the appeal – and some fans of barefoot running say they’ve experienced benefits to their running form too. It’s important to remember our bodies may all respond differently to pressure and force, however, so how we react to barefoot running may vary. “The body, muscles, and joints will take on the ground pressure differently,” says podiatrist Dina Gohil, brand ambassador for CCS Foot Care. “Some people may experience improvement in pain in certain areas, and vice versa. The body works together and force is distributed to the best of your body’s ability to enable the movement you’re trying to achieve.” If you can physically feel your feet hitting the ground however, in theory, your body may become more aware of those forces and movement patterns. “Going shoe-free can help with your awareness of the position and movement of your body – proprioception. Exercising barefoot can also help restore natural running patterns and strides,” Gohil explains. For example, she adds: “Being barefoot can actually allow you to be more conscious of how the heel strikes on the ground, and at what pace and strength. So doing activities barefoot can help strengthen the foot and ankle, improve muscle strength, increase flexibility, and allow for proper movement.” Will you notice other changes? According to barefoot runners, the soles of your feet will also become a lot more resilient over time. “The best way to toughen feet is to try and walk on as many different surfaces as possible. Some people have also used newspapers on the ground to walk on to help with this process,” says Gohil. The muscles in your legs will develop differently too. Margo says: “Running barefoot also activates smaller muscles in our legs and feet, helping to improve strength and overall mobility.” Are there any risks or cons to think about? While many runners experience a range of benefits from going barefoot, there are certainly potential risks to consider. First and foremost, there’s the risk of wounding yourself if you stamp on something sharp – so always be sensible when choosing where to run barefoot. “Until your feet become acclimatised, you may find you are more prone to blisters until firmer skin or calluses have formed,” says Gohil. “There is also the increased risk of developing plantar fasciitis on the sole and heel of the foot. Other problems might include blisters, callus, cuts, infection, Achilles tendonitis, tight lower leg muscles, or stress fractures.” Margo adds: “As our muscles are working harder, [they] may become shorter and tighter, and you may feel some pain initially when you start barefoot running.” Having the support and comfort of a well-fitting running shoe can also be vital for many runners, particularly if you have a history of injuries or joint problems – so it’s advisable to speak with a healthcare professional before you attempt barefoot running. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live How can you get rid of acne scars? From serums to laser treatments, experts talk through the options 5 viral TikTok fake tanning tips for the perfect summer glow Not got the A-level grades you needed? Here’s how to get started with the clearing process
2023-08-18 15:53

Sam Asghari seeks divorce from Britney Spears 14 months after wedding
LOS ANGELES Sam Asghari, the husband of pop superstar Britney Spears, is seeking to divorce the singer he
2023-08-18 04:49

Salma Hayek explains why she only wore mens’ suits to her early red carpet appearances
Salma Hayek Pinault has explained the reason why she solely wore menswear to many of her early red carpet appearances. The actor, 56, reflected on her decades-long career in Hollywood in a new interview with W Magazine. When asked whether she remembers her first-ever red carpet appearance, Hayek recalled how she wore a “man’s suit” to the occasion because it was the only fashion connection she had at the time. “I didn’t have any connections,” Hayek said, referring to the moment she walked the red carpet at the 1996 premiere of The Birdcage. “The only connection I had was to somebody I knew at Hugo Boss, so I wore a man’s suit because no one else gave me anything to wear.” For the Los Angeles movie premiere, which took place at Mann Village Theatre in Westwood, California, Hayek wore a grey, pinstriped suit jacket with matching trousers and a mock-neck black T-shirt underneath. The Mexican-American actor previously opened up about her first red carpet in a 2021 interview with Vogue India, where she explained that designers had declined to dress her at the time because she wasn’t as well-known in the industry. “I’m Mexican. I’m also very short, which doesn’t help with the weight and doesn’t help with the design," she told the fashion magazine. "But you know, I was ingenious. I took chances. I met someone at Hugo Boss, who was the only connection I had, so I wore man suits for a while.” Speaking to Vogue India, Hayek went on to recall how she wore a “very simple black dress” to MTV Music Video Awards in 1998. While she noted that all the other women were wearing “fabulous dresses” and “beautiful jewellery,” she decided to decorate her body with butterfly tattoos. “Instead of giving me a complex and saying that I don’t have the best dress or they don’t know who I am, I was like: ‘I am fabulous,’” she said. “I painted some butterfly tattoos on myself and I felt happy about myself." While Hayek has since made a name for herself in the fashion world, she hasn’t strayed far from her menswear roots. The House of Gucci star wore another menswear look for her late-night appearance on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno in 1996, where she sported a brown suit with a white button-down shirt and red geometric tie. In 2014, she was pictured wearing a navy blue Saint Laurent suit with a sharp black tie and white button-up shirt, as well as a black tuxedo dress with a matching black bow tie for the premiere of Exodus: Gods and Kings that same year. Not only is the Magic Mike’s Last Dance actor a fashion icon, but she’s also married to French businessman François Henri-Pinault: the CEO of luxury goods company Kering, which owns fashion brands including Gucci, Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, and Alexander McQueen. The two began dating in 2006 and welcomed their now 15-year-old daughter, Valentina Paloma Pinault, the following year. In March, Hayek walked the 2023 Oscars red carpet with her daughter as her date. She even loaned the teenager a dress from her fashion archives for the event: a vintage red Isaac Mizrahi gown, which Hayek wore in 1997. Read More Menswear has made women feel confident for centuries, but will the gendered separation ever cease to exist? Linda Evangelista makes rare comment about co-parenting with son’s stepmother Salma Hayek Salma Hayek opens up about embracing her ‘whites hairs and wrinkles’ as she shares new selfie Linda Evangelista opens up about co-parenting with son’s stepmother Salma Hayek 5 viral TikTok fake tanning tips for the perfect summer glow Jennifer Lopez shares her beauty regime – here’s how to look after skin in your 50s
2023-08-18 03:48

7 Morning Habits That Can Affect Your Entire Day
Set the right tone for the rest of the day by following these expert-approved tips.
2023-08-18 00:29

Warning: Using Dish Soap in Your Laundry Machine Is a Bad Idea (Regardless of What TikTok Says)
Not all TikTok hacks are actually hacks. Here’s why you shouldn’t wash clothes with dish soap.
2023-08-17 23:20