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Showing posts from December, 2023

AI.con: a new voice for Jamtara-type scammers

Three seconds of audio is all it takes to create a voice clone that is virtually indistinguishable from the real voice, a technological advancement that is as worrying as it is thrilling because it can be put to malicious use to defraud people, said experts. Voice clones or deepfakes have emerged as the latest tool for cyber scammers, they said, as artificial intelligence (AI)-related scams are being increasingly reported from different parts of the country. Voice deepfaking started as an entertainment gig to mimic songs for Instagram reels on websites such as Covers.ai, Voicify.ai and VoiceFlip.ai but has spiralled into a larger problem with genuine AI startups such as ElevenLabs, Speechify, Respeecher, Narakeet, Murf.ai, Lovo.ai and Play.ht being weaponised in the hands of scammers.   More than a dozen websites have proliferated on the internet, offering free voice cloning options with accuracy as high as 95% in 29 languages and more than 50 accents. There are also professional v...

Only 11 days left to add nominees to mutual funds, demat accounts; what happens if you miss the deadline

Mutual fund units holder and demat account holders should add nominations or opt out before the deadline to avoid freezing of accounts. While it is voluntary in the case of trading accounts.   The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), “Submission of ‘choice of nomination’ f” or trading accounts has been made voluntary as a step towards ease of doing business; With respect to demat accounts, it has been decided to extend the last date for submission of ‘choice of nomination’ to December 31, 2023.”   As per the earlier Sebi statement, “SEBI, vide circular no. SEBI/HO/MIRSD/RTAMB/CIR/P/2021/601 dated July 23, 2021, stipulates that trading accounts and demat account which do not have, choice of nomination, by September 30, 2023 shall be frozen."   How to add nominee to demat account Step 1: Click on the URL (http://nsdl.co.in/dpmplus.php) Step 2: Subscribe for the facility. Enter the DP ID + Client ID + PAN and OTP Step 3: Post successful authentication, submit the c...

5 habits to help you flawlessly manage Credit Card spending

5 habits to help you flawlessly manage Credit Card spending When it comes to making payments a credit card is probably one of the most consumer-friendly options. It offers several benefits ranging from convenient and secure payments to instant credit and added benefits such as discounts and cashback, all instantly, in a single swipe of your card. However, if you underutilise your card, you may not be able to experience all the benefits that come with it. By cultivating just five positive consumer habits, you can emerge as a savvy Credit Card user and derive the most value from your card. Unlock several opportunities - from earning rewards, air miles and cashback to accessing credit and making secure purchases. In a nutshell, continue reducing expenses while boosting your lifestyle. 5 tips to manage your Credit Card spending 1. Plan your expenses Having access to credit is a great way to manage cash flows better. However, it can be tempting at times to spend beyond your means. The be...

What The 50/30/20 Budgeting Rule Means

The 50/30/20 budgeting rule is one of the best known ways to start a solid money management journey. It does not matter how much you earn. You can easily apply this rule and develop the much-needed financial discipline. Here’s how you can begin: First, write down your total earnings. Be it from your full-time jobs, any freelancing gigs, or short-term projects, include them all.  Then, segregate this amount into three buckets of 50, 30, and 20.   50% CONSTITUTES YOUR NEEDS You can fund all essential payments via this chunk. You should pay your rent, electricity, and other utility bills. These are imperative expenses intrinsic to your survival. Hence, they cannot be delayed at any cost.  In addition, you should also pay off all your loan installments, the minimum amount (at least) due on credit cards, and insurance premiums with this segment. Solidifying your financial health is important and, in fact, non-negotiable.  Hence, make sure you put aside enough money at the...