Topical Comic

Scammers demand ransoms from Instagram users over fake copyright claims

Scammers demand ransoms from Instagram users over fake copyright claims — comic strip

The script

Panel 1

Alex, a cheery inventor, stands outside his workshop, surrounded by gadgets and gizmos. He holds a smartphone in his hand.

Alex: Today's invention: The AI Copyright Detective 2022. This app can sniff out fake claims and save us from the clutches of scammers!

Panel 2

Alex walks into a bustling coffee shop, holding his phone and looking down. A grumpy Sam sits at a nearby table, reading a newspaper. Sam's face shows a mix of exasperation and amusement as Alex continues to gesture at his phone.

Sam: What are you looking at, Alex? Scammers? Again?

Alex: Yep! They're sending out these fake copyright claims. I think I've cracked it with my new app.

Sam: You think? I'll tell you how to make a real fortune. Just threaten to expose these scammers on social media.

Panel 3

Alex and Sam are now seated in a cozy café, both hunched over a laptop. They're discussing a different scam. Sam looks at his phone, scrolling through a list of names, smiling at Alex's enthusiasm.

Alex: My app just flagged a bunch of fake claims. I'm getting a list of victims, but I'm not sure who to contact first.

Sam: Just pick a random victim, Alex. It's not like you can do any actual good here.

Panel 4

Alex and Sam are now on a video call, Alex looking very serious and Sam with a mix of interest and concern.

Alex: Okay, Sam. Here's the list. You've got Robin, Jessica, and a few others. You start with Robin. I'll get to the others.

Sam: Alright. I guess this is what you get for trying to make a difference. You're going to get a lot of spam and scams now.

Panel 5

Axel and Sam are back at their coffee table, now looking very tired and frustrated.

Sam: I'm going to call it a day. Let's meet up tomorrow and see if I can't find a way to take these scammers down once and for all.

Alex: Sounds good. I'll keep working on my AI Copyright Detective. Maybe we can help more people in the future.

Sam: Only if you promise to call me first for any more of these copyright issues.