The US Department of Defence said it would continue to prioritise “the care of affected personnel” as it announced the compensation, paid out under the Havana Act which was signed into law in 2021.

There has been widespread speculation for many years over what – and who – is responsible for Havana Syndrome.

Some have claimed the illness is caused by microwaves, prompting further speculation that a foreign power may have used some kind of sonar weapon to attack US overseas staff and their dependants.

“My brain is broken,” former CIA analyst Erika Stith told CBS News in 2022, external.

“We got this as a result of serving our country. And we deserve to be taken care of,” she said.

Last year, most US intelligence agencies and departments surmised that it was “very unlikely” that a foreign actor used “a novel weapon or prototype device to harm” US personnel and their families.

Although, a small component of the US intelligence community did not completely dismiss the theory.

The report, by the National Intelligence Council, said none of the agencies or departments it spoke to “call[ed] into question the experiences or suffering” of US workers and their families.

The community believed that they “experienced genuine, sometimes painful and traumatic, physical symptoms and sensory phenomena and honestly and sincerely reported those events as possible anomalous health incidents”.

A message like this can make your stomach drop. It looks like it came from Meta, uses the company logo and threatens your Facebook account. That scary mix is exactly why this scam works.

Angela wrote to CyberGuy after receiving the warning:

“Forwarding a screenshot of a threat I got on Facebook… It looks suspicious! I tried following the prompts and think it’s a scam. Just reporting to you because you’re the cyber guy!”

GLOBAL SCAM CRACKDOWN LEADS TO 276 ARRESTS

Angela was right to be suspicious. The screenshot has nearly every warning sign of a Facebook phishing scam, from a misspelled account name to a suspicious PDF attachment. Let’s break down what this message is really trying to do and how you can spot the trap before it steals your login.

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Meta Verified scam uses fear to get your attention

The message claims to be a “Meta Announcement” and says your Facebook account “will be closed in the future.” It then accuses your profile of unusual activity, including fraud and harassment.

That language is meant to scare you into acting fast. Scammers know that losing access to Facebook can feel personal, especially if you use it for family photos, business pages, groups or Marketplace. So, they lead with the biggest threat they can: your account may disappear.

However, the message gives no real details. It does not name a specific post. It does not show a case number. It does not explain where the alleged violation happened. Instead, it throws out vague accusations and hopes panic takes over.

Meta Verified scam red flag #1: the name is misspelled

Look closely at the chat name. It says “Meta Verrified” with an extra “r.”

That typo is one of the biggest red flags in the screenshot. Scammers often create fake pages with names that look close to official brands. They count on you reading quickly, especially when the message sounds urgent.

The page also uses the Meta logo, which can make the warning feel official. Still, a logo means very little. Anyone can copy a company logo and add it to a profile photo. The name, message quality and delivery method tell you much more.

Meta Verified scam red flag #2: it arrives in Messenger

This warning appears inside a Messenger chat. That alone should make you pause.

If you receive a serious account warning, do not trust a random chat message or attached file. Open Facebook yourself through the app or by typing the address into your browser. Then check your account status, notifications or support inbox from inside your account.

That extra step helps you avoid fake links, fake PDFs and look-alike pages built to steal your password.

Meta Verified scam red flag #3: encryption does not prove anything

The screenshot shows Messenger’s note about end-to-end encryption. Scammers may benefit from that because it can make the chat feel safer.

The encryption note only describes how the chat is protected between participants. It does not confirm that the sender works for Meta.

A scammer can still send you a phishing message inside an encrypted chat. So, do not let that security language lower your guard.

Meta Verified scam red flag #4: the wording sounds off

The message says, “We regret to inform you that your Facebook account will be closed in the future.” That is strange phrasing for an official account enforcement notice.

It also says Meta suspects your account “has been hacked or that you are impersonating someone else.” Those are very different issues. A hacked account means someone may have broken into your profile. Impersonation means someone may be pretending to be another person.

The message combines both claims without evidence. That broad wording helps scammers cast a wider net. No matter what you worry about, the message has a threat that may feel possible.

APPLE AI SECURITY UPDATE PROVES HACKERS MOVE FAST

Meta Verified scam red flag #5: the 24-hour threat

The message says Meta will permanently delete your account “If we do not hear from you within 24 hours.”

That deadline is the hook. Scammers want you to react before you think. They want you to open the PDF, tap a link, enter your password or share a security code.

Real account problems should still be handled carefully. A legitimate warning does not require you to trust a random attachment inside Messenger.

Meta Verified scam red flag #6: the PDF attachment

The attachment is labeled “Facebook Account Support Center.pdf.”

That name sounds official, which is exactly the point. A PDF can contain a phishing link, a fake appeal form or instructions that push you to a scam website. In some cases, files can also lead you toward harmful downloads.

Do not open attachments from unknown Messenger accounts, even if the file name sounds like customer support. If you already opened it, do not enter any passwords, codes or payment information from anything inside that file.

Why scammers impersonate Meta and Facebook support

A fake Meta warning works because it targets something you may use every day. Your Facebook account can include years of photos, contacts, memories and private messages. If you manage a business page, the stakes feel even higher.

Scammers may be after your Facebook password. They may also want your two-factor authentication code, your page admin access or payment details tied to ads. Once they get in, they can lock you out, message your friends or run scams from your account. That is why one fake warning can create a lot of damage.

What to do if you clicked the Meta Verified scam

If you tapped the attachment, followed the prompts or entered any information, treat it as urgent and secure your account from inside Facebook directly.

1) Change your Facebook password

Open the Facebook app > tap Menu > Settings & privacy > Settings > Accounts Center > Password and security > Change password > choose your Facebook account > enter your current password and create a new one. Use a password manager to create and save a strong, unique password you have not used anywhere else.

2) Turn on two-factor authentication

In the Facebook app , tap Menu > Settings & privacy > Settings > Accounts Center > Password and security > Two-factor authentication > choose your Facebook account > select an authentication app or security key and follow the prompts . An authenticator app or security key gives you stronger protection than a text message code.

3) Review where your account is logged in

In the Facebook app , tap Menu > Settings & privacy > Settings > Accounts Center > Password and security > Where you’re logged in > choose your Facebook account . Review the devices, browsers and locations listed . Tap any session you do not recognize, then choose Log out . You can also select multiple sessions and log them out at once.

4) Check your Facebook contact details

In the Facebook app , tap Menu > Settings & privacy > Settings > Accounts Center > Personal details > Contact info . Review every email address and phone number listed. Remove anything you do not recognize, then make sure your own email address and phone number are current.

5) Secure the email tied to Facebook

Open the email account connected to Facebook and change that password, too. Then turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) for that email account. If a scammer controls your email, they may be able to reset your Facebook password.

6) Protect your bank or card

If you entered payment information, contact your bank or card company right away. Ask them to watch for suspicious charges and replace the card if needed.

7) Run strong antivirus software

If you downloaded anything, run strong antivirus software on your device. This can help catch malicious files, unsafe downloads and hidden threats that may have come from the PDF. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com

8) Report and block the fake Messenger account

Open the Messenger app > open the scam conversation > tap the sender’s name at the top > scroll down > tap Report or Something’s wrong if shown > choose the closest reason , such as scam or impersonation > submit the report . Then go back to the same profile screen > tap Block > choose Block messages and calls or Block on Facebook .

9) Delete the scam chat

In Messenger , go to Chats > press and hold the scam conversation > tap Delete > tap Delete again to confirm. Note: Meta’s Messenger Help Center says deleting a chat removes it from your chats, but it does not remove it from the other person’s inbox.

WHAT SCAMMERS DO THE WEEK YOUR SPOUSE DIES

Ways to stay safe from a Meta Verified scam

A message like this is meant to rush you, so the safest move is to slow down, verify the warning inside Facebook and protect your account before clicking anything.

1) Check Facebook directly

Never trust a Facebook account warning that arrives through a random Messenger chat. Open Facebook yourself and check your account from there.

2) Look closely at the sender name

Spelling errors are a major warning sign. In Angela’s screenshot, “Meta Verrified” has two r’s, which immediately makes the message suspicious.

3) Do not trust a logo by itself

A Meta logo can make a fake account look official, but scammers can copy logos easily. Always judge the message by the sender name, wording, attachment and where it asks you to go.

4) Avoid suspicious PDF attachments

A file name can look official while still leading you into a scam. Avoid opening PDF attachments from unknown support accounts, especially when they claim your account will be deleted.

5) Never share login codes

Meta will not need your password or two-factor authentication code through a Messenger chat. If someone asks for a code, treat it as a scam.

6) Be suspicious of urgent deadlines

A 24-hour deletion threat is designed to make you panic. Scammers use deadlines because they want you to act before you verify the message.

7) Use a password manager

A password manager can help you avoid typing your Facebook password into a fake website. It also makes it easier to use a strong, unique password for every account.

8) Use strong antivirus software

Strong antivirus software can help protect your device from malicious links, unsafe downloads and hidden threats inside suspicious files. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com

9) Use a data removal service

A data removal service can help reduce how much of your personal information is available online. Scammers often use exposed details to make phishing messages feel more believable. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com

Kurt’s key takeaways

Angela did the right thing by trusting her gut. This message looks official enough to scare someone, but the details fall apart quickly. The misspelled name, vague accusations, 24-hour threat and PDF attachment all point toward a phishing attempt. The goal is to make you panic long enough to hand over access. If a warning ever claims your Facebook account is about to be deleted, do not click from the message. Go straight to Facebook, check your account there and lock things down before a scammer gets a second chance.

Have you ever received a fake Meta, Facebook or Instagram warning that looked official enough to make you click? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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Ashley James, the broadcaster and former Celebrity Big Brother contestant who appeared on the show alongside Widdecombe in 2018, said in a post on Instagram that she was “absolutely devastated” by her death.

She wrote: “Ann Widdecombe and I couldn’t have been more different politically. We clashed a lot in the Celebrity Big Brother house, and there are many of her views I fundamentally disagreed with, particularly on LGBTQ+ rights.

“I’m very aware that many of her beliefs and where she gave her political vote were deeply harmful to communities and caused real hurt. Her views were deplorable.

“But she also had a profound impact on me in an unexpected way. After one particularly explosive row, she called me ‘a little bit of a bone picker’ and told me I needed to stop being so sensitive.

“At the time, I didn’t want to hear it. But she encouraged me to care less about pleasing everyone and to have more conviction in my own beliefs. I’ve spoken openly over the years about how much that advice changed me, because I used to spend so much of my life worrying about what other people thought of me.

“I also always believed that disagreement didn’t have to mean a lack of humanity. I never stopped trying to meet Ann with kindness, even when we fundamentally disagreed.”

Betfred Super League

Wigan (6) 30

Tries: Cartwright, Kerr, Eckersley, McDermott, Daniel Goals: Keighran 5

Warrington (12) 18

Tries: Hopoate, Irwin, Ashton Goals: Irwin 3

Wigan Warriors’ young stand-ins held off the challenge of Warrington Wolves to move to within two points of Super League leaders Leeds Rhinos.

Josh Cartwright, Taylor Kerr, Kian McDermott and Austin Daniel all repaid the faith of head coach Matt Peet by scoring their first senior tries after filling gaps left by the Warriors’ injury troubles.

Wigan lost star full-back Jai Field on the morning of the match with a back injury and they were soon 12-0 down as Warrington’s Albert Hopoate and their own 18-year-old prodigy Ewan Irwin both scored tries.

The game see-sawed and was still level with half an hour to go until McDermott and Daniel showed the quality of the young players coming through the Wigan academy with vital finishes.

More to follow

Wigan: Cartwright; Eckersley, O’Loughlin, Wardle, Daniel; Keighran, Smith; Havard, O’Neill, McDermott, Mason, Partington, Ellis

Interchanges: Thompson, Mago, Kerr, O’Connor

Warrington: Webster; Hopoate, J. Smith, King, Ashton; Irwin, Hayes; Thomas, Walker, Byrne, Bentley, Harrison, Currie.

Interchanges: Sipley, Wood, Hartill, Tanginoa.

Sin-bin: Bentley (16).

Referee: Marcus Griffiths.

Step into the breathtaking beauty of Byron Bay and Port Macquarie, two stunning destinations in Australia. In this post, we’re excited to share 14 photos that highlight the mesmerizing landscapes, vibrant culture, and unique wildlife of these Australian gems. From the crystal-clear waters of Byron Bay to the pristine beaches of Port Macquarie, these photos capture the essence of an unforgettable travel experience. Journey with us as we explore the picturesque vistas and memorable moments of Australia’s East Coast, perfect for travel enthusiasts and photography lovers alike.

For more about Australia, Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne and other Australia destinations read the travel tips and see all travel stories, videos, photos and writing on Rolling Coconut’s Travel section.

This destination and travel story is part of OOACeania, Journey and Travels through Oceania:

• OOAmerica – Travels through North America and USA Road-Trip
• OOAsia – Travels through Asia
• OOAmericaS – Travels through Central and South America
• EurOOA – Travels through Europe
• OOAfrica – Travels through Africa
• OOACeania – Travels through Oceania
• OOArabia – Travels through North Africa and the Middle East

Looking for Travel Tips, travel reviews, itineraries and practical travel information? Check out the OOAworld Travel section by Rolling Coconut and browse stories by country.

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Share the road!

It is understood police officers are set to fly to the US to speak with Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre’s family as part of an ongoing investigation into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor

Police investigating Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor are reportedly set to interview his accuser Virginia Giuffre’s family. Thames Valley Police are expected to fly to the US and speak to Virginia’s relatives to discuss her sexual assault allegations towards Andrew.

Deceased Epstein victim Virginia alleged that she had been trafficked in 2001 when she was 17. She was influential in the downfall of the convicted paedophile sex trafficker Jeffery Epstein, who died in prison in 2019.

Giuffre would go on to sue Andrew after claiming the former Prince forced her to have sex with him on three occasions when she was a teenager.

Despite claiming he had never met the woman, Andrew went on to settle out of court and paid Giuffre an estimated £12million.

The Times have now reported officers are set to speak with Sky and Amanda Roberts, Virginia’s brother and his sister-in-law. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has denied all wrongdoing in relation to his connection with Epstein and Virginia Giuffre.

The development comes after Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a public office at his Sandringham home. Previously police urged all “victims and survivors” Jeffery Epstein to come forward and speak to them.

After Andrew’s arrest Giuffre’s family issued an emotional statement and said their “broken hearts are lifted” by the move. They stated: “At last, today, our broken hearts have been lifted at the news that no one is above the law, not even royalty.

“On behalf of our sister, Virginia Roberts Giuffre, we extend our gratitude to the UK’s Thames Valley Police for their investigation, and the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

“He was never a prince. For survivors everywhere, Virginia did this for you.”

Police officers are also assessing allegations of fraud, corruption, bullying and perverting justice during Andrew’s run as trade envoy from 2001-11.

Thames Valley Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright has stated: “There’s a number of aspects of alleged misconduct that the investigation is examining. We are speaking to a range of witnesses and want anyone with information to get in touch with us.”

Since December more than three million documents and videos have been released by the US Justice Department relating to Epstein.

For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters .

It all happened very, very fast. Between August and December of 2024, I went from having a clear mammogram and a clean bill of health to being diagnosed with fast-growing (or high-grade) stage 3 breast cancer.

I had been extravigilant about my breast health too. My cousin passed away from breast cancer in 2018, leaving a lasting mark on our family and making us all more aware. I decided that starting at age 40, I would “gift” myself a mammogram every year right after my birthday so I would never forget. Despite my cousin having breast cancer, I had no family history in first-degree relatives, like parents and siblings, which could raise my risk of getting the disease. So when I had my annual mammogram in August 2024, it was just a routine screening, followed by an ultrasound because I had very dense breasts. They said everything looked fine and to come back in a year.

But I was also dedicated to doing monthly self-exams, and that fall I noticed that my breasts felt a little bit lumpier than usual. It was hard to say for sure because I had such dense and lumpy-feeling breasts already. But I’d gotten to know them well over doing those checks on myself, and they seemed different. During that same period of time, I started having some breast pain, which I thought might be a perimenopause symptom. A lot of people get breast pain as their menstrual cycle starts, so I thought that’s what I was experiencing, only intensified because of perimenopause. But the pain didn’t go away once my period finished. When it lasted through another cycle, I was like, This doesn’t feel right to me. I called my primary care doctor and said I wanted to schedule another mammogram and ultrasound. This was toward the end of November.

Going into that appointment I suspected I could have cancer, but I’m a physician, so I was holding out hope. In my mind I had a whole list of other things it could possibly be, including a cyst or a fibroadenoma. But during the mammogram, I felt like the tech was asking me leading questions, like “Do you have breast cancer in your family?” and “How long have you experienced this pain?” Then I had the ultrasound, and usually, the breast radiologist comes in afterward to make sure nothing’s been missed and to say everything looks good. However, when the breast radiologist came in, I unleashed my questions. I was like, “Do you think it’s a fibroadenoma or this or that?” After a moment of quiet, she said, “You know, I hate when doctors are my patients.” She then explained that my lymph nodes looked abnormal. That was enough for me to know it was breast cancer and had already spread. I told her, “You can give it to me straight.” She said she thought it was cancer and asked if I could stay for a biopsy. There was nowhere else I would have rather been in that moment—I needed to know what was going on. My husband came to join me, and I probably cried for two hours while waiting for the biopsy.

The next day they called to confirm I had breast cancer. A few days after that, I learned it was stage 3 HER2-positive breast cancer, a subtype of breast cancer that tends to be more aggressive because the cancer cells grow and divide rapidly. With HER2-positive disease it’s not uncommon for tumors to grow quite large in a relatively short period of time. I felt overwhelmed, but was I shocked? Not really. Going into my mammogram appointment, I had already been feeling very suspicious and wary.

Three years on from Hackney Diamonds and The Rolling Stones are back with their 25th studio album. Foreign Tongues, which releases today, features a number of hidden camels from the likes of Bruno Mars, The Cure, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Sir Paul McCartney, who plays bass on the track Covered in You. Meanwhile, the late Charlie Watts drums on Hit Me in the Head, which was recorded prior to his death in 2021. Now the reviews are in and the critics largely have little but praise for the energetic octogenarians Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood. Check them out below.

The Independent
The Stones’ new record seals this as the summer of vintage comebacks from musical legends, with the veteran rockers sounding astonishingly good, not just for their age, but for a band 60 years younger.

Rolling Stone
There’s always the feeling that this album may be the last time. They don’t know. If it is, though, Foreign Tongues is an album that lives up to their legacy.

Record Collector
Foreign Tongues can stand tall among The Rolling Stones’ most compellingly evocative works.

The Telegraph
There is more than enough vitality, wit, richness, energy and joy on offer here to make the case that rock ’n’ roll still rules in the modern pop firmament, and the Stones remain its greatest advocates.

The Guardian
Foreign Tongues doesn’t match the holy run of albums that began with 1968’s Beggars Banquet, or later triumph Some Girls, but at their ages it’s remarkable – and paired with Hackney Diamonds, this is comfortably their best material in decades.

Uncut
While Hackney Diamonds was about return and resurgence, Foreign Tongues offers something more nuanced. Above all, the Stones’ 25th studio album carries an unforced pleasure in playing together.

All Music
Foreign Tongues finds the Rolling Stones swinging hard, drawing sweat, and sounding like they still have some business calling themselves the world’s greatest rock & roll band, which even they probably never expected to happen when they cut their debut sixty years ago. Could they go on forever? This album is just good enough to make you imagine they could.

NME
Foreign Tongues’ lacks a true classic Stones joint. There’s nothing to rival ‘Gimme Shelter’ or ‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash’ if they do tour again. However, we’re picking holes. …. There’s plenty more left in the tank.

Clash Music
Foreign Tongues isn’t perfect, but it’s unquestionably a triumph.

Foreign Tongues is out now.