WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.459 Okay, let's dive deep into something really, 00:00:02.459 --> 00:00:04.280 really important if you're involved with precious 00:00:04.280 --> 00:00:06.980 metals. We're talking about counterfeits, how 00:00:06.980 --> 00:00:10.019 to protect yourself, understand the tricks, and, 00:00:10.019 --> 00:00:13.660 well, know how to spot a fake from the real deal. 00:00:14.080 --> 00:00:16.000 We're using a great article as our guide today, 00:00:16.320 --> 00:00:18.640 one that lays out some practical steps. Our goal 00:00:18.640 --> 00:00:21.660 is simple. Pull out the essential, actionable 00:00:21.660 --> 00:00:24.359 info so you can buy safely, cut through the noise, 00:00:24.539 --> 00:00:27.260 get right to what you need. Absolutely. And this 00:00:27.260 --> 00:00:29.539 isn't just a minor issue, counterfeiting in precious 00:00:29.539 --> 00:00:31.539 metals. It's a serious threat. We're talking 00:00:31.539 --> 00:00:34.259 significant financial loss for anyone who gets 00:00:34.259 --> 00:00:36.539 caught out. You invest thinking you have real 00:00:36.539 --> 00:00:39.759 value and poof, it turns out to be almost worthless. 00:00:39.880 --> 00:00:42.420 It's a devastating hit. So let's unpack that 00:00:42.420 --> 00:00:44.280 a bit. Why is this such a big deal right now? 00:00:44.359 --> 00:00:46.320 What's the core impact? Well, like you said, 00:00:46.399 --> 00:00:49.159 it's the financial loss first and foremost. Imagine 00:00:49.159 --> 00:00:51.740 putting serious money into a gold bar, right? 00:00:51.869 --> 00:00:54.469 Only to find out later it's just, say, gold -plated 00:00:54.469 --> 00:00:59.549 tungsten. That investment is just gone. And the 00:00:59.549 --> 00:01:01.890 source material points out, it's not just the 00:01:01.890 --> 00:01:04.870 money. Finding out you hold a fake, or worse, 00:01:05.150 --> 00:01:07.849 trying to sell one unknowingly, that can really 00:01:07.849 --> 00:01:10.010 damage your reputation, too. And these criminals, 00:01:10.090 --> 00:01:11.950 they're getting smarter, aren't they? The article 00:01:11.950 --> 00:01:14.109 stresses how sophisticated they've become. Oh, 00:01:14.109 --> 00:01:16.609 definitely. These aren't always crude fakes anymore. 00:01:16.870 --> 00:01:19.170 Their methods are constantly improving, constantly 00:01:19.170 --> 00:01:21.900 evolving. Which means we have to keep up. Staying 00:01:21.900 --> 00:01:24.159 informed is, well, it's more critical than ever. 00:01:24.719 --> 00:01:26.760 Okay, so what are these methods? What kind of 00:01:26.760 --> 00:01:28.459 tricks are the counterfeiters actually using 00:01:28.459 --> 00:01:30.700 these days? Right, the source highlights a few 00:01:30.700 --> 00:01:34.180 key techniques. One of the most common, and maybe 00:01:34.180 --> 00:01:36.700 the trickiest, is plating. So they'll take a 00:01:36.700 --> 00:01:39.599 cheap base metal, could be copper, zinc, sometimes 00:01:39.599 --> 00:01:41.760 even tungsten like I mentioned, and they'll coat 00:01:41.760 --> 00:01:45.159 it with a very thin layer of actual gold or silver. 00:01:45.560 --> 00:01:48.099 To the naked eye, it can look really convincing. 00:01:48.140 --> 00:01:50.739 It might even pass a quick scratch test if you're 00:01:50.739 --> 00:01:54.060 not careful. Ah, okay. So just looking at it 00:01:54.060 --> 00:01:56.299 often isn't enough. That's the key insight here, 00:01:56.359 --> 00:01:58.500 right? Because that plating makes it look genuine. 00:01:58.739 --> 00:02:00.900 Exactly. First -class deception. That's the goal. 00:02:01.640 --> 00:02:03.400 Another thing they do is mess with the weight 00:02:03.400 --> 00:02:06.540 or the core. They might say, drill out the inside 00:02:06.540 --> 00:02:09.080 of a coin or a small bar, fill it with something 00:02:09.080 --> 00:02:11.259 cheaper and lighter, then plug it back up really 00:02:11.259 --> 00:02:15.159 carefully. Very. Or they might use a base metal 00:02:15.159 --> 00:02:18.319 that has a density similar to the real thing, 00:02:18.819 --> 00:02:20.460 but not quite exact. They're hoping you won't 00:02:20.460 --> 00:02:23.439 do a precise density check. And then there are 00:02:23.439 --> 00:02:25.919 the fake stamps and hallmarks, these little markings, 00:02:26.219 --> 00:02:27.840 you know, they're supposed to guarantee the purity 00:02:27.840 --> 00:02:31.039 and the maker. Counterfeiters put a lot of effort 00:02:31.039 --> 00:02:32.919 into replicating these official marks to make 00:02:32.919 --> 00:02:35.840 the fake seem legitimate. Wow, even faking the 00:02:35.840 --> 00:02:37.919 hallmarks, that feels like attacking the trust 00:02:37.919 --> 00:02:40.879 sister itself. Okay, so given how clever this 00:02:40.879 --> 00:02:43.259 is, how do we fight back? What does the article 00:02:43.259 --> 00:02:45.780 suggest for actually verifying authenticity? 00:02:46.340 --> 00:02:48.680 Right, let's get practical. The source lays out 00:02:48.680 --> 00:02:50.639 several methods, kind of like layers of defense. 00:02:51.039 --> 00:02:53.280 It starts with a good physical examination. This 00:02:53.280 --> 00:02:55.599 means really looking closely. Get hands on if 00:02:55.599 --> 00:02:58.319 you can. Check the color. Is it consistent all 00:02:58.319 --> 00:03:01.139 over? Are the edges finished properly? Look at 00:03:01.139 --> 00:03:03.460 the markings, the text, the images. Are they 00:03:03.460 --> 00:03:06.120 sharp, clear? Or do they look a bit off, maybe 00:03:06.120 --> 00:03:08.780 fuzzy, misspelled, or poorly struck? Genuine 00:03:08.780 --> 00:03:11.169 items usually have a certain quality. A feel 00:03:11.169 --> 00:03:13.930 that fakes struggle to match perfectly. OK, so 00:03:13.930 --> 00:03:16.430 a really detailed visual check is step one. What 00:03:16.430 --> 00:03:18.250 comes after that? Then you move into testing. 00:03:18.550 --> 00:03:21.250 The article mentions a few useful tests. A really 00:03:21.250 --> 00:03:23.569 simple one is the magnet test. Gold, silver, 00:03:23.810 --> 00:03:26.349 platinum. The main precious metals, they're not 00:03:26.349 --> 00:03:28.590 magnetic. So if you take a reasonably strong 00:03:28.590 --> 00:03:31.270 magnet and the item sticks to it. Big red flag. 00:03:31.669 --> 00:03:34.610 Huge red flag. Probably not the real deal. Then 00:03:34.610 --> 00:03:36.979 there's density testing. You know, like how a 00:03:36.979 --> 00:03:38.919 lead weight is much heavier than an aluminum 00:03:38.919 --> 00:03:41.960 block of the same size. That's density. Every 00:03:41.960 --> 00:03:45.080 pure metal has a very specific density. The article 00:03:45.080 --> 00:03:47.219 explains you can measure the item's weight and 00:03:47.219 --> 00:03:50.000 its volume often using water displacement, like 00:03:50.000 --> 00:03:52.719 Archimedes, to calculate its density. Then you 00:03:52.719 --> 00:03:54.719 compare that calculated density to the known 00:03:54.719 --> 00:03:58.500 density of, say, pure gold or pure silver, if 00:03:58.500 --> 00:04:00.500 the numbers don't match up. Something's wrong. 00:04:00.560 --> 00:04:02.759 That sounds like a great way to catch those filled 00:04:02.759 --> 00:04:05.300 fakes, doesn't it? It really is. It's quite definitive 00:04:05.300 --> 00:04:08.159 if done correctly. And finally, the article mentions 00:04:08.159 --> 00:04:11.300 acid testing. This involves putting a tiny drop 00:04:11.300 --> 00:04:14.300 of a specific testing acid on an inconspicuous 00:04:14.300 --> 00:04:16.920 spot on the item. Genuine precious metals are 00:04:16.920 --> 00:04:18.819 very resistant to corrosion, so they generally 00:04:18.819 --> 00:04:21.560 won't react. But the cheaper base metals, often 00:04:21.560 --> 00:04:24.120 used in fakes, they usually show a reaction -changing 00:04:24.120 --> 00:04:26.319 color, maybe bubbling or fizzing. Okay, those 00:04:26.319 --> 00:04:28.439 tests sound powerful, especially once you have 00:04:28.439 --> 00:04:30.500 the item. But the article makes a strong point 00:04:30.500 --> 00:04:33.699 that maybe the best defense starts even earlier 00:04:33.699 --> 00:04:36.560 before you buy. It's about where and how you 00:04:36.560 --> 00:04:38.579 choose to purchase. Let's talk about those strong 00:04:38.579 --> 00:04:41.259 buying practices. Absolutely. Prevention is key. 00:04:41.819 --> 00:04:45.209 And the source really emphasizes... vet your 00:04:45.209 --> 00:04:48.069 seller thoroughly. So what does that involve? 00:04:48.189 --> 00:04:50.329 What should you be looking for in a dealer? Well 00:04:50.329 --> 00:04:52.910 first, do your homework. A background check. 00:04:53.069 --> 00:04:55.170 Are they established? Do they have credentials? 00:04:55.709 --> 00:04:57.529 Are they members of reputable industry groups 00:04:57.529 --> 00:05:00.930 like the ICTA or PNG in the U .S.? Look for complaints 00:05:00.930 --> 00:05:02.670 online. Check with the Better Business Bureau 00:05:02.670 --> 00:05:05.410 or similar consumer protection agencies. Any 00:05:05.410 --> 00:05:07.949 history of legal trouble or unresolved issues 00:05:07.949 --> 00:05:10.529 about authenticity. That's a warning sign. And 00:05:10.529 --> 00:05:12.829 the article seems pretty clear. Stick with established 00:05:12.829 --> 00:05:14.970 dealers. Don't go for unknowns just because the 00:05:14.970 --> 00:05:17.620 price looks good. Yes. That's a major takeaway. 00:05:18.319 --> 00:05:20.439 Established dealers have a reputation to uphold. 00:05:21.000 --> 00:05:23.980 They usually have a physical shop or a long -standing, 00:05:24.279 --> 00:05:27.120 verifiable online presence. They often provide 00:05:27.120 --> 00:05:29.480 clear information about their products and sourcing. 00:05:29.839 --> 00:05:32.139 They're just less likely to risk selling fakes. 00:05:32.720 --> 00:05:35.180 Going for that unbelievable deal from a random 00:05:35.180 --> 00:05:37.560 seller on an auction site, that's where the risks 00:05:37.759 --> 00:05:40.579 shoots way up. And really read those seller reviews 00:05:40.579 --> 00:05:42.959 and ratings. Don't just glance at the star count. 00:05:43.279 --> 00:05:45.500 Look for consistency. Are the positive reviews 00:05:45.500 --> 00:05:48.079 detailed? Are there recurring themes and negative 00:05:48.079 --> 00:05:50.959 reviews, especially about authenticity or customer 00:05:50.959 --> 00:05:53.699 service? Lots of unresolved complaints. Be very, 00:05:53.699 --> 00:05:56.100 very wary. OK, so you've done your due diligence. 00:05:56.410 --> 00:05:58.649 picked a reputable dealer, made the purchase, 00:05:58.790 --> 00:06:01.730 the package arrives. What next? The article stresses 00:06:01.730 --> 00:06:04.089 inspecting the product and packaging immediately. 00:06:04.329 --> 00:06:06.269 Right. Don't just put it away. This is your chance 00:06:06.269 --> 00:06:07.889 to apply those physical checks again right away. 00:06:07.889 --> 00:06:10.189 Yeah. Get out your scale. Does the weight match 00:06:10.189 --> 00:06:11.790 exactly what was advertised and what it should 00:06:11.790 --> 00:06:14.089 be? Examine the color again under good light. 00:06:14.449 --> 00:06:16.670 Check those markings, the details. Maybe with 00:06:16.670 --> 00:06:18.610 a magnifier, do they look crisp and correct? 00:06:18.910 --> 00:06:21.009 And it's not just the metal piece itself, is 00:06:21.009 --> 00:06:23.430 it? The paperwork matters too. Oh, absolutely 00:06:23.430 --> 00:06:27.240 critical. Look for authentic documentation. Reputable 00:06:27.240 --> 00:06:29.660 dealers usually provide certificates of authenticity, 00:06:30.279 --> 00:06:32.740 detailed invoices, sometimes assay cards sealed 00:06:32.740 --> 00:06:35.620 with the item. The key thing here, the absolute 00:06:35.620 --> 00:06:38.120 crucial step, is to make sure the details on 00:06:38.120 --> 00:06:41.040 the paperwork, weight, purity, any serial numbers 00:06:41.040 --> 00:06:43.639 match the item you're holding precisely. Any 00:06:43.639 --> 00:06:46.459 discrepancies, a huge red flag. And, you know, 00:06:46.480 --> 00:06:48.759 taking that a step further, the article mentions 00:06:48.759 --> 00:06:51.399 verifying certifications. Right. Those hallmarks 00:06:51.399 --> 00:06:53.139 and mint marks we talked about earlier, these 00:06:53.139 --> 00:06:55.480 are supposed to be official guarantees. Exactly. 00:06:55.560 --> 00:06:57.500 So you need to check that the hallmarks look 00:06:57.500 --> 00:07:00.759 correct, sharp, clear, properly placed. And for 00:07:00.759 --> 00:07:03.120 some items, especially larger bars, you might 00:07:03.120 --> 00:07:05.939 be able to verify serial numbers or other identifiers 00:07:05.939 --> 00:07:09.120 against official refiner or mint records, sometimes 00:07:09.120 --> 00:07:11.379 using online databases. Some companies offer 00:07:11.379 --> 00:07:13.750 online authentication services too, right? Yes, 00:07:13.750 --> 00:07:16.129 that's another tool the article points out. Some 00:07:16.129 --> 00:07:18.209 third party services or even the mince refiners 00:07:18.209 --> 00:07:20.750 themselves might have online databases where 00:07:20.750 --> 00:07:23.370 you can input a serial number to check its validity 00:07:23.370 --> 00:07:26.329 and history. It's an extra layer, particularly 00:07:26.329 --> 00:07:29.310 useful for more significant purchases. OK, so 00:07:29.310 --> 00:07:31.769 you've done all this, checked everything, tested 00:07:31.769 --> 00:07:34.689 maybe, but something still feels off. Your gut 00:07:34.689 --> 00:07:37.170 feeling or maybe a test result is borderline. 00:07:37.350 --> 00:07:39.089 What does the article say to do if you suspect 00:07:39.089 --> 00:07:41.250 you've got a counterfeit? Right. This is important. 00:07:41.350 --> 00:07:43.339 The source is very clear. If you have a strong 00:07:43.339 --> 00:07:45.720 suspicion, you need to act. It's not just about 00:07:45.720 --> 00:07:47.720 getting your money back. It's about stopping 00:07:47.720 --> 00:07:50.459 these fraudsters. The first steps are pretty 00:07:50.459 --> 00:07:53.939 straightforward. One, stop all further dealings 00:07:53.939 --> 00:07:56.279 with that seller immediately. No more buying. 00:07:56.699 --> 00:07:58.959 No trying to return it for store credit. Nothing. 00:07:59.240 --> 00:08:02.300 Two, gather all your evidence. Receipts, invoices, 00:08:02.540 --> 00:08:04.560 email correspondence, photos you took of the 00:08:04.560 --> 00:08:06.899 adamant packaging, maybe notes on your test results, 00:08:07.120 --> 00:08:10.410 everything. Three, contact the seller. preferably 00:08:10.410 --> 00:08:12.850 in writing, state your concerns clearly and request 00:08:12.850 --> 00:08:15.009 an explanation or a full refund. See how they 00:08:15.009 --> 00:08:18.189 respond. Four, report it. This is key. Contact 00:08:18.189 --> 00:08:20.370 your local law enforcement, file a police report. 00:08:20.769 --> 00:08:22.829 Also, report it to consumer protection agencies 00:08:22.829 --> 00:08:25.410 like the FTC in the US or equivalent bodies elsewhere. 00:08:25.990 --> 00:08:28.009 And the article mentioned trade organizations 00:08:28.009 --> 00:08:31.269 as well. Yes. Step five, inform relevant industry 00:08:31.269 --> 00:08:33.929 trade organizations. Groups like the Anti -Counterfeiting 00:08:33.929 --> 00:08:36.289 Educational Foundation or specific coin dealer 00:08:36.289 --> 00:08:38.789 associations. They track this stuff. Alerting 00:08:38.789 --> 00:08:40.830 them helps protect the whole community, as they 00:08:40.830 --> 00:08:42.950 can issue warnings to their members about specific 00:08:42.950 --> 00:08:45.590 fakes or suspect dealers. OK, and when you're 00:08:45.590 --> 00:08:48.389 reporting this to the authorities, having good 00:08:48.389 --> 00:08:50.889 evidence is crucial, right? Absolutely vital. 00:08:51.269 --> 00:08:54.190 The article emphasizes this. Keep all those purchased 00:08:54.190 --> 00:08:57.570 documents organized. Take clear, well -lit photographs 00:08:57.570 --> 00:09:00.690 of the item, focusing on any suspect areas, the 00:09:00.690 --> 00:09:03.330 markings, the color, any damage from testing. 00:09:03.830 --> 00:09:06.570 Keep records of all communication with the seller. 00:09:06.750 --> 00:09:10.629 dates, times, what was said. This documentation 00:09:10.629 --> 00:09:12.970 is what law enforcement and consumer agencies 00:09:12.970 --> 00:09:15.909 need to build a case. So engaging with law enforcement 00:09:15.909 --> 00:09:18.570 means filing that formal report, giving them 00:09:18.570 --> 00:09:20.730 copies of your evidence, and contacting the trade 00:09:20.730 --> 00:09:23.210 groups helps spread the word. It sounds like 00:09:23.210 --> 00:09:25.230 a coordinated effort. It really needs to be. 00:09:25.309 --> 00:09:27.529 These counterfeit operations can be sophisticated 00:09:27.529 --> 00:09:29.990 and cross borders. The more information authorities 00:09:29.990 --> 00:09:31.970 in the industry have, the better they can fight 00:09:31.970 --> 00:09:34.039 back. This all sounds like, well, it sounds like 00:09:34.039 --> 00:09:35.740 it takes ongoing effort. It's not just a one 00:09:35.740 --> 00:09:37.840 -off check when you buy something. The article 00:09:37.840 --> 00:09:40.659 really hammers home the need for continued vigilance. 00:09:41.080 --> 00:09:43.960 That's exactly right. It's not static. The counterfeiters 00:09:43.960 --> 00:09:46.360 are always trying new things, adapting to detection 00:09:46.360 --> 00:09:48.779 methods. So your awareness has to adapt too. 00:09:48.960 --> 00:09:52.080 How do you stay informed? Well, the article suggests 00:09:52.080 --> 00:09:55.100 following reputable market news sources. Industry 00:09:55.100 --> 00:09:57.820 publications, financial news sites, they often 00:09:57.820 --> 00:10:00.220 report on new counterfeit discoveries or warnings. 00:10:01.000 --> 00:10:03.500 Pay attention to those alerts. What about connecting 00:10:03.500 --> 00:10:05.519 with other buyers? Yeah, that's another great 00:10:05.519 --> 00:10:07.620 point from the source. Joining online precious 00:10:07.620 --> 00:10:10.059 metal forums or communities can be really valuable. 00:10:10.500 --> 00:10:12.620 People share their experiences, good and bad. 00:10:12.840 --> 00:10:14.740 They post photos of fakes they've encountered, 00:10:15.159 --> 00:10:17.659 discuss dealers, share testing tips. You can 00:10:17.659 --> 00:10:19.279 learn a lot from the collective knowledge and 00:10:19.279 --> 00:10:21.799 vigilance of the community. And ultimately, it 00:10:21.799 --> 00:10:24.600 boils down to continuous learning. Maybe attend 00:10:24.600 --> 00:10:26.929 a workshop of ones available. Read articles. 00:10:27.129 --> 00:10:29.710 Stay curious. Regularly review your own buying 00:10:29.710 --> 00:10:31.990 habits and your verification checklist. Don't 00:10:31.990 --> 00:10:34.549 get complacent. Okay, let's tackle a few common 00:10:34.549 --> 00:10:36.889 questions people might have, drawing from the 00:10:36.889 --> 00:10:40.370 FAQs the article touches on. What are those big 00:10:40.370 --> 00:10:42.850 immediate red flags someone should just always 00:10:42.850 --> 00:10:45.009 be on the lookout for? Right, the article does 00:10:45.009 --> 00:10:47.970 some clear giveaways. Number one, prices that 00:10:47.970 --> 00:10:50.169 are way below the current market spot price. 00:10:50.549 --> 00:10:52.870 If it looks too good to be true, it almost certainly 00:10:52.870 --> 00:10:56.100 is. That's probably the biggest red flag. Also, 00:10:56.480 --> 00:10:58.679 sellers with lots of negative reviews, especially 00:10:58.679 --> 00:11:01.460 unresolved complaints about authenticity. Or 00:11:01.460 --> 00:11:03.940 sellers who seem dodgy unwilling to provide clear 00:11:03.940 --> 00:11:06.639 info, no proper documentation, maybe they pressure 00:11:06.639 --> 00:11:09.539 you to buy quickly. Huge warnings. What about 00:11:09.539 --> 00:11:12.559 buying online specifically? It feels riskier 00:11:12.559 --> 00:11:14.799 because you can't hold it first. How do you verify 00:11:14.799 --> 00:11:17.679 them? It does add a layer of challenge. The source 00:11:17.679 --> 00:11:20.950 advises... Request detailed photos and any available 00:11:20.950 --> 00:11:23.450 documentation before you commit to buying. Use 00:11:23.450 --> 00:11:25.789 those online authentication services if applicable. 00:11:26.269 --> 00:11:28.690 But the absolute key the article stresses is 00:11:28.690 --> 00:11:31.470 you must perform your own checks. Visual, weight, 00:11:31.789 --> 00:11:33.950 magnetic, maybe density if possible the moment 00:11:33.950 --> 00:11:36.710 you receive the item. Don't wait and again stick 00:11:36.710 --> 00:11:39.230 to well -known reputable online dealers with 00:11:39.230 --> 00:11:41.629 solid track records. And just a hammer at home 00:11:41.629 --> 00:11:44.149 one last time if you do strongly suspect you've 00:11:44.149 --> 00:11:45.789 received a counterfeit. What's the immediate 00:11:45.789 --> 00:11:49.019 plan? Stop dealing with the seller. Gather all 00:11:49.019 --> 00:11:51.759 evidence, photos, receipts, emails. Report it 00:11:51.759 --> 00:11:54.159 to law enforcement. Report it to consumer protection 00:11:54.159 --> 00:11:56.799 agencies. Report it to industry trade groups. 00:11:57.360 --> 00:12:01.639 Document everything. Act swiftly. Okay. So, wrapping 00:12:01.639 --> 00:12:03.580 up this deep dive, it seems the core message 00:12:03.580 --> 00:12:05.840 is layered. You need to recognize the tricks, 00:12:06.159 --> 00:12:08.779 use specific verification methods, physical checks, 00:12:09.100 --> 00:12:11.019 testing, checking documents, and be really smart 00:12:11.019 --> 00:12:13.679 about where you buy by vetting sellers. Then, 00:12:14.039 --> 00:12:16.840 inspect carefully upon arrival, confirm any certifications, 00:12:17.019 --> 00:12:19.159 and crucially, know the steps for reporting if 00:12:19.159 --> 00:12:21.779 you suspect a fake. Exactly. And remember that 00:12:21.779 --> 00:12:24.179 point about vigilance being ongoing. It's not 00:12:24.179 --> 00:12:27.179 a task you complete once. Because the counterfeiters 00:12:27.179 --> 00:12:29.649 don't stop adapting. Your methods for protecting 00:12:29.649 --> 00:12:31.750 yourself can't afford to stand still either. 00:12:32.169 --> 00:12:34.110 Which leads to maybe a final thought for you, 00:12:34.149 --> 00:12:36.830 the listener, to consider. Knowing that these 00:12:36.830 --> 00:12:39.029 fraudulent methods are constantly shifting, how 00:12:39.029 --> 00:12:41.470 can you develop a personal system, a routine, 00:12:42.049 --> 00:12:44.210 for staying vigilant that adapts just as quickly? 00:12:44.950 --> 00:12:46.870 And thinking about those forums and reporting 00:12:46.870 --> 00:12:49.149 channels, how does sharing information, what 00:12:49.149 --> 00:12:51.730 you learn, and maybe unfortunately what you encounter, 00:12:52.330 --> 00:12:54.830 become a really active part of protecting yourself 00:12:54.830 --> 00:12:56.789 and strengthening the whole community against 00:12:56.789 --> 00:12:57.370 this threat?