Warning to Translators and Interpreters: A New Emotional and Financial Scam Targeting Our Profession

 

In recent months, a new form of scam has emerged, targeting sworn translators and interpreters with increasing frequency. This scam blends emotional manipulation, false urgency, and vague payment promises, all designed to undermine our professional integrity and extract unpaid work or sensitive data.

How the scam works:

1.     The scammer contacts you with a seemingly simple request — often the translation of a birth certificate or similar.

2.   They ask for a quote and express urgency, giving the impression of trust.

3.   After receiving a fair and transparent quote, they begin to negotiate, claiming they can’t afford the full price:

“That’s exactly what I have left in my bank account...”

4.   They "accept" your offer but later contradict themselves, pretending a lower amount was agreed, aiming to destabilize you.

5.    When confronted, they reply vaguely, play the victim, or try to make you feel guilty — and in some cases, vanish with preliminary translations or your professional details.

What’s at risk:

• Identity theft (your name or accreditation being used to deceive others)
• Unpaid work (they may trick you into sending drafts without payment)
• Sensitive information leaks (such as your bank details or signature)
• Reputation damage (they could impersonate you to others)

How to protect yourself:

• Never lower your prices out of pity. Your professional value is not negotiable.
• Always require full payment in advance — no exceptions.
• Do not send drafts or signed versions before payment is received.
• Keep records of all communications, including timestamps and email headers.
• Report the attempt to cybermalveillance.gouv.fr or the French financial intelligence unit (TRACFIN) if money laundering is suspected.
• Notify your Court of Appeal if someone is using your sworn translator credentials without permission.

Final thoughts:

Empathy must not override prudence. We are not charities — we are professionals. Staying informed and connected is the best way to defend our profession against these increasingly subtle scams.

If you’ve experienced something similar, please share your story. Together, we can make our community more resilient.

SAISI

“Complément d'enquête” (Rachida Dati, France’s Minister of Culture): A Reporting Team "Violently Attacked", Legal Complaint Filed

 

How has Rachida Dati, a prominent figure from the Sarkozy era and a diversity icon of the 2000s, managed to remain essential to French political life? For several months, journalists investigated the Minister of Culture — her successes, her failures, and her legal troubles.

What does “Complément d’enquête” reveal about possible ties between Dati and GDF Suez?

In the episode aired on Thursday, June 5 at 11 p.m., France 2 retraces the career of the Minister of Culture and delves into potential conflicts of interest involving the French energy giant.

“You’re pissing me off, I don’t speak with thugs…” — this, essentially, was the only exchange between Rachida Dati and the Complément d’enquête journalist behind the profile aired in the late evening on June 5.

Titled “Rachida Dati: The Relentless Climb”, the 58-minute documentary focuses largely on a well-known chapter of the former Justice Minister’s story: the political rise of a young woman from a family of 11 children, raised in public housing in Chalon-sur-Saône, who would go on to become the first Minister of Justice from an immigrant background to occupy Place Vendôme.

Described in the film’s narration as a “political artist,” Dati is praised by figures such as former Senator Pierre Charon and former Areva president Anne Lauvergeon. But the final third of the documentary addresses a new and serious allegation: did Rachida Dati receive payments from GDF Suez to promote the gas industry’s interests in the European Parliament, where she served as an MEP for ten years (2009–2019)?

Her portrait — as admired by the right-wing electorate as she is feared by her political rivals — is far from flattering. Former Health Minister Agnès Buzyn recounts her own clashes with Dati during the 2020 Paris mayoral campaign. Speaking on camera, Buzyn says that after refusing an alliance, Dati — then mayor of Paris’s 7th arrondissement — changed her attitude and adopted a “violent tone” in text message exchanges. Dati allegedly warned her she would “unleash the dogs” and “destroy [her] campaign.”

No Charges Filed to Date

The Complément d’enquête team revisits several legal matters linked to Dati’s career. Among them: her indictment for passive corruption and influence peddling in favor of Renault-Nissan. However, the most striking revelation — brought to light in collaboration with Le Nouvel Obs — involves suspicions of conflict of interest with GDF Suez dating to the mid-2010s.

“She was never a rapporteur on anything related to energy,” questions former Minister and MEP Corinne Lepage. “That alone points to a new interest in the subject. Why, all of a sudden in 2012, does she ‘discover’ energy? Her strong bias in favor of the gas industry raises serious questions.”

Even more troubling, the journalists unveil accounting records that they believe suggest a financial link between Dati and the energy firm. These documents reportedly come from the law firm STC, co-founded by Xavier de Sarrau, described as close to former President Nicolas Sarkozy.

The documents show that GDF Suez made two gross payments of €149,500 to the law firm in July 2010 and February 2011. These sums were allegedly forwarded by check to Rachida Dati in October 2010 and February 2011 respectively, each labeled “Dati fee GDF Suez.”

The Complément d’enquête and Nouvel Obs teams also reference a spiral notebook seized from the office of Dati’s assistant at the 7th arrondissement town hall. In it, handwritten notes read “GDF 250” next to “Renault 300.” According to the reporters, this is evidence that “250” refers to €250,000 excluding VAT — allegedly paid to Dati in two installments in 2010.

These findings appear to align with invoices seized by investigators during a 2019 search of the 7th arrondissement’s town hall (where Dati has served as mayor since 2008). As of today, no charges have been filed against the current Minister of Culture regarding the GDF Suez affair.

SAISI

The Libora™ Kit to Quit SMOKING and All Similar Products

                                             

1. Effectiveness of the Libora™ Kit

No independent scientific data is available on this kit. Our research revealed neither clinical trials nor scientific reviews specifically about Libora™. The accessible information comes mainly from commercial websites. In practice, health experts consider these “gesture substitutes” (fake cigarettes, breathing pendants) to be mere psychological crutches. For instance, Tabac Info Service states that the anti-smoking breathing pendant is “not a scientifically validated method” for quitting smoking (tabac-info-service.fr). Similarly, a page on smoking cessation notes that these substitutes are “nothing more than a psychological crutch,” with a very low success rate and a high risk of relapse when the object is abandoned (arreter-de-fumer.pagesjaunes.fr). In summary, there is no clinical evidence to support the real effectiveness of the Libora™ kit beyond possible placebo effects.

Key points:

• No independent study has evaluated this device.
• According to official health bodies, the most effective quitting aids are nicotine replacement therapies (patches, gums, etc.) and medications (varenicline, bupropion), while gesture substitutes like Libora™ have no scientific validation (tabac-info-service.fr, arreter-de-fumer.pagesjaunes.fr).
• Gesture substitutes primarily target behavioral addiction; their success rate is generally low (arreter-de-fumer.pagesjaunes.fr), with a high risk of relapse.

2. Components and Functioning of the Libora™ Kit

(Example of an anti-smoking breathing pendant – similar to the Libora™ pendant)

The Libora™ kit is not a medicine nor a homeopathic product: it is a mechanical device. The central element is a hollow metal pendant (usually stainless steel) pierced by an air channel. The user places it in their mouth and inhales through the pendant. The internal air resistance recreates the sensation of drawing on a cigarette, without any combustion or nicotine. By inhaling plain air, the pendant provides tactile feedback that soothes the craving to smoke through simple physical gesture. According to the manufacturer, the kit “contains no chemical substances, nicotine, or other additives,” but works solely through physical stimulation (lerevedegranny.com). Similarly, it can be compared to a “tobacco-free cigarette”: this gesture substitute contains no nicotine (arreter-de-fumer.pagesjaunes.fr) and maintains the habit of smoking without introducing toxic products (arreter-de-fumer.pagesjaunes.fr).

The main components included in the “complete kit” are:

• The Libora™ pendant itself (metallic tube) with its chain or cord.
• A storage pouch marked with the Libora™ logo for transporting the device.
• A digital guide (“ebook”) The Path to Freedom, included with the kit, offering psychological support tips and techniques.

The kit contains no nicotine patches, no herbs, no tablets: its approach is purely behavioral. Other accessories (sold separately) may be offered by the same vendor – for example, tar filters for real cigarettes or a magnetic bracelet – but these are not part of the basic Libora™ kit. In practice, the method relies on “gesture deconditioning”: by simulating the act of smoking without nicotine, Libora™ aims to break the habitual link to cigarettes by eliminating the reflexive craving (arreter-de-fumer.pagesjaunes.fr).

References:

Information on gesture substitutes comes from health organizations (e.g. Tabac Info Service), which underline the lack of clear evidence and recommend instead the established smoking cessation treatments (tabac-info-service.fr, arreter-de-fumer.pagesjaunes.fr). The technical descriptions of the kit come from vendor websites that describe it (absence of nicotine, function based on air resistance) (lerevedegranny.com). These aspects should be put into perspective: in the absence of clinical studies, the true effectiveness of this type of device remains uncertain.

SAISI

Humanity’s Race to Space While Earth Cries for Help

 

Why are we so obsessed with exploring the universe when we haven’t yet understood our own planet — or even ourselves?

This is a question that troubles many thinkers, scientists, and concerned citizens. Despite historic achievements in space — walking on the Moon, building international space stations, preparing missions to Mars — humanity still suffers from deep-rooted problems like poverty, inequality, war, and environmental destruction. We are reaching for the stars while millions cannot reach basic dignity.

The Space Race, Power, and Profit

Space exploration is not only a matter of science and curiosity — it has become a geopolitical and economic race. The Moon and some asteroids contain rare minerals like platinum and helium-3 that could be worth trillions. Private companies and governments alike have realized that whoever controls space resources could dominate future global markets.

One of the loudest voices in this new space frontier is Elon Musk, founder of SpaceX. Musk has publicly stated that he believes the only long-term solution for humanity’s survival is to become a “multi-planetary species”, with Mars as the primary target. He argues that Earth is vulnerable to disasters — whether natural or man-made — and that colonizing Mars is an insurance policy for human civilization.

But this vision, however visionary, raises serious ethical questions. Should we not first fix the systems of injustice, poverty, and destruction here before we dream of exporting them to another planet?

The Political Link: Elon Musk and Donald Trump

Interestingly, Elon Musk has also had political influence. During Donald Trump’s presidency, Musk participated in U.S. state administrative meetings, providing input on business and innovation. According to reports, Trump once told him that he should focus on his companies, but also welcomed him to continue attending government meetings if he wished.

This blending of private business, political power, and space ambitions is troubling for many observers. It shows how space is no longer just a scientific domain — it’s becoming a field where economic and political elites shape humanity’s future.

Earth: Still Unknown, Still Ignored

Despite all our technological progress, most of our oceans remain unexplored. The biodiversity of the planet is declining at alarming rates. Climate change is accelerating. Meanwhile, scientific studies confirm that the world produces enough food to feed everyone — yet millions go hungry due to poor distribution and economic inequality.

We know how to solve these problems. The challenge is not technology — it is political and moral will.

The Psychology of Division

From an evolutionary standpoint, humans tend to think in terms of “us vs. them.” This tribal mindset made sense in early survival contexts but now feeds nationalism, racism, and economic inequality. Add to that short-term thinking, and it becomes clearer why we struggle to address global issues — even when we have the resources to do so.

Yet, behavioral science also shows that when systems are fair, transparent, and based on empathy, people cooperate. Social democracies with universal healthcare, education, and welfare prove that more equitable societies are possible.

What Future Are We Building?

Space exploration has the potential to inspire humanity and protect us from cosmic threats. But if we carry the same inequalities and injustices into space, we will only repeat our mistakes on a larger scale.

So we must ask:

• Why prioritize Mars colonization over ending hunger and war?
• Is discovering new planets more urgent than protecting this one?
• Can we call ourselves an advanced species if we ignore the suffering of billions?

Conclusion: There Is No Planet B (Yet)

Earth is already a paradise in many ways. It provides air, water, life, and beauty. The answer to our problems is not on another planet. It is in how we choose to treat one another, and how we manage what we already have.

The true evolution of humanity will not be measured by how far we go into space, but by how deeply we care for each other here on Earth.

SAISI

📌 Leboncoin: A Platform Increasingly Out of Reach for Sellers?

 

By SAISI

Some platforms offer real help — and others forget there’s a human being behind every transaction.

I’d like to share a frustrating, yet revealing experience with the French site Leboncoin, one of the country’s most widely used marketplaces. My experience raises a simple but crucial question: what do you do when you can no longer reach anyone?

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🔹 A Simple Sale… or So I Thought

A few months ago, I posted an ad to sell something rather ordinary — a rope — for €40. The sale was made in the name of a friend, who unfortunately doesn’t have a bank account. The result? The payment could not be transferred, because Leboncoin requires a bank account in the name of the seller.

I can understand that condition. But what truly concerns me is the complete lack of support or willingness to find a human solution to a very real situation.

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🔹 Two Emails, No Real Answer

I’ve contacted customer service twice. No solution. No human response.

And yet, I wasn’t asking for the moon: simply that the €40 — since we can’t recover it — be used for a good cause, such as a donation to a recognised charity, in this case Entraides Portugaises, a solidarity-based association in France.

That would be an ethical, simple and socially responsible answer.

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🔹 A Platform That’s Become Opaque

The real problem isn’t just the lost money. It’s the system’s opacity.

Today, it’s nearly impossible to contact Leboncoin if something goes wrong. No phone number. No actual person. Just endlessly looping forms. Auto-generated email addresses that never reply.

This algorithmic silence is especially troubling because it affects everyday people, small sales, simple human situations.

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🔹 Why I’m Writing This

I’m writing to inform, warn, and bear witness.

Because I’m almost certainly not the only one experiencing this. And because platforms that claim to “serve individuals” should begin by actually listening to them.

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🔹 Final Thought

I may never see those €40 again. But if this post helps even one person stay alert, better understand the system, or avoid this type of problem, then it will have served a purpose.

And if someone from Leboncoin ever reads this: please remember that behind every transaction is a person. And the foundation of good service is the ability to talk to someone.

SAISI

From Quantum Curiosities to Political Controversies: Navigating a Turbulent World

 

The Confluence of Quantum Curiosities and Political Controversies

In today’s world, the lines between scientific innovation and political upheaval are increasingly blurred. On one hand, we witness nature’s marvels and revolutionary ideas—such as the notion of zero-point energy—challenging our understanding of biology and physics. On the other, polarising political figures like Donald Tramp continue to shape economic and diplomatic landscapes. This article explores both realms, drawing connections between esoteric scientific theories and turbulent policies that impact our societies.

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Quantum Mysteries in Everyday Life

A curious observation in the South of France serves as a metaphor for hidden energies in our environment. As one commentator noted:

"Tous les jours, je peux observer chez moi plusieurs geckos, sorte de petits lézards très présents dans le Sud de la France, défier les lois de la gravité avec un aplomb surprenant. Comment ? Je n'en avais aucune idée jusqu'à la lecture de 'Qu'est-ce que l'énergie du Point Zéro ?'"

This reflection on geckos and gravity opens a window into the broader discussion about zero-point energy. The idea suggests that even at the lowest possible energy state, quantum fluctuations provide a fundamental energy underpinning all matter. For instance, Nassim’s perspective—"les molécules qui composent les cellules qui composent l’organisme biologique sont des systèmes quantiques"—implies that a deeper understanding of these principles might revolutionise not only biology and medicine but our entire conception of life. As one source succinctly put it:

"L’énergie du point zéro est à l’origine de la mécanique quantique, et la mécanique quantique est à l’origine de la fonction moléculaire du système biologique, par conséquent, l’énergie du point zéro peut être fondamentale à la fois pour la MQ et la vie."

Such ideas, once dismissed as far-fetched, are slowly gaining credibility. Consider also the provocative theory regarding the pyramids—not merely tombs, but potential “centrales” of energy—challenging traditional historical narratives and inviting us to rethink ancient ingenuity.

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Modern Scientific Debates: mRNA Injections and Food Safety

Equally compelling are contemporary discussions on biotechnology. A recent broadcast examined the topic of mRNA injections in animals, raising concerns about their eventual presence in the food chain. Experts, including Dr Jean-Marc Sabatier alongside several stakeholders, argued that:

"Les ARNm vont se retrouver dans la viande, le lait, le beurre, le fromage, les oeufs. Nous sommes donc tous concernés."

This commentary has sparked a debate over the legality and ethics of imposing such measures on farmers. Questions have been raised regarding the basis of these mandates—are they underpinned by enforceable legislation or merely administrative directives? The call to reinstate the principles of “consentement éclairé” and hold those administering the injections legally accountable resonates with a growing chorus demanding transparency and responsibility in public health policies.

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Political and Economic Upheaval: The Legacy of a Controversial Leader

Shifting focus to the political arena, we encounter the polarising figure known as Donald Tramp. His unconventional strategies and rhetoric have not only influenced domestic policies but have also triggered significant economic repercussions. Many contend that today’s Americans are paying a steep price for his arguably misguided actions. For instance, the sharp downturn observed on Wall Street following some of his more bombastic announcements reflects broader market anxieties.

Moreover, when Trump accused the Ukrainian president of threatening to spark a world war, many argued that his forthright—if controversial—approach contrasted sharply with what they perceived as a weaker stance from his counterpart. This has fuelled provocative debates about leadership styles and their impact on global stability. Figures such as Elon Musk have also been cited as unconventional advisors, whose innovative and sometimes unorthodox ideas further blur the boundaries between business, technology, and statecraft.

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Global Perspectives and the Role of Artificial Intelligence

Across the world, various artificial intelligence systems—from those developed in China and Europe to other leading models—are beginning to offer analyses that bridge the gap between scientific breakthroughs and political strategy. These systems underscore a convergence of ideas: that advancements in quantum mechanics and bioengineering are intrinsically linked to political decisions affecting global economies. Their discourse suggests a future where policy-making may be informed by predictive analytics and interdisciplinary research, potentially mitigating the adverse impacts of economic warfare and political miscalculations.

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Conclusion

Today’s challenges and opportunities are deeply interwoven. From the mysterious energies that animate both biological systems and ancient monuments to the disruptive political manoeuvres of figures like Donald Tramp and the influential guidance of advisors such as Elon Musk, the future appears as uncertain as it is promising. Whether through the lens of quantum physics or geopolitical strategy, the pursuit of knowledge and accountability remains our most potent tool in navigating an increasingly complex world.

As we reflect on these dynamic forces, it becomes clear that embracing interdisciplinary insights—bolstered by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence—will be crucial in shaping a more informed and resilient global society. Further information and discussion on these topics will undoubtedly continue to evolve, inviting us all to remain engaged and critically informed.

SAISI

Unity and Respect for the Rules of the Portuguese Language in Official Documents

 I would like to highlight that the Portuguese language is unique, and all countries that use it – namely Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, and others – must respect the officially established writing standards, especially in the context of official documents. By adopting Portuguese as the official language, these countries commit to preserving the precepts of the standard language, ensuring clarity and effectiveness in institutional communication.

It is important to emphasize that while the natural variations of the language enrich our language, the main difference lies particularly in the treatment of Portuguese in Brazil. Unlike other former colonial countries, Brazil must rigorously adhere to the official writing rules. This uniformity is essential to ensure the understanding and legal security of documents and administrative processes.

Recently, it has been noted that platforms like Google and other translation services have started using expressions like “Portuguese from Portugal” and “Brazilian Portuguese.” However, it is crucial to stress that "Brazilian Portuguese" does not exist as a distinct variant, as Brazil, throughout its history, has adapted the Portuguese language to its cultural and regional characteristics. Portuguese is unique, and its variations are natural and reflect the specific contexts of each country. However, this adaptation should not be confused with the creation of a new language, which causes confusion and distorts the linguistic reality. Therefore, it is necessary to reflect on how this issue is being treated in the media and digital platforms to ensure that misconceptions do not perpetuate, potentially undermining the unity of the Portuguese language.

In my professional activity, I have found that the insistence on differentiating expressions from diverse contexts can lead to misinterpretations and unnecessary treatment of lexical variations. These variations, which reflect the cultural and historical diversity of our language, should be valued as long as they are used in accordance with the rules that govern formal writing.

Some practical examples that illustrate the need to respect the norms are:

• The use of "Escrevente Autorizada" instead of "Escrivão," both valid expressions representing distinct contexts and lexical traditions, but that should be used in a way that respects the norm;
• The spelling "Registro" instead of "Registo," a variation that results from different orthographic practices but requires a consistent application of the established writing rules;
• The choice between "Vérifier" and "Confirm," which can vary according to stylistic preference, without compromising communicational clarity, as long as official writing standards are strictly followed.

Proposals:

1. Promote the recognition that Portuguese is a single language, valuing the natural variations while emphasizing that all Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly Brazil, due to its colonial background, must respect the writing norms that ensure the clarity and effectiveness of official documents.
2. Adapt official documents in a way that integrates linguistic variations coherently, ensuring strict adherence to writing standards.
3. Develop guidelines that reinforce respect for the Portuguese language rules in all its manifestations, preserving the unity of the language and ensuring legal and communicational security in legal and administrative contexts.

Thank you for your attention to this reflection, which aims to strengthen the identity, cohesion, and respect for the rules of the Portuguese language.

SAISI