Navigating Safely: AI Scams and Social Media Protection

Online fraud and cyberattacks are increasing rapidly, targeting citizens, businesses, and organizations with the intent to steal money and personal data.

One of the most alarming developments is AI-driven voice cloning, where scammers can mimic the voice of a relative or associate to deceive victims within seconds.

While useful, social media poses serious risks—particularly for teenagers, but also for adults who often share more information than necessary.

Prevention is rooted in knowledge: we must verify every suspicious communication, protect our accounts, and cultivate digital alertness. Internet safety is not about fear; it is about proper information and responsibility. The more informed we are, the less vulnerable we become. In the digital world, knowledge is the best defense.

My name is Marios Papaefstathiou. I was born on June 19, 1980, and I reside in Trikala, Thessaly. I am a graduate of the Department of Physical Education and Sports Science at the University of Thessaly, specializing in Special Education. I also hold a Master’s Degree in Education Sciences – Special Education from the University of Nicosia (DOATAP recognized).

My academic background is diverse, including degrees in:

I am a PE80-Economics teacher appointed to Special Education. For the 2022-23 academic year, I am teaching at the ENEEGYL of Trikala (Special Vocational High School). I have previously taught at various Special Education schools (EEEEK) across Greece, including Ptolemaida, Heraklion, Syros, Phthiotis, Magnesia, and Nafpaktos.

My teaching experience extends to higher education and secondary institutions, including the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, the University of Thessaly, various ATEIs, the School of Career Officers (SMY), and the Police Academies of Grevena and Karditsa. I serve as a proctor for in-person and distance learning exams for computers and foreign languages, collaborating with providers such as Vellum, Keucert, Ucert, ECDL, Unicert, Acta, and Diploma.

As a certified E.O.P.P.E.P. adult trainer, I conduct successful seminars at Lifelong Learning Centers (KEK) nationwide (Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras, etc.) and at English-speaking American colleges such as New York College. I also serve as an Examiner for E.O.P.P.E.P. certification exams.

I am deeply involved in Special Education and have completed extensive seminars in Medical Economics, Accounting, IT, Electromechanical Systems, Energy, the Environment, and Braille reading/writing. My current focus lies in Social Media, Digital Marketing, and Artificial Intelligence—subjects I teach frequently—as well as the field of Special Education, which I consider an inexhaustible research field and a vital part of modern education.

My recent technology articles have been published in newspapers and news sites (e.g., Eleftheros Typos) in Greece, Cyprus, and other European countries (e.g., Germany), covering topics such as:

YouTube Channel: Marios Papaefstathiou

Social Media: Marios Papaefstathiou