Florida Man Filed 745 Tax Returns In 4 Years, Collecting $235k In Bogus Refunds

Plus, shocking images show rising sea levels swallowing cities.

The Futurist uncovers unique and inspiring topics that feed your curiosity. Curated articles on technology, science, and culture delivered to your inbox. Not for you? Unsubscribe anytime below. /media CASH APP WANTS TO FUND YOUR NEXT ALBUM Independent artists have found an unlikely wealthy benefactor willing to bankroll their latest project: Cash App. The mobile payment service today launched Cash App Studios, an initiative designed to help independent creatives, including artists, musicians, directors, and designers, fund their projects. Yahoo /hustle SO, YOU WANNA BE A GRAPHIC DESIGNER... Almost every industry needs talented designers to make products and brands shine. If you love to tinker in graphic design or already get paid to do it and want to fine-tune your skills, mastering the ubiquitous Adobe software is essential. PC Mag /money FLORIDA MAN FILED 745 TAX RETURNS IN 4 YEARS, COLLECTING $235K IN BOGUS REFUNDS Most people dread having to file their taxes, but not Damian Barrett. Over a four-year period, the Florida man filed 745 tax returns in 19 different states, according to the IRS. The payoff: $235,000 in tax refunds he wasn't entitled to. Barrett, 40, who pleaded guilty in July to mail fraud, identity theft, and filing false tax returns, was sentenced this week to 4 and a half years in federal prison, according to prosecutors in Oregon, where he had filed 348 returns alone. "I found a flaw in your system, and I took advantage of it," Barrett was quoted in court documents as telling investigators. MarketWatch /lifehack THIS SOLUTION HELPS YOU FALL — AND STAY — ASLEEP WITHOUT ANNOYING NEXT-DAY GROGGINESS Not getting enough sleep disrupts everything: mental clarity, mood, and even our immune system. Not only that — it's tough to remedy. Most sleep solutions come with a caveat (hello, morning grogginess), but not Drops+ Sleep. This is the ultimate sleep hack, backed by 96% of surveyed customers who say that Drops+ Sleep helps them fall asleep and stay asleep. This doctor-formulated supplement combines CBD, CBN, and synergistic terpenes that induce a great night's rest. Take 15% off your first purchase (excluding trials, subscriptions, and bundles) with code SLEEP15. [Partner] /interior @blaireinteriors /wild SHOCKING IMAGES SHOW RISING SEA LEVELS SWALLOWING CITIES Shocking new visualizations by the nonprofit Climate Central shows just how much populated land would be lost to rising sea levels resulting from even a modest amount of global warming. The images produced by the nonprofit show various landmarks around the world at present day, contrasted with the flooding that would occur if global warming continues unabated. Futurism /style PANDEMIC-CHIC GOES MAINSTREAM Are Crocs cool now? We think so, and their rise in popularity seems to indicate others agree. But even if they're not, they're comfy AF, so who cares. Thank 2020 for the opportunity. And thank us for this offer. Get 10% off orders $50+ with code 10OFF50. Crocs /fintech THE MEKAVERSE: AN NFT PROJECT WITH 100K DISCORD MEMBERS IN 48 HOURS When you get 100,000 people to join a Discord, or to be frank, when you can get 100,000 people to all agree to do one thing, it's something to marvel at. When those 100,000 are all crypto-happy and love your art, it's even more impressive. In an exclusive interview with the creators of the MekaVerse, what transpired and caused 100,000 people to support their latest NFT project is revealed; and we learn a little of what goes into creating community hype around an NFT project. Forbes /posted @nunosantos23 /bites Got an international trip coming up? Learn the local language ASAP Set up, manage, and protect Apple devices in minutes with Jamf Now A high-def monocular telescope is an awesome tool for taking long-distance pics with your phone THE FUTURIST Advertise |  Talk to Us  |  Shop |  Unsubscribe |  Our Friends @ The Fanny Pack Powered by StackCommerce 21 Market Street | Venice, CA 90291