Wealthy Los Angeles residents are reportedly paying up to $10,000 a day for private firefighters to protect their homes, sparking outrage over the unequal access to fire safety during emergencies. Meanwhile, concerns are growing over deepfake AI scams, as seen in the case of a French woman who lost £700K to a fake "Brad Pitt." More on these stories in today’s Money Making Moves:

> Wildfires in Los Angeles have destroyed over 12,000 homes and claimed 24 lives, sparking outrage over wealthy homeowners hiring private firefighting services for up to $10,000 daily to protect their properties. Critics argue these services deplete resources and highlight systemic inequalities, with public backlash intensifying after high-profile figures like Keith Wasserman and Adam Leber used private crews to safeguard their mansions. While some defend these actions as using private resources, others view them as emblematic of privilege in shared disasters, deepening societal divides. Union leaders and officials have raised concerns over the training and coordination of private crews, questioning their impact on public firefighting efforts.

>Over 400 Washington Post staffers have written to Jeff Bezos, the paper’s owner, asking him to intervene after a tumultuous year marked by leadership crises, talent departures, and subscriber losses. The letter expressed alarm over decisions that undermined the paper's integrity, transparency, and competitive edge, calling for Bezos to meet with Post leaders and provide clear direction. Recent controversies include a break from tradition by not endorsing a presidential candidate, which led to subscription cancellations and criticism of leadership under CEO Will Lewis. While some staffers see Bezos' involvement as crucial, others argue the paper's struggles stem from broader business challenges facing legacy media.

> As wildfires devastate Los Angeles, companies, celebrities, and organizations have pledged significant donations to aid relief efforts, with Netflix, Comcast, and Anthem Blue Cross committing $10 million each. Other major contributors include Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Google, each pledging $15 million, while Kroger, Walmart, and Amazon have also offered substantial financial and logistical support. Celebrities like Jamie Lee Curtis, Beyoncé, and Paris Hilton have personally donated or created relief funds, highlighting the community’s efforts to rebuild. Amid the destruction, including the loss of thousands of homes and at least 24 lives, donations aim to support first responders, displaced residents, and long-term recovery.

Selling stock photos is an easy way to make money if you enjoy photography, requiring only a camera or even a smartphone to get started. For those interested in aerial photography, using a drone can open up additional opportunities with minimal overhead costs. This niche service is in high demand among clients like real estate agents and wedding planners, allowing you to charge competitive, premium rates. With minimal setup expenses and growing market interest, it’s a profitable venture for aspiring photographers.

Completing online surveys is a simple side hustle to earn extra cash during your downtime. While the income isn’t substantial or consistent, it’s an easy way to make money while waiting in line or watching TV. Most surveys take just a few minutes, with longer ones offering slightly higher payouts. To get started, sign up on platforms like Swagbucks or Toluna, fill out your profile, and wait for survey opportunities tailored to you.

> Americans' credit card debt hit a record $1.17 trillion in Q3 2024, marking a $24 billion increase from the previous quarter, even as delinquency rates showed a slight decline. Nearly 28% of holiday shoppers are still paying off balances from last year—a modest improvement from 2023. Retirees have also faced growing financial strain, with 68% carrying credit card debt in 2024 as inflation drives up living costs. Looking ahead, Mastercard is working to modernize payment security by 2030, replacing card numbers and static passwords with advanced biometric systems and tokenization for safer, smoother online transactions. To improve your credit knowledge, click here.

> A 53-year-old French woman, Anne, was scammed out of £700,644.50 (€830,000) by an imposter posing as Brad Pitt, who used doctored photos and AI-generated videos to exploit her vulnerability after a divorce. The scammer claimed financial hardship and medical issues, prompting Anne to transfer large sums, believing she was helping the Hollywood star. Her fantasy unraveled in 2024 when media reports revealed Pitt’s real relationship, sending Anne into a deep depression. This case highlights the dangers of deepfake technology, prompting the UK government to announce new legislation criminalizing sexually explicit deepfakes, with penalties of up to two years in prison to better protect victims, particularly women and girls.

> Martha Kilner became a teacher in 2002, inspired by her psychology studies and a dissertation on dyslexia in children. Despite her passion for teaching, balancing the demanding job with her family life after having three children proved unsustainable, leading to stress, health issues, and ultimately a panic attack. During the COVID-19 lockdown, she discovered a new direction through online crochet tutorials and later transitioned into a virtual assistant role, using her skills in organization, marketing, and business support. Now, Martha enjoys a better work-life balance, earning more while working fewer hours, being present for her children, and experiencing improved health.