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VPNs that spy on you
Using a VPN? Better make sure it’s not on this list.
VPNs are supposed to keep you safe. They encrypt your internet traffic and hide your location from hackers, ISPs and creepy ad trackers.
But what if the app was secretly collecting browsing data, location, everything you type, anything you do, then selling it all to who knows who?
You guessed it. Researchers just flagged at least 21 free VPN apps for being dangerously insecure and misleading. They look totally different on the surface, i.e., security-centric names, flashy logos and even glowing customer reviews. Spoiler: Some are linked to communist China.
⚠️ These aren’t obscure apps
These VPNs racked up almost a billion downloads on the Apple App Store and Google Play. That’s huge.
Here are the VPNs to delete right now:
Turbo VPN, Turbo VPN Lite, VPN Monster, VPN Proxy Master, VPN Proxy Master – Lite, Snap VPN, Robot VPN, SuperNet VPN, VPNIFY, VPN Proxy OvpnSpider, WireVPN – Fast VPN & Proxy, Now VPN, Speedy Quark VPN, Best VPN Proxy AppVPN, HulaVPN, PearlVPN, Signal Secure VPN, VPN Guru, SmartVPN, iRocketVPN, and LinkVPN.
🚫 How to remove a shady VPN
Simply deleting these apps isn’t enough. You need to do more. Note: I’ve checked the steps, but these may vary depending on your device’s make, model and operating system version.
📱 On iPhone and iPad:
- Tap and hold the app icon, then select Remove App > Delete App.
- Go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management. If you see a VPN configuration tied to the app, tap it and hit Delete VPN.
- Restart your phone to clear any cached data.
Dirty little secrets
🐾 My pick: Cordless handheld vacuum & air duster (43% off)
One vac to rule them all. Crumbs in your car? Check. Keyboard dust? Gone. And the pet hair on your couch? Like it was never there.
🧼 Toilet bowl cleaners (38% off, six-pack): Deodorizes, descales and keeps your porcelain throne worthy of royalty.
🐜 Indoor ant killer & bug spray (33% off): Creepy crawlies don’t pay rent. With this kit, you’ll send them packing.
💖 Laundry room containers (23% off): Plastic bags aren’t a vibe. Upgrade to these stylish bins for your pods, sheets and boosters.
🚮 Drawstring trash bags (17% off): Bestsellers for a reason. No rips or weird smells, just clean disposal every time.
✅ Staples that never fail me: Click here for the things I grab again and again because they just work. Then explore the rest of my Amazon storefront.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
ChatGPT, your secret eBay sidekick
You know that thrill of finding something on eBay for way less than it should cost and the “Yes, I am the deal master” feeling? Here’s where ChatGPT or your favorite AI bot shines. It helps you find the hidden gems that no one else is seeing.
💸 Save on gadgets: Amazon Renewed sells open-box, pre-owned and refurbished tech from big brands. You can find deals on iPhones, MacBooks, headphones, gaming consoles and more. Best part? Everything’s tested and inspected, so it looks almost new. And if something doesn’t work out, you’ve got a 90-day guarantee to fall back on.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
🙂 Don’t worry, be happy: Or just move to Hawaii, Maryland or Nebraska. Those are apparently the three happiest states, where the biggest stress is whether your corn’s tall enough, your crab’s spicy enough or your mai tai’s strong enough. WalletHub crunched 30 metrics (depression, income, job security) and crowned the trio champs of health, wealth and vibes.
Is ChatGPT the smartest entity on earth?
Sam Altman claims ChatGPT is smarter than people. Is he right, or is true intelligence still only human?
$20,000
That’s what a contractor in Maine had to pony up for violating a lakeshore ordinance. He says he checked with the town first, but they fined him anyway. His revenge? Paying the entire thing in coins, 12,000 pounds worth. Now the town’s thinking of charging him a handling fee to count it. Ever heard of Coinstar, guys?
❌ Delete bloatware on Windows 11: Your PC comes preloaded with apps you’ll never use. They waste space and can slow performance by running in the background. Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps. Scroll the list, click the three-dot menu on an app (like Xbox Live) and hit Uninstall. Just be careful not to touch system apps.
Two numbers, one phone, total control
Keep your old phone number while getting a new one with Google Voice. Forward calls and texts seamlessly, dodge spam, and manage both numbers from the same phone.
⏱️ Pressure’s on: Apple Watches that track hypertension just got FDA approval and start rolling out today. The watch monitors your cardiovascular patterns over 30 days and alerts you if your blood pressure looks like it’s creeping too high. It’s not a replacement for a doctor or a real cuff, but it could be a game changer for the millions who don’t know they’re at risk. The feature is coming to Series 9, Ultra 2 and all future models, and yes, your wrist might just save your life.
Movin’ and groovin’
🎶 My pick: Bluetooth FM transmitter (20% off)
Old ride, new tricks. Plug it into your cigarette lighter and you’ve got streaming, hands-free calls and a fast charger in one.
📱 Tablet holder car mount (32% off): Turns your back seats into a rolling movie theater. Cue the Netflix marathons.
📍 AirTag holders (15% off, four-pack): Clip, snap, done. All those “Where’d I put that?” moments are history.
🧳 Carry-on luggage (22% off): Hard shell, smooth wheels. This bag’s built for sprinting to the gate without the struggle.
🚗 Car trunk organizer (15% off): Collapsible, sturdy and actually stays put, unlike that box you’ve been using.
✈️ Pack it, stack it, roll out: See the rest of my travel picks on my Amazon page. Everything from organizers to data blockers is all there.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
The cyberstalker inside her own home
A teen’s life was turned upside down when anonymous messages flooded her phone. The shocking truth? The harasser was closer than anyone imagined. George, your AI host, breaks down this chilling story along with UFOs deflecting U.S. missiles, AI startups pumping out thousands of podcasts weekly, and essential device tips to speed up your gadgets, protect your privacy, and make your tech work smarter.
Charlie Chaplin’s in theaters after 100 years
Charlie Chaplin famously rereleased his 1925 silent classic The Gold Rush in 1942 with new narration and edits, believing it would connect better with modern audiences. Now, thanks to film archivists and AI, the silent masterpiece has been painstakingly restored. The 4K version just premiered at Cannes and hit 250 theaters worldwide.
🔥 Email land mines: Your emails might feel polite, but phrases like “per my last email” or “thanks in advance” can make you sound like a corporate arsonist. Executive coaches say these slipups read passive-aggressive, erode trust and cost promotions. The fix? Cut the fluff, set clear asks and maybe stop accidentally weaponizing your correspondence.
👨🏻💼 Stop LinkedIn spam: If you’re flooded with unwanted message requests, lock down your profile. Go to Settings & Privacy > Data privacy > Who can reach you > Messages and toggle off Message requests. Don’t want random invites either? Go back to Who can reach you > Invitations to connect and toggle Only people in your Imported Contacts.
Delete a selfie? Facebook saw it
A former exec says Facebook tracked teen girls deleting photos, then pushed beauty ads right when they felt vulnerable. Plus, New York City is testing crime-predicting AI, and Ken from Ohio shares how his Apple Watch saved his life.
Your weekend yard crew starts here
⚡ My pick: Portable mosquito repeller (21% off)
Bite back against bugs. This creates a 15-foot “no-fly zone,” so you can chill on your patio without becoming a bug buffet.
😎 Polarized sunglasses (30% off): Choose from 14 styles without paying designer prices. 4.4 stars and 34K+ reviews.
💚 Soil moisture meter (15% off): Green thumb? This tells you exactly what your plants need because data > guessing.
💦 Sprinkler irrigation timer (5% off): Set it and forget it. Plus, there’s a rain delay mode that saves water and money.
🌱 Weed puller tool (20% off): Stand tall while you yank out dandelions and crabgrass. It gets the roots and saves your back.
🛒 Want more gear like this? Click here for today’s best outdoor deals. I’ve handpicked my favorites worth grabbing on my Amazon shop.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
📄 Type faster in Google Docs: Instead of retyping long phrases, create shortcuts that expand into full text. Go to Tools > Preferences > Substitutions and tick Automatic substitution. To add your own, type “YTV” under Replace and “YouTube video” under With, then hit OK. Next time you type YTV, it auto-changes to YouTube video. Nice.
A smart tip to help protect your retirement savings: With the economy so unpredictable, I don’t put all my eggs in one basket. I protect a portion of my savings with real gold and silver from Goldco. And right now, Goldco is giving up to 10% back in FREE silver when you open a qualified account.