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Hackers want you to make this mistake
If you’re about to take a flight, pause for one hot second before you slide your phone into that shiny airport USB port. Both the FBI and FTC are waving red flags: Public charging stations can be straight-up hacker bait.
The scam has a name, juice jacking, and no, it’s not a new energy drink. That’s where hackers use those public USB ports to sneak malware onto your device. Once they’re in, they can lock you out, steal your passwords or worse.
And no, this isn’t some fringe theory. Here’s how to charge without turning your phone into a hacker buffet:
⚠️ Skip the sketchy USB ports
If it’s a USB port you don’t own, don’t trust it. Charging via a USB cable can transfer data, not just power. If there’s a regular wall outlet, use it with your own plug. Safer and faster.
✅ Go wireless when you can
Many newer public charging stations offer wireless pads, and they’re way safer. No data is exchanged, so malware can’t hitch a ride. It’s slower than wired charging, but worth the peace of mind.
🔌 Bring a charge-only cable
If USB is your only option, use a charge-only cable. These handy little cords ($10) only deliver power, no data transfer possible. They’re a must-pack for frequent travelers.
🚫 Never tap “Trust this device”
If that pop-up shows up on a sketchy plug like a clingy ex asking for a second chance? Slam “No,” or “Don’t allow,” or back away slowly.
You’re not here to fall in love with malware, you’re just trying to hit 35% battery.
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Head-to-toe glow
🧽 You’re about to clean up without breaking a sweat.
- Wow, you could save $100 on Dyson’s Airstrait straightener (20% off).
- This scalp massager ($7) helps scrub away all that dandruff.
- Sanitize up to five toothbrushes with a wall-mounted holder (27% off).
- The Pink Stuff (5% off) deep cleans your toilet bowl in just 10 minutes.
- Smudgy screen? This cleaning cloth (36% off) is great for large monitors.
- These pre-wet sponges ($10) make dirty shoes look like new.
😌 Stock up: Don’t miss Amazon’s Memorial Day sale for more personal care steals you’ll actually use.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
How AI is reshaping stock photography
Photographers and illustrators ask me this question a lot: “Kim, is AI going to take my job?” The answer? It’s tricky. Yes, there’s growing competition between AI and human artists. But if you’re smart about using AI, it can become your secret weapon.
Watch TV for $0: You can watch shows and movies for free — no credit card required. Subscribe to Clark.com’s free newsletter to receive more must-have money tips every day.
☁️ When performance, security and reliability matter, businesses turn to Oracle Cloud Infrastructure. OCI delivers blazing-fast speeds, built-in AI and rock-solid security without the sky-high cost. See if you qualify to get your cloud bill cut in half today!
Deepfake p*rn is now a crime
The Take It Down Act is a big win for victims, but good luck getting shady sites to actually take your image down.
18 to 24 months
That’s how long it took people to stop Googling “Twitter login.” Elon Musk did a switcheroo with Twitter’s name and replaced it with “X.” Google searches for “X login” have finally pulled ahead. So yes, brand recognition does come … eventually. Just don’t expect some to stop calling it “Tweeter.”
📞 Talk to a human: Head to this site next time you need to find the right customer service number. They list everything from airlines to dating apps and stores. Bookmark it now and thank yourself later when you reach a real person.
Your .edu email gets you 3 big freebies
It’s not only for logging into class. That school address unlocks free software that normally costs thousands.
📱 ChatGPT is getting physical: OpenAI just dropped $6.4 billion (in stock, because vibes) to buy Jony Ive’s startup, io, the AI device shop he built with ex-Apple folks. Ive’s crew is now officially part of OpenAI, blending brains and beauty to make AI hardware less “black box” and more “please actually use me.”
Clutter crushers
📦 Kick that mess to the curb in style.
- These space-saving hangers (30% off) are perfect for small rooms.
- Protect your nice dishes with some sturdy storage boxes (7% off).
- Snag a foldable jewelry case (10% off) that won’t tangle your bling.
- Haul up to 330 pounds with ease using a foldable wagon (19% off).
- No tools needed. This soap dish tray ($13) sticks right to your wall.
- Doggy business? Clip a poop bag holder ($13) right onto your leash.
🛍️ I can’t live without these: I reorder these 20 little game changers all the time. They’ll make your life easier, too.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
23andMe data sold for $256M
Your DNA is now in the hands of biotech giant Regeneron. They say they’ll protect it. Plus, Owen Wilson deepfake scams, Meta lets fraud off the hook, and phone-free vacations. Got T-Mobile? Here’s how to claim your part of the $350M data breach settlement.
40-foot submarine-hunting drone
The “BlueWhale” uses special sensors to spot underwater and surface threats, and can help clear mines. The cool bit? It’s fully autonomous and runs on batteries for weeks. Basically, a Roomba’s scarier cousin with serious military vibes.
🦈 Shark fisherman saves the day: Yes, there is such a thing. A shark fisherman (who can’t swim) saved a girl caught in a rip current by airdropping a flotation device with a drone. His first flotation drop missed. Luckily, round 2 was a direct hit. Lifeguards don’t patrol that part of Pensacola Beach, and drones aren’t even allowed farther down. The EMS said it straight: Without him, she wouldn’t be alive.
Fix ghosting on Kindle: Seeing a faint outline of the previous page after you turn it? That’s because your Kindle isn’t fully refreshing the screen. To fix it, go to All Settings > Home and Library > Reading Options and toggle on Page refresh. It may slightly affect battery life, but the display will look much cleaner.
Deepfake Elon stole millions — May 17th, Hour 1
Want billions like Musk? Don’t fall for this crypto scam. Some people are paying $217K to freeze their bodies. I’ll also share five signs your phone might be tapped. Plus, I talk to Randy from Oregon, who wants to cash in on a viral video.
Vroom vroom
🚗 That’s the sound of your next trip starting strong.
- Let your phone and small stuff ride shotgun with a bike bag (8% off).
- Flat tires? A portable inflator (24% off) lets you skip the gas station stop.
- Grab a two-pack of floor mat cleaners (5% off) to scrub away all that dirt.
- Forget melting ice, a car fridge (15% off) keeps your drinks cool for longer.
- This key organizer (15% off) holds up to eight of your keys and a car fob.
- Feel safer while you’re parked with a steering wheel lock (28% off).
🇺🇸 Memorial Day savings: Here’s that special link to save big on the best gadgets for your ride.
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▶️ My favorite price is free: Pro video-editing software usually comes with a pro-level price tag, unless you know where to look. Kdenlive is free, open-source and gets new updates all the time. This gem works with Windows, Mac and Linux.
Getting weird Ring emails? You’re not alone. People are receiving legit Ring account sign-up messages they never asked for, and some of the usernames include racist slurs. It looks like hackers got hold of a bunch of stolen email addresses. If one lands in your inbox, don’t click anything. Just delete it.