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Grandma got played, but not by bingo
Let me tell you a true story that’ll shake you and hopefully protect someone you love from heartbreak or a well-rehearsed scam call.
It happened to a 90-year-old grandmother in Nashville. She picked up the phone because that’s what she’s always done. On the other end was a young woman, her voice trembling, the connection staticky. “Grandma, help! I was in a car accident. I need you to talk to a lawyer right now.”
Her granddaughter Amanda had just graduated from Auburn University. The voice? Familiar enough, especially with the poor signal. And Amanda calling from an emergency? Of course, Grandma was going to listen.
Next comes the ‘lawyer’
He said Amanda needed $6,000 immediately or she could end up in serious legal trouble. So the woman did what any terrified grandmother might do … she complied. She went to the bank and withdrew the cash.
An “errand person” came to her house and picked up the money. Yes, you read that right. Someone came to her front door. That’s how elaborate this scam was.
But later that night, something gnawed at her. She called the number again and said, “I want to talk to my granddaughter.” The scammer hung up. That’s when she dialed the real Amanda and realized the heartbreaking truth.
The good news
Amanda was OK. Her voice was deepfaked by the scammers. The bad news was Grandma was scammed out of $6,000. Lied to. Manipulated. Her family was furious, not at the scammer, but at her.
She said her daughters made her feel embarrassed, even ashamed, she fell for such a scam. That might be the worst part of this entire story.
Let me say this loud and clear: It is not her fault. This wasn’t a mistake, it was a targeted heist. A well-rehearsed act designed to prey on love and urgency.
You need to do this
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How the Vatican is locking down the conclave
You think keeping a secret in today’s world is tough? Try running one of the most important elections on the planet while dodging drones, AI surveillance and a smartphone in every pocket.
When Pope Francis passed away, the Vatican went into immediate lockdown mode to protect the conclave, the centuries-old process where cardinals vote to elect the next pope. Let me tell you, the security isn’t just tight. It’s basically a Tom Clancy novel on espresso.
⚡️ 3-second tech genius: Use Shift + click to select multiple browser tabs and move or close them all at once.
🏠 Real estate’s shady practice: Some agents are using secret signals to keep commissions high. Sellers used to pay 5% to 6%, split between both agents. But starting Aug. 17, they’ll be banned from discussing commission splits in home listings. The work-around? Hidden clues, like three cookies in a photo to hint at a 3% cut.
Minority Report tech is here
The MTA is testing AI cameras that analyze body language to spot danger before it unfolds. Is this a sci-fi premonition come true?
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🚨 Fake health insurance: Scammers are offering “discounted” medical plans that don’t actually cover anything but your steady descent into rage headaches. Red flags? Pressure to act fast or promises of free services that sneak in extra fees. PSA: Look up the provider on the Better Business Bureau to check if an offer is legit.
$4.75 Billion
That’s how much Jeff Bezos is cashing in by selling his Amazon shares. The former Amazon overlord, who’s long since traded in Seattle drizzle for space travel and strategic newspaper edits, is selling some of his Amazon stock like it’s a garage sale at a billionaire’s mansion. Is he prepping for married life?
Cluckin’ wild
The Minecraft movie is meh, but Jack Black’s unhinged chicken ballad, “Steve’s Lava Chicken,” shot up to # 78 on Billboard’s Hot 100. It’s now the shortest song ever to hit the famed list, clocking in at 34 seconds, making it both a record and maybe a cry for help for our attention spans. Listen here, you have been warned.
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🌻 Shop my Mother’s Day Ultimate Gift List now. You’ll find the perfect gift for the special person in your life.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
🐓 Cluckin’ wild: The Minecraft movie is meh, but Jack Black’s unhinged chicken ballad, “Steve’s Lava Chicken,” shot up to # 78 on Billboard’s Hot 100. It’s now the shortest song ever to hit the famed list, clocking in at 34 seconds, making it both a record and maybe a cry for help for our attention spans. Listen here, you have been warned.
Apple Watch saves a surfer’s life
Swept out to sea, he used his watch to call for help. A rescue chopper came fast.
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🗣️ ¿Hola, como estas? Live translation is coming to AirPods later this year with the iOS 19 update (paywall link), real-time convo decoding straight into your ears. Your iPhone talks, your AirPods whisper. It’s Google Translate meets sci-fi earpiece meets coffee shop small talk in multiple languages. As the Germans say, das is pretty cool.
NYC wants subway cams to predict trouble: The MTA is piloting AI that watches for risky behavior before a crime happens. If someone’s acting off, it can alert police in real time so they can respond faster. FYI: The new system won’t rely on facial recognition. It’s strictly focused on behavior, not people. Well, at least for now.
🏠 Hackers are targeting homes, not just bank accounts: With just a few clicks, cybercriminals can steal your home title and rack up huge loans in your name. It’s one of the fastest-growing crimes in America. Home Title Lock is your watchdog, monitoring and protecting your most valuable asset. Sign up with code KIM to get a free home title history report and a 14-day trial of their Million Dollar Triple Lock Protection.
Can ChatGPT mess with your mind?
Some users are spiraling into delusions, claiming the AI gave them a sacred mission. It’s being called “ChatGPT-induced psychosis.” Plus: Physical buttons are making a comeback in cars, AirPods will soon translate languages, and Shark has recalled some pressure cookers.
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1 billion
The number of humanoids Morgan Stanley expects to exist by 2050. Yes, that’s one bot for every eight people on Earth. So if your coworker gets replaced by a robot, don’t panic, statistically, so will you. If you’re picturing WALL-E with better knees and worse social skills, you’re not far off.
47%
The drop in total apps on Google Play since early 2024. The Play Store went from 3.4 million apps to 1.8 million in just over a year. Less of a spring cleaning, more of a digital purge. If your flashlight app disappeared, now you know why. It’s not looking so hot for app developers.
Neuralink’s third implant
Brad Smith, a father of three, is Neuralink’s third implant recipient and the first nonverbal patient to get it. Hear his amazing update in this short podcast.
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