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Scam in the skies
I am hearing more and more reports about a certain travel scam that is not making the tech sites or mainstream news.
A “travel agent” or travel site selling fake plane tickets. You pay real cash for a flight that doesn’t actually exist, like booking a table at a restaurant that burned down in 2006.
Let’s break this down so you don’t accidentally vacation your identity into a black hole.
🚩 Sneaky setup
You search for tickets online or reply to a scam email. Overwhelmed by all the travel sites and apps, you choose what seems like a trustworthy source with awesome prices.
Maybe you end up emailing, chatting or talking to someone who promises they can get you a great rate on a ticket. So you hand over your name, phone number and payment details.
Using your information, they book what you think is a confirmed seat and say you’re good to go. You, the savvy shopper, go to the airline’s website and enter the flight information. Sweet, there’s your seat. You pat yourself on the back for saving money and consider your travel booked.
🥶 Two weeks later…
You try to check in for your flight. Except … you can’t. There’s no ticket. Never was. Turns out these crooks just made a seat reservation — they never paid for an actual ticket.
And now? You’re not going to Cabo. You’re going to Rage Town. Population: You.
Hopefully, you find this out long before you’re standing at an airport customer service counter, suitcase in hand! Either way, you’re out the money and the airline ticket.
😡 Outsmarting human malware
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.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
This is worse than spam calls
Most people have never heard of companies like Mobilewalla or Gravy Analytics, but they know you.
The FTC just clamped down on these two for secretly vacuuming up people’s real-time location data without consent. Not just estimated neighborhoods or passing GPS flickers.
DIY on the cheap: Some local libraries rent out power tools. Who knew? If you’re planning a summer project, it’s worth stopping by your nearest branch to ask.
T-Mobile payout: Remember the 2021 data breach that exposed info from 76 million people? A class action lawsuit followed, and T-Mobile agreed to a $350 million settlement. Good news: Checks are going out this month. If you were part of the lawsuit, you could get back your losses or a flat payment of $25. Nothing says I’m sorry like a Chipotle bowl and a bottle of CVS wine.
Don’t fall for Facebook or Instagram scams
See a great deal on your feed? Here’s why it could be a slick scams that takes your money fast.
3x
The increased odds of developing Parkinson’s if you live within 2 miles of a golf course. Why? Heavy pesticide use. Critics aren’t entirely convinced, calling the link “reductive.” It’s enough to make you think twice before dreaming of that house overlooking the 18th hole.
⚡️ 3-second tech genius: Use Ctrl + L on PC or Cmd + L on Mac in your browser to jump straight to the address bar, ready to type or paste.
One inbox for everything
Tired of missing bill alerts and repair requests? Set up a shared email for all the important stuff.
🤖 Gemini gets beefy: At tomorrow’s Google I/O conference, I expect to see the next-gen Gemini Ultra and two heavier subscription tiers. Also coming: AI agents that browse the web for you (finally someone to blame for your weird search history), shelf-worthy Android tweaks and some spicy fake podcast upgrades. Also on deck: XR smart glasses collab with Samsung.
Gourmet gear
👩🍳 Cooking is way more fun with the right stuff.
- These stretchy food huggers ($18) keep your fruits and veggies fresh.
- Grab a four-pack of ice cube trays (10% off) to pop ’em without twisting.
- Messy microwave? This splatter cover (5% off) means less cleanup later.
- Shave your cheese and more with a handheld rotary grater (20% off).
- Meat lovers, BBQ like a pro using a set of shredder claws (41% off).
🦖 Jurassic breakfast: This mini-waffle maker (30% off) turns batter into dinosaur-shaped treats in minutes.
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.
Meta’s scam spiral: Facebook and Instagram reportedly ran God only knows how many shady ads tied to scams from fake food giveaways to nonexistent golden retrievers. Internal docs say the company avoided cracking down to keep the $$$ flowing. JPMorgan says half of Zelle scam complaints lead straight back to Meta. Turns out “move fast and break things” meant “let’s break trust.”
🎨 Need stunning photos? I’ve used Dreamstime for years, and for good reason. Whether you’re building a website, designing a presentation or just need the perfect pic for social media, Dreamstime has millions of royalty-free images that won’t break the bank.
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.
Computer goals
👩💻 “Kim, what are your laptop and desktop recs?” I got you:
- This HP laptop ($350) comes with a lifetime Microsoft Office license.
- I use a Dell Inspiron 3030 ($838) as my workstation in Santa Barbara.
- The battery on the latest 13-inch MacBook Air ($849) lasts 18 hours.
- Snag a Dell XPS 13 ($1,600) that can support two external monitors.
- Gamers, Asus’ ROG Strix G16CH ($1,889) is made with you in mind.
💻 Before you log off: Check out 15 more picks on my new Amazon page to fit your budget and needs.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
🔗 Don’t connect your socials: Unless you’re an influencer, it’s best to keep your accounts separate. Linking apps, like putting your Instagram in your Facebook bio, makes it easier for stalkers to track your life and location. Use different usernames, handles and profile pictures to stay safe.
🧬 Bankrupt 23andMe just got bought: Regeneron is scooping it up for $256 million. Who’s that? A biotech company big on cancer and disease research. So yep, they’ll now have access to all that juicy genetic data. They say they’ll honor current privacy rules. Sure.