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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.
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.
Hidden setting lets apps spy on you through Bluetooth
Think Bluetooth is just for headphones and car calls? Think again. It’s one of the sneakiest ways apps track you, and most people have no clue it’s happening.
Even when GPS is off, your phone is constantly “sniffing” for nearby devices like AirTags, smartwatches and fitness trackers. That’s normal.
Stop wasting money! Most of us pay for subscriptions we forgot about. Rocket Money finds them, tracks them and helps you cancel what you don’t need. I saved $435 on my first try. See how much you’ll save!
Stop crime before it starts. Most systems react after a break-in. That’s too late. SimpliSafe’s AI cameras and 24/7 agents spot trouble outside and act in real time. That’s real protection. My readers save 50% today at SimpliSafeKim.com.
The airline nightmare can get worse
Scammers are lurking in airline DMs, pretending to help upset passengers. Here’s how to spot the fake messages and protect your bookings and credit cards.
45 minutes
That’s how long it took for exercise to turn blood into a cancer fighter. In a new Edith Cowan University study, breast cancer survivors who did one high-intensity workout (seven HIIT rounds) had post-exercise blood that slowed or killed tumor cells in the lab. For the first time, scientists show exercise itself can deliver direct, drug-like anti-cancer effects (paywall link). I hate cancer.
📱 Check your iPhone: Apple is days away from rolling out iOS 26, so make sure your device makes the cut. If you’ve got an iPhone 11 or newer (or a second-gen iPhone SE), you’re good to go. Not sure which model you own? Go to Settings > General > About > Model Name.
Yes, you can pause the internet
Take control of your home Wi-Fi with a tap. Here’s how to pause the internet by device, set schedules, and finally win the “five more minutes” battle.
🎧 Spotify hits a high note: If you’re a Premium subscriber, you might now have lossless streaming, aka CD‑quality 24‑bit/44.1 kHz FLAC audio. I say “might” because it’s rolling out gradually. To turn it on, go to Settings > Audio Quality and choose Lossless under streaming options.
Fresh finds for under $25
🔊 My pick: Bluetooth shower speaker (17% off)
Sing in the shower (on key or not). Waterproof, wireless and with a built-in microphone for hands-free calling. Now your phone will stay high and dry.
💛 Grace & stella under-eye masks (47% off): Puffy eyes? No prob. Just put one on, and you’ll look more awake in no time.
💧 Hydrocolloid pimple patches (33% off): These nearly invisible patches are lifesavers for hiding surprise breakouts.
🧽 Shower loofahs (29% off, three-pack): Ditch that old puff. You deserve ones with 4.6 stars and 48K+ rave reviews.
😌 Dermaplane razors (20% off, 12-pack): For peach fuzz, brows and random strays. Way cheaper than the salon.
✨ Fresh face, fresher start: Shop my Amazon storefront for even more affordable self-care steals. Your skin (and wallet) will thank you.
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.
Apple ups privacy: Websites can still track you by stitching together your IP, device info and time zone into a “fingerprint.” No opt-out. iOS 26 (out Sept. 16) will auto-block that in Safari. Add in spam call screening and link-tracking protection, and Apple’s getting a privacy facelift.
📂 Kindle maintenance: If your Kindle feels slow, it might be time to free up space. Go to Settings > Device options > Storage management > Manual removal. From there, browse the Books, Docs, Audible or Others folders. Scroll through the lists, pick what you no longer need and tap Remove.
Scammers threatened to murder my dad
Lauren from San Francisco got a call that would terrify anyone: her dad crying as a man saying he’d be killed. Only… it wasn’t her dad on the line. Plus: Google dodges a breakup, Amazon cuts perks, and an AirTag leads to a thief caught in stolen clothes.
Nail it for under $50
📏 My pick: Laser tape measure (24% off)
The future of measuring is here. Classic tape meets high-tech laser, so you can find area, volume and distance without the guesswork.
✨ Magnetic necklace clasp (33% off): Turns “why can’t I get this to clasp?” into “snap, done.” Great if you’ve got long nails or zero patience.
🔥 Hot glue gun kit (23% off): Heats up fast, won’t drip and comes with 30 glue sticks, because you know one is never enough.
📦 Packing tape (18% off, six-pack): Quiet for less tape-gun squeals echoing through the house. 4.5 stars and 12K+ reviews.
⚒️ Drywall crack repair kit (10% off): The lazy-genius fix for dents and dings. Your landlord never has to know.
👉 More tools, more wins: Don’t stop here. Stock up on more affordable DIY gear on my Amazon shop.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
🦖 You don’t need 3D software: Google’s new AI model Nano Banana can turn regular photos into toy-like action figures. Just head to the Gemini app or website, upload your picture and enter this special prompt (it’s the first comment on the post). Pro tip: Use a full-length, well-lit, high-res shot for the best results.
🎶 TikTok goes wholesome: There’s a new TikTok trend where people just post about a nice day. That’s it. Reminds me of Facebook’s early days when politics and influencer ads didn’t bombard you. A couple photos, soft rock and a caption like “golf + burgers = good.” They call it “Dudes Rock,” but it’s gender-neutral, just celebrating small wins.