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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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No faux pa’s here
📅 Father’s Day is (checks date) just three weeks away. I did the digging for you.
- For the dad who loves to grill, get a BBQ grilling set (20% off).
- Let him kick back on a comfy backyard lounge chair (15% off).
- He’ll laugh at these socks (54% off) that say “I’m not sleeping.”
- This pocket-size multitool ($28) can do 21 different things.
- Go the nine yards, literally, with a golf ball stamper ($14).
- Tangled belts? A hanger organizer ($8) will keep them tidy.
🧢 More dad-approved picks: Check out my Father’s Day Ultimate Gift List for more finds he’ll actually use.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
Don’t embarrass yourself in your next AI conversation
AI is everywhere: your inbox, your apps, your Zoom calls where Kyle keeps saying, “Let’s run it through chat-jeept.” If you’re going to drop those AI buzzwords, here’s how to not sound like a malfunctioning toaster and keep your smart-person street cred intact.
Smart, reliable and easy to use. Protect your home with SimpliSafe. Set it up in 30 minutes with no annoying wires … or contracts. You can get sensors, cameras and 24/7 monitoring with my deal. Right now, get 50% off new systems with a professional monitoring plan for a limited time!
“What was that?” That used to be my husband’s catchphrase after a virus took away the hearing in his right ear. Thankfully, hearing aids changed everything. These tiny tech marvels have made a huge difference in his life. If your hearing isn’t what it used to be, maybe you need hearing aids. You’ll be amazed at what you’ve been missing.*
Pros and cons of online banks
Big banks pay next to nothing on savings while online banks offer 4 percent or more. This is the way to choose if it’s right for you.
About $33 million
How much Mark Cuban invested during his time on Shark Tank. Surprise, surprise, the billionaire says those deals are now worth at least $250 million. As for why he left the show? He wants to spend more time with his kids. Solid exit strategy.
📦 Share your Amazon Prime: Here’s how to split the perks with someone you live with. Go to Account & Lists > Account > Your Amazon Family or click here to set it up. You can add another adult to share free shipping, streaming and more.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
Flip your old books into cash
Jeff Bezos started Amazon selling used books. While you might not build a trillion‑dollar empire, your shelves could hold big money.
Facial ID, no thanks: Airport scanners know your face before TSA even checks your ID. It’s now live at 84 airports, pitched as “frictionless.” Opting out is possible, but no one tells you how. Critics say it screams surveillance state. TSA says it’s just “enhanced security.” Next upgrade: retina scan in the TSA PreCheck mirror.
Don’t sweat it
💪 Want that summer bod? Let’s help you get there:
- Keep your water chilly for up to two days with a metal tumbler (5% off).
- Tiny but mighty, these resistance bands (43% off) go up to 40 pounds.
- Body aches? Massage ’em out with a vibrating foam roller (16% off).
- These sporty headbands ($17) come in many patterns to match your style.
- Shake up your home workout by standing on a vibration plate (18% off).
- Track your progress by syncing this smart scale (20% off) with your phone.
🔥 Feel the burn: Amazon’s Memorial Day sale has more deals on summer favorites you’ll want to check out.
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.
Watt is love? Baby don’t Hertz me: Tesla’s wheeling out its long-hyped robotaxis in Austin, starting with 10 cars and ramping to a thousand, basically a product experiment with bumpers. Musk says they’ll “geofence” the cars into safer areas. Everyone’s watching, especially Waymo.
The top pods: Check out YouTube’s new Weekly Top Podcast Shows chart to see what folks are tuning in to. Right now, “Rotten Mango,” “The Joe Rogan Experience” and “48 Hours” are leading the pack. Subscribe to mine to help it climb up there.
23andMe sold your DNA. Can you stop it? — May 24th, Hour 1
Your DNA, your family tree, your most personal data … now in the hands of Big Pharma. Also this hour: Meta refuses to stop scam ads, AI clones, and the viral “invisible phone.” Plus, Anthony from Spokane says someone hacked the neighborhood security cameras.
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.
Netflix cuts off Fire TV devices: Starting June 3, first-gen Fire TV, Fire TV Stick and the Alexa remote version will stop working. Why? They haven’t received security updates in years and can’t handle newer streaming tech. If you need an upgrade, the latest 4K Max model is 33% off.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.