Fake refund frenzy: Get ready for scammers pretending to be the state tax department texting promises of “Inflation Refunds.” The messages link to a fake site that steals personal info like Social Security numbers. Real refunds are automatic, so no links, no forms, no “enter your bank info or else” vibes.
📱 I want you: I’m posting tech tips, behind-the-scenes moments and real talk about your digital life over on TikTok. Come hang out, scroll smarter and tap that follow button, no dancing required (unless it’s for science). 👉 tiktok.com/@kimkomando
How not to explode
Lithium-ion batteries are everywhere, powering your phone, laptop, iPad, toothbrush, e-bike, EV and power bank. We love them because they’re compact, rechargeable and efficient. But when things go wrong? They go really wrong.
🚨 Webcam’s worst nightmare: Remember those scam emails claiming someone caught you on camera during some “private” browsing? Stealerium makes that threat real. This dangerous malware spies on your screen and webcam while you browse, especially on adult sites, capturing what you’re watching and your reactions, then packages it all for blackmail. It’s spreading through fake “Payment Due” or “Court Summons” emails and can also steal passwords, cookies and browser history. Rule of thumb: Use a webcam cover, keep your software updated, and never click attachments or links unless you’re absolutely sure they’re legit.
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📞 Party like it’s 1999: In Seattle, parents are reviving the landline, thanks to “Tin Can,” a Wi-Fi-enabled corded phone (paywall link) that lets kids call friends without screens or TikTok. It’s spreading fast: tens of thousands sold, and they’re now back-ordered. Kids are actually thrilled to call friends. Next thing you know, they’ll be making mix tapes.
💍 Ohio says “nope”: An Ohio bill wants to legally block AI from ever being considered a person. That means no marriage, no property, no corporate board seats. Rep. Thaddeus Claggett says it’s about keeping “humans in charge.” Probably also to avoid getting more “Save the Dates” as Zoom call invites.
🚀 Cloud without the chaos: Need serious speed and zero cloud drama? Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) is built for power, performance and peace of mind. No mystery bills, no meltdowns, only the muscle your business needs. Try it free today.
🔌 Shocking road trip: A woman’s Volkswagen ID.4 got welded to an Electrify America charger in Athens, Alabama. Literally fused together by an electrical arc. She waited nine hours, called everyone from tech support to the dealership, and the only fix? A guy from Knoxville with a crowbar. Really. EVs may be the future, but this one needed an exorcism.
🤓 OMG DIY VR: Get this, a YouTuber just made his own virtual reality headset for $150. Normally, a good one runs anywhere from $300 for Meta’s base model to nearly $1,000 for the fancy PC rigs. Check out the video. This guy 3D-printed the shell, grabbed some screens off AliExpress, tossed in an Arduino sensor, and boom, homemade VR that actually works.