Scam alert: Google’s new call-scanning feature tells you in real time if you’re getting swindled on the phone. AI analyzes conversations, and if something sketchy happens, you get an audio, vibration and visual warning. It’s for Pixel 9 or later only. Go to the Phone app > Settings > Scan Detection. PSA: Google says they’re not saving your calls. Yea, right.
Do this to see if you got hacked
I wish that I could wave my magic wand and automatically reinstate all the accounts for anyone who asks me for help because their Facebook account got hacked, their ex knows everywhere they go or they’ve lost access to everything and even money for some reason.
When’s the last time you looked to see who’s logged into your accounts? Yeah, I thought so. Hackers, exes and nosy lurkers love it when you don’t.
Here’s how
In your account settings, look for a section labeled “Devices” or “Where You’re Logged In.” This is the spot to find a list of all devices accessing your account. Scan for anything suspicious, unknown devices, logins from unfamiliar locations (especially in different states or countries) or odd activity times like 3 a.m. while you were asleep.
These steps below work for most devices, but the process may vary. Different makes and models have their quirks.
- Google: Go to Google Account Security, then Your devices. See anything suspicious? Click it, then Sign out.
- Apple: Sign into your Apple ID, then click Devices. If something looks off, select it and click Remove from Account.
- Microsoft: Head to your Microsoft Devices. Spot a device that’s not yours? Click Remove.
- Facebook and Instagram: Since both are owned by Meta, the steps are similar. On either platform, go to Settings > Accounts Center > Password & Security > Where You’re Logged In. Select anything fishy and log it out.
You’re not done yet
Google, Apple and Microsoft automatically send notifications so you’re instantly warned when someone logs in from an unfamiliar device or location. This way, you can take action fast! Not so on Facebook and Instagram.
- Facebook and Instagram: On either platform, go to Accounts Center > Password and security > Login alerts. Check the box next to where you want to receive alerts.
Running this check only takes a few minutes, but it could save you from a hacked account, stolen data or worse. Do this today, and let me know if you find anything weird. I’ve heard some wild stories!
Stop your devices from listening
What’s the obvious downside for always-on devices that constantly listen for commands? They’re always listening. Voice-activated tech uses microphones that listen for wake words, meaning they can hear personal conversations you don’t want them to hear. Don’t worry, you can stop it.
82%
K-12 schools hit by cybercriminals from July 2023 to December 2024. That’s over 9,300 incidents. Most happened when staff fell for phishing scams. But they didn’t just lose data. Some attacks forced schools to close and affected meals and special education services.
5 text scams going around right now
It’s not just clingy exes popping into your messages out of the blue. Scammers are ramping up phony texts across the country. You can make the texts stop (more below). Here are the latest ones making the rounds and the red flags to watch for:
One of the worst phishing scams: It’s coming for Mac owners, with hackers trying to steal your Apple ID. While you’re browsing in Safari, a fake pop-up appears pretending to be a security alert. What makes it extra sneaky? The page you’re on actually freezes, making it feel like your computer’s locked up. If it happens, don’t click anything. Just restart your browser.
📍 Bait and switch: Google found over 10,000 fake listings on Google Maps and is now suing the scammers behind it. People would search for a service (often an emergency one) and get directed to a phony business. Then the scam service would show up and demand way more money than originally quoted. That’s why you need to verify details, folks.
Meta doesn’t want you to read this: A new memoir by Facebook’s former director of public policy, Sarah Wynn-Williams, alleges how Zuck buddied up to China, refused to take meetings before noon, wanted her to plan a mob for his arrival in China, and exposes other Meta execs. Meta denies everything. But Careless People has already sold 60,000 copies in its first week and is a top 10 Amazon bestseller.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
📨 Don’t ignore this email: If you’re still using Windows 10, check your inbox. Microsoft’s reminding you to upgrade to Windows 11 before security support ends on Oct. 14. They’ll tell you if your computer can update or if you need a new one. Hackers are waiting in the wings to target you if you don’t.
🚂 Thieves’ loco motives: I never thought of this crime. Gangs hitting railroads jumped 40%, costing over $100 million. Around $4 million of that comes from the BNSF railroad in California. They’re using bolt cutters to break into shipping containers to steal electronics, sneakers and toys.
✅ From Ed in Florida: “Kim, I want to get away from Google. If I sign up for StartMail, will it import all my email and contacts?” Yup. You can transfer your entire mailbox, including messages and contacts, with zero downtime and 100% security. So easy! Save 60% with my special link.
Malware alert: Skip the free file converters. You know those handy PDF-to-DOC or WebP-to-JPEG tools? Hackers are stuffing them with malware to steal your personal and financial info. They’re showing up in search results and ads. Play it safe: Stick to Adobe Acrobat or Microsoft Office instead.
Watch out for this Coinbase email: If you have a Coinbase account, do not fall for the “Migrate to Coinbase Wallet” email. You’re told to switch to a self-custodial wallet and get a fake recovery phrase. It links to Coinbase’s real site, but the phrase lets hackers take over your wallet.
⚡Elon Musk fake electricity scam: Fraudsters are sending out messages promising to cut your electric bill by 90% with a special gadget “invented by Elon Musk.” The phony message might even include your real name to seem legit and links to a sketchy site with domains like “esavrr, gimelove or eaelon” to buy it. Please don’t.
📨 Inbox under attack: Beware if you use Microsoft 365. Hackers are putting phishing links in emails sent from Microsoft addresses. Yep, even those from “.onmicrosoft.com” can be fake. This is getting around security checks. Be extra careful about clicking on links. Search the email address in your inbox to see if it’s familiar.
💸 Scammers are posing as Fidelity, Morgan Stanley and other financial giants: Remember, they’ll never call or text asking for your password, one-time code, money transfers or remote access to your computer. If something feels off, stop and contact them directly. Stay sharp!
Feeling left behind? Download NetSuite’s free knowledge drop, “The CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning.” No matter what you do, you should know more about AI. It’s not going anywhere.
Get your refund: The FTC is sending $25.5 million worth of payments to 736,375 scam victims. Restoro and Reimage tricked folks with fake pop-ups and ads into thinking their computers were infected when they weren’t. Check your PayPal if that’s you.
😱 This is horrifying: A mom says she’ll never let her daughter go to another sleepover again. Why? Her 11-year-old found cameras in her friend’s bedroom. The parents said they were “for security” but turned off. Except … the light was on. So she covered them with a shirt. The parents came in, removed it and that’s when she called her mom to pick her up.