Meta’s scam economy

November 7, 2025

💰 Meta’s scam economy: Get this. Meta’s internal docs say it made up to 10% of its 2024 revenue, about $16 billion, from ads for scams and banned goods. That’s 15 billion sketchy ads blasted at users every day. Instead of banning most of them, Meta sometimes just charges scammers extra. It even has an internal “Scammiest Scammer” leaderboard. You can’t make this up. So much for good corporate citizenship, Mark.

Tags: charges, Docs, Meta, revenue, users

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10 best true tech stories streaming

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Stop one-touch theft

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Tap-to-pay is slick, fast and super convenient until it isn’t. Scammers have figured out how to use that same technology to steal your money without you even knowing.

It’s called “ghost tapping,” and it’s spreading so fast, the BBB issued a major alert about it.

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⚡️ 3-second tech genius: Having internet issues? Restart it the right way. Unplug your modem and router, wait 30 seconds, then plug in the modem first. When the lights are back, plug in the router and wait two minutes.

Unleash your inner IT overlord

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I read every comment you leave at the end of this newsletter, and one theme always stands out: You want to know all the hidden things your tech can do!

Lucky for you, uncovering those “I had no idea!” moments is my superpower.

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Ransomware hackers upped the game, and it’s personal

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If you read one thing today, let it be this, because the rules of ransomware have officially changed, and not in a “Yay, innovation!” kind of way.

For years, the scam was simple: Hackers locked up your computer, holding your files hostage and demanding a ransom in Bitcoin for a promise to give your data back.

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Been on Facebook for years? You might have a pile of unread DMs hiding in your Message requests folder. That’s where Meta keeps chats from anyone outside your friends list. To check, open the app and tap the Messenger icon > Settings > Message requests > You may know. Who knows, maybe a childhood friend is still waiting on a reply.

What did they say? It’s tough keeping up with all the new slang flying around on social media. That’s where Urban Dictionary saves the day. Look up any phrase your kids might drop, like “no cap” or “bussin.” The top-voted definitions appear first, so you’ll finally know if you’ve been complimented or roasted.

⚡️ 3-second tech genius: Want a clock on your Kindle? In a book, tap the Aa icon > More > and turn on Show Clock While Reading. The time will appear at the top of the screen.

🖥️ Bought a high refresh rate monitor? Make sure it’s actually running at full speed and not stuck at 60 Hz. Go to Settings > System > Display > Advanced display. Select your monitor (top right), then pick 144 Hz or 240 Hz under Choose a refresh rate. If you don’t see those options, get an HDMI 2.0 or DisplayPort cable.

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