Come with me to China … where sellers use crazy mafia-type tactics to become top sellers on Amazon. It goes way beyond fake reviews. They destroy their competitors in ways that are hard to believe unless you see this expose. When I saw this, I knew you’d want to see it, too. Watch it here now.
Your data is worth big money — and you can take it back
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“Call me for a good time.” That simple message prompted more creepy calls and texts than you can believe. A woman contacted me after someone posted that message — alongside her cellphone number — on a porn site.
How’d it happen? A pervert who was stalking her daughter found the number online. And it’s easier than you think. I bet you could find your cell number online in a few minutes. Some people search sites even offer it up for free. Others charge a few bucks for that and a lot more …
Data brokers know it all
They scour to build a rich profile of exactly who you are. That includes:
- Public records: Think birth certificates, marriage licenses, voter registration, property ownership and court records. It’s all up for grabs.
- Social media: They use automated tools to collect anything public.
- Commercial sources: This includes companies you interact with, like retailers or loyalty programs. Surprise — many of them sell your purchase history, interests, and website traffic to brokers.
- Self-reported info: Ever filled out a warranty card, entered a contest or taken a survey online? Yup, they have that too.
The list goes on and on: Every time you browse the web, interact with an app or use a service, you leave behind a data trail.
These data dealers gather all that up, package it and sell it to people search sites, which then hawk it to anyone willing to pay. This opens you up to problems, from identity theft to doxing to an inbox filled with spam.
Make yourself hard to find
Listen, you can’t delete yourself from the internet. But, you can make a big dent in how easy all these details are to find. Think of it like locking your car or putting a security system in your home. Will it stop all crime? No, but it’s a big deterrent.
Trouble is, doing it yourself is a huge chore. Luckily, there are services that do the dirty work for you. Incogni is the best I’ve found.
They have a massive list …
Of all the creepy databases storing your info — and will send them removal requests faster than you can say “spam overload.” No kidding, Incogni saved me 113 hours. Told you it’s a pain to DIY.
Reader question: 'I want cameras to watch my house when I'm gone, but not when I am home'
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In times of crisis, it’s hard to get a clear view of the situation. That’s why irrefutable evidence is so valuable. Say a friend visits for a party, and your favorite vase is missing the next day.
Or maybe two family members get into a fight, and their stories contradict each other. You’ll have a hard time hammering down the facts. Security cameras can tell you what really happened when you have doubts. Tap or click here for five uses for security cameras you never thought of before now.
Mac attack: A new macOS malware called “Cuckoo” is targeting older Intel-based Macs and newer models with Apple chips. It steals passwords and takes over your system. It’s spreading via websites and apps that convert streaming music into MP3s. Stay safe: Use TotalAV to protect your tech — it’s just $19 for a year.
3 secret uses for your home security system
You buy a home security system to defend against thieves, but there are more threats than just masked robbers outside your home. Garages, sheds, other outside buildings, and vehicles parked long-term can be just as much of a draw to crooks as your main house. To fully protect your home, you’ll need to know some of the best-hidden home security secrets.
Taking care of aging parents? Here's a simple way to keep an eye on what's happening
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Independence, safety and peace of mind. These are the most important elements for seniors living at home and their loved ones. Parents who wish to maintain their independence by living alone can be a double-edged sword. You’re happy they’re still self-sufficient, but you’re nervous about what can happen in an emergency.
How the U.S. caught a Chinese spy
Espionage feels like something from a Hollywood blockbuster, but you can bet some real-life spies are hard at work. Watch the fascinating story of how the U.S. government caught a Chinese spy..
Weekend project: 5 simple ways to make your home safer
When building a home security system, every little bit helps. You can make significant changes, like setting up outdoor cameras with facial recognition. This helps you spot familiar faces crossing your street every day.
Cyberscams unleashed, Amazon Echo celeb exodus & Georgia's nude ID shocker
Plus, turn it off and on again? Here’s why sometimes a reboot is the best fix for your tech. Let your creativity flow with personalized emoji creations. Director-approved TV setting, and professional wiffle ball is a homerun online.
Home security 101: Where to put cameras
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When it comes to home security, camera placement is everything. Tech gadgets can be finicky, so their location can make a difference. For example, here are the best places to put your router for better internet speeds.
How fast can thieves set up a credit card skimmer?
Would you believe 30 seconds is all it takes to install a sneaky credit card skimmer onto a gas pump? Scammers are even pinpointing targets on Google Maps. Here’s a video explaining how it works so you can stay protected.
5 features you should have in every indoor security camera
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Research the best indoor security cameras and you’ll get many results. One way to cut through the nonsense and hone in on what you want is by asking yourself which indoor security camera features you need.
This way, you can filter out cameras that don’t have everything you need. Once you find your perfect camera, you must consider the best placement and location. Here are three ways to make the most of your video cameras.
7 clever uses for your smart doorbell camera
Smart doorbell cameras add a ton of value to your life. Not only do they make you feel more secure in your home, but they can deter criminals, too. If you let a burglar know you’re watching them, they may be too spooked to try anything.
Candy kids scam
A new scam you have to watch out for. Kids looking to sell you candy for their school may now be a scam. Here’s what happened to one woman.
3 places you should never put a security camera
Location is everything when it comes to your home security setup. You could spend thousands on a top-of-the-line system, but setting up your cameras near the ground does nothing. You always want your security cams high on walls and near room corners.
Thieves going through headlights to steal cars
Hackers have a new method to break into your car: Through the headlights and a chip from a cheap JBL smart speaker.
Trilogy Media: The YouTube Scam-Busting Duo You Need to Know | The Kim Komando Show
Ashton Bingham and Art Kulik, the dynamic duo behind YouTube channel Trilogy Media take on scammers and fraudsters like never before. From epic glitter bomb pranks to doorstep confrontations, these two will stop at nothing to take down scammers.
Package theft up 47% in December - Protect your gifts!
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If you’ve ever ordered a package from an online store, there’s a chance someone snatched your goodies. Last month, porch pirates stole 47% more packages than they did in November 2021, RetailDive reports. You’re especially at risk if you order clothes, books, toys, games, groceries or health products.
Need help setting up your home security system? SimpliSafe is just a call away
By now, it’s crystal clear that a home security system is a literal lifesaver. Depending on your choice, your cameras can catch burglars and even call for emergency help. Despite the many benefits, a few key concerns stop people from buying one.
9 simple ways to protect your home from burglars
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You might not have a criminal mind, but think how a crook finds the perfect houses to target. An empty home in a neighborhood where people keep to themselves, no cameras or alarms, and dark or dimly lit structures, right?