Even with new laws and helpful apps, scam calls are still a problem — especially when it comes to older adults. Scammers often will stop at nothing to con someone out of their life savings. That’s why one man decided to get back at scammers through a call center in India, and it’s truly amazing.
Home security 101: How to hide a security camera from view

When setting up a home security system, buying cameras is a no-brainer. This way, you can catch criminals in the act so police can quickly track down the bad guys. If you’re too obvious, though, burglars might grab your camera and go. That’s why we’re sharing this guide on how to hide a security camera.
First, let’s clear up any confusion. Maybe you’re thinking, “Don’t I want my security cameras to be obvious, so people know I’ll catch them?” Although cameras can deter burglars, researchers say they’re also signs of wealth.
In other words, a criminal might look at a security camera on your property and think this is a perfect home to rob. You have enough money to buy cameras. Tap or click here for simple ways to protect your home from burglars. That’s why you might want to hide a security camera when setting it up.
Just follow these steps
Aside from deterring burglars, there are a few other reasons why you might want to hide a security camera. For instance, maybe you want to keep a close eye on family members to see if kids are misbehaving. You might even set up hidden cameras to catch abusive caregivers.
Circling back to burglars, you should know that criminals will sometimes disarm the cameras they see. Then, they’ll dislodge your camera, take it home and resell it. Especially crafty criminals will study the camera placement and develop another way to break into your house.
Here are a few things to keep in mind before hiding a security camera. First, don’t let anything block the camera. Don’t put it behind a thick tree trunk or a dog house. Second, be sensitive about camera placement.
Ensure you aren’t pointing it towards a neighbor’s backdoor or someone’s bedroom window. Although you want to protect your home and neighborhood, there’s a thin line you need to toe to avoid invading people’s privacy.
Also, if you’re setting up an indoor camera, don’t throw them up in people’s bedrooms. Recording people without their consent can cause a host of problems.
Next, try to pick a camera that will blend in with its surroundings. For example, if you want to stick a camera on a white wall, you should probably buy a white camera instead of a black one.
Use these spots instead
If you’re setting up outdoor security cameras, a few places can shield them from view. For example, you could set them in a potted plant or inside a fake rock or bush.
Security tip: How to secure your garage from intruders
Burglars cruising through your neighborhood will consider every port of entry as they plot to break into your home. We’re not just talking about doors or windows — they also target your garage. If you don’t secure your garage from intruders, you might as well be inviting them in.
Getting back at scam callers
Consumer Reports rates SimpliSafe as the top security system
Here’s some news that should perk the ears of anyone interested in home security. Consumer Reports recently came out with a list of the best DIY home security systems money can buy. Our sponsor, SimpliSafe, topped the chart.
How you can use secret alerts to catch snoops in your home
There’s a lot to worry about when you have guests over, like whether they will like your food or if your house is clean enough. Depending on how scrupulous your guests are, they might start sneaking around and rifling through your things. Here’s a helpful tip if you’re wondering how to catch snoops.
White-hat hacker shows how easy it is to scam even a digital pro
Stephanie Carruthers makes her living breaking into phones, private accounts and more. But don’t worry — she’s doing it to help keep you safe. This IBM privacy expert and professional hacker shows Kim just how easy it is to get fooled by a digital criminal. Check out her tips for recognizing scams and keeping yourself secure online and offline.
5 best smart locks to keep your home secure

When it comes to safety, many people rely on technology. We all use tech to keep everything from our vehicles to jewelry safe and sound.
If you’re ready to protect your home, consider installing smart locks. These gadgets promise easy access for you and your family and a difficult time for everyone else. Tap or click here for summer safety tips to stay safe from burglars.
5 ways to maximize your home security system
Modern burglars are less like the bumbling bozos in “Home Alone” and more like the highly organized team in “Ocean’s Eleven.” In 2018, a high-tech group of criminals stole around $10 million from 50 Long Island businesses by hacking into wireless networks and disabling alarm systems. The victims learned that there are always more ways to upgrade your existing home security system even though they set up alarms.
Need to set up a security system? Hire the pros

DIY projects have gotten incredibly popular during the pandemic. Folks are posting videos of themselves crafting slime — and sometimes spilling it everywhere. Some people are creating their own robots, NFTs and more.
Home security 101: The best and worst places to set up motion sensors
If you want to build a robust home security system, motion sensors are a must. They let you know when an intruder has already breached your defenses so you aren’t taken by surprise. With their help, you can formulate a plan of defense and take action.
5 simple ways to protect your home this winter

Winter months can bring some serious challenges for homeowners. Icy driveways, slick walkways and frozen pipes can cause a lot of damage.
Whether you tough it out or take off to warmer climates, you want to keep your home safe over the winter months. That means you need protection from thieves while you’re away. Protect your home with the security system that protects Kim’s family, SimpliSafe. Visit SimpliSafeKim.com today to save 40% on a home security system and get your first month free when you sign up for Interactive Monitoring.
Anyone can see the layout of your home and what you paid for it - Do this to stay safe

There’s more information about you online than you probably realize. Your hacked passwords, your address, even your credit card details.
Details about your home are everywhere, too. Government sites and resources like Zillow and Redfin list everything from what you paid to the very layout of your house.
Have a SimpliSafe system? There's a brand new HD outdoor camera to add to your home's arsenal

When it comes to home security, you need a company you can trust. Traditional home security companies are all about the bottom line. You work with a salesperson to find a system, someone comes over to install it, then you’re locked into a long contract with high monthly fees.
6 essential features you need in a home security system

Most people who don’t have home security systems yet are probably still planning on installing one in the future. How many times have you left your home thinking, “I wish I had some kind of protection system in place?”
Headed back to the office? Best way to keep an eye on your home from anywhere

You know the stress of being a parent. When the kids were young, you jumped at every sneeze, cough and wobbly step.
Now that they’re young adults or teenagers, there are different stresses. Are they driving while distracted by texts and social media messages? At home, are they safe? Are they being responsible for getting home on time from school, not raiding your liquor cabinet and staying out of trouble?
Comparison: SimpliSafe vs. ADT vs. Vivint

This is pretty cool. We wanted to do a visual comparison to show you how SimpliSafe is the better choice for home security, so we decided to look at two big-name competitors — ADT and Vivint.
You never know what’s going to happen when you compare a sponsor to its competitors, but we were thrilled with what we found.
How to stop your smart TV from spying on you
Not only is your smart TV gobbling up your viewing data, but it also may be gathering information about your home. Can you minimize your smart TV’s snooping activities? Our advice: Turn off its tracking features. I’ll tell you how.
SimpliSafe's winter sweater sounds the alarm when people stand too close
Sick of people standing too close to you? Here’s a great new way to enforce the six-foot social distancing rule: Sound a siren through your sweater!
That’s the idea behind SimpliSafe’s new sweater. The company that keeps your family safe and sound made its own festive garment this year, decked out in tech to inspire social distance.
Take the guesswork out of home security

It’s almost a new year, and that means you’re likely contemplating New Year’s resolutions. One of them should be to make improvements to your home security system.
Start 2021 off right and keep your family safe by adopting a security setup from our sponsor, SimpliSafe. It’s Kim’s pick for lots of reasons.
Kim's pick for home security: Get a FREE HD camera

Do you feel 100% confident your home is safe from thieves and break-ins? What about disasters like a flood or fire?
Not being protected is a scary way to live. The good news is it’s easy and affordable to protect you, your home and your family 24/7. With SimpliSafe, you order everything you need online at SimpliSafeKim.com, install it in under an hour and activate the system. After that, your family is protected by professional security monitoring, all with no contracts.