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.
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.
Or you can make minor tweaks, like recycling old tech for security purposes. For example, you can turn a dusty old phone you no longer use into a surveillance tool. More on that later.
Thanks to our sponsor, SimpliSafe, we have a few tips to help you feel safer around the home. Keep reading for five easy ways to boost your home’s security setup.
1. Turn your old cell phones into security cameras
Security cameras are expensive. The outdated phone in your junk drawer is 100% free. Instead of selling your old phone or trading it in for less than you spent to buy it, try this DIY trick instead.
Turning your old phone into a security camera requires no fancy hardware or tech know-how. You just need to download a security camera app on your phone. Look for something with motion detection and alert features.
Also, when looking for apps, check if they store footage remotely or locally. Your choice of an app depends on how much storage space your old phone has. We recommend Critter.Camera, which also lets you turn old tablets and computers into security cameras.
Tap or click here for a step-by-step guide to turning your used tech into security cameras.
2. Don’t post pictures of your key or your home address on social media
Sure, you might feel proud of yourself for buying your dream home. That might make you want to snap a picture of your key with the caption, “Finally bought my home!” But before you upload your triumphant moment onto social media, hold your horses.
You’re giving burglars the key to your house. Or, at least, the key to creating the key to your home. That’s right: Thieves can make a copy of your house key based on a single picture.
For example, a now-defunct app called Keys Duplicated created house key copies based on photos. Users just snapped a pic of the key, uploaded it to the site and ordered a duplicate, which came within a week for as little as $6, according to GoKeyless.
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.
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.
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..
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.
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.
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?
Shopping for an outdoor security camera? 5 things to look for
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In today’s world, you can never be too safe. There are many ways to secure your property, from locking your doors to keeping hackers out with antivirus software.
Take outdoor security cameras, for example. This popular technology helps you protect your home and loved ones from whatever may go bump in the night.
8 smart ways to use Bluetooth trackers like the AirTag and Tile
You’ve probably heard all the buzz about Bluetooth trackers, from Apple AirTags to Tile trackers. Tap or click here to find out the difference between these two beloved gadgets.
Whichever one you choose, you’re buying a popular piece of lost and found software that can save your hide in times of crisis. Bluetooth trackers are most famous for helping people track down lost or stolen items. But there are a few different uses you might not have known about.
Home security tip: How to monitor gun safes, medicine cabinets, workshops and more
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Smart home products aren’t new to the market, but they are becoming more affordable to make your daily life safer and easier.
If you’re new to the smart home game, start with a must for keeping your home protected 24/7. Our sponsor, SimpliSafe. Those old-school security companies that send a pushy salesperson to your door with a three-year contract and installers are so 20 years ago.
40% off sale! The home security system you can set up yourself in 30 minutes
Think of the words “home security” and what comes to mind? An installation crew, pushy salespeople, an expensive monthly bill and, of course, shelling out a ton of money to get the whole thing set up.
Good news: It doesn’t have to be that way. With our sponsor, SimpliSafe, you can protect your entire home, around the clock, without busting your budget or even pulling out a drill. Install it all yourself in minutes, then it just works. And the best part is, right now, Kim’s listeners can get a SimpliSafe system for a whopping 40%. This deal won’t last long. Tap or click here to shop!
Get 40% off home security tech, like video doorbells, outdoor cameras and window sensors
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Now is the best time to protect your home with tech. Thanks to a home security sale from our sponsor SimpliSafe, you can get steep discounts on everything you need to stay secure. Grab motion sensors, security cameras, burglary alarms and more.