Talk to me: If you use the ChatGPT app on your iPhone, you can now get the AI bot to read its answers aloud. It’ll save you some time, but use it with caution on the subway … unless you want everyone to hear your existential debates with AI.
This nasty TikTok scam goes after grieving families
It’s a sad fact that the elderly are prime targets for scammers. One of the scams seniors fall for most is the fake arrest of a grandchild. Here’s how one tough granny fought back.
Scammers have a bottomless bag of tricks, including impersonation, taking advantage of emotions and creating a sense of urgency. What happens when a scammer combines all three dirty tricks? Three unfortunate women found out. Here’s the story.
United by loss
Losing a loved one is never easy, and some choose to keep the departed’s ashes to remain close. Some decide to take things further and turn the cremation ashes into works of art.
Three women told USA Today about a scam they fell for that truly hit them where it hurt. Their experiences differed slightly, but the end game for the scammer was the same.
First victim
Kary Ide of Maryville, Tennessee, found an artist on TikTok who said he could mix cremation ashes into a painting for free. Kary got in contact with the artist, who called himself Chad. She sent her mother’s ashes to an address in Woodstock, Georgia and discussed the details of the painting with Chad.
A week passed, and Kary contacted Chad, who said he had a contract in Cambodia. Later on, she received an email claiming to be from Cambodia’s customs department. They said they had a package containing a portrait and ashes that needed to be “cleared.”
Kary would have to cough up $3,576 to regain her mother’s ashes. She refused to pay, and the scammer kept bothering her for the money via email.
Second victim
Jocelyn Cronin of Petaluma, California, shipped her husband’s ashes to the same address after finding Chad on TikTok. In this case, a woman contacted her, saying she represented Chad.
Jocelyn then received the same email from Cambodia customs, demanding $3,576 to claim her husband’s ashes. Chad contacted her via text when she didn’t pay, offering to pay for part of the total. He even told her she could pay him in installments.
The real danger of those seemingly harmless online quizzes
Social media is an excellent way to stay connected, but sometimes you inadvertently share more than you should. They might seem innocent, but hundreds of quizzes are going around that can expose sensitive information. It’s best to opt for an auditory illusion like this one, which doesn’t require personal answers.
Never Google these 3 things
Should you always trust the first result on a search engine page? Here’s why you should practice caution.
⚕️ Proceed with caution: Epic Systems, the huge health care software company that makes roughly $5 billion annually, says you’ll soon be able to import your medical records to apps of your choice using your Epic credentials. Sounds convenient, but think twice: You can’t control who these apps will sell your data to. Next thing you know, your life insurance premium skyrockets.
Taking surveys to earn money? Don't fall for scams out to get your info
The new year is upon us, and what better way to get a headstart than to bring in some extra cash? There are several ways to go about this, from selling your old stuff to renting out your property. Tap or click here for five ways to save and make money in 2023.
Tech how-to: Create your own custom QR codes
When you entered a restaurant years ago, you received a paper or laminated menu, and that was that. Since then, many establishments have adopted QR code menus. Scan the code and view the menu. This concept has moved to retail establishments and service providers like doctors, mechanics and universities.
The news gets even worse for Tesla in 2024
Confident behind the wheel of your Tesla? A Reuters investigation reveals reasons for caution.
Malware alert: Don't plug this USB drive into your computer
If you run a small business, you know it’s essential to bring in new clientele constantly. Tap or click here for three small business tips that will save you time and money.
One trick companies use for outreach is to give out company-branded gifts. These can include a company-branded pen and notepad, a water bottle or the ever-present company keychain.
Blood pressure medications recalled - Check your cabinets now
Regulating your blood pressure is vital to your health, and many products are available for it. But if you use Irbesartan or Hydrochlorothiazide from Lupin Pharmaceuticals, keep reading.
The company has issued a voluntary recall of several batches, which may contain high levels of a substance that may cause cancer. Lupin says there are currently no reports of illnesses related to the recall.
$1.4M stolen from dating app users - Are you at risk?
Dating apps have become more popular since the pandemic swept across the globe. With physical interactions out of the question for many, millions flocked to online apps to meet new people and possibly a love interest.
10 things you should never buy on Amazon
Amazon has been a source of essentials, hobbies, electronics and supplies during the pandemic, and business has been booming as a result. You can find just about anything on Amazon, which is both good and bad. Need an obscure replacement part for your dishwasher? You can probably find it on Amazon. But not all products are useful, and some can be downright dangerous.
Generators sold at Home Depot, Lowe's, Costco and more recalled for finger amputation and crushing hazards
A portable generator is handy to have around the house when the power goes out or to take on a camping trip for electricity. They should always be used with caution and operated in a manner that won’t harm others.
Unfortunately, accidents do happen. Whether it is through negligence or not paying attention, many people have been injured while using heavy equipment.
Sanitizing Amazon boxes, taking Uber and getting food properly during the coronavirus pandemic
Suddenly, without time for much preparation, Americans were told to stay home to stop the spread of COVID-19. Remote working was no longer an option just for adventurous millennials. Parents were also asked to become full-time teachers.
How to block potentially harmful programs with Windows Defender Antivirus
Caution cable cutters: Streaming services are not what they seem
Open/download audioIf you’re like many cable cutters, you moved to streaming television to cut on your cable cost. After all, that’s the idea! But what if we told you that big streaming companies are increasing prices and they’re doing it in a very sneaky way.
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Warning! Can you spot the ATM hidden camera? Crafty crooks are stealing your account info
How reliable are home DNA test kits
Open/download audioWhy you should use home test kits with caution
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