In 1991 a Japanese physicist created a new form of carbon. These tiny threads of carbon turned out to be amazingly strong and durable. Now known as carbon nanotubes, this amazing material is set to make an enormous impact on the world of engineering. But how exactly will it be used?
Scammers have a new money-stealing trick: Fraudulent QR codes on parking meters
In many cities around the country, finding a parking spot can be a nightmare. When you manage to get one, you also have to contend with the parking meter. Never lose your car in a parking lot again with this clever trick.
Popping a few coins in the slot seems simple, but it presents a challenge when you don’t have any change. A handy solution? Pay electronically through your phone. In many cases, you scan the QR code on the meter and you’re all set.
Or are you? Read on to discover why QR codes have become a growing problem and how scanning them could cost you big time.
Here’s the backstory
Quick Response (or QR) codes have been around for some time. You’ve likely seen them on posters, restaurant menus, or in parking garages. The squares look like they consist of random lines or patterns, but they can store a lot of data.
In most cases, when you scan a QR code through your mobile device’s camera, you will be taken to a specific website. For restaurants, many establishments have moved to a QR code-based system where you can scan it to see the menu.
However, scammers have been sticking QR codes on parking meters in recent days. The goal is to trick drivers into thinking that they can pay for their parking by scanning the code. But in reality, it will take them to a fake website that will capture and steal their banking details.
It has become such a problem that the Austin, Texas police department issued a warning for drivers not to use the fraudulent QR codes.
As Kim recently explained on her radio show: “People think that they are paying for parking when they are actually at a fraudulent site scamming credit card numbers and money. Don’t fall for it.”
What you can do about it
While the Austin police have highlighted the growing problem, it will only be a matter of time before it spreads to other parts of the country. With the help of media exposure, one of the fake sites has already been taken offline.
Workplace of the future: 4 ways offices will change post COVID-19
As we roll into summer, good news is starting to emerge from the fog of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many states are on the verge of reopening their economies, which means business as usual is about to resume.
Or is it? The pandemic proved that a highly contagious virus is all it takes to devastate peoples’ health and livelihoods. To prevent this from happening again, some of the measures society has taken will likely remain. At least for the time being. Tap or click here to see the proven methods to protect yourself from the coronavirus.
How carbon nanotubes will change the world
Secret Agent Man (or Woman): Keep your phone number hidden all the time with a quick change in its settings. On an iPhone, tap Settings > Phone > Show My Caller ID. Toggle it off. On Android, the option is called Hide Number. Don’t be surprised if no one answers, OK?
Ransomware gang has your health data
Yes, the Change Healthcare hack just got worse. Here’s what you need to know. Plus, X charges a $1 fee to post, a foodie side hustle saves a guy $40K, and beware of scary SIM swapping scams.
$7,500 instant discount on a new EV
A tax change means you don’t have to wait months and months for the credit — it now comes directly off the sticker price (paywall link). Here’s a list of cars that qualify.
5 cool Google features that Apple and Samsung will copy
Google held its Pixel 3 event yesterday and the company announced a slew of new products — the new Pixel 3 phones, the Pixel Stand, the Google Home Hub, and the Pixel Slate. But it wasn’t all about the hardware. The event’s focus on the synergy between AI, hardware and software produced plenty of software surprises! Some of these features are so innovative and fresh that it will be inevitable that Apple and Samsung will follow suit. The tech industry is a copycat world, after all.
$68 million in change thrown away by Americans each year
One waste-processing company that culls metal from trash has collected $10 million in usable coins in seven years. If I had a nickel for every coin I threw away. I’d have no nickels because throwing away money is dumb.
It's the end for mean restaurant reviews
OpenTable says you can no longer remain anonymous. They have good reason for the change.
Printer pro tip: If you run out of black ink right before you need to print a doc, don’t panic — just change the font color to dark gray or blue. You probably won’t even be able to tell! OK, now order some ink.
Can OnlyFans change its porn image?
Can OnlyFans drop the porn and become something else? Listen to this one-minute podcast for my answer to the $2 billion question.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices