Get set to save like never before! Before you get into holiday shopping, I’ve got three tips that will help you score some serious savings.
Top 10 tech tips of 2022 for better privacy, saving time and money
From Queen Elizabeth’s passing to Will Smith’s iconic slap, 2022 was a year for the ages. We all went a little “goblin mode” this year — so much so that it was Oxford’s word of the year. Throughout it all, the Kim Komando team has churned out some of the web’s best insider cybersecurity strategies.
This year, we shed light on the biggest mistakes you’re making that destroy expensive gadgets. We also exposed smishing scams, invasive people search sites and the most significant car recalls you should know about.
That’s why we put together this yearly tech tip roundup. This guide will help you catch up on the top cyber tips of 2022, so you can improve your digital life next year. Scroll down for 10 ways to protect your data and cybersecurity online.
1. If you do this, you’re ruining your expensive phone, laptop, tablet and TV
This was one of our most popular tech tips of 2022. It makes sense: We all make little mistakes that put our devices in danger. Luckily, you can save your gadgets with good habits.
Here are some mistakes that can ruin tech gadgets:
- Always keeping your devices plugged in.
- Instead of doing a full charging cycle, you charge your laptop in little bursts.
- You buy cheap chargers and USB cables.
- You don’t take proper care of your phone.
- Your devices are dirty.
Tap or click here for five ways you’re ruining your expensive gadgets.
2. What to do if you get a verification code you didn’t request
Scammers are sending phishing texts left, right and center. This year, our content queen Allie constantly got login codes from Uber. She wasn’t even using Uber when she got these texts. They were part of a nasty phishing scam designed to steal information.
That’s not all. Sure, criminals impersonate trusted companies like Uber. But they also pretend to be UPS, your coworkers, or your bank. Fall for their tricks and your digital world is in danger.
That’s why we made this handy cybersecurity tip. Smishing scams aren’t going away anytime soon, so our guide will help you well into 2023.
3 ways to optimize your website before 2023
If you have an e-commerce store, I bet you’re reaping the benefits of holiday shopping. Whether you’re selling products or services, there’s always room for improvement. That’s why we’re sharing three of the best website optimization tips.
8 Google Maps tips to ease your holiday travels
Have you done all your holiday shopping? We’ve got you covered if you’re having trouble finding the perfect gift for that special someone. Tap or click here for 10 great gift options to spoil your favorite person.
December is flying by, and you’re probably making holiday travel plans. Whether you’re flying or driving, it always helps to be prepared.
Security how-to: Clever way to protect your packages from porch pirates
If you’ve never had a package stolen off your porch, consider yourself lucky. According to Security.org, nearly 49 million Americans have had this unfortunate experience within the past year alone.
Most people can’t stand guard 24/7, so Amazon built a package-protecting feature into its lauded Ring doorbell line of home security devices. Tap or click here for ways to extend your video doorbell’s battery life.
House cleaning robots, bank robocall scams & Google's Santa fail
Plus, I’m hooking Jessica from Illinois up with tips for cheap last-minute flights. Doing some holiday shopping? Here are the top tech gifts this season. Free tool to block online trolls and unique remote jobs. Also, try these Siri/Google voice commands for emergencies!
Santa's bag is full of spies
Holiday shopping’s kicked off, with tech gadgets leading the wish lists. But there’s a catch — each comes with a privacy warning worth your attention.
Stay away from Temu and Pinduoduo
Holiday shopping’s heating up and everyone’s hunting for bargains. But beware — some deals aren’t as great as they look.
Secret Santa wine scam on social media
Holiday shopping is in full swing. So are online thieves, unfortunately. Here’s all you need to know, in 60 seconds.
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Holiday shopping scams are here - 8 ways to stay safe
Ready or not, the holidays are upon us. That means you’re probably trying to complete your Christmas gift list. If you’re ordering gifts online, you don’t want to leave a trail that will ruin the surprise. Tap or click here for the best ways to hide what you purchase online.
Before you start holiday shopping, do this to hide your gift purchases
The holidays will be here before you know it, and — like it or not — Amazon is an easy way to get something everyone will love.
If you have Amazon Prime, it comes with a lot of great perks beyond fast, free shipping. Tap or click for some of my favorites to get the most out of that $15 per month.
Scam alert: Avoid these personalized ads on social media
Scammers will use any means to steal your money and information, and social media is an ideal platform to find new victims. The biggest social networks have billions of users, so even a tiny percentage who aren’t careful offer up a huge target.
Payroll company hit by ransomware - And it could mean your next check is late
The holiday season is in full swing, and many people rely on the year’s final paycheck to purchase Christmas presents or getaways. Need more holiday shopping inspiration? Tap or click here for 15 crowd pleasers under $50.
Why you should think twice before using 'buy now, pay later' services
How’s your holiday shopping going? It can be hard enough to find everything this year thanks to chip shortages and supply chain issues, not to mention the expense.
If that wasn’t enough, there are plenty of scams to watch out for. Tap or click here for some of the biggest holiday-related scams making the rounds right now.
Don't buy this! Gift card scams are tough to spot - These are the things to avoid
Holiday shopping is in full swing, and you might be drawing a blank for certain people on your list. It’s tough to find the perfect present, especially if they already have most things they want or need. Tap or click to browse our shopping guides to find the best present for anyone on your list.
Before you go food or gift shopping, use this new Maps feature to see how busy things are
Black Friday is a notoriously busy holiday that often leads to hurt feelings and sometimes even injuries. You’ve probably seen crazy videos from years past where people get into actual fistfights over the season’s hottest toys. Tap or click for 15 crowd-pleasing gifts topping wish lists this year.
On the hunt for the season's hottest toys? Don't fall for these scams
Many parents dread the holiday season shopping, as there are always new hot toys that kids want but are hard to find. Not content with last year’s trends, many children want the latest and greatest things in their stockings. Tap or click here for details on a holiday decoration scheme going around.
Get pictures of your USPS mail before it's delivered
Snail mail is famous for being inferior to email. Now, the speed gap will grow even further, thanks to a plan from Postmaster General Louis DeJoy. In order to cut costs, the U.S. Postal Service’s three-day delivery for first-class mail will now take around five days.
Online shoppers: How to get cash back when you buy
The first online purchase was in 1994. Since then, digital shopping has exploded in popularity. Statista predicts e-commerce sales will hit $6.5 trillion by 2023. Tap or click here to save money with this handy online shopping comparison tool.
5 Christmas apps sure to get you into the holiday spirit
The holidays can be one of the most wonderful times of the year — that is, once you’ve checked off your gift lists and completed your shopping! Sometimes it can feel like one of the more overwhelming seasons. There are even some who have dubbed it “stress-mas.” Ebeneezer Scrooge could probably relate.