He’s one of the most famous imposters ever. Now, he says, artificial intelligence is going to bring on a whole new wave of scams. Plus, a dangerous selfie fail, social media sperm donors, and robberies on Facebook Marketplace.
How to declutter and earn some extra cash this January
A brand-new year means one thing around here: a hard reset on everything in our lives. This includes our closet full of things we no longer use. New Year, new us.
Most of your used electronics and other gear shouldn’t just be thrown into the trash. After all, one person’s trash might make another person’s day. Tap or click here for a list of old tech worth big bucks.
Our take: why miss out on a potential windfall? These three tips can help you maximize your time and make the most of stuff that would typically go to waste.
1. Sell stuff online
When you choose a safe, reputable marketplace, cashing in is easy. Your old tech might net you a bundle if it’s in good condition.
We love Decluttr because it can help you appraise everything you want to sell, getting you a fair price without the risk of shadier places like Craigslist. Facebook Marketplace, eBay and Amazon are also excellent choices, although you might need to do more legwork.
Tap or click here for our guide to Decluttr.
2. Get tax deductions when you donate
Donating old electronics and other household goods to places like Goodwill isn’t just a charitable deed. You can also write these donations off on your taxes. To file correctly, you’ll need to itemize everything you’ve donated over the fiscal year.
Non-cash donations of less than $250 must include a description of what you gave, the organization’s name, address and the donation’s date. The more you donate, the more details you may be asked to provide. You can find all the info you need on the IRS’s site.
3. Recycle electronics
Sure, you won’t make much money, but recycling things revitalizes your home the same way both activities above do. Plus, there’s a significant environmental advantage — old batteries, computers, printer cartridges and phones all seep dangerous chemicals into the soil if not disposed of properly.
How to bring in more income in the new year by selling your stuff
Are you new to the neighborhood or want to connect with your community? Try joining a buy nothing group. Neighbors pass around items for free, which is a great way to save money on things you need and establish rapport. Tap or click here for safe ways to get free stuff from next door.
Everything’s bigger in Texas: A San Antonio man listed a Stealth Bomber aircraft on Facebook Marketplace for $2.9 million. The description includes, “Don’t ask me how I got it” and “You couldn’t imagine the hoops I had to jump through to get this.” The Air Force confirmed the post is, of course, bogus.
3 simple ways to stay safe using buying apps like OfferUp and Craigslist
The internet is the ultimate marketplace for affordable, rare, or otherwise unattainable yet desirable goods. Tap or click here for five ways to get free shipping online.
Just like with any interaction with a stranger online, though, doing things without putting yourself in danger is a task all its own. The problem will only compound if seeing the other party in person is necessary.
This illusion on Facebook isn't what it seems
The self-described “front page of the internet,” Reddit has struck again. Earlier this week, a user posted an image they found on Facebook with the caption, “How big are these Facebook Marketplace lamps?!” This optical illusion has gone viral, stumping countless people along the way.
Never pay upfront on Marketplace: An 18-year-old was just arrested in Fort Lauderdale for posting his neighbors’ cars for rent on FB Marketplace. The scammer collected deposits and then sent renters to the car owners’ real addresses. One neighbor said eight people showed up at her house over three weeks. Another got his car smashed by an angry would-be renter.
More than you bargained for: Robberies are booming on Facebook Marketplace. Thieves bait you with hot items like cars and sneakers, then they jump you when you show up to buy. Step one is checking a seller’s profile to make sure it wasn’t created yesterday. Then, meet in a public place (police stations are best) and always bring a buddy.
Fake ads are taking over Facebook: A Broward County, Florida, family found strangers at their front door, claiming they paid a $250 deposit to rent a car parked in the driveway. It turns out crooks had secretly snapped pics and posted them on Facebook Marketplace. After they turned the renters away, someone came back and vandalized the car. Ridiculous.
What not to buy on FB Marketplace
While the bargains might be tempting, some purchases could literally put your life on the line.
Meta's reputation
You can find some gross stuff on FB Marketplace. Is Meta doing anything about it? I give you the scoop, in 60 seconds.
The dangers of selling online
Selling on FB Marketplace, OfferUp, or Craigslist? I’ll tell you the risks, in one minute.
Beware of a "free" piano
Tempted to pick up a free piano on FB Marketplace? I’ll tell you why you might want to hold off in this one-minute podcast.
5 new eBay scams every buyer and seller needs to know about
There are plenty of places where scammers search for new victims. While phishing remains an effective attack method, online e-commerce websites like eBay are lucrative hunting grounds. Facebook’s Marketplace is also regularly used, so it’s essential to know the tricks used by criminals.
Getting rid of an old gadget? The No. 1 thing you must do first
During this pandemic with time at home, many people are cleaning and organizing their closets, garages or attic. It makes sense. Afterward, you have a sense of accomplishment and a pile of things you can sell or donate.
Amazon is banning products that claim to stop coronavirus - don't be fooled
The deadly coronavirus was found late last year in China and has since been spreading globally. According to worldometers, there have been more than 77,000 cases reported and 2,250 deaths so far.
This fast-spreading virus seems to have everyone on edge and searching for information wherever they can find it. But be careful, there are tons of fake news stories about the coronavirus spreading on social media. Tap or click here to see some of the crazy conspiracy theories.
10 best apps to sell your stuff and make money fast
Who doesn’t have a bit of clutter in their house? Whether it’s stored away in the corner of your basement, shoved in an extra closet or lined along shelves, you most likely have items just sitting around collecting dust.